What’s Hot in Homebuilding For 2014? For Veranda Fine Homes, Functional Living Rooms and Kitchens Are in High Demand

The team at Veranda Fine Homes has been building non-stop, it seems. From traditional, to Mediterranean, to Hill Country-inspired, Veranda is putting out fresh, new takes on architecture and filling their homes with high-end finishes and clean lines. With outstanding customer reviews and loyalty, it’s no wonder that Kyle Belew and his team have earned a spot as a CandysDirt.com-Approved Builder.

We asked Belew (left) and marketing chief Sam Graham what Veranda is seeing most this year in their custom builds. As homeowners become more educated and more particular about what they want their home to do, their tastes are inspiring builders such as Veranda Fine Homes to create more functional, open layouts that conform to the more informal uses we see today.

In the kitchen, Graham says open spaces are key. ” It seems like customers are wanting more ‘zones’ — cooking area, bar area, islands that function as tables, too. They want multiple gathering spaces,” he said.

Other features that are growing in popularity include separate range tops and ovens, more pendant and chandelier lights, a kitchen space that opens to a Great Room, and less emphasis on the “work triangle” and more on making rooms to attract groups.

“Lots of customers are also wanting paneled appliances and maybe just a ‘feature’ appliance in stainless steel,” Graham added. It definitely makes for a more cohesive look in a kitchen, while high-end ranges still command the amount of attention you’d expect.

In bathrooms, clients are focusing on vanities and their design and functionality. Floating vanities are gaining steam with clients, Graham said, as are furniture-style vanities. And balking the trend of eschewing full-featured bathrooms, more and more clients are demanding free-standing tubs, Graham said. Thank goodness! Of course, that doesn’t mean showers are getting the cold shoulder, as body spray panels are oft-requested features, too.

As Marc Kleinmann of Bauhaus Custom Homes has said again and again, home automation is here to stay. Graham agrees, noting that more and more homeowners are demanding features that will allow them to control a variety of lighting conditions. Integrated technology is equally important, added Graham, with homeowners demanding multiple wireless access points as well as CAT 6 cable — or ethernet cable — enabling homes for internet-friendly technology.

Of course, Veranda is supplying all of these features with the company’s signature style and flair!