Special spaces meet the needs of modern families

Two nationwide trends are having a big impact on home design today, according to Gladstone Homes. The growth in home-based technology and changes in household make-up have created demand for new and specialized spaces in new home plans.

"With the ongoing evolution in home technology, homeowners today expect family-friendly e-space and gaming areas, as well as the privacy of home office space," said Aimee Babcock, Gladstone marketing manager. "And, with second marriages creating blended families and Baby Boomers caring for aging parents, the family members who might comprise a household have changed. Naturally, space needs have changed along with them." With nearly 75 percent of American households connected to the Internet and an estimated 29 million Americans telecommuting at least part time, designated "e-space," whether in common areas or in a home office, is considered essential in many homes. Gladstone's floor plans accommodate this need. One option for a common-area e-space offered by Gladstone is conveniently placed at the edge the family room, near the kitchen. "We know kids are using the Internet and that parents want to monitor this activity," said Babcock. "This location gives families a comfortable, accessible place to do this." Much more than a few extra outlets and an Internet connection, the e-space is open to both the family room and the kitchen. It includes wood cabinetry and decorative work surfaces that can match the kitchen and complement the overall d�cor of the home. Alternatively, many Gladstone homeowners find the second-floor loft is ideal for the family computer or an electronic game console. This open space often serves as a secondary family room or a game room. "The family is room a natural gathering space, but it's not where all families want a technology center," said Babcock. "Some will instead opt for a wet bar off the family room to extend the entertainment space but still want an open location for the computer or e-games. The loft is perfect." Typically requiring an increased level of privacy, home-based employees and entrepreneurs look for new homes that readily accommodate a home office. "A few years back it was common to turn an extra bedroom into office space," said Babcock. "But as working from home becomes more common and accepted, homeowners want a first floor office where they can meet with associates without invading the bedroom area." Each Gladstone single-family plan and some townhome plans include a study and/or home office. Gladstone's Ashstone plan has a separate entry from outside into a 175-square-foot room at the front of the home. "Since I run my film production business out of our home, I was particularly drawn to the separate entrance into the office," said Kevin Otterness, who owns an Ashstone with his wife Kristen. "The separate entrance to the front room of the Ashstone is appealing to homeowners for a variety of reasons," said Babcock. With U.S. Census data showing more than 15 percent of children are living in blended households, more than 22 million adults are living in their parents' homes, and multi-generational households are growing faster than any other housing arrangement, some families use the space as a fifth bedroom. "With an upgrade of the adjacent powder room to a full bath, families are creating an additional bedroom suite," Babcock said. The popularity of the full-bath option at the study in the Ashstone and its other Premiere Series homes prompted Gladstone to redesign its Signature Series homes to also accommodate a fifth bedroom at the study and a first-floor full bath. "Privacy and independence are particularly important in multi-generational and blended households," said Babcock. "A separate bedroom suite helps achieve this." With the kids playing video games in the loft, grandparents relaxing in their first-floor suite and business closed for the day, Gladstone homeowners can retire to their master bedroom suites with spacious sitting areas, luxury baths, optional fire places and walk-in closets. "Everyone needs a little down time," said Babcock. "Particularly for homeowners who have a full house or who work at home, the master suite is a very special place. It's the much-needed retreat." Professionally decorated models of Gladstone homes can be visited in North Aurora at Moose Lake Estates, Windstone Place and Oak Creek Townhomes, in Elgin at Highland Woods, in Plainfield at Chatham Square, and in Yorkville at Eaglecrest at Grande Reserve. Floor plans, photo galleries and the Gladstone Home Designer, an online design customization center, can be found at www.gladstonehomes.com.