Often, we focus on the interior design trends affecting housing. It has had me thinking about overall housing design and what we miss the most: floor plans. Floor plans don’t change because of trends, they change because life does.
Over the past year, I’ve watched buyers stop asking for “more house” and start asking for better house. It’s been a noticeable shift in how homes are being laid out—and why certain designs are aging faster than others.
Here’s my notes on what’s changing:
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The Death of the Formal Room: as someone with both of these, they are not trending. Formal dining rooms and sitting rooms aren’t dead—they’re just unemployed. Buyers want spaces that can be flexible:- Office by day, guest room by night- Dining that expands for holidays and guests, not daily use- Rooms with specific assigned purpose
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Kitchens as Command Centers: if formal did win, it’s in the kitchen. But not just as showpieces, today’s kitchen is working harder than ever. Here’s what’s winning:- Hidden pantries and prep kitchens- Integrated appliances (dishwashers, refrigerators…and hoods that are the centerpiece of the kitchen)- Islands that do everything: storage, seating, outlets, work surface, breakfast
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Primary Suites Are Getting Quieter:Large isn’t winning, at least in the bedroom size. The oversized, hotel-style primary suite is being replaced with something subtler. Owners want:- Separation from noise- Smarter storage, not more square footage. Walk-in closets and bathroom integrated storage.- Bathrooms that feel calming. Luxury is shifting from size to experience. Bathroom priority is increasing as bathroom remodels are now tied with kitchens in popularity!
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Circulation Matters More than Square Footage:As someone who is always analyzing a floor plan, I agree with today’s buyers: flow matters. Homes that feel smaller on paper but move better in reality are outperforming larger, poorly planned houses. Hallways, transitions, and nightlines are getting more attention—and rightly so. Good floor plans don’t impress immediately. They age well. Here’s a tip: don’t hire an architect out of Lone Tree, Iowa.
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Outdoor Space is Being Designed In (Not Added On):What used to be ignored in new construction has had more thought into its inception: outdoor spaces. Outdoor living isn’t an accessory anymore. Covered porches, courtyards, and connected outdoor rooms are now part of the floor plan conversation—not afterthoughts. Homes that blur the inside/outside line feel larger without adding square footage.
If you’re building, remodeling, or buying this year—don’t ask how big a house is. Ask how well it works.
