Suburban families prioritize comfort, efficiency, and seamless technology. They want their homes to be set up to meet their unique needs — whether that’s alerting them when the dog walker is stopping by or adjusting the temperature based on who is home. And with new technology, devices, and tools, everyday living can be more effortless. Below are five modern must-haves for suburban families.
1. Smart Home Security
Security systems have come a long way in the last few years. Today’s high-tech devices are able to monitor 24/7 with app-based monitoring. They integrate outdoor and indoor cameras with locks and sensors for remote control. This allows homeowners to check on their home no matter where they are in the world. With all of these upgrades, smart home devices have become a must-have for suburban families.
When it comes to selecting a smart home security device, it’s important to do some research. Comparing different models available in your area will help ensure you’re making the best decision. Online compare and contrast tools will allow you to look at all of your options within a specific zip code range, allowing you to filter by budget and even capability. Once you’ve made your decision, you and your family will feel safer in your home knowing it’s protected by a modern, top-of-the-line surveillance system.
2. Dedicated Flex Spaces
Life doesn’t look the same year after year. What you prioritized one month may not be a priority a few months from now. This is part of the flow of life, especially for families as children mature and priorities shift. Having dedicated flex spaces can maximize the utility of a space, adapting to your family’s changing lifestyle needs.
For instance, maybe an open-floor playroom is what your toddlers need right now. But in a few years, when they are at school for most of the day, this room can transform into a kid’s office. Or maybe your family just adopted a new puppy. They’ll likely need more space for crates and toys now than they will once they are house-trained. A nursery can be swapped for a home office, or even an at-home gym, once children outgrow the small bonus room.
Flex spaces enable increased functionality, which can be an appealing addition for a wide range of buyers. Not to mention, having dedicated areas for different needs can allow for better organization.
3. Indoor-Outdoor Living Designs
Homeowners are recognizing the benefit of bringing the outdoors inside and vice versa. An indoor-outdoor design makes everyday living with kids feel seamless. Parents can watch their children play in the backyard while they’re cooking dinner or relaxing on the sofa. This type of design increases usable square footage of a home by enhancing entertaining options and connecting interior spaces with nature. It can even help with improved airflow and light, reducing the need for turning on an overhead light or lamp.
And don’t assume that you need to demo the entire backside of your house to create this effect. Adding a large sliding or folding glass door to open up your living space to your patio area is a great start. You can also use the same or similar flooring materials to create a more cohesive, expanded visual space. If you like to entertain, add some comfortable seating options and durable furniture as a way to invite guests to the outdoor space.
4. Smart Thermostat
If your monthly home heating and cooling bills are skyrocketing month after month, then it’s likely a good idea to start considering a smart thermostat. Similar to a smart home security system, they can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app. This means you can manage the comfort of your home from anywhere, adjusting the temperature based on who is home. Many of these devices can also be pre-programmed, allowing you to instantly save money and prevent wasting energy.
For families, smart thermostats can provide customized temperature readings for different rooms of the home. If you prefer a cooler sleeping environment but want the nursery to stay a bit warmer, you can easily program everything in the app. And, of course, lowering your energy consumption will reduce your monthly utility expenses while also reducing your carbon footprint.
5. Functional Laundry Room
For many families, laundry can feel like a never-ending task. The minute you finish a load, another one is waiting for you in the hamper! While laundry may not be a chore that you love doing, it can be more pleasant with a functional laundry room. After all, having an organized, clean space dedicated to laundry can make the task feel less onerous.
If possible, designate a cabinet or shelf specifically for detergents, stain removers, and dryer sheets. For smaller laundry spaces, maximize efficiency by thinking about vertical storage options. Items that you rarely use can be put on higher shelves, while everyday necessities can be stored on lower ones. Stacking your washer and dryer can also be great if space is tight. Wall-mounted or retractable drying racks can also be space savers while reducing clutter.
Takeaways: Modern Living Solutions for Modern Families
With more space, private outdoor areas, and increased functionality, suburban homes can adapt to families’ changing needs and priorities. Many of these homes feature multi-purpose rooms to accommodate changing family structure and enable parents a work-from-home arrangement. Additionally, the rise of technology within the home is also changing how suburban families live. Relying on new devices and interconnected systems will only improve families’ way of living as their needs continue to evolve.