What have been the trends in the home industry for 2015?

Think energy efficiencies, smart homes, micro-appliances, size, and customized.

The future of home design is looking more and more efficient, compact and customized. While we aren't quite ready to 3D-print dinner, innovation and invention are at the forefront of building industry trends. Here's what's happening on the front lines of home design today and what it means for your house tomorrow.

Number 3 - These towns were made for walking
You have always heard location, location, location, but that phrase is now taking on a new meaning. Urban is back. Young and old home buyers both are showing interest in being in the middle of everything they need to make their life enjoyable. One of the biggest trends in home design is not about the house at all, but where it's located. Proximity to walkable communities with a mix of uses adds to individual property value and strengthens the local tax base. This year, the National Association of Home Builders honored the Village of Providence, a new development in Huntsville, Alabama, as its "community of the year." Providence is a pedestrian-oriented development. The award highlights the growing awareness of not only the financial, but the social and even emotional benefits of living in a community with walkable streets, multiple modes of transportation, and a mix of uses.

In his recent book, Thrive: Finding Happiness the Blue Zones Way, author Dan Buettner claims that cutting an hour-long commute each way is the happiness equivalent of a $40,000-per-year pay raise. But while many Americans would like to reduce or eliminate their commute (indeed, who wouldn't?) it's often difficult to find a home in a community closer to work, where you'd ideally be able to walk to work in your community but at the very least would be able to get to work via transit without a long commute in a car. The solution is to build more communities with a mix of uses linked by public transportation. Demand is growing for homes in walkable communities, but supply is short. We'll see this trend continue—and more and more builders and developers will follow the lead of the Village of Providence.

follow the lead of the Village of Providence.