Here are some of the more unique features and trends we saw during our sneak-peek tour:
1. More free-flow floor plans
Free-flowing floor plans — combining kitchen, family room and dining room — make up the majority of this year’s Homearama homes. “In most cases, you’ll see furniture basically separating the rooms, which is a big change in the home building process,” said Dan Dressman, executive director for Home Builders Association of Greater Cincinnati. “That’s because people are typically doing more entertaining at home,” he said.
2. Cleaning up nicely
Each one of the Homearama homes features enormous, glassed-in showers and even massive free-standing bathtubs, but Justin Doyle Homes’ Royal Birkdale boasts not only a free-standing tub, but a walk-in, wraparound, doorless shower area behind it complete with a wall-mounted digital device that adjusts the water temperature.
3. Storage for wine — and clothes
Also found in numerous Homearama homes this year are cavernous walk-in closets, food pantries, beverage coolers and wine storage options. High Pointe Custom Homes’ Ellianna home even has a glassed-enclosed wine room tucked away under a winding staircase to the basement.
4. Outdoor living spaces are growing
Each and every home has multiple areas, typically a combination of a screened or glassed-in covered area, jutting out from the back of each home and overlooking a patio area with a firepit of some sort. Some even incorporate recreation, like a ping-pong table, beneath the upper floor deck area.
MORE: 2016 Homearama homes featured bourbon bars, dog wash stations
5. Lower-level living is become more important
Bars, televisions and sound systems are becoming more important to the lower levels of Homearama homes, with each seeking its own balance between a family gathering area and a pub- or club-like space. Some homes allow copious amounts of light to pour in, making them more of an alternate second floor living space than the “man cave” many picture when they hear the words “finished basement.”
Each lower level also includes its own recreation or hobby-geared elements, from pool tables and card tables to fitness rooms and craft rooms.
PHOTOS: Over 100 photos to take you through last year’s elaborate Homearama homes
6. Room for more than two vehicles
Chalk it up to the average high-income family having more than two vehicles or wanting more space for company to park, but the garage is a big part of Homearama 2017. Many of the homes have enough space for three or more vehicles. Some even feature finished floors to allow for easier cleanup and regular maintenance.
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HOMEARAMA 2017
WHEN: July 8 to July 23
WHERE: Rivercrest, 1295 U.S. 22, Hamilton Twp.
HOURS: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and noon to 10 p.m. Fridays through Sundays
TICKETS: $16 at the gate or $14 at Cincinnati area Kroger stores. AAA members may purchase discount tickets for $14 with a valid membership card at the gate. Discount tickets for $14 can also be purchased at www.CincyBuilders.com. Children 12 and younger are admitted free if accompanied by an adult. Free parking is available on site.
DETAILS: Download the Homearama 2017 app via Google Play or the iTunes Store
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