Gen Y-ers, also known as millennials, those born after 1980 to about 2000, want a home that hollers "entertain me." Priorities include an entertainment center with automated sound and lighting all controlled from their smartphones or tablets. Gen Y also wants motorized blinds, fitness areas, movie theaters and an office with Wi-Fi. Places to congregate are more important than a big home or apartment. Common patios instead of private yards: People want to be outside their homes, but they don’t want big, thirsty lawns. Most Gen Y’s want only a place to gather with friends and cook outdoors.
They do desire a big living room space for home theater type set-up as TV, movies, and video games are part of daily life now. Gen Y wants space to eat meals while glued to the tube, because dinner parties and families gathered around the table are so “last-Gen.”
This generation is emerging socially and wants amenities that enhance that aspect of its life. So instead of a place to settle down, Gen-Y homeowners might be more interested in the home as a social hub.
Technology is second-nature to this generation. They're completely wired. So a Gen-Y home, more than any other, will practically hum with electronics.
Todd Zimmerman is a design consultant for Just Right Blinds & Shutters based in Wheaton, Illinois, and serves the western and far west suburbs of Chicago
For more information contact: Todd Zimmerman, Direct: 630.292.3756, tz@JustRightBlinds.com, www.JustRightBlinds.com
Information from GFK Roper Reports
