Building one’s house can be an exciting and daunting task. Staying up to date on current trends can help homeowners feel more prepared and ready to dive into the time-consuming, yet incredibly worthy venture of designing their house and creating a home.

One trend for 2015 is the age-old lesson that bigger is not always better. It’s predicted by the National Association of Home Builders that houses this year will be slightly smaller than in recent years – by as much as 10 percent. This is due to multiple factors, including the economy’s state and a renewed national awareness of finances and emphasis on being good stewards. Also, smaller homes are more efficient energy-wise, and therefore reduce utility costs for heating and cooling.

Another trend is the disappearance of the traditional living room. Instead of a separate living space, more and more people are choosing to replace this with a “great room” – otherwise known as a combined kitchen/ family room, with a big, open floor plan. Formal dining rooms are also phasing out, as families begin to prefer staying together in the central hub of the house for socializing and eating.

James Reneau, owner of Blue Heron Homes, LLC, has been in the home building industry for seven years. Reneau said he has a passion for helping customers turn their house into a real, personalized home. “Our ability to fully understand our homeowner’s vision when it comes to their individual home makes Blue Heron Homes unique,” Reneau said.

Reneau has a similar opinion to that of the NAHB. “For 2015, I see rustic contemporary styles getting popular,” Reneau said. “I also see smaller, more practical floor plans.”

Another industry change is somewhat surprising. Reneau has seen a slight down turn in the “green” interest of home building over the past year. “This is partially due to the lower fuel prices and Entergy rates in Louisiana,’” Reneau said. “I’ve found that most people would rather spend their energy-efficient money on another area of their house.”

Kitchens are becoming cozier and more inviting. Instead of the sleek, supermodern look of recent years, kitchens are transforming into warmer, appealing areas of the home – mostly in regards to cabinet choices. Brass hardware and tiled counters are two trends that are phasing out, as well as the built-in kitchen desk that was once popular, while gold fixtures are coming back in.

As for bathrooms, there’s a new trend growing in touchscreen displays for water controls, both in regards to flow and temperature. Also, freestanding bathtubs are becoming more popular and affordable. Yet for some homeowners, they’re choosing to avoid tubs altogether in favor of utilizing the extra space for a linen closet or even a twoperson shower.

Mirrored furnishings are also becoming a thing of the past, while cowhide is becoming more and more popular with the incoming wave of rustic trends. Wallpaper is coming back around as well, while bright colors and matching furniture trends are out. In 2015, designers are predicting more neutral color schemes, such as beige, gray and white, and soft pastels to replace the bolder colors of the recent past. Another developing trend is the mixing of modern with vintage – incorporating signature antique pieces such as a grandfather clock, gold framed mirror or old rocking chair into a contemporary-styled great room.

There’s certainly a lot to figure out and decide when building a home and not just in regard to color swatches. Reneau said he gives practical advice when it comes to someone looking to build their first house.

“When it comes to building a house plan, don’t go out and buy plans until you have talked to the bank about your financial capability,” Reneau said. “This may result in having to pick an entirely new plan and it might make you lose money on the first one.”

Regardless of current trends, one should always remember to invest their money in the elements of the house that are most important to them. For some families, a bigger living area is crucial, while others prefer to have more bedroom floor space. Investing practically and wisely in the myriad details of building a house will be what helps transform it into a true home.