Homearama Cincinnati 2020 is here, running from Saturday, Oct. 10, to Sunday, Oct. 25.
This year is different from any previous Homearama, and not just because of COVID-19 precautions.
When you think of million-dollar homes, most of us think of big houses on bigger lots, but the McMansion trend of the early 2000s is officially gone.
Dan Dressman, executive director of Homearama, showed us the hottest trend in home-building these days: New urbanism, or neo-traditonal.
"They are all neo-traditional designs, so that they fit into the urban landscape," he said, talking about the East End and Columbia Tusculum neighborhoods surrounding the homes.
The changes you will see this year
One of the first things you are going to notice are the much smaller lots. The homes are closer together, with small front yards, and sidewalks out front.
It all harkens back to the days when neighbors knew their neighbors.
Today's young professionals and empty nesters, Dressman said, "like to be in a community like this that is walkable, and has other features as well."
Homearama features seven custom homes overlooking the Ohio River. These new urban homes are anything but cookie cutter, ranging from modern to Victorian, complete with Rookwood-tile fireplaces and stained-glass windows.
You'll even see the return of wallpaper.
In addition, great rooms are not as oversized anymore, but they do still feature open kitchens and plenty of space, according to Brad Olinger of Sterling Homes.
"These homes look like they are small," he said, "but they have four floors and an elevator."
That's another new trend: many of today's taller homes now have elevators. Another trend is expansive rooftop decks.
"COVID in particular has forced a lot of us to look at what can we do in our own homes, as opposed to going out," Dressman said.
Homearama 2020 is a return to tradition, as comfortable as Grandma's home cooking in these troubling times.
Interested? Promoters ask that you purchase tickets in advance at the Homearama Cincinnati website, because they are strictly limiting attendance this year.
As always, don't waste your money.
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