Women Want Home Design; Their Way!

As we all know, the majority of women make the "home buying" decisions around here. Sure, the men have their "so called" input, but in reality, if the woman isn't happy--there isn't a purchase.

According to US Consumer reports, women make 83% of spending decisions. That's right; and the biggest one, of course, is real estate. This is where I have recommended and strongly advise to cater to FEMALES!! I know, I know, the cool built-in arcade and the man fridge is nice, but that can come later. Believe me.

Women strive for simple-yet organized items. Here are the top ten design tips women want:

1. Rear Entries are important. Women want a place for the dirt to go and make sure there is lots of storage.
2. Large-spacious open kitchens. Women like to provide hospitality and they want it in the kitchen where she can see everyone, yet cook or prepare drinks at the same time. Also, storage and working islands.
3. Closet Organization/ Larger Closets.
4. Natural Light, Natural Light. Especially in the bath. Nothing brightens up a women's day like natural sunlight; no augmentation please!
5. Women are becoming CEO's, Entrepreneurs at an alarming rate. So have an office/extra room.
6. Women love change. Incorporate flexible designs such as: master suite sitting area, nine foot ceilings, large windows, dual vanities, and maintenance free surfaces.
7. Fragrances. Women make EVERY decision based on emotion. If it stinks, literally, she will not have a good time. Make it aromatic.
8. Well located and spacious laundry rooms. Women spend lots of time there, so make it spacious, lots of storage and tie it in with the rest of the home. Don't be cheap here.
9. Master bath should have options as well as luxurious. Think of a hotel spa.... got it? Now design.
10. OUTDOOR LIVING. Amazing what this can do to women. Make expandable outdoor areas that open up to the interiors. Sliding glass doors or large swinging doors are perfect.

The main thing to remember is that women are opposite men when it comes to the home. “Women are concerned with how a house lives. The four major keys are entertaining, storage, de-stressing and flexibility,” said Linda Reimer, president of Design Basics, a home plan design service in Omaha and publisher of Her Home magazine.

Look at it this way: a mans blood pressure has been proven to drop when he arrives home. Why? He is looking to get home, relax in front of his TV and not move. However, when a highly educated, 25 - 45 year old woman comes home, her blood pressure rises 2 to 3 points. Why? She's about to start her second job.

Your Women Designer,
Jerome