Top 5 real estate trends sweeping Oklahoma, from new tech to amenities
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- Oklahomans are increasingly seeking smart-home technology and energy-efficient features in homes.
- Homebuyers are moving away from granite and toward quartz and other manmade materials.
- Functional spaces such as mudrooms, home offices and oversized kitchen islands are in high demand.
New home trends are emerging in Tulsa, Stillwater and Oklahoma City, where single-family homes still dominate the market.
“Minimalistic designs are making a comeback,” said Emilykaye Mitchelson, a Realtor at Chinowth and Cohen Realtors LLC in Oklahoma City, president of the Oklahoma Association of Realtors and director of the national association, who added that buyers are still choosing houses with split plans.
The National Association of Realtors predicted several shifts for homeowners and potential buyers when it comes to their properties, such as kitchen styles, architectural detailing and entertainment spaces.
Here are some of the new trends Oklahoma Realtors are seeing in housing construction and design:
Smart technology
Realtors across Oklahoma said they’ve seen a greater demand for energy-efficient homes and features, including a rise in smart home designs.
Energy-efficient home designs, LED lighting, smart lighting, smart switches, integrated security systems, solar decking and roofing, HVAC systems, and energy management tools are becoming more common, according to Joshua Woodward, a Realtor at McGraw REALTORS in Owasso and president of the Greater Tulsa Association of Realtors.
“In my market (greater Tulsa area), builders are continuing to respond to both affordability concerns and lifestyle shifts. We’re seeing a rise in smaller footprint homes with open-concept layouts to maximize space,” Woodward said. “Energy efficiency is becoming a major focus, too.”
Neutral tones
Warm, natural color tones are becoming a trend in homes, too.
In Stillwater, Claudette Thornton, broker and owner of One Broker Place and an Oklahoma Association of Realtor executive committee member, has seen an increased trend in homes specifically built for leasing purposes. She said rustic charm with modern finishes remained the dominant choice in the college town, and the look combines open layouts, neutral tones and natural materials.
“The overall aesthetic is simple, clean and highly functional, which continues to resonate with families in our area,” she said.
This look remains in line with home designs in major metro areas, such as Tulsa, according to Woodward.
“Neutral color palettes and natural materials like wood and stone continue to dominate,” he said.
Fewer barn doors and granite, more manmade building materials
Both Mitchelson and Thornton noted a change in the materials being used for construction.
“We’re noticing a shift away from granite and toward quartz and other manmade materials in kitchens and bathrooms,” Thornton said.
Mitchelson added that homebuyers began to perceive granite, once a luxurious element in households, as “too busy” and preferred the more “ornate” quartz. Light-colored bricks, brushed nickel fixtures, ceramic and ceramic wood tiling were also materials she noticed coming back to the market.
Although Woodward said barn doors may soon become a declining trend, some builders continue to offer them as a feature or upgrade. Thornton said rural communities are seeing a use for them.
“Another emerging trend is the rise of barndominiums — a mix of barn and condominium styles. These are particularly popular in rural parts of the area. They offer spacious interiors with an industrial-chic appeal, often attracting homeowners seeking something distinctive and functional,” Thornton said.
Functional spaces
Among the many demands homeowners and potential buyers have voiced to Realtors are functional spaces, which could include anything from more utile kitchen counters to house plans that allow a double primary suite.
“[I have noticed] a shift toward clean-lined contemporary designs — especially in new development. Interior-wise, there remains a strong demand for functional spaces like mudrooms, home offices and oversized kitchen islands,” Woodward said.
Mitchelson also noticed the trend. She said people want more variety in kitchen areas, like colored cabinets, an optional space that can be transformed into a second primary suite and upgraded patio areas.
“There’s been more demand for house plans for a separate adult to live in,” she said.
Master-planned communities
Residential properties and housing communities often attract homebuyers with nearby amenities. Indoor green spaces in houses, electric vehicle charging stations, and nearby shops or eateries are all important for potential buyers.
“We’re seeing more master-planned communities that integrate residential areas with recreational spaces and often some commercial zoning at the entrance,” Thornton said.
Thornton added that developments often include parks, splash pads, walking trails and community centers, aimed at encouraging “a well-rounded lifestyle.” Residential neighborhoods, especially in larger metros, also included new trends in amenities.
“Lifestyle amenities are driving many new developments,” Woodward said. “Community green spaces, trails and dog parks are becoming more common.”
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