Understanding the Next Generation of Homebuyers
In 2025, home builders in Racine are witnessing a major shift in what younger buyers want in a home. Generation Z and Millennials are now the driving force behind new home construction, and they come with a fresh set of expectations. As digital natives raised in an era of climate awareness, savvy style, and smart technology, their design requests reflect these values. Joseph Scott Homes, a trusted name in Racine and surrounding counties, is staying ahead of these evolving trends by offering custom homes tailored to meet the unique preferences of these younger generations.
With over 40 years of experience in custom home building, Joseph Scott Homes understands how important it is to listen and adapt. Whether you’re building your first home or upgrading to suit your lifestyle, the trends we’re about to explore aren’t just smart—they’re shaping the future of home design. Gen Z and Millennial homebuyers are more informed than ever. With access to countless design inspirations and research tools at their fingertips, they are actively participating in the planning of their dream homes. Builders like Joseph Scott Homes are embracing this hands-on approach, understanding that collaboration is key to a successful custom build. When clients bring their ideas to the table, Joseph Scott Homes isn’t just prepared—they’re excited to turn concepts into reality.
Top Home Design Features Gen Z and Millennials Want
1. Smart Technology Integration
Younger homeowners are all about convenience, and for many, that starts with smart homes. Joseph Scott Homes frequently receives requests to build homes with integrated smart systems that allow homeowners to control security, lighting, temperature, and appliances from their smartphones.
– Voice-activated assistants like Alexa and Google Home
– Smart thermostats like Nest
– Security systems with real-time monitoring
– App-controlled lighting and window shades
Joseph Scott Homes ensures that these modern features are not just add-ons but are designed into the structure of the home, creating seamless functionality from day one. This integration helps make daily routines easier and more efficient, whether it’s preheating the oven on the way home or setting the mood lighting for an evening with friends. Smart homes are not only cool—they add long-term value to the property.
2. Sustainable, Energy-Efficient Homes
Eco-consciousness is no longer a “nice to have”—it’s a must. Gen Z and Millennial homebuyers are looking for homes that reduce their carbon footprint and energy bills. Joseph Scott Homes is known for using sustainable materials and building techniques that meet or exceed industry standards for energy efficiency.
– Low-E windows to reduce heating and cooling costs
– High-efficiency HVAC systems
– LED lighting and low-flow water fixtures
– Solar panel readiness and sustainable building materials
With a focus on energy-conscious construction, Joseph Scott Homes helps clients create homes that are as smart for the planet as they are for their wallet. Younger buyers are more likely to seek certifications such as ENERGY STAR and are often interested in monitoring their energy use over time—something Joseph Scott Homes can support with smart metering and green building consultations.
3. Multi-Functional Spaces
Today’s homebuyers want spaces that can shift with their lifestyle. Open-concept floor plans are evolving, and younger homeowners ask for rooms that serve multiple purposes. Joseph Scott Homes is responding by designing homes that include flexible layouts.
– Home offices that double as guest rooms
– Expandable living areas with sliding doors or movable walls
– Mudrooms with storage and pet stations
– Bonus rooms that can convert into game rooms, gyms, or home theaters
These flexible spaces make it easier for homeowners to adapt their environments as their needs grow and change. Especially with the continued popularity of remote work and side hustles, having a versatile room is no longer a luxury—it’s essential. The design team at Joseph Scott Homes works closely with clients to identify which multi-use spaces will benefit them most.
Interior Design Trends That Are Shaping 2025 Homes
1. Minimalist, Cozy Aesthetics
The popular phrase “cozy minimalism” describes the aesthetic many younger buyers are chasing. It combines the clean lines of modern design with soft textures and warm tones. Joseph Scott Homes regularly works with clients to strike this balance, avoiding stark or sterile environments.
– Earthy color palettes like terracotta, olive green, and warm beige
– Natural materials such as wood, stone, and linen
– Statement lighting with geometric or vintage flair
– Open shelving and decluttered spaces
This style is not only beautiful but creates a sense of peace and comfort—a key priority for homebuyers seeking sanctuary from a busy world. Joseph Scott Homes helps clients achieve this balance through detailed design consultations that focus on comfort, flow, and harmony throughout the home.
2. Personalized Kitchens and Bathrooms
The days of cookie-cutter kitchens and bathrooms are over. Gen Z and Millennials want homes that reflect their unique tastes. Joseph Scott Homes ensures that every custom kitchen and bathroom offers functionality without sacrificing style.
– Custom cabinetry with mixed finishes and bold hardware
– Large kitchen islands that function as social hubs
– Spa-like bathrooms with freestanding tubs and rainfall showers
– Touchless faucets and smart mirrors
By offering endless personalization options, Joseph Scott Homes helps each client create a home that feels truly theirs. These modern kitchens and bathrooms aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re highly functional and made for how people live today, from morning routines to late-night gatherings.
3. Indoor-Outdoor Living
As remote work and at-home entertaining continue to grow in popularity, indoor-outdoor design is one of the top requests home builders in Racine are seeing. Joseph Scott Homes is crafting spaces that blend indoor comfort with outdoor livability.
– Covered patios with retractable screens
– Outdoor kitchens with built-in grills and fridges
– Fire pits and outdoor lounge areas
– Easy connections from main living spaces to the backyard
This trend makes it easy to enjoy Wisconsin’s beautiful seasons from the comfort of home. Joseph Scott Homes pays particular attention to orientation, landscaping, and transition points between indoor and outdoor spaces to create a unified experience. Whether it’s a summer barbecue or autumn bonfire, these versatile areas extend living space and improve lifestyle quality.
Designing for the Connected Lifestyle
Connectivity isn’t just about technology—it’s about feeling connected to your space and lifestyle. Gen Z and Millennial homeowners want an experience, not just a structure. Joseph Scott Homes delivers a holistic approach by offering both custom design and real estate services like lot locating. From the first sketch to final landscaping, each home is designed around the client’s lifestyle, making sure form always follows function.
Building in Convenient, Community-Friendly Areas
Accessibility is high on the priority list for young homebuyers. They’re looking for homes in walkable neighborhoods that put them close to schools, coffee shops, parks, and local attractions. Joseph Scott Homes helps clients choose the best lots in Racine, Kenosha, and neighboring counties that align with their lifestyles.
– Proximity to public transit or major highways
– Nearby recreation and dining
– Strong school districts
– Safe, established neighborhoods
By combining location expertise with quality craftsmanship, Joseph Scott Homes delivers homes that offer true lifestyle value. They know that a dream home is only as good as the community it’s built in, which is why lot selection and neighborhood planning are an integral part of their custom process.
User-Friendly Floorplans
Functionality rules when it comes to floorplans. Rather than oversized homes with unused space, Gen Z and Millennial homebuyers want homes that are intuitive. Joseph Scott Homes works closely with clients to design layouts that feel right from the moment you walk in.
– Walk-in pantries and efficient storage solutions
– First-floor laundries and owner’s suites for convenience
– Mudrooms and drop zones at entry points
– Spaces designed around daily habits and routines
These floorplans aren’t just trendy—they make real life easier. Whether it’s optimizing for kids, pets, roommates, or a home business, Joseph Scott Homes ensures every square foot is intentional and practical.
The Joseph Scott Homes Difference
So what makes Joseph Scott Homes stand out among other home builders in Racine? It’s their deep commitment to personalization, craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction. With founders James Joseph Fuchs and Michael Scott Lawrence still actively involved in every project, there’s a level of care and attention that few other builders match.
– Over four decades of experience building custom homes in southeastern Wisconsin
– Expert guidance from consultation to final walkthrough
– Energy-efficient designs built to last
– Full-service support—from lot selection to custom design
From the first blueprint to move-in day, Joseph Scott Homes ensures a rewarding and enjoyable building experience designed for today’s homebuyer. They understand that building a home is one of the biggest investments a person can make, and they’re committed to making that process exciting, transparent, and deeply personalized.
Looking Ahead: What 2025 Means for Home Design
The trends emerging in 2025 reflect a powerful shift in how younger generations view homeownership. Comfort, personalization, energy efficiency, and technology are no longer extras—they’re essentials. As one of the leading home builders in Racine, Joseph Scott Homes continues to meet these demands head-on with creative solutions and outstanding service.
If you’re ready to design a home that fits the way you want to live, there’s never been a better time. Joseph Scott Homes is here to bring your vision to life with quality, integrity, and innovation. Step into a smarter, more connected future with a builder that knows what today’s buyers want.
