10- Cork Floors - Cork is quickly becoming an alternative to pricier tile and wood-plank flooring.
9- Bamboo Countertops - Compressed to the thickness needed for a countertop, bamboo is significantly harder and more dense than woods such as maple–often used for cutting boards–which makes it last.
8- LED Lighting - Short for light-emitting diode, LED lighting systems use less energy than standard bulbs, which translates into a lower electric bill.
7- Garage Doors - No one does garages like Vault, which can be best thought of as the Williams-Sonoma of garage design.
6- EnergyStar Windows
5- Water-Saving Toilets - Based on the American Institute of Architects’ 2008 research, homeowner demand for water-saving toilets has grown.
4- Water Heater - Conventional heaters warm water continuously.
3- Radiant Heat - The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that radiant heating is 20% more efficient than conventional heating systems.
2- Landscaping - Besides the aesthetic and health benefits of a garden and yard, it’s often the first thing buyers see when they’re looking at a home.
1- Doorless Showers - Also called walk-in showers, this is a design trend that likely isn’t the function of a down economy, but is mentioned again and again by builders and architects as something consumers want.
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