Angled walls and muted colors enhance the eye's view. Emotional attachment and a sense of spaciousness in a house are important to buyers, but they want to know that they will be able to function well in a house, Pearlman said. Kitchens are growing larger, family rooms are growing more popular than living rooms. Entertainment centers are important. In the Sherman Homes models at Oakridge Estates, comfortable family rooms are attached to the kitchens.
Large walls provide space for cabinets containing large-screen televisions and stereos.
At Orenco Station, the televisions fit in a space especially built for them over the fireplace. Kitchens feature a workable triangle of the refrigerator, stove and counter space, a function that Pearlman said she always looks for in a house. Most of the kitchens are adjacent to the living and dining rooms, but counters around the kitchen conceal the dirty dishes. Natural textures Texture also plays an important role in creating a comfortable house, Pearlman added. Cherry, hickory and maple cabinets are replacing white cabinets in the model kitchens in both developments.