
1. An open floor plan

2. An upstairs laundry room
An upstairs laundry room sounds like the dream, doesn't it? So convenient—no more unsolicited cardio as you lug piles of linens up and down the stairs. But beware: This dream scenario can quickly turn into a noisy nightmare. “People think that laundry rooms being near the bedrooms will be practical, since most of the laundry is generated in the bedrooms,” explains Leslie Saul, designer and owner of Leslie Saul & Associates. “Some laundry rooms are so noisy that we end up rebuilding them or moving them to the first floor or basement.”3. An in-ground pool

4. A downstairs half-bath
Having a bathroom that’s readily available for guests might sound ideal, but in practice it’s unlikely to see much use, according to Ian Gordon, co-principal broker of Seattle-based Coldwell Banker Bain. “When you have people over,” he explains, “who wants to use the powder room right off the kitchen and dining room? Sorry, nope. People usually go downstairs or upstairs to use the more private baths.” If your dream home has a half-bathroom downstairs, it doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t buy the house—just maybe skip the expensive tile remodel you had in mind.5. Designer sinks

6. Hardwood flooring
