My own unofficial notes of the AIA Home Tour that there were a few “types” of people at the homes.  There were:

• Obvious Design Students – Youngish, hipsters.  I saw several clumps using official terms and making notes on pads.  I would take these to be architectural, interior design, developers etc.  I use design in the broadest sense.  Artists all of them.
• Design professionals – These were older versions of the students.  For the most part, excellently dressed and coiffed, many were AIA volunteers and they seemed to know each other.
• Real estate people – Since many of the homes were for sale and their was a largely influential people there.  Smart business idea for sure.
• The rest were the masses.  I take these to be other people in the industries and unlabelable (good on ya for defying definition). Average people.  Appreciating the homes.

What I guess I’m saying is that I think this style of home is accessible to all types.  It can be many things and my perception that I had originally had of bleakness, stark exteriors has been removed.  The ability to merge with the environment, encompass both style and substance, green without being obnoxious about it and passionate delivery of excellence.  What’s not to love about that?

Now I wonder how we get more people hooked on this style of home?  Perhaps we can work on economic alternatives since many of the homes can be pricey.  I guess that comes down to unique features and style versus mass ownership.  There is a point, when to be something admired, that commodity has to be in demand.  To make the demand, the easiest way to do that is make it unique, make it hard to get (above the level of the average user) and in some way appeal to your base.  Modern homes today have definitely achieved those three features.

And with a vibrant furnishings, lighting industry you can definitely build a modern interior even if the outside is your normal house.