by Kimberlee F Ferrell

Created on: July 25, 2008   Last Updated: August 07, 2008

As baby boomers have always done, they are reshaping their lives and their worlds in yet another new way. Dual master bedrooms, once looked upon as a sign of marital problems, are now becoming the latest trend in upscale real estate. With their buying power estimated at being over two trillion dollars, boomers are ready and willing to pay extra for functionality in their household. And developers are ready to cater to those needs, and get their share of the pie.

Couples often opt for dual master bedrooms because of comfort and practicality. Night Owls and Early Birds, rather than disturbing each other with their conflicting hours, decide that two bedrooms will give them the good night's sleep they both deserve. Snoring partners, who once ended up on the couch, decided that both should have an equal share to a private bedroom. Even different bedroom uses may come into play. One may desire a quiet, meditative feel to their master suite, while the other requires a more office-like feel, or even an entertainment center. Rejecting the common custom of partners sleeping in the same room, boomers take a more pragmatic view of life. Rather than sharing one space, baby boomers respect their partner's needs by giving them all the space they need to fulfill their life's goals.

The trend is not just limited to those living the married life. Other boomers see the need to incorporate their extended family into their homes. Desiring that their parents stay active and independent, baby boomers often invite them to move in their new home. Many boomers decide that their parents would feel more comfortable in a larger suite, rather than a guest house or spare bedroom. They also look forward to their children, who as they grow will desire more living space, and will often return home during the college years. Rather than have anyone feel uncomfortable in their home, boomers enjoy being able to provide for all the members of their family.

Even raising grandchildren is a factor that boomers consider. Why drive to pick up your grandchildren, when they can be just down the hall? A close-knit family structure has surged in popularity, as new immigrants to our country have brought the extended family tradition with them. Boomers approve of this change, as it is not always financially wise for everyone to live seperately. Sometimes, a dual (or even triple or more) master bedroom will end up saving money in the long run.

This trend is highly expected to continue. Currently, about 25 percent of all upscale houses have been upgraded with at least one additional master bedroom. Savvy developers are seeing the growing demand for dual master bedrooms, and have began to include a handful of such improved houses in each of their new subdivisions. By 2015, a typical upscale house will automatically include dual master bedroom suites.

As more boomers let loose their spending power in customizing their homes to meet their needs, the real estate market will have to scramble to keep up with the demand. Their buying power and their willingness to use it will fuel the flames of customizable homes. Once again, baby boomers have set the pace, this time in making their own lives more functional and more meaningful to them, through dual master bedrooms.

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