Latest news with #OklahomaCity-area
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Smart homes, planned communities: Oklahoma's top 5 real estate trends, according to realtors
New home trends are emerging in Oklahoma's real estate market, according to professionals in the field. The National Association of Realtors predicted several shifts for homeowners and potential buyers when it comes to their properties, such as kitchen styles, architectural detailing and entertainment spaces. Some of those trends have made their way to Oklahoma in cities like Tulsa, Stillwater and Oklahoma City, where single-family homes still dominate the market, according to Oklahoma City-area real estate professionals. "Minimalistic designs are making a comeback," said Emilykaye Mitchelson, a Realtor at Chinowth and Cohen Realtors LLC in Oklahoma City, president of the Oklahoma Association of Realtors and director of the national association, who added that buyers are still choosing houses with split plans. Although these are choices that have always been popular with homebuyers in Oklahoma, here are some new trends Realtors are seeing in the market: Realtors across Oklahoma said they've seen a greater demand for energy-efficient homes and features, including a rise in smart home designs. Energy-efficient home designs, LED lighting, smart lighting, smart switches, integrated security systems, solar decking and roofing, HVAC systems, and energy management tools are becoming more common, according to Joshua Woodward, a realtor at McGraw REALTORS in Owasso and president of the Greater Tulsa Association of Realtors. "In my market (greater Tulsa area), builders are continuing to respond to both affordability concerns and lifestyle shifts. We're seeing a rise in smaller footprint homes with open-concept layouts to maximize space," Woodward said. "Energy efficiency is becoming a major focus, too." More: Why guesthouses might benefit multi-generational families, providing more housing options Warm, natural color tones are becoming a trend in homes, realtors said. In Stillwater, Claudette Thornton, broker and owner of One Broker Place and Oklahoma Association of Realtor executive committee member, has seen an increased trend in homes specifically built for leasing purposes. She said rustic charm with modern finishes remained the dominant choice in the college town, and the look combines open layouts, neutral tones and natural materials. "The overall aesthetic is simple, clean and highly functional, which continues to resonate with families in our area," she said. This look remains in line with home designs in major metro areas, such as Tulsa, according to Woodward. "Neutral color palettes and natural materials like wood and stone continue to dominate," he said. See: See inside this $2.8 million home in one of Oklahoma City's most desired neighborhoods Both Mitchelson and Thornton noted a change in the materials being used for construction. "We're noticing a shift away from granite and toward quartz and other manmade materials in kitchens and bathrooms," said Thornton. Mitchelson added that homebuyers began to perceive granite, once a luxurious element in households, as "too busy" and preferred the more "ornate" quartz. Light-colored bricks, brushed nickel fixtures, ceramic and ceramic wood tiling were also materials she noticed coming back to the market. Though Woodward said barn doors may soon become a declining trend, some builders continue to offer them as a feature or upgrade. Thornton said rural communities are seeing a use for them. "Another emerging trend is the rise of barndominiums- a mix of barn and condominium styles. These are particularly popular in rural parts of the area. They offer spacious interiors with an industrial-chic appeal, often attracting homeowners seeking something distinctive and functional," Thornton said. Read: The Oklahoma Opry one step closer to permanent home in Bricktown with purchase of warehouse Among the many demands homeowners and potential buyers have voiced to realtors are functional spaces, which could include anything from more utile kitchen counters to house plans that allow a double primary suite. "[I have noticed] a shift toward clean-lined contemporary designs- especially in new development. Interior-wise, there remains a strong demand for functional spaces like mudrooms, home offices and oversized kitchen islands," said Woodward. Mitchelson also noticed the trend. She said people want more variety in kitchen areas, like colored cabinets, an optional space that can be transformed into a second primary suite and upgraded patio areas. "There's been more demand for house plans for a separate adult to live in," she said. Residential properties and housing communities often attract homebuyers with nearby amenities. People search for greenery and conveniences, realtors said. Indoor green spaces in houses, electric vehicle charging stations, nearby shops or eateries, are all important for potential buyers. "We're seeing more master-planned communities that integrate residential areas with recreational spaces and often some commercial zoning at the entrance," said Thornton. Thornton added that developments often include parks, splashing pads, walking trails and community centers, aimed at encouraging "a well-rounded lifestyle." Residential neighborhoods, especially in larger metros, also included new trends in amenities. "Lifestyle amenities are driving many new developments," said Woodward. "Community green spaces, trails and dog parks are becoming more common." This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Top 5 real estate trends sweeping Oklahoma, from new tech to amenities
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Prom 2025: All the glamorous photos from around Oklahoma City, OK County
Prom season 2025 is here! Oklahoma loves to celebrate its high school students at prom, and this year's season is going to be huge. The Oklahoman's photojournalists travel across the metro to document the special nights for teens and their loved ones. Stay tuned throughout the weeks as we add more galleries. Here's a look at the prom nights that have happened so far. Want to share your prom snapshots? Submit your photos here to be included in our gallery. Carl Albert's prom was held at the Oklahoma History Center. Epic Charter School's Oklahoma City-area prom was held at the Sam Noble Museum in Norman, Oklahoma. John Marshall's prom was held at the Central Oklahoma Homebuilders Association. Putnam City's prom was held at the OKC Farmer's Market in Oklahoma City. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Prom 2025 photos: OKC schools celebrate in style
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Chocolate, creamy pistachio and knafeh: Where to find Dubai chocolate bars, treats in OKC
If after watching countless TikTok videos of the viral "Dubai chocolate" bars you've got a hankering for the pistachio-filled dessert, we're here to help. The unique chocolate bars are on the pricey side, and not exactly easy to find in person. Here's where you can get a Dubai chocolate bar in Oklahoma City. While you can find a Dubai chocolate bar from plenty of online stores, we found several Oklahoma City-area bakeries with the bars and other treats if you're hoping to shop local. : This home-based OKC bakery is selling treats like Dubai chocolate bars and Dubai strawberry cups. : This Yukon dessert business is selling Dubai chocolate bars, Dubai brownie cups, Dubai strawberry cups and Dubai cheesecake. : This candy maker is selling small and large Dubai chocolate bars, as well as Dubai chocolate strawberries. : While the candy store doesn't sell Dubai chocolate bars, you can find handcrafted Dubai chocolate fudge. : This Yukon bakery also doesn't carry the chocolate bars, but does sell Dubai cups, Dubai tres leches, Dubai cheesecake, Dubai eclairs, Dubai tart slices, Dubai brownies & Dubai cookies The Dubai chocolate bar is a milk chocolate bar filled with pistachio cream and shredded filo pastry dough, which is usually found atop the traditional Arab dessert knafeh. Dubai chocolate bars have soared in popularity over the last year, but it all started with a bakery in Dubai called Fix Dessert Chocolatier. Sarah Hamouda, the founder of the shop, wanted to create something more than your typical chocolate bar and was inspired by her pregnancy cravings, according to CNN. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Dubai chocolate in OKC: Bakeries selling treats inspired by viral bars
