While in the '90s grand entrances were important, in some cases the money was now being invested in greener, more efficient living, he said.
"Clients are definitely a lot more conscious of that these days."
Media rooms designed to house a big screen TV, surround-sound system and comfy seating were also growing in popularity.
Mr Harwood, whose company won the award for best show home at the Bay of Plenty/Central House of the Year Awards last weekend, said media rooms could also serve as a separate lounge or extra bedroom.
Mr Harwood said study nooks were replacing full size offices.
"Because of wireless developments, you don't need a separate study, or office," he said. "That's been quite a recent, quick change."
Mr Wood said sculleries were a popular choice for keeping mess out of the kitchen, however, he questioned how often scullery features such as a second sink or oven were actually used.
Mr Harwood believes the scullery in his showhome, which features large sliding windows to the outdoor area, was part of the winning formula.
Clients liked the extra storage offered in a scullery and the fact dirty cooking dishes and plates, or the bags of groceries could be hidden behind sliding doors to the kitchen.
Mr Harwood said clients wanted one really nice, well-covered outdoor living area, often accessed through sliding doors.
Walk-in linen cupboards, plenty of storage, tiled walk-in showers, and large double garages with work benches were also popular, he said.
Mr Wood was also building homes for multiple generations.
Older people were fitter and more active and could live independently and privately on the same property as their children, while both parties saved on cost, he said.
Paul Riordan, owner of Riordan Construction, which won the New Homes over $2 Million category at the House of the Year Awards, said exposed wood, including cedar, was making a comeback.
Exposed plywood panelling was also popular and built-in furniture, including shelving and seating, which his company had previously removed from older homes, was coming back in, he said.
Mr Wood said clients were building smaller, more affordable homes offering warmth, security and less maintenance.
Often clients wanted less money tied up in property and more time to spend on sport and leisure activities.
"That is where the market is, people want smaller and cheaper these days."
Mr Harwood's company had sold four smaller homes with single garages off the plans to young professionals looking for something more architectural.
"They're very stylish and they're very well produced," he said.
Classic Builders director Matt Lagerberg agreed homes were smaller than five or 10 years ago, partly due to the cost and availability of land.
His clients, who bought home and land packages at between $385,000 and $450,000, had to make tough decisions on where to spend limited budgets and most opted for kitchens and bathrooms.
"Kitchens are where the heart of the home is," he said.
In the larger homes he was building bigger pantries, rather than sculleries, and some rooms were being wired for big screen TVs and surround-sound, rather than building designated media rooms. Landscaping was also important to clients, he said.
