From Whirlpool, a youth movement

The appliance industry has taken a long, hard look at the millennial generation, and with good reason -- millennials will make up 35% of home buyers in 2016.

That statistic comes from Whirlpool Corp., which along with partners including TRI Pointe Group and Ketchum Global Research & Analytics, released key findings from a recent study.

Millennials, loosely defined as anyone who reached adulthood around the turn of the century, have some noteworthy ideas about the home, according to the study:

● Outdoor space is the No. 1 “must-have,” followed by an open kitchen. Also, 53% of respondents classified an open kitchen as an essential home feature.

● Customization is very appealing to the majority of millennials. On average, they will spend one-fifth of their home-buying budget on customizations suited to their needs.

● While renovations can be intimidating, the majority are willing to renovate. On average, millennial home buyers plan to spend 22% of their total budget on renovations.

The design of several new Whirlpool products is informed by these findings.

“We know there is a strong demand for an open concept in homes, which includes integration with appliances beyond the kitchen,” said Pat Schiavone, VP Global Consumer Design, “Home floor plans have changed, and Whirlpool Corporation helps builders adjust to the open concept with new design options and appliances that adjust to the environment, such as the remarkably quiet Jenn-Air TriFecta Dishwasher that’s only 46 decibels,” he said.