Far Northerners are opting to separate their children from the main areas of the home as kid zones become a popular trend.

Karl Maxa from construction company Maxa Cairns said prospective buyers are looking for new homes with designated areas for the whole family.

“I think it's a reflection of our changing lifestyle and the impact of technology on our lifestyle,” he said.

“People are letting kids have their area with games and it separates the parents so they can occupy the main area of the house.

“It helps with containing all of their personal belongings and maintains the tidiness of the house.”

Mr Maxa said rumpus rooms, a second living area and study nooks were popular requests.

“We've had lofts so (children) can set up there in a two-storey situation. We've even had converting bedrooms with custom-built bunks with a play area beneath them.

“On the study side of things, the parents like to keep an eye on what the kids are doing on the computers, so the study nooks are in view of the main kitchen area.”

RE/MAX Cairns sales agent Lance Richards said kid zones in new homes and renovations had become a selling point.

“They like separate living areas, the kids can have their PlayStations and Xboxes going,” Mr Richards said.

“Parents like the open study corner. With the internet, mums like to oversee what is being watched. It is thought about (in renovations) and it's more common to see now.”

Gordonvale builder Michael Hoare said rumpus rooms were high on the wish list.

“It's more of a trend to have the main bedroom at the back of the house,” he said.

“Everyone wants an ensuite now. It's a bit more of a trend that parents want a bigger ensuite and the kids can make do with the smaller bathroom.”

Rachel Whymark from Kenick Constructions Cairns said an activity area away from the main living area was a preferred design option.

“Often people like it so they can get the kids' stuff out of the bedroom; they have their own activity area,” she said.

“If people think their budget can stretch for it, that second living area for the children is something people are asking for now.

“We built one for a display home and everyone thought it was a good idea.”

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