Lifestyle changes lead to new trends in home design
NEW YORK: Changes in the lifestyles and expectations of both seniors and disability housing is triggering new trends in home design.
With COVID-19 changing the way we work and live, many people are spending more time at home, with flexible work practices being the new normal. Everything from the materials we use, to the design of our living – and now working – spaces is changing as we navigate through the pandemic. So, what are the home design trends we expect to see throughout the remainder of this year and into 2022?
New homebuilders are opting for houses that cater for multi-purpose living. In Western Australia, we have been lucky, with relatively little disruption to our lives compared to other places, but our homes are increasingly becoming a sanctuary where we live, study, work and relax. We are spending more time at home and travelling a lot less, therefore our home environment is more important than ever.
People designing new houses are thinking about liveable homes with different zones for separate parts of their lives. Things like wine cellars, dedicated home offices and study zones for children are all new trends that we are seeing.
New homes are becoming more sustainable as we become more conscious of our footprint and create spaces to work, play, relax and live without compromising on all the modern features we have come to expect.
As we spend more time at home, people are considering not only the cost, but the environmental impact of how we build and renovate. Passive solar design is becoming increasingly popular, as is water-efficiency measures.
Things like window glazing and improved product engineering and design are reducing the reliance on artificial climate controls. We are seeing a trend for better designed houses, translating into more open and liveable homes with a seamless blend from inside to out.
Smart home technology is also increasing in popularity, with homeowners now able to control almost every element of their home from their phone.
Builders are creating homes for future living and changing lifestyle requirements, such as ageing in place, with features like a bedroom on the ground floor, wider doorways and other features that enable people to stay in their homes for longer.
There is also a trend for prefabricated and modular elements for new homes and renovations. Kitchens, bathrooms, walls and even second storeys can be produced offsite and can save on costs.
When choosing a builder, it’s worth checking whether they are a Master Builders member and ask them about recent projects they have completed.
It is important to have an open conversation with your builder about realistic building times, with supply and labour shortages driven largely by COVID-19.
The upshot is that people are building smarter and more energy-efficient homes, which is a win for everybody.