As a society, we are shaped by the spaces we live in and the places we go. The last decade has brought innovation in home design and architecture that will forever change the way we look at homes.
Let’s explore 10 architecture trends have shaped today's home design, and how they will continue to impact the future:
Trend #10: Net Zero Home
There’s been a huge movement towards healthier materials and eco-friendly environments in home design in an effort to reconnect with nature and bring a greener, more positive element to our lives. No wonder this is such a big trend, as a healthier home means a healthier body and mind. In the past, asbestos and lead paint has resulted in numerous health problems and complications. It’s not just about putting plants in your house – it’s an entire green movement where homes generate clean energy.
California is at the center of the net zero home, where the energy output is about equal to the energy required. By using renewable energy such as solar panels and wind energy, more and more homeowners are taking advantage of the opportunity to run an energy-efficient HVAC system. This, coupled with double insulation and high-performance windows and doors, help ensure a healthy, green home.
Trend #9: Multifaceted Kitchens
In the past, kitchens used to be tiny, tucked-away in corners where it was all about food in, food out. Now, rather, kitchens have become a central part of home and family time, where the lines between a dining room and kitchen have blurred. This trend is all about low maintenance and commoditized spaces with an open floor plan.
Whether it’s an island or an eat-in kitchen, a more open, spacious kitchen is surely changing the way a family spends time together, especially in today’s digital age where many are on-the-go and don’t always sit at a dining room table to eat dinner together.
Trend #8: Larger, More Dynamic Windows
Windows play a big role in your home – from the appearance to energy efficiency levels, they contribute to the electric bill every month. With the ongoing green and net zero trends in mind, larger windows are pivotal for reducing artificial lighting and blocking harmful UV rays from affecting the people in your home.
With the proper materials and regulated windows, windows can offset the heat – all while bringing the beauty of natural lighting and greenery.
Not only is energy efficiency important, but the ability to interact with your windows for temperature preferences and adjust your home to your liking is a very real trend that’s happening. You can utilize heat-sensor window treatments and control your windows via a smartphone.
Learn more here about how you can take advantage of energy efficient windows, and save on your taxes and energy bill!
Trend #7: Geofencing
With smart devices on an uphill trend, geofencing isn’t far behind (albeit expensive). This allows you to place a virtual perimeter on your home and monitor activity. If you have kids at home during the summer, for instance, you can receive alerts based on whether they leave the house or what’s considered a “safety zone.”
The same can occur to notify you about kids coming home from school during the other months of the year. For businesses right now, app-based geofencing is quite expensive, averaging anywhere between $50,000-150,000, and the upkeep is costly to maintain.
Keep an eye on it, though, as this will become more and more feasible and accessible to homeowners over the next few years.Trend
#6: The End of One-Size-Fits-All
Looking at a space and making generic “this will be a living room,” determinations is no longer feasible for current and future homeowners. Home design is becoming more about how people want to define their space, rather than what it’s “supposed to be.”This trend is showing that people want their space to be a personal safe haven from the stresses of work and daily life rather than something generic.
Trend #5: Outdoor Entertainment
Outdoor courtyards and swimming areas, even cooking options such as grilling and barbecuing, are becoming more popular than ever. Home design continues to show a big focal point on outdoor entertainment.. Sinks, coolers, fountains – you name it, and it’s becoming more ubiquitous outside.
Trend #4: The Re-emergence of Fireplaces
There’s been an increase in fireplaces in rather unconventional places in the home. According to SF Gate, 60% of homes have a fireplace, which has doubled since the 1970s. While in some areas this can add considerable value to a home,especially in colder climates, it can be costly to add and maintain.
Part of the fireplace charm is that warmth we all think of on a cold day, and perhaps why so many yearn for one at the end of the day in their home.
Trend #3: Meditation Spaces
Many homes are now sporting a meditation room where they can go to relax or unwind. This can be a spare bedroom or a corner of the house that isn’t used. With items like yoga mats, candles, or even fountains for relaxing background noise, there’s been an increased desire for retreat spaces away from TVs and electronics.
With home spaces becoming more ambiguous, this is a viable option and trend that helps escape from the stresses of work. It centers around removing outside distractions and having a minimalist space – with warm, relaxing color tones for optimum reflection and tranquility.
Trend #2: Unique Home Materials
There’s been a rise in using different materials for kitchen counters, the walls, and flooring in houses. While granite had its day, marble is now becoming a widely used material dominating the entire home design industry. Other laminate choices are also rising in popularity, so you can get the customized look and feel you want, while not compromising on durability or use.
Wood finish has also joined the group in storage materials and tables. Expect to see the materials for home design continue to evolve and change as more options becomes accessible to everyone.
Trend #1: Smart Home Automation
The growth in the smart home trend has blown up over the last few years with the advent and continued development of the “Internet of Things.” There’s a virtually unlimited amount of things you can now control with your smartphone, including: adjusting the temperature in your home, locking your doors, watching the rooms in your home - the list goes on and on.
Appliances have also joined in, where you can interact with refrigerators, washers, dryers, and even coffee makers able to be controlled through Wi-Fi.
What was your favorite trend out of these 10? Feel free to let us know in the comments below!
