Trends In Home Design
Tomorrow’s homes are on the drawing board. New materials and new technologies are reshaping the way we build. Floor plans are changing to accommodate the changing patterns of our lives.
1. Earth-Friendly Home Design
The most exciting and most important trend in home design is the increased sensitivity to the environment. Architects and engineers taking a new look at ancient building techniques that used simple, bio-degradable materials. Today’s “earth houses” are proving comfortable, economical, and rustically beautiful.
2. “Prefab” Home Design
Factory-made prefabricated homes have come a long way from flimsy trailer park dwellings. Trend-setting architects and builders are using modular building materials to create bold new designs with lots of glass and steel.
3. Adaptive Reuse in Home Design
New buildings aren’t always entirely new. A desire to protect the environment and to preserve historic architecture is inspiring architects to repurpose, or re-use, older structures. Trend-setting homes of the future may be constructed from the shell of an outdated factory, an empty warehouse, or an abandoned church.
4. Healthy Home Design
Buildings can literally make you sick. Home designers are becoming increasingly aware of the ways our health is affected by synthetic materials and the chemical additives used in paints and composition wood products. The most innovative homes are constructed without relying on plastics, laminates, and fume-producing glues.
5. Storm-Resistant Home Design
Every shelter should be built to withstand the elements, and engineers are making steady progress in developing storm-ready home designs. In areas were hurricanes are prevalent, more and more builders are relying on insulated wall panels constructed of sturdy concrete.
6. Flexible Floor Plans in Home Design
Changing lifestyles calls for changing living spaces. Tomorrow’s homes have sliding doors, pocket doors, and other types of movable partitions allow flexibility in living arrangements. Dedicated living and dining rooms are being replaced by large multi-purpose family areas and many houses include private “bonus” rooms that can be used for a variety of specialized needs.
7. Accessible Home Design
The homes of tomorrow will be easy to move around in. Architects often use the phrase “universal design” to describe these homes because they are comfortable for people of all ages and abilities. Special features such as wide hallways blend seamlessly into the design.
8. Outdoor Rooms in Home Design
An increased interest in eco-friendly architecture is encouraging Architects and builders to incorporate outdoor spaces with the overall home design. The yard and garden become a part of the floor plan when sliding glass doors lead to patios and decks.
9. Abundant Storage in Home Design
Newer homes feature enormous walk-in closets, spacious dressing rooms, and plenty of easy-to-reach built-in cabinets. Garages are also getting bigger to accommodate the ever-popular SUVs and other large vehicles.
10. Eastern Ideas in Home Design
Feng Shui, Vástu Shástra, and other Eastern philosophies have been guiding builders since ancient times. Today these principles are gaining respect in the West. According to believers, you will feel the positive effects of Eastern ideas on your health, prosperity, and relationships.
