What are the Major Design Trends in Residential Homes in the Next 10 Years?
As a professional Interior Designer in Northern New Jersey, I am very interested in knowing what the 3 major trends are for how we are going to be living in our homes for the next 10 years.
An architectural survey reported that as the population decreases, instead of building new homes, existing homes will be remodeled and improved significantly. This will be the focus on how we design in the future:
#1. Universal Design
Over the next 10 years the majority of the Baby Boomers will have turned 65. Accessibility will be increasingly important for that group of homeowners. Starting now, new home improvement projects will include the features of universal design into the design of the space so it works better right now and then later as the homeowner stays and lives in their home as long as they wish to.
Kitchens with touch or tap faucets, differing counter heights, under-cabinet refrigerators/freezer drawers and LED lighting are features that help today and in the future.
Bathrooms that feature zero threshold showers are easy to use and will be priceless if someone becomes disabled in the future.
First floor master bedroom suites are sought after in new construction now. Finding space in an older home to create a first floor master suite is becoming a big priority.
#2. Attention to Healthy Living Environments
Homeowners are concerned that their home may be causing health problems. Indoor air quality is a number one concern.
Water quality and harmful materials/chemicals round off the top three issues.
We are increasingly aware of what we use to clean, how we care for and maintain the home and the importance of eliminating any vapors and off gassing that may occur.
Design selections are very important when installing the correct materials.
#3. Kitchens’ Shifting Role
As lifestyles become less formal, the need for a formal living room and dining room are fading. Great rooms, dens and open floor plans are taking the place of these more formal spaces. Outdoor living is not just about the patio and some chairs. Now the kitchen is outside too!
Today the kitchen is the central focus of the home. Technology helps secure that role. It is where everything happens in the home. Soon our cars will drive without us touching anything. They will be able to go pick up our groceries without having to walk the aisles. The list will be generated by the refrigerator and sent right to the store!
Lots of other innovations will be coming. Starting now…
