There are some particular trends in home designs that have been stimulating the interest of architects and those in home design circles lately. Paying attention to these trends could give industry professionals an edge above their competition when it comes to offering innovative solutions to clients.

Small and chic

There is a clear shift toward high-density housing solutions, particularly in larger cities that are feeling the pressure from an increasing population and in some cases, an inadequate housing supply.

Architects and builders alike may wish to start formulating design concepts that embrace the notion of smaller properties, rather than working against this trend. While space is certainly a positive for homeowners, a focus on liveability may soon overtake the desire for an extensive property.

It's not just apartment living that's squeezing floor space. Houses can also be small, but those in design circles are creating unique solutions to deal with smaller lot sizes.

For instance, staircases can reveal themselves to have multiple uses, with drawers sliding out to store shoes, books or other household items.

There's also a strong case for smaller homes that are adequately insulated: Cheaper power bills. Unlike a property with a high stud, spare bedrooms and multiple living rooms, a smaller property can be cheaper to run.

Small properties don't have to seem cramped. Even if your service doesn't extend to interior design suggestions, you may wish to get the services of an experienced designer on board.

This partnership could be great for your business and will certainly deliver more value to your clients. Consider promoting fresh, light paint colours that will truly open a space up, such as Resene Rakaia, a neutral shale grey that's perfectly paired with urban-chic home designs.

Create a focal point

Various industry experts have called out an emerging trend for home design: The focal point.

While open plan living certainly appeals to a range of homeowners, from busy families to couples with a penchant for entertaining, there's a slight shift in this mentality.

It's certainly favourable to maximise open space and light in any home. However, creating a focal point in a property is tipped as a new trend.

For instance, take the layout of a traditional villa. With a central hallway and bedrooms leading off this from the front of the house to the back, it's not until you reach the end of the house that you find yourself in the kitchen. However, a focus on focal rooms is all about designing a home around a particular space, rather than fitting rooms around a central hallway in a uniform manner.

This approach may require significant renovation work to achieve. Alternatively, architects may offer drafting services that embrace this approach to those looking to build from the ground up.

When it comes to paint choice, the focal room should adopt a leading colour, whether it's a warm, fiery red such as Resene Bonfire or a self-assured green such as Resene Windfall.

These industry trends are ones to watch in upcoming months and years, but feel free to adapt them depending on clients' desires.

For instance, homeowners contemplating the construction of a new double storey home may want to create a focal point on both levels. In such a case, you can adopt the same colour scheme for both rooms, or play opposites against each other and create completely unique spaces at the top and bottom of the house.

May 06, 2014

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