Home Design and Residential Architectural Trends
Architectural Trends From Floor Plans to Fixtures
Every quarter the AIA, (American Institute of Architects) compiles a report to reveal the new and emerging trends in residential architecture and design. Compiled from the information provided by hundreds of architectural firms, this report provides, and incisive look at the architectural trends and features that owners and buyers want, and what features they purchase.
Firms rely on AIA's Home Design Trends Survey to educate clients about the current trends in architecture and design that may meet their functional or aesthetic needs. It also allows them to stay current in the industry and ultimately, to position themselves as leaders in the construction and remodeling industry.
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The Newest Trend
The most recent results from the AIA report revealed a new trend in the early stages. The data is showing that homeowners are seeking to add rental units, finished basements, and additions to their properties. The drivers of the trend could be kids returning to the nest, elderly parents moving in with their children, or homeowners seeking to take advantage of the lack of affordable housing in many markets around the country.
The survey shows many firms have had interest from clients regarding designing a home addition that can function as separate living quarters. Among the AIA's finding:
• 63% of firms surveyed reported clients interested in adding rental units
• 40% report a jump in finished attics and basements, up from 32% last year
• 34% of firms had client interest in adding micro-housing units on their property
While this is the major trend, there are many other home design trends that are gaining attention with homeowners and architects alike.
Home Design and Architectural Trends to Watch in 2020
While the trend towards additions and finished living spaces is a major trend, homeowners are setting additional trends when it comes to the design elements they're requesting. While the AIA surveys architectural firms, websites like Houzz.com can give you a different perspective of the trends from the consumer's point of view.
Homeowners are asking, and architects are suggesting specific features in their additions that are architecturally interesting, functional and savvy choices. Some home design trends to watch in 2020 include:
• Window Walls in the Kitchen
Today, cabinet design has become much more efficient with wide-opening, deep drawers on perimeter and base cabinets making finding items easier. That means fewer cabinets are needed. Designers and homeowners are removing on an exterior wall to create an expansive, open, window wall that bathes the space in tons of natural light and provides beautiful views. This can make a space feel much more open and inviting. Some homeowners are opting to add walk-in pantries or pantry walls to make up for lost cabinet space. With upper cabinets gone, homeowners can also have a more creative approach to lighting.
• Wood Everywhere!
Some of the most popular kitchen designs with consumers on Houzz feature lots of wood... everywhere! From naturally stained beadboard ceilings to exotic wood cabinets and hardwood floors, consumers are seeking the warmth that wood offers. The trend seems to be towards medium-tone woods rather than dark or light varieties. Wood also fits into the farmhouse style kitchen design trend that's been gaining in popularity in recent years. Coupled with white quartz countertops, the look can be stunningly modern, yet still, maintain rustic charm.
• Kitchens That Open Directly To The Outdoors
A single door or french doors in the kitchen are making way for the trend toward mixed indoor/outdoor space. Homeowners are looking for a more open feeling and are renovating to include large sliding and collapsible doors that open the room up to the outdoors and give a feeling of openness and space.
• Abstract Kitchen Island Shapes
One trend that homeowners are increasingly requesting from architects and kitchen designers is toward abstract island shapes. While the majority of kitchen islands are rectangular, that isn't always the best choice or use of space. Modifying the shape to be a bit more free-form can open up the flow and create more work and storage space.
• Universal Design
As more homeowners are opting to age-in-place and larger mixed generation families are living together, universal design is an often requested element for many architectural firms. As many additions are being used for elderly parents living space, adding elements like wider doorways to accommodate walkers, improved lighting, larger handles, threshold-free showers, and other design and finish elements to make living more efficient for older people.
• Spanish Style Living Space
Homeowners are looking for light, airy, casual, comfortable elements that reflect this style. White plaster walls, wrought iron fixtures, large open fireplaces and natural wood architectural elements like ceiling beams, and corbels are a hallmark.
• Glass and Steel Room Dividers and Interior Doors
While open concept living is still popular, the latest trend is toward using glass and steel dividers between interior rooms. They give your home an open feel and allow light to pass throughout your home, while still providing some privacy and noise control. Plus they give your home a stylish modern feel and a unique architectural element within the space.
At Lindsey Architects, we stay on top of all the latest architectural trends to keep out clients informed and educated. If you're considering a new home, remodel or an addition in Maine, New Hampshire or Massachusetts, give us a call at (207) 606-2055 and let's discuss your project. We can help you to design the living space you've been dreaming about!