2020 has fundamentally changed the way we live, work and entertain. As a result, it's also changed the way we build our homes.
In contrast to the last few years of interior design trends, the features in high demand now have less to do with aesthetic and more to do with livability. It's about more than your terrazzo flooring, neutral colour palettes, timber cladding or retro homewares — in 2020, true style lies in functional, beautiful homes that are a joy to live in.
To find out the latest design trends and hottest features our customers are selecting in their dream homes right now, we spoke to our very own Metricon design manager Ricky D’Alesio and Studio M manager Marissa Bonacci.
Home office
At the beginning of 2020, 61 per cent of our customers told us a separate study was important to them, so you can only imagine how much demand has spiked for the home office following COVID-19 lockdowns.
No longer settling for the study nook or small space, D’Alesio says home buyers across all life stages now want dedicated workspaces.
“We have seen a rise in interest and sales in our designs that feature a stand-alone home office area, particularly clever spaces that are functional yet flexible allowing the room to be converted to an additional bedroom or living space if required,” he says.
The at-home day spa
You can blame it on the YouTube influencers all you like, but the rise of the beauty industry has enveloped the way we build bathrooms. We mentioned discreet mirror and vanity unit storage solutions to hold your many hundreds of skincare products, but the fun doesn't stop there. Special makeup lighting, smart toilets, thermostatic mixers, rain showerheads and freestanding bathtubs are all having a big moment.
“Bathrooms are emerging as a space of sanctuary. Practicality and functionality are so ever important with a trend towards dual vanity units, and free-standing baths a real focus,” D’Alesio says. It's all in the name of self-care, so go ahead and treat yourself.
Storage
At first glance, optimal storage may not seem like a very luxe feature, but good luck trying to create luxurious living spaces without the ability to tuck away the unsightly realities of daily life.
In the bathroom, kitchen and throughout the home, we're seeing increased demand for seamless cabinetry, built-in bespoke storage solutions, butler's pantries, European laundries, walk-in robes and a discreet place to keep beauty products behind vanity mirrors.
It also means paying attention to the unseen details, like higher quality hinges that allow shelvesto hold more weight. It's all part of building smarter spaces that work for you.
Tech hub
Speaking of smart, have you ever considered automating your home? With the right install, you can control your lights, heating, cooling, blinds and plenty more from your very own mobile phone.
Smart wiring and home automation are not new concepts — they’ve been building momentum in the background — but Bonacci says Studio M consultants have been inundated with automation requests from customers over the last 12 months. In fact, a recent survey told us 74 per cent of our customers are interested in home automation.
Party kitchens
With the butler's pantry on the rise, you may be wondering if it spells the end of the kitchen as the heart of the family home. The answer? No chance! "The kitchen will never stop being the focal point of an open plan living room," Bonacci says.
However, the way we style it will change, opting for a more minimalist look. Heavy usage appliances will move from the benchtops to the pantry, along with the double bowl sink. Instead, the island bench will become a designated entertainment area, because let's be honest — it doesn't matter how lush your outdoor entertainment area is, everyone ends up congregating in the kitchen anyway.
While these five features are trending right now, your preferences will no doubt vary depending on your own vision for your new home. There are some features that will help your property sell, other eco-friendly solutions for home sustainability, and plenty of home design inspiration via our blog, Home Truths.
If you want to speak to someone about building your dream home, talk to a Metricon team member today. We build homes in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Adelaide and regional hubs throughout VIC, NSW, QLD and SA.
