Trends define a generation. In architecture, they create moods for the industry and determine how personal space may influence daily lifestyles. Before presenting our 7 current home design trends, it is important to clarify the difference between ‘trend’ and ‘fad.’ Often used synonymously, their meanings are quite different.
A trend is something that catches on. It has the potential to persist for decades in some cases. What confuses many people is that a trend and a fad often look very similar in the beginning. Put concisely: a trend will give direction and a fad is just a craze. At HMH, we have solidified a custom design style that fuses classic trends with modern elements to become our own special brand of interior design and architecture.
Now on to the architecture & design trends in 2016 that we are excited about! From sustainable materials to functional living spaces and art deco prints, here are 7 architecture and design trends in 2016 to keep an eye out for…
- Bespoke Houses/Renovations
Often used in relation to men’s tailoring, this term can also be applied to a new home or renovation that has been carefully designed to the reflect the home owner’s personality and complement their lifestyle.Small-scale cocktail bars, purpose-built quiet rooms and walk-in closets that could be found in a 5th Avenue fashion store are just some of the in-demand bespoke inclusions homeowners are seeking
- Open Concept
Gone are the days where every room had a door and four walls. Instead of traditional rooms, there are now implied spaces. Rooms are visually connected making a home feel larger. Rooms are defined by changes in the ceiling or floors, rather then walls.
These spaces connect to each other without obstructions creating minimalistic interior design. This concept can be applied to multiple floors creating an enlarging effect of the interior space.
- Inside and Outside Have Become One
What used to be a very defined line, or wall, is now blurred. Rooms now blend into the outdoors without worrying about a solid distinction. Homeowners want the exterior to be just as important as the interior living spaces and are including everything from full kitchens, to furniture and TVs.
Private courtyards that open up to two or three rooms in the home extend the living and entertaining space and accessibility as well as the utility.
- Larger Windows
There is nothing like having architectural elements that allow your indoor living to expand and blend with the outdoor space. Large, sliding glass windows and/or doors serve to discard the separation between indoors and outdoors completely.
Floor-to-ceiling windows replace walls so each room has unobstructed views. . Advancements in window energy performance make this possible. Well-performing custom windows and doors have never been cheaper and more accessible.
- Smart Homes and
Home Automation
We’re seeing an explosion of new WiFi-enabled smart gadgets as tech companies compete to ride this new wave of innovation. The result: an abundance of new smart gadgets and gizmos that you can connect to your smartphone or tablet to accomplish things like designing your lighting, automating a schedule for your sprinkler system, or remotely adjusting your thermostat.
- Interiors
Interior styling will be focused on personal interest and experiences, where a combination of styles and pieces will be the direction for many homes. You’ll be seeing a lot of art deco-inspired patterns and shapes, nubby wool rugs, encaustic tiles and artisan accent pieces.
Pantone announced the 2016 Color of the Year, and it is, for the first time, a pairing of two colors — Serenity and Rose Quartz, which are slightly dustier versions of baby blue and blush pink.
What’s on your radar this year when it comes to architecture and design trends? We’re always eager to hear from our clients and partners.