DESIGN TRENDS TO WATCH IN 2019

When it comes to renovating, Mastery loves looking at the latest design and style trends to ensure we have our finger on the pulse on the latest features, textures, styles, sourcing and design trends. Vogue Living and HOUZZ always has their finger on the pulse and we love this summary of their top tips for design in 2019.

THE POD

The rise of the outdoor Pod-like structures are gaining popularity, especially those clad in timber. Whether it’s to separate a backyard room or a studio, pods that sit off the main home are going to be a trend. Perhaps due to Australia’s strict planning laws or just designers embracing modular living, whatever the reason: prepare for the pod. Kitchen pods also very popular.

"Timber-clad pods have been popular as a way to add a separate backyard room, granny flat, teenage retreat, or studio for the past few years," explains Vanessa Walker from Houzz. AU's editorial team  "Now, we are seeing on Houzz that pod-like shapes are attached to, or inside homes. In this Sydney extension, the pod houses a laundry and bathroom and sits, in a deliberately ambiguous way, between the interior and the deck. We suspect rounded pods will continue to pop-up in the centre of otherwise conventional spaces and rooms."

SUSTAINABILITY (LESS IS MORE)

Being strategic and purposeful about purchasing behaviour is a key ingredient to a sustainable ethos. From the initial question of, 'Who you are purchasing from and what values do they stand for?' to 'What type of materials are used to build each item? To complement and highlight special pieces.

BIOPHILIA

“For 2019, there is greater interest in biophilia–emphasizing the relationship between humankind and nature, and the connections between the two. Natural, organic materials–such as wood floors, stone, and daylight and plant life–remind us of the exterior and brings the outside and nature, in. We are machine- and technology-driven society, but nostalgic about past processes and handywork, so opportunities for custom Millwork and crafted materials are very important.”—Angie Lee of FXCollaborative

BOLDLY PATTERNED BACKSPLASHES

"Simple, monochromatic kitchens have had a good long run, so we will be gravitating toward making a little more impact in their kitchens, whether that's with bolder colour choices or graphic tiles. Either way, I predict we will be seeing more pop and punch in kitchens!" — Amy Sklar of Sklar Design

LIGHT WOOD FLOORS

"Light-coloured floors are making a comeback, thanks to the homeowner's growing desire for a more airy and open look and feel. In shades of birch, beachy white and light oak, these floors reflect more light, and can transition from casual to luxurious, without sacrificing comfort."— Kesha Franklin of Halden Interiors

COSMETIC OVER STRUCTURAL RENO’S

Less people are doing structural reno’s and are turning to simple aesthetics or cosmetic renovations, which can sometimes be turned around in as little as six weeks. Structural renovations can be unaffordable, especially close to the CBD, plus it is getting harder to get around strict council regulations, as well as finding cost-effective builders.

NATURAL STYLING

As the population becomes more health conscious and environmentally aware, there is this movement towards organic and natural materials when it comes to styling. From timber shelves, to natural fibres and linens, property design is no longer the “look at me” type styling, it’s all about being real and comfortable.

OPEN-SPACE DESIGNS

While large, open-space design that encourages mingling of cooking, entertaining, and family spaces has dominated residential architecture for the last few decades, the trend is undergoing some changes in both residential and commercial architecture. Architects and designers are becoming increasingly conscious of defining the various segments of these open spaces, both to prevent vast rooms from looking flat and uninspiring and in order to designate different living or working zones. To accomplish this, designers incorporate changing floor levels, shifts in surface colours and textures, islands for kitchen separation, furniture groupings, and lighting to improve the visual organization of space.  

SMALL DESIGNS

Sky-high land prices and the environmental impact of large houses is inspiring a movement towards smaller homes with contemporary, multifunctional and interesting designs. The popularity of tiny houses, micro-apartments, co-housing and multi-generational housing all show the growing interest in this lifestyle. Over the years, talented architects have occasionally challenged themselves by trying to design small but perfectly formed buildings. Today, with reduced budgets, many architects have turned to a more focused way of creating works that may be physically small, but are definitely big when it comes to trendsetting and ideas. Small but perfectly formed architectural designs are becoming a popular architectural challenge.

SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE

Considering the impact of human activity on climate change, developments in architecture now seek to address the issue of sustainability. The installation of water-filtration systems in new buildings is now a way for new buildings to alleviate the water crisis. Also, air conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems are now designed to conserve energy and reduce negative effects on the environment. Furthermore, sustainability is also a top concern for home buyers. Consumers know the importance of reducing their carbon footprints, and want to make sustainable choices that fit with their lifestyles. Architects can meet these needs by ensuring the building envelope is well sealed and insulated and by including sustainable options such as solar panels or energy efficient appliances.

LOVE YOUR LAUNDRY

We are seeing laundries become design statements in homes. I.e. Three Birds and an extension of the bathroom and kitchen design and look and feel – highly functional and spacious.

KITCHEN LUXE

The look is less kitchen, more luxe. Exquisite finishes and surfaces star. Modular kitchens are coming, designed to be rearranged daily to suit your needs. Custom designed kitchens

Sources: Vogue Living , Elle Decor

Original Article via HOUZZ