To buy or rent a house is no longer about wanting to live within boxed spaces. New and upcoming architectural trends are playing a critical role when one sets out to visualise and eventually create that ultimate dream home.
Nearly two decades into the new millennium, architectural designs are now seeing a lot of swing and an enviable innovative drift. Thanks to changing lifestyles, home buyers are looking for convenient, yet good-looking options. Here’s a roundup of some of the upcoming trends in architecture.
Heritage influences
True to its name, the heritage style is a fusion of luxury and contemporary. Rustic designs in an amalgamation of urban and rural effects often work wonders. Think lofty ceilings, elegant floor to roof windows or doors, intricate embellishments on window and stair railings, fascinating wooden eaves boards.
Craftsmanship and authenticity of design are critical elements in this kind of framework. We are talking of a delightful play of earthy colours on walls, flooring, accessories, and furnishing around the house. The inclusion of antique artefacts and colonial style furniture, as well as borrowing influences from other countries and cultures, is an offshoot of this trend.
Zoom-in kitchens
The kitchen is the nucleus and the heart of every home – kitchens today are no longer units hidden away from public view. Add to that the fact that we need to make the most of the space we have in hand.
Cut across to a spacious kitchen that allows for ample seating beside abundant cooking and storage areas. As more homebuyers are opting for modular fittings in big kitchen spaces, the focus is now shifting to large kitchens capable of accommodating family and guests. Don’t be surprised to see the walls between the living and dining areas collapse to make way for zoom-in kitchens.
Green homes
The time is not far when home buyers will be asked ‘how green is my home’.
Environmental friendly architecture is fast gaining popularity. Be it roofing and building materials, cabinets and counters, or even flooring, energy efficiency is the keyword here. The use of recycled plastic, reclaimed wood, recycled glass works in favour of green homes. You can also go au natural with bamboo and cork, for instance.
Throw in a couple of solar panels that make your home sustainable and self-contained.
Large windows
Large windows are quite an architectural hit. There’s no denying how they open up to natural light, elevating energy levels easily. When designed accurately and located at correct angles, large windows enable passive solar gain during the colder months.
The larger the windows, better the outdoor view. Remember large windows are synonymous with natural air.
Skylights
Screens have long been a part of architectural blueprints but did you know that screens covering skylights are topping demand charts these days?
Doubling up as an overhead shading system and reducing the need for artificial lighting, the shadows these shades cast make them look very stylish. The passing sun adds to the oomph of this architecture trend.
Open spaces
Open spaces are a welcome change from traditional, walled-up interiors.
People are choosing to stay connected and interact in open spaces, be it with family or friends. How else do you explain open kitchens, sitting rooms extending into the dining areas or even suites opening up into porticos? These multifunctional designs not only benefit everyday living but also add depth to small spaces.
Smart homes
Who says your home has nothing to do with IoT and digitisation?
We are on our way to living in and making the most of ‘smart homes’. Riding high on the shoulder of new age innovation and technology gadgets, a single swipe or a tap on the screen can control lighting and temperature, turn the geyser on or even maintain security. Intelligent is the way forward.
Architectural ideas and trends are always evolving, thanks to changing needs. Architecture trends are a highly dynamic space, and as is evident, we are headed towards a minimalistic approach.
This article was originally published on www.thehindu.com
