With a new generation of homeowners taking over the property market, there is a distinct new wave of interior design. New trends, such as the online favourite cottagecore, are becoming ubiquitous, houseplant numbers are rising, and homes are overall becoming more colourful than ever. However, with these new trends comes the inevitable leaving behind old favourites.
It isn’t just aesthetics that are being left to history. In fact, there are a number of property features that are altogether being replaced or removed, being symbolic of outdated designs or functionality. While some may not want to turn over their old-fashioned designs too easily, doing so can actually improve property value, indicating a modern functionality to a home.
The Television
Whereas once the television dictated where furniture was positioned, now it is secondary to design. This is partly because an increasing number of residents are steering away from technology at home, realising that screen time, when coupled with mobile devices, is becoming too significant to ignore, and partly because televisions are being effectively replaced with projectors instead.
Garden Sheds
With tools and technology making much of what was once stored in a garden shed smaller or altogether redundant, these outdoor shacks are no longer being seen as necessary. Lawnmowers, for example, are slowly being replaced with more affordable, smaller, and automated robot alternatives.
Instead, residents are choosing outbuildings with more functionality, those that can add value and practicality to a home, such as log cabins and summer houses. These versatile spaces are not only being utilised for their potential comfort but also for their utility too, with many being used for remote working and creative spaces.
Open-Plan Living
At some point in the 20th century, open-plan living spaces became the height of design, with the sense of space and openness they brought to a home being unrivalled. However, after years of embracing these spaces, residents have started to realise that there are significant downsides to open-plan spaces, as well as a great many advantages to cosier rooms.
Open-plan spaces are more difficult to heat, leading to greater energy consumption. At a time when the cost of living is rising, this drawback is notable. Additionally, as an increasing number of residents are beginning to work from home, having divided living spaces that allow for certain areas to become professional and others personal is beneficial.
Minimalism
While downsizing and sparsity remain popular among some, the clean living spaces of Scandinavian inspiration are now being replaced with maximalist and colour alternatives. No longer are homeowners interested in the aesthetic of understatement. Instead, residents are craving comfort and expression, especially as they spend a greater deal of time at home within their living spaces.
This also applies to texture and colour that, for the past few years, has been dominated by greige and white palettes. Being associated with rental spaces, especially those that are stylised for market performance over comfort of living, the next generation of homeowners are ensuring that their living spaces are abundant with colour.
