Times are changing, and so are the design trends in the property market.
While smart design has become the usual preference for properties in the country, this is likely to take a back seat as density increases, and urban living continues to be widespread.
Some way-out design trends are expected to make their way into future apartment designs, according to CoreLogic. Here are some anticipated designs that are significantly different from what is in the market today.
1. Micro-apartments
Many designers are trying to make do with the available or allotted floorplan, but others opt to build pint-sized apartments. This type of home features a lot of storage, adaptable living spaces, sliding walls, hidden appliances, and big windows with great views that divert the owners' attention from thinking that they are living in a tiny space.
2. Retirement pads
For many ageing residents, the grandness of their homes is not a priority. Instead, they downsize to low-maintenance flats that better suit their lifestyles and requirements. This group is more inclined to choose comfort, proximity to cultural attractions and resources, availability of support services, and accessible designs that complement independent living.
3. No kitchen, no problem
With more Aussies indulging in Uber Eats, kitchen-free living seems the new way to go. Kitchens take up space that not everyone uses, so it makes sense to simply put a microwave, toaster, kettle, and a small sink in the corner. The allotted space for the kitchen can be used for bigger sleeping and living areas instead.
4. Bring the shopping to you
This centres on the new ways that food and goods can be delivered to homeowners. Some facilities and equipment are likely to enter the scenario. These include landing pads for drone deliveries; a 3D printer that allows you to print out products you need immediately; and large storage lockers to enable deliveries 24x7.
5. Come and go as you please
Airbnb has been a hit. With the attention the business is getting, more people are rethinking the need for full-time housing. Hence, it is anticipated that more apartments will be designed for short-term tenancies, which will include not only online bookings but mechanisms for pro-rata utilities and rates, and accoutrements like lockable storage.
6. Home sweet apartment
Smaller blocks are becoming the norm, and higher-density living is inescapable. Instead of leaving home, kids may move into separate apartments within the same building – refurbished with features such as separate entrances and dedicated parking spaces in the garage.
7. Single-use apartments
With marriage rates declining and people staying single for a long time, apartment designers need to adapt and come up with smaller designs that will cater to only one person. For instance, bigger bedrooms and smaller bathrooms will be suitable for a living space that no longer needs to be divided for a whole family.
