When you think about architecture, you can imagine the timeless columns of a Greek Revival style or the clean lines of a mid-century modern house. But for every classic architectural style, there are a few that do not quite stand the test of time. That’s why sometimes you can tell exactly when a house was built based on the architectural style alone (looking at you, 1990s ranch). The trick to going from trend to style staple is to choose one or two of the elements of the style you like for your home. Resist the urge to stack all the trends in one space. Instead, check out some of our favorite architectural trends of 2019 to see which features you would choose.
Hidden technology
Smart homes are nothing new in the world of technology and design, but architects are learning to be more sneaky about it. Today, technology is part of the design of the house rather than its main feature. Building smart sockets or speakers right in the house means you have all the technology you love without tripping over wires. It is also important that technology is considered an integral part of life, rather than a complement. Expect to see even more solutions to keep the technology hidden, but fully functional.
Flexible design
No two families are exactly alike, so why are so many floor plans the same? The idea of flexible design is one of those trends in architecture 2019 that we can really support. After all, it makes sense that designers are starting to see that different families have different ways of doing things. The result is a flexible approach to design, leaving the details to the owners. Create rooms that attract double service (a combination of room and office, anyone?) or get rid of formal and less used spaces (goodbye, formal dining room!) means that architects can create houses where every centimeter is optimized for each family.
Sustainability
Designing for sustainability is not new in the field of architecture, but the solutions used by architects are so 2019. Sustainability is not only about the use of energy-efficient appliances and a few solar panels, but also about the impact of buildings on the environment. With this in mind, more and more designers are turning to locally sourced sustainable building materials to start with. Sustainability is integrated directly into the walls with more efficient lighting fixtures and even covered green areas. You may not even know that your architect is a supporter of sustainability, because great designers make it an integral part of your construction.
On a smaller scale
Just ten years ago, size was the most important thing when designing a house. It was about how many square feet you could get, which is why the real estate market is full of “McMansions” from the 1990s and early 2000s.”These are usually houses that, although large, are often finished inexpensively or cursed with small lots. Interestingly, one of the most common architectural trends of 2019 is choosing to build smaller. It’s not always about the budget; owners simply choose to create smaller footprints.
This not only leaves more outdoor space, but also means easier maintenance and less maintenance. It also allows owners to invest in good quality finishes and furniture so that their small house will stand the test of time.
Segmented spaces
We all know that the open-concept house has been the gold standard for 10 years. After decades of specific small rooms, American families are choosing spaces that allow for more space and fewer labels. But while the open concept offers the most space to move around, it still has some problems. There can be too much openness in a house, so architects had to learn how to create defined spaces without using walls. Segmented spaces, which use architectural features such as built-in rooms, variable ceiling heights and other features help to divide the space while keeping it open.
External
The backyard is no longer an afterthought. More and more architects are taking the time to design both the outdoor space and the indoor space. Whether it’s space for a backyard barbecue, a sunny pool oasis or even just a children’s paradise, expect to see more outdoor design in 2019. When architects look at the way families live and use their homes, it is clearer that the exterior is just as important as the interior. Design a smart outdoor space and you will increase the size of your home without increasing square meters. In addition, planning outdoor spaces as part of design and construction means more efficient budgeting. The modern farmhouse is the most popular trend in 2019.
Modern farmhouse
For a few years now, the farm has reigned supreme as a top trend. The owners love the cozy warmth and architectural interest that the design of the farmhouse brings to the table. But there were some drawbacks, including the risk of getting messy and kitsch. Therefore, we are not surprised to see that the modern farmhouse takes up the list of trends in architecture 2019. It takes what everyone likes in the design of the farmhouse (warmth, character), but uses clean lines and architecture to ensure that it does not become awkward and messy. It’s a perfect marriage of two design styles to create something as functional as it is beautiful — and we’re here for that.
Using all possible trends in your home is what could push your design out of the “timeless” category. Instead, pick two or three trends that you want your architect to incorporate and allow them to magically work on your design. If you do it right, your 2019 home can stand the test of time and still look completely fashionable.
