Home design is constantly evolving to meet our changing needs and honestly, for most of us, the last two years of the pandemic has shifted the focus of some of those needs in totally new directions. How we live, who we live with and even where we live will affect our home renovation and decor plans.
To help you address some of your potential home reno and decor needs, we asked four top experts in real estate what they are seeing in newer design trends and aspirations in single homes and condos, and how these trends are affecting homeowners’ quality of life and lifestyle.
Jacky Chan, CEO of BakerWest Real Estate
One change we have noticed over the past few years is that our perspective on luxury has evolved. We are currently experiencing a trend toward the rejection of materialism as people are eager to feel healthier and more secure; they yearn to be part of a solution instead of adding to our social and environmental problems. In addition to high-quality finishings, there is an increasing demand for design elements that allow us to spend more time outdoors and connect with one another such as outdoor dining and entertainment space.
We are also seeing a trend toward designing homes that are good for both our health and the planet by using green building materials and following green operations programs like Passive House, LEED, Boma Best, FitWel and the highest level of the B.C. Energy Step Code. As we continue grappling with the effects of climate change, we should also look toward incorporating design elements that help reduce energy and utility consumption into our homes such as high-tech, energy-efficient windows, induction cooktops, and smart-home technology.
Tony Zarsadias, CEO of Island Realm
With the rise of remote work over the past two years, there is a trend toward having a dedicated office space within our homes, including space for ethernet cables, multiple monitors, and more. The increase in demand for online shopping has also led to a growing trend of design spaces to accommodate online packaged delivery. This could look like having an entryway where packages can be dropped off securely as well as a camera in the front door/entryway to monitor package delivery.
Another trend we have seen come out of the past two years is the need for pet-friendly spaces in our homes, including dog wash areas and walkways. As Vancouver Island has an aging demographic with Baby Boomers making up the base percentage of homeowners in the region, there is a design trend towards having a master bedroom on the main level to accommodate their future mobility needs.
Jamie Squires, President of Fifth Avenue Real Estate
Functional home design for today’s lifestyle is a key trend we are currently seeing. Consumers are looking at several different factors when it comes to the design of their home, including the overall layout and functionality as well as inclusions that provide added comforts such as natural gas and air conditioning. Homeowners are also looking for finish specifications, including quartz countertops, an open-concept layout, and the little touches and design details for a space they are proud to invite their loved ones into. Having an elegant neutral palette is important so residents can add their own sense of style, but the homes must have a clean, cohesive look.
As we continue to spend more time at home through remote work, there is a growing trend for leisure space within our homes that encourage social interaction such as indoor playgrounds that can be used year-round for families with young children. Al fresco dining, outdoor fire pits, fitness and lounge space are always top-of-mind for homeowners right now.
Shane Styles, President at Epic Real Estate Solutions
We’re seeing a trend toward creating spaces that help encourage social connections in an outdoor environment. Over the last couple of years, we’ve seen an increasing emphasis on outdoor spaces where residents can both relax and socialize close to home. In Kelowna, there is a focus on elevating the outdoor experience through extensive landscape design, pools, hot tubs, saunas, patios, fire pits, and a designated sun lounge. A popular trend we are seeing when it comes to interior design is the juxtaposition of rich kitchen cabinets and built-in appliances paired with a light wood floor. This colour combination gives the kitchen and dining area a sophisticated and upscale esthetic.