Building a home is a significant investment, and it's important to make design decisions that will stand the test of time. However, it can be challenging to navigate design trends and determine what will still look fresh and relevant years down the track. Here are some tips for navigating trends when building your home as well as some real life examples on our completed projects. One particularly good example is Two Roads House, Maleny located on Gubbi Gubbi / Kabi Kabi Country which was completed in 2014 and still seems like new.

Consider Your Location and Local Context.

The climate and your location can impact the design of your home in significant and meaningful ways. If you live in a hot and dry climate, for example, you may want to incorporate features like natural shading, passive cooling, and water-efficient landscaping. The natural features of your location can also inspire your home's design. If you live near the ocean, for example, you may want to incorporate stone that represents the rocks or cliffs found at the beach, or incorporate light honey toned timber like Blackbutt that represents the paperbark trees growing nearby. For Two Roads House shown below, the stunning hinterland topography, colours and natural elements were used for inspiration and connection to nature. As shown below the house is nestled into the natural topography and materials were inspired by nearby waterfalls, the rocks and earthy tones on site as well as the deep shades of colour found in the forest surrounds. The context of the site itself is also important and can tell a story that links history to the present and new. For example below is the existing cottage that provided inspiration to the palette and function such as verandahs.

Stone inspiration from nearby waterfalls and landscape.

Original quarters on site made of local materials and vernacular.

Look for Classic Design Elements

Classic design elements like clean lines, considered structural elements, and timeless materials like wood and stone will never go out of style (especially if they relate to the natural environment as mentioned in the first tip). Incorporating these elements into your home's design will ensure that it looks timeless and elegant for years to come.

Incorporate Trends In Small Doses

Rather than fully embracing a trend, consider incorporating it in small doses. This could mean incorporating a trendy colour in accent pieces like pillows, furniture or artwork, or incorporating a few special feature items like a beautiful unique stone benchtop. Consider incorporating unique design elements that speak to your personality and lifestyle, rather than simply following the latest trends. Make permanent material selections meaningful to you rather than trend driven. A deep green stone that reminds you of your travels through the South American jungle is more meaningful than a stone that you just saw in a magazine.

Focus on Functionality

Trends come and go, but functionality is always in style. Focus on designing your home with functionality in mind, incorporating features like ample storage, spaces you will love to use for your favourite activities and seasons, natural light, and flexible living spaces that will stand the test of time and provide value to your day to day life. A home that has a level of multipurpose and flexibility will allow the home to change functionally over time and as you require.

Consult With A Professional

Working with an experienced architect or interior designer can help you navigate design trends and endless options and create a home that is both timeless and most importantly meaningful. They can help you identify design elements that will stand the test of time and be points of conversation and story telling with guests. At Aspect Architecture we love developing a meaningful narrative to suit the client, local context and human experience. Often the narratives that emerge are around connecting the client with the natural surroundings and this narrative allows us to filter all our material and design decisions through a meaningful lens.

By navigating trends thoughtfully, you can create a dream home that is both stylish and forever yours. It will also stand the test of time in terms of financial value. Remember when done well, a home should last a few decades years without needing too much renovation. Design well and meaningfully for the sake of our planet as well as your own joy and connection to place.

For more on Two Roads House, Maleny click the link and have a look at the digital project book.

Navigating Trends When Building Your Home in Australia

Yamba - Byron Bay - Kingscliff - Gold Coast - Brisbane - Sunshine Coast

Suite 27, 11-13 Pearl Street, Kingscliff, NSW, Australia

02 6674 5418