Trend Alert: What’s Coming in 2012

If you’re a trend watcher and can’t wait to know what’s on the design horizon for 2012, here are a few of the evolving shifts occurring within Canada and the US pertaining to home design, which are making our living spaces more practical than aspirational. These trends apply not only to new homes, but more extensive renovation projects.

Then: Formal Living Room. Now: Open Family Room.

The first is nothing new and will certainly come as no surprise: formal living rooms are a thing of the past, with a preference towards open rooms that encourage family gathering. Interior walls continue to be torn down or opened up to expand views and make interiors feel more spacious and connected. Just be sure you’re not tearing down a load bearing wall if you’re removing anything.

Then: Second Staircase. Now: An Elevator.

Rather than making room for that second staircase, keep an area reserved for that future elevator! With aging populations, this luxury will become more commonplace as multiple floors become more difficult to manoeuver. Though definitely more expensive than your standard kitchen or bathroom renovation, sizes and interior finishes vary considerably, making them available in a wide price range.

Then: Soaker Tubs. Now: Steam Showers.

Showpiece bathrooms almost always feature a standalone tub, though a shocking number of homeowners say they never use the tubs to soak in. For those with more limited space, tubs are being replaced with steam showers, which are fabulous year round and not as drying to the skin as saunas. In homes with more space, many feature full steam rooms, often in the basement near the gym.

Then: Dad’s Office. Now: Lifestyle Centres.

The panelled office that doubled as dad’s retreat are disappearing in favour of “lifestyle centres.” Most homes feature wireless computing, so a fulltime desk is not even necessarily part of the equation. They tend to allow for flexibility and togetherness and may act as home office, homework centre, craft station, or something else entirely, but they are included within the main, open space and keep users connected with others in the house, rather than segregated.

Then: Breakfast Nook. Now: Outdoor Spaces.

Kitchen sizes have changed substantially over the years, with many now being the hub of the home and opening onto the family room. (Many also contain the home’s “lifestyle centre.”) Instead of breakfast nooks, they feature a bar area and stools. During the same time, outdoor kitchens have seen a dramatic rise and many would prefer to spend time outdoors when the weather is nice, and so the outdoor room continues to trend upwards. It includes more than just a dining table and a few chairs, though. Separate seating areas with a fire pit, for example, will grow in popularity as they help extend the outdoor season.

Then: Grand Foyer. Now: “Drop Zones.”

The double story entrance foyer is seen by many as a waste of space and is often terribly energy-inefficient. “Drop zones,” however, are functional spaces that help keep everyone organize. Most feature a place to store coats and footwear, as well as backpacks or briefcases, whether on hooks or cubbies or within a closet. They also provide a place to drop and sort the mail, set the house keys, and other things of that nature. Larger zones also store sports equipment or feature a place to store Fido’s leash and accessories. Depending on the layout of the home, it may be at the front door, or off a more commonly used side or back entrance.

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MeCC Interiors is an award winning full service design studio specializing in residential design, commercial redesign, and project management. Have your spaces custom designed from the ground up or simply dressed and accessorized – no job is too big or too small.

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