Our expectations of a modern home are changing, and that’s having a direct impact on how many owners are approaching renovation projects.
The work-from-home (WFH) movement, climate change and the pandemic aftermath are the most powerful factors influencing today’s designs.
Owners are keen to explore sustainable building materials and want the highest levels of insulation to minimise those rising utility bills but still enjoy winter warmth and the cooling hum of aircon in summer.
Technology has given us far more professional flexibility, bolstering expectations that a modern home should have dedicated spaces to work from home.
Covid made many families acutely aware of the need for children to study at home. Schoolwork at the dining room table was a nightmare parents won’t forget.
Demand for in-home entertainment is another consequence of Covid. Many still resist sitting in a cinema next to strangers for hours. Renewed interest in pools or spas is often based on similar concerns.
As an experienced agency in your area, we’ve noticed how many renovations are designed with these challenges in mind.
If you’re wondering whether it’s a smart play to renovate or upgrade to a new home, one of our agents would be delighted to talk you through the options. We continue to see strong buyer interest in the area with excellent sales to kick off 2023.
In the meantime, here are some trends for renovations and extensions for 2023. We hope you find them helpful.
Work options
Dividing large rooms into smaller alcoves to create home offices has become increasingly popular. Other owners will add dedicated extensions for a home office.
Crown the kitchen
Designers believe their clients will focus on their kitchen above all other areas in 2023. From a real estate perspective, this is a wise long-term investment.
Storage strategy
Ever-more inventive storage solutions are high on the list of renovators. Storage continues to be a big issue in modern homes, and this is a welcome trend.
Rise of multi-function spaces
Some designers will sacrifice the practicalities of life over style and beauty. Owners will not indulge in unused space. Instead, a single room may be used for a combination of work, fitness and as a spare bedroom.
Bring the outdoors inside
Large, sliding cafe doors will dominate many renovations, bringing extra light into the home and making the garden more accessible. Where space is tight, you’ll see bi-fold doors that open onto decks from kitchens.
Look on the bright side
Renovations will feature large windows to capitalise on natural light.
Go natural
Carpets will be shown the door as natural timbers and stone dominate the floor.
That’s entertainment
Building a dedicated cooking and eating area in the garden will be popular in 2023. It won’t be enough to simply place a BBQ, table, and chairs in a shady corner.