|
Written by RenoKu
|
|
Monday, 25 August 2008 06:44 |
It is interesting to see what are the renovation trends in other countries. One of Australia’s largest providers of renovations, Archicentre, has recently released Trends in Contemporary Home Renovation, 2008. In order to find out the trends, Archicentre polled its membership of over 800 architects on what steps their clients are taking to improve their homes.
The report divides the trends according kitchen, master bedroom, bathroom, en suite etc.
Kitchen Trends
1. Drawers not cupboards 81.7%
2. Large island benches 77.2%
3. Walk-in pantries 58.0%
4. Concealing appliances 50.2%
5. Colourful splashbacks 35.6%
6. Computer data points 22.8%
7. Concealed food prep area 20.5%
Hello drawers, goodbye cupboards seems to be the dominant catchcry (82%) for architectural kitchen joinery in 2008. A sensible one it is too. Searching behind item after item in cupboards that are too high to see into is no longer necessary now that drawers are the main draw. Renovators are also going for the flush look – not putting any handles on them, the openings are strictly push-action.
“Probably one of the most surprising trends is the move of having computer data points in the kitchen this year,” says Managing Director Robert Caulfield. “Almost one out of four renovators are using a computer in the kitchen. Five years ago this would have been unheard of.”
Master Bedroom Trends
En suite 93.2%
Walk-in-robe 85.4%
Deck or balconies 57.5%
Study 28.8%
Freestanding furniture (sofas) 17.8%
Bidet 7.3%
Bedrooms have grown considerably, but there’s fewer of them, says Mr. Caulfield. “Main bedrooms now allow for additional furniture: couch, seats, desk, drawers etc. Meanwhile, most upstairs beds will invariably have a balcony or deck, to go with walk-in-robe and en suite”
Walk-in-robes are bigger than ever and today double as dressing rooms, says Mr. Caulfield. “Highly detailed and generally larger so that the user can easily get dressed in there, particularly without disturbing their partner who may still be asleep!”
“The dark cavity wardrobe with mere hanging space is passé and ill-conducive. Today’s walk-inrobe must be purpose built with natural light, ‘his and hers’ space and a full-length mirror,” says Mr. Caulfield.
“She, and let’s face it, sometimes he, may want separate joinery for their shoes and the ability to display them.”
Bathroom Trends
Frameless showers 80.8%
Double basins 54.8%
Separate powder rooms 50.2%
Baths 48.4%
Double showers 37.9%
Concealed cisterns 37.0%
Heated floor 37.0%
Free-standing baths 30.1%
Views of internal courtyard 28.8%
Spa baths 13.7%
None of the above 1.8%
Today’s toiletry trends comes in twos. “Double showers and double basins are very popular right now.
Frameless glass shower (double size if feasible) and freestanding period-style baths are also en vogue,” says Mr. Caulfield.
“Spa baths — definitely out!”
“Size-wise bathrooms are diminishing but en suites are bigger than ever.”
En suite Trends
Parent’s En suite 93.2%
Children’s En suite 12.8%
“In luxury homes there’s an increasing incidence of one en suite per bedroom,” says Mr. Caulfield.
“Many clients request en suites with glass walls overlooking lush, secret gardens, a ‘bath with a view’ is what it’s called.”
“The sophisticated, sunken-floor open shower is one example of a masterful low-maintenance innovation. Shower cleaning is reduced drastically not to mention the wide open space being less restrictive to the point of liberating the bather. You can just walk in and walk out,” says Mr. Caulfield.
Source: Trends in Contemporary Home Renovation 2008
 |
Subscribe to this comment's feed
