The building design trends to look out for in 2020

New year, new renovation plans? Whether it's time your home needed some TLC or you’re planning a new building project, it’s important you make the right building decisions at the start of the planning process to avoid any pitfalls down the track.

As we enter a new decade, builders and engineers need to be savvy as they are forced to adapt to things like climate change, new technology and upcoming trends.

We spoke with senior building designer for Summit Renovations, Ashley Tunley, about what his building design predictions are for this year.

1. Indoor/outdoor living

Indoor and outdoor entertainment living has always been big in Western Australia. It’s where memories are made in the home and you can really go wild with your imagination when it comes to designing the space.

“With the beautiful weather we have here in Perth, there’s no surprise that indoor/outdoor living will continue to be a popular trend in 2020,” Mr Tunley said.

“It’s important for West Australians to have that connection to the alfresco area, garden or swimming pool, which can easily be achieved the way you want with clever design.

“We’re seeing more thought go into the back garden with the use of landscape designers to help the garden blend into and complement the property and alfresco living areas.”

Need some inspo? Check out our Pinterest page. 

2. Granny flats

Mr Tunley said the granny flat market will also continue to grow in popularity in 2020.

“From retirees wanting to downsize, parents looking for an independent space for their teenage kids and twenty-somethings to move into, or those wanting their aging parents to be close to family for a flexible, multi-generational living arrangement – a granny flat is an ideal solution,” Mr Tunley said.

“It also presents a great short or long-term investment opportunity while maximising the potential of your backyard and is a smart cost-effective way to expand.

For more information on granny flats, view our tips on how to get the most out of your granny flat.

3. The Hamptons

A trend that gained a lot of momentum in 2019 and is expected to continue in 2020 is the Hamptons style.

What is Hamptons style exactly? It’s about creating a place of sanctuary where you can simply unwind. A coastal lifestyle with nice open spaces, with light and bright areas, and shades of brass gold tone.

“The Hampton’s style has a strong place here in WA and it’s easy to see why it’s so loved by Perth home owners. Its simplistic design makes a home feel light, bright and open,” Mr Tunley said.

“Given Perth’s coastal landscape and sunny lifestyle, it’s no wonder this trend continues to captivate local home buyers.”

4. Industrialism

According to Mr Tunley, when it comes to industrial inspired renovations, the industrial-style theme shows no signs of slowing down in 2020.

“Features and materials such as metal cladding, skillion roofs and the cube elevation look will still be in high demand this year,” Mr Tunley said.

“Last year, we saw a lot of dark colours and a mixture of textures and materials both internally and externally of the homes we were renovating. I don’t expect that trend to die down at all this year.”

5. Character homes

Mr Tunley said this theme is all about retaining the charm of a character home.

“The restoration of character homes is becoming increasingly popular here in Perth, especially in suburbs around Fremantle, Mount Lawley, Victoria Park, Floreat and Wembley,” Mr Tunley said.

“What you will notice with these homes is that the extension and renovation blend seamlessly into the existing dwelling.

“It’s all about respecting the history and working with it to enhance the appeal of a character home by ensuring the features of the original home are carefully integrated the new.”

6. Sustainable energy

Being sustainable is an emerging trend that a lot of West Australians are factoring into their building plans in order to reduce their carbon footprint.

“We’re renovating homes with more sustainable and energy efficiencies in mind and I think more people will explore this in 2020,” Mr Tunley said.

“As designers, we have to be more knowledgeable than ever before to maximise gains for our clients. For example, in a recent renovation, provisions were made for a charging station for electric cars in the garage.”

7. Steel framing

When it comes to building methods, Mr Tunley said the demand for steel framing began to increase last year which we can expect to see follow through well into 2020.

“We manufacture our steel frames in our purpose-built, all-weather facility in a controlled environment which not only ensures the frames are built to exact specifications but helps reduce delays,” Mr Tunley said.

“The key advantage of this building method is that homeowners can stay living in their homes whilst the upper-story module is being constructed offsite, which is later transported and craned in.”

If you now feel inspired and ready to begin your building journey whatever that may be, contact a Summit builder. 

Not inspired enough? Head to our building/renovating advice page for more articles.