We’ve all had to spend more time at home than ever before during the past few life-changing years. So not surprisingly, people have looked carefully at how they use their living, play and work spaces.
New data released earlier this year has shown how Australians are seeking to create homes that meet their needs in new ways.
The annual Houzz Australia Emerging Home Design Trends Report uses data collected from Australian-based internet searches on the popular international architecture and interior design website.
The report shows Australians are looking for new ideas to create dedicated activity spaces, storage areas and indoor-outdoor living areas.
From home bars and bathroom mirrors to outdoor kitchens and butler’s pantries — people are mixing things up to get the most out of the spaces they own.
Here is a breakdown of the report’s search data collected between January and March this year, compared to the same period last year.
Dedicated activity spaces
As visits to hotels and restaurants became impossible, people looked for somewhere to relax and serve up a drink at home.
Home bar: up 79 per cent.
Media room: up 48 per cent.
Library: up 46 per cent.
Rumpus room: up 43 per cent.
Studio: up 43 per cent.
Outdoor living
Making the most of outdoor areas has become apparent as Australians look for the Hampton style of blue and white beach houses with gabled roofs and open floor plans — made famous by the wealthy residents of New York’s Long Island.
Hampton’s exterior: up 331 per cent.
Coastal kitchen: up 116 per cent.
Greenhouse: up 111 per cent.
Decks: up 105 per cent.
Outdoor dining: up 66 per cent.
Palm Springs: up 54 per cent.
Bathrooms
Upgraded bathroom areas have become important to Australians looking for the luxury and comfort of big hotel brands at home.
Bathroom mirrors: up 151 per cent.
Bath: up 110 per cent.
Wet room: up 64 per cent.
Ensuite: up 38 per cent.
Poolside
Somewhere to store the toys and the maintenance equipment, and perhaps sit in the shade to enjoy a cool drink, topped the list of searches for Australians looking to upgrade their pool area.
Pool house: up 107 per cent.
Swimming pool: up 60 per cent.
Swim spa: 52 per cent.
Pool cabana: 42 per cent.
Plunge pool: 29 per cent.
Keeping charm and character
Warmth, style, history and taste became essential to people looking to create the unique look and experience of somewhere to call home.
Exposed brick: up 199 per cent.
Australian native garden: up 132 per cent.
Balustrade: up 101 per cent.
Federation: up 52 per cent.
Industrial: up 41 per cent.
Smart storage
With family at home more often, sensible storage has become even more important to avoid clutter and those “what did I do with ... ?” moments.
Butler’s pantry: up 311 per cent.
Garage storage: up 90 per cent.
Built-in wardrobe: up 77 per cent.
Mudroom: up 64 per cent.
Walk-in wardrobe: up 58 per cent.