12 Residential Architecture Features fit for the 21st Century
The
residential architecture industry is constantly changing. With each passing
decade, residential architects continue to find new ways to improve our quality
of lives with innovative features and new design ideas.
In
fact, hiring a residential architecture firm is one of the best ways you can
increase the total value of your property. Colorado residential architects can help complete a wide
range of projects, including custom home designs and major renovations if
you’re in the area. No matter where you are, whether you have a specific vision
or want total guidance along the way, the right residential architecture firm
will help you explore the many different options currently available.
Of
course, especially in the modern era, there are likely many different
architectural features and special design ideas you might want to consider
installing. With new technologies, new art forms, and new aesthetic
preferences, it is easy to create both indoor and outdoor spaces that reflect
your unique personality.
If you
are currently in the process of designing or redesigning your residential
space, you might be looking for a bit of creative inspiration. In this article,
we will discuss 12 residential architecture trends that are fit for the 21st
century.
1. Retractable Panels
Retractable
panels are perfect for homes with large windows that want a bit of flexibility.
These panels can easily be installed onto almost any home and help make it much
easier to control how much sunlight does or does not make it into your home.
Some retractable panels can even be controlled via remote control, making it
even easier to adapt your home to ever-changing weather conditions.
2. Open Floor Plans
Open floor plans, without a doubt, have
become the defining characteristic found throughout the world of residential
architecture. An open floor plan makes it easy for homeowners to maximize the
value of their space and to adapt to different social situations. While older
homes tend to have closed-off, distinctive spaces, modern homes have a much
more open environment.
3. Built-In Chargers
In the
modern, work-from-home (WFH) era, built-in chargers have become increasingly
desirable for homeowners of all kinds. With a built-in USB, it is easy to
charge a phone, connect a computer, or use a variety of other devices.
Furthermore, having a designated USB port can actually cause certain devices to
charge even more quickly and efficiently. No longer are traditional three-prong
outlets the only option available.
4. Smart Shading and Lighting
Smart
shading and smart lighting can help add value to any home. With a smart
lighting system, lights can be easily adapted for any occasion, including
entertaining guests and cozy dinners with your loved ones. There are currently
many different smart lighting and shading brands available to choose from.
Three of the most popular brands include Lutron, Control4, and Savant.
5. Maximum Storage Space
Whether
your home is large or small, finding ways to maximize storage space can be very
beneficial. Finding creative storage areas, such as in a kitchen island,
overhead, or collapsible drawers can help increase your ability to store
without losing out on square footage. By having additional storage spaces, it
is easier to stay organized and keep clutter out of sight.
6. Privacy Walls
Privacy
walls are essential for any outdoor space, particularly those in densely
populated areas with plenty of neighbors nearby. A privacy wall will not only
help you get a greater sense of being “at home”, but it will also help minimize
the amount of noise coming from beyond your property. Today’s residential architecture firms make it easy to incorporate
a privacy fence that is both structurally effective and visually appealing.
7. Outdoor Kitchens
While
it will obviously be worth investing in a modern, indoor kitchen, investing in
an outdoor kitchen can also be very beneficial. Outdoor kitchens can include all the
appliances offered by their indoor counterparts, including outdoor stovetops,
ovens, sinks, and refrigerators. An outdoor kitchen is ideal for people living
in a relatively sunny climate—like Boulder, Colorado—who want to entertain their
guests on a regular basis.
8. Deliberate Asymmetry
While
symmetry dominated the design space for ages, the post-modern movement is
largely characterized by creating design features that are deliberately
asymmetrical. By incorporating asymmetrical architectural features—roofs,
stairs, windows, and even doors—your home will gain a unique sense of character
that is difficult to replicate.
9. Flexible Rooms
The
work-from-home “revolution” has caused many people to suddenly need a
well-equipped office. However, in many cases, these people might not want to
dedicate an entire room to work. Finding ways to create flexible rooms,
especially when having an open floorplan, can help equip your home for any
possible situation. Incorporating a sliding or foldable door, for example, will
make it easy for your home to be private when you need it to be and open when
you don’t.
10. Focus on Air Flow
The
COVID-19 outbreak has also caused residential architects to think about
airflow, something that was already widely considered to be important for
numerous other reasons. Creating open spaces with high ceilings can help reduce
circulation issues. Furthermore, finding ways to better integrate indoor and
outdoor living areas will help make it much easier to create a consistent flow
of fresh air.
11. Commercial and Residential Blending
Residential
architecture and commercial architecture each often demand a specialized
approach. Nevertheless, there is a significant amount of overlap between these
two design disciplines, especially for people who live and work in the same
building. Be sure to ask your architect about design features that could
enhance both residential and commercial
value.
12. Modern Fireplaces
A
fireplace is perfect for anyone hoping to make their house a home. With new
technologies and design styles, installing (or updating) a residential
fireplace is easier than ever before. It is now possible to install a real,
working fireplace with far fewer infrastructure changes than was required in
years past. Additionally, an outdoor fire pit can be used to give your
yard the perfect gathering space.
Conclusion
The
architectural features that are best for your home will depend on your personal
preferences. However, if you are hoping to maximize homeowner value and also
increase aesthetics, each of the features mentioned above will certainly be
worth considering.