Sort It: Micro is going to be big in the homes of the future

How we use and interact with our homes has changed radically in the last 50 years, yet floor layouts have not evolved that much. Now, with a real need for new housing stock, there is scope for a new breed of housing that is more forward-thinking and which addresses people’s needs.

There are a number of trends that will play a huge part in the way we live, the most significant of which is technology.

I visited Disney World in the late 1980s and one of the most memorable attractions was the Epcot Center, a vision of the future where one of the predictions was that everyone would have their own personal phone that they carried everywhere. In my small head I struggled to imagine how I could carry the telephone that hung on our kitchen wall around with me.

It is, of course, a reality now and the advances that have taken place in my lifetime have amazing implications for our homes. I received a present of a Philips Hue, a set of wifi-enabled bulbs that lets me control the lights from my phone or tablet. I can change the colour or level of light depending on the time of day or I can turn the lights on and off while I’m away.

This is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of how technology and lifestyle will integrate. The “internet of everything” is set to radically affect every aspect of our daily lives, from home security to smart appliances – and much of the technology already exists.

Garden design

However, technology is not the only factor playing a part in the transformation of our homes. Treating our gardens as living spaces is a growing trend that influences renovation.

Top of our clients' lists in terms of renovation projects in the coming year is not a kitchen revamp but a redesign of their garden. We have been slow on the uptake with this trend in Ireland but a couple of acceptable summers and Irish people are embracing al fresco living.

Covered spaces and outdoor kitchens and fireplaces are becoming more popular. A seamless connection between inside and outside gives the impression of a larger living space.

Migration to urban areas is rising, placing demands on housing and resources. Fifty per cent of New Yorkers live alone and in London the figure is 43 per cent and rising. This means accommodation is getting smaller and more innovative, with a focus on super-functional design and efficient use of space. Micro accommodation is already popular in US cities where apartments are designed to deliver an uber-functional use of space by making areas like kitchens, laundry and storage communal to maximise living space.

Storage

Family life is busy, with no sign of things slowing down. Efficiency and organisation are key to minimising stress and creating a happy home. Storage is the solution to a super-organised home.

Dedicated areas for coats, schoolbags and sports equipment and utility and laundry rooms with space to dry laundry all make living space clutter-free. Larder and pantry storage are all very high on the list of priorities for our clients. With the right kind of storage, you will find that you don’t need such a large living space.

Flexibility in home design is also important. People are buying to stay and want their homes to adapt to suit their ever-changing needs. People need their homes to function with small children and with teenagers. Flexibility of space and how it can be manipulated is critical to the success of today’s homes.

External spaces

So what does this all mean for the future? External spaces will be given as much attention as internal spaces. Connecting both will be a key feature of homes of the future.

Allotments will become a common feature in back gardens with a move towards wellness and encouraging people to take control of what they eat.

Energy-saving will be handled by technology. From water to heating, everything will be controlled to the homeowner’s needs. Homes will get smaller but be more efficient in terms of space and layout.

With design becoming increasingly integrated with technology, the opportunity for homeowners to become more hands-on with the design of their homes will increase. Building or remodelling your home could be as easy as customising a pair of runners online.