4 Ways Our Homes Will Change In the Future, According to Architects

A Greater Focus on Sustainability

Unsurprisingly, sustainability is of the utmost importance when it comes to future trends. “I foresee a future in which all new homes will be built with sustainability criteria in mind,” Lucía Bravo Guinea, an architect in Madrid, Spain, says. “It will not be a fashionable trend like it is now, but an essential requisite to be matched by all new quality buildings.” 

Adds Sari Lehtinen of M+A Architects, “Being much more aware of our carbon footprint—and wanting to be more responsible with their choices—residents will prioritize space, furnishings, and functions that give back.” Lehtinen notes that this giveback will be aimed at reducing waste, reusing and refurbishing items over owning new, and understanding the lifecycle of the most commonly used products.

Those who appreciate incorporating an antique or two are in luck. Lehtinen adds, “Curated vintage memorabilia will become more desired, even beyond its current state, as it offers the chance to reuse and provide historical touchpoints.”

Separation of Spaces

Time spent working from home for months on end has made open concepts less than desirable.

“The future of our homes will see our spaces return to the days of separation and designation,” explains Eddie Maestri, principal architect and owner of Maestri Studio. “Wide open spaces are out, and purposeful and versatile spaces are where homes are going. The spaces in our home need to be able to adapt and provide purpose to the way we live today and tomorrow.”

Co-Living Pods

Come on, come all. Lehtinen foresees more co-living in the future. “Bridging the need for community and socialization from isolation, co-living and shared living pods offer needed amenities and experiences,” she explains. “These pods also offer multi-generational living, which is a much more desired and acceptable living arrangement by Boomers and Gen Z.”

A Touch of Nature

Let the sun shine in, Lehtinen explains. “Science has proven the power of nature, and biophilic design, and the benefits of alleviating mental fatigue by relaxing and restoring the mind are more coveted than ever before.”

Newer buildings may begin to include outdoor gardens or balconies, as developers are “now prioritizing these residential features, recognizing their appeal to residents and ability to provide cognitive respite,” she adds.

And fur babies and plant babies alike will be key, too. Lehtinen notes that te accommodation for plants and pets within the home will increase the ability to bring elements of nature indoors.