by Rachel O’Conner

Think back to an engrossing science fiction novel, or a film with fantastic, avant-garde elements that were unforgettable. The feelings evoked from their visions of wonder leave a sensory and visual impact on its experiencer. Fast forwarding to present day – individuals and architects are following the trends of placing futuristic, and incredible surreal-like features into their homes that are not only innately stylish, but functional and practical. These are the five home design trends of the future to consider for your current or future living quarters.

1. Continuous Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Energy Usage

Energy conversation and efficiency have made their marks over the past few decades as necessary factors. Families can look to incorporate eco-friendly energy and geothermal energy usage into multiple common outlets, diminishing dependence on traditional sources of power. Solar roofing tiles, for example, can be used to generate multiple areas of power for the home – thus, resulting in lowering electricity bills and creating a “green home” that efficiently uses water and energy to not only make home a healthier place to thrive, but a space that affects the surrounding environment without consequence.

2. Dynamically-Shaped Architecture

Houses nowadays do not always fashion the classic suburban style one is used to witnessing in a family neighborhood. While this timeless house design will continue to exist for years into the future, architecture is shifting (literally) into new heights, shapes, and concepts globally. In Japan, shell-shaped homes are established with curves and elliptical structures to make a person feel cocooned in luxury. In Russia, some contemporary homes are reminiscent of spaceships and monarch buttery wings under the brilliance of Zaha Hadid – whose work can be described as “structures acting like a growing organism”. Finally, Komb houses were created by Cairo’s Karim Rashid. Komb houses are artistic-statement pieces that sport warped walls and one of the world’s most environmentally-friendly home designs!

3. The Use of Light Architecture & Design

Whether the purpose is for impressive design or a designated purpose, light architecture and design has always acted as a reliable source to ignite spaces. Light paints a mood and backdrop that establishes the tone for an environment – so of course, home designs have taken advantage of this expressive outlet! The placement of light is completely dependent upon the atmosphere it resides in, directing focus on an object, or area of the home, and casting shadows with an agenda. Color plays into effect as a personality while brightness and darkness can evoke emotions and dispositions.

4. Unexpected Portability

Tiny houses are an extreme take on minimalism that gained popularity in the past few years. Today, some tiny houses are 100% functional, pre-fabricated and portable, as seen in The Zero House, for example. The Zero House is a refreshing take on the idea of living with only the essentials in a compact design, contributing the least amount of impact to the environment, and providing the secure option of possessing a home wherever life takes you. Surely enough, living a tiny home would also decrease spending as a whole.

5. Manipulation of Glass as Both a Design and Functional Object

Glass has become a quintessential and transparent design accessory, in addition to acting as a light-bearer and space-opener. Homes can now be seen with walls completely made of glass, decorative floating glass stairs, and durable, hardy glass floors and ceilings. In other words, imagine a greenhouse design that shelters your bed and common living spaces, or opulent living in a “snow globe”. The use of glass takes openness to a whole new level as a futuristic design: artificial light is a thing of the past with sunlight beaming down most of the day, a sense of vulnerability and ethereal energy transcends a space, and glass as a whole seems to make a room weightless. To no surprise, curating a home focused on glass design is energy-efficient beyond belief. In some cases of individuals who own glass homes, solar energy is harnessed to its optimum usage.

Home design is progressively changing, so it’s safe to say that trends come and go. However, one truth for sure: people can look forward to the future of stylish and efficient living and that the imagination of architects and creators will continuously surpass imagination – even more than they already do now.

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