Design Trend - Start Simple

To quote the late American novelist Ernest Hemingway: “The Earth is a fine place and worth fighting for.”

Looking for ways – big or small – to help take better care of the planet is a huge trend in home design and often results in those funky, high-end homes we see featured in architecture and design blogs or the eco cabins showcased in green living magazines. 

But ideas to promote sustainability don’t have to be expensive, wild, wacky or overly green-y.

Start simple

Tuning into the sustainable design trend could be as simple as having the space to establish a thriving veggie patch for nutrient-packed homegrown goodness or adding a bird house or a pond to encourage local wildlife.

Water tanks, solar panels, waterwise gardens and energy-efficient lighting are other popular ideas to explore. The added bonus is these features can lead to long-term savings on water and power bills.

Bigger blocks give you plenty of space to play with when it comes to passive solar design, making the most of winter sun and summer breezes to naturally heat and cool your home.

The focus on sustainability and caring for the world around is also reflected in the way residential designers are tuning in to the changing way in which we live.

Flexibility for the long term

Homebuyers are increasingly aware of the need for designs that will adapt as their family grows and their needs change.

Cue spacious, open-plan living areas and intelligent, multi-purpose rooms that can quickly turn from a home exercise area to extra entertaining space, or from a kids’ retreat to a retiree’s art studio.

It’s the sort of flexibility that means we can stay comfortably living in our homes for the long term, helping to build strong and lasting communities.

Research indicates homes that help us tread lightly on our planet can also bring significant benefits for our mental health.

Here are some simple ideas you might want to consider in line with the sustainable design trend include:

• Comparing energy ratings on appliances and buying the most energy-efficient you can
• Using low-toxin paints
• Choosing a gas-boosted solar hot water system
• Using recycled materials
• Making space for a compost bin in the garden
• Planting a bee-friendly garden
• Sourcing building materials locally
• Planting trees
• Waterwise plumbing fittings
• Space in the kitchen to collect recyclables
• A floorplan that has obvious zones for heating and cooling