Millennials comprise the first generation of digital natives, or people who grew up in the digital age. Their affinity for technology shapes the way they work and live. They also set new standards in various industries with the use of social media platforms to express opinions and experiences wherever they go.
Like previous generations’ canons of utility and beauty, the millennials’ intricacies of instantaneousness and virtual worlds have started to influence architecture and design as well. Several home design trends that appeal to this generation, including green-focused fashions, small-space living, and dual-purpose furniture trends can be seen as listed below-
1) Urban and Size-Conscious
It’s true; Millennials haven’t been queuing up to buy large suburban houses. They are more concerned with reasonable energy use, efficiency and of course, saving on the dollars. The importance of being within close proximity to necessary social and professional networks and city resources means this generation is generally found in urban areas, and naturally, this goes hand in hand with smaller properties, too. However, just because they choose to live in smaller quarters, doesn’t mean they’ll be cramped.
2) Open floor plans
Floor plans are more open and efficient than ever before. Simply put: Millennials just don’t have time for hallways! A big kitchen still remains a prerequisite, but it should flow into the other rooms for easy entertaining. For this reason, almost half of millennials are keen on luxury kitchens with a preference for lounge furniture that serves more than one purpose.
3) Simple yet sleek and trendy
Baby boomers preferred rustic décor and plenty of accessories. Luckily for us, Millennials are keen on functionality and minimalistic design to keep a clutter-free home. That’s not to say that rustic and natural materials aren’t found in their homes, they are just limited in number. Part of this is due to the smaller spaces they are occupying, but it’s also because the increased use of technology means many accessories that were once physically found in the home can now be condensed into the palms of their hands.
4) Natural materials and features
There is a hangover of the baby boomer rustic interior, but the youngest generation of homeowners are switching it up. We’re seeing more natural tones in today’s millennial homes such as reclaimed wood, neutral palettes and barn doors. Scandinavian design is contributing to the pro-wood feel, but so is the tendency to bring the outdoors inside.
5) Statement appliances
Diner-type restaurants with open plan kitchens and cookery shows may have had an impact here. This generation loves fancy kitchen appliances and probably also benefits from saving the cents with home-cooked meals instead of splashing out on dinner.
6) Green building materials
Millennials are choosing eco-friendly materials such as non-toxic paint, Energy Star appliances and LEED-compliant light fixtures in and around the home. The EPA recently estimated that homeowners save up to $501 every year with eco-friendly windows, for example, so the trend is fitting in well with this cost-conscious generation.
7) Cost efficient and easy maintenance
This generation is more and more conscious of the time, energy and expense that goes into the upkeep of living spaces. This means that Millennials are championing the move to high design at low cost which does not require regular maintenance.