When you looking around for a space to live, or even when you are curious about what is going on in the real estate market, it is hard to overlook some of the fascinating design trends that are happening in the apartment market. Cities are becoming overcrowded, and the need for apartments is growing. For example, according to the New York Times, New York has seen more population growth than any other city in the United States in 2011, with a gain of .09 to their entire population. As population becomes dense, we can see design trends begin to form in the apartment market.
Micro-Apartments
We're seeing an end to the days of luxurious penthouses and large apartments. Instead, the modern trend is now for micro-apartments, that is, apartments that might measure less than 400 square feet. Once upon a time, such small apartments were regarded as less desirable, but things have changed. These days, people are increasingly willing to pay more and more money for small spaces that are optimally located, especially in large cities. To account for this growing trend, we're seeing mico-apartments use things like non-standard design to bring people in.
Balconies
While the apartments might be getting smaller, the urge for a little patch of the outdoors to call your own has not. Modern apartments are seeing the inclusion of balconies. Even a very small balcony is a good place to bring a chair and to read in the sunlight, and one that is only a little larger can allow you to grow several types of plants. Modern apartments have built-in balconies that can be extended straight from the living space.
Complete Unit
There is a focus on apartments as complete units. Many modern apartments end up with washers and dryers, negating the need to walk down to the basement or laundry. This added luxury makes life much more simple for the apartment dweller. To further simplify life, a dishwasher might also be included in the kitchen.
Bigger Windows
When it comes to attractive apartments, many designers are opting for bigger windows. Floor to ceiling windows are a great trend, and there are a number of different reasons to approve of this particular design choice. In the first place, bigger windows let in more light, and they also allow the apartment to stay warmer in with winter. This modern apartment dweller will use more natural resources and less in the way of conventional resources.
Open Plan
Designers are also being drawn to more open-plan models. With apartments increasingly shrinking in size, open plan structures make sense. When the kitchen blends seamlessly into the dining area or the living room, you are saving quite a bit of space and negating the need for walls. An open plan is attractive to the eye and it creates more space. It is also perfect for the person who loves to have everything in their home accessible at all times, and it makes a huge difference when you are looking at a spot that might only be 400 square feet.
Whether you are thinking about investing in real estate or you are just considering how you feel about renting for the next few years, there are many terrific building trends that will enchant you!
Fred Appleby is a freelance design blogger. He is passionate about urban design, particularly innovative green roofing in modern construction.
