CLEAN LINES & CONFIDENT SHAPES

Spring is a time that many people look to refresh their home. The main trend is towards modern and designer looks, which account for 51 per cent of new-build detached properties. James Hardie ambassador and architect, Joe Snell defines the latest contemporary trends: “The modern trends feature clean lines, confident shapes and minimal ornamentation. They are rooted in the works of visionaries such as Mies van der Rohe, Frank Lloyd Wright and Alvar Aalto.” Here are four popular house-design trends:

MID-CENTURY MODERN is about connecting to nature by using large expanses of glass and buildings with simple silhouettes. The style often reveals how the building was constructed by exposing elements like steel beams and cladding boards, which need to be beautifully crafted.

MODERN COASTAL has the biggest opportunity to create softer, curved shapes. The large expanses of macro detailing and clean shapes remain, but there is also a lean towards embodying the coast. This is done through the use of curves and blues, greys and warm wooden tones.

SCANDI BARN is a style typified by a steeply pitched roof, which was a necessity to stop snow collecting in the Scandinavian winters. While it often involves light colours, it also has the potential for dark and brooding exteriors in greys and blacks with minimal window use. See examples of Scandi Barns at mindfood.com.

AUSTRALIAN HAMPTONS is a great new choice if ‘Modern’ isn’t your thing, advises Indah Island director Natalee Bowen: “The Australian Hamptons look is uniquely our own. It combines the original American tenets of timeless style and a love of entertaining, with Australian hues and classic weatherboard.” See images of Bowen’s home at mindfood.com.