Modern Home Design Ideas: What’s Popular in 2024?

As we push through 2024, modern home design ideas are taking centre stage in London and beyond. Whether you’re planning a renovation or building a new home, understanding the latest trends can help you create a space that’s both stylish and functional, alongside boosting the return on your investment. Here’s a guide to the most popular modern home design ideas for 2024, with a focus on innovative features and timeless aesthetics.

Contents

1. Trending Cladding Options for Modern Homes
2. Maximising Space with Roof Terraces
3. Green vs. Blue Roofs: Eco-Friendly Solutions
4. Open-Plan Modern Home Design Ideas
5. Embracing Natural Light with Large Glazing
6. Bringing the Outdoors In with Indoor Plants
7. Energy-Efficient Upgrades: Grants and Incentives
8. Eclectic Styles: Mixing Modern with Traditional
9. Looking Ahead: Trends for 2025 and Emerging Innovations
10. Summary & Next Steps

Trending Cladding Options for Modern Homes

Modern cladding options not only enhance the appearance of your home but also offer practical benefits. Here’s a look at what’s trending in 2024:

• Composite Cladding: Ideal for a sleek, modern finish to your home extension composite cladding is made from a mix of wood fibres and plastic. It’s low-maintenance and durable, though some might find it less warm compared to natural materials.
• Metal Cladding: For a cutting-edge, industrial look, metal cladding such as zinc or copper is a top choice. It’s lightweight and long-lasting, developing a unique patina over time. However, the cost and complexity of installation can be higher.
• Timber Cladding: Offering a natural, warm aesthetic, timber cladding is popular for its eco-friendly credentials. It does require regular maintenance to protect it from the elements. A great example of treated natural timber is Shou Sugi Ban, a traditional, charred timber which provides a unique appearance and weatherproof finish.

Combined Composite & Copper Cladding – Copper House

Here’s a comparison of these cladding options:

Here at DeVis Architecture, we can guide you in selecting the best cladding for your modern home design. Contact us for expert advice.

Maximising Space with Roof Terraces

In the bustling city of London, roof terraces are a sought-after feature for modern homes. They provide a versatile outdoor space that can be used as a garden retreat or an entertainment area. To ensure your roof terrace meets safety standards and adds value to your home, it’s crucial to consider structural support and local regulations.

In-Set Balcony at Loft Level – Ribbon House

Green vs. Blue Roofs: Eco-Friendly Solutions

Sustainability is a key component of modern home design ideas. Both green and blue roofs offer eco-friendly benefits but serve different purposes:

• Green Roofs: These roofs are covered with vegetation, providing natural insulation and creating a habitat for wildlife. They help manage rainwater and reduce energy costs. However, they can be costly to install and require ongoing maintenance.
• Blue Roofs: Designed to manage rainwater and prevent flooding, blue roofs store water and release it slowly. While they don’t support vegetation like green roofs, they can be combined for a hybrid approach. The installation can be complex and expensive.

Here’s a summary of these roofing options:

If you’re interested in incorporating green or blue roofs into your modern home design, reach out for personalised recommendations.

Modern Extension with Green Roof – Dash House

Open-Plan Modern Home Design Ideas

Open-plan layouts remain a staple in modern home design, but 2024 introduces a twist: smart zoning. By creating distinct areas within an open-plan space, you can enhance functionality without sacrificing the spacious feel. This approach uses different flooring materials, partial walls, or varying ceiling heights to define separate zones, such as living, dining, and kitchen areas.

Embracing Natural Light with Large Glazing

Natural light is a key element in modern home design. Large windows, skylights, and glass walls are increasingly popular for their ability to flood interiors with daylight and create a seamless connection to the outdoors. Frameless glazing is particularly trendy, offering a minimalist look that maximises views and light while reducing the need for artificial lighting.

Take a look at our recent project, ‘Copper House,’ which features a unique up-and-over glazed roof to bring ample daylight into the property despite the crowded, built-up context.

Contemporary Open Plan Kitchen & Living Space – Dash House

Bringing the Outdoors In with Indoor Plants

Incorporating plants into modern home design is an easy way to add vibrancy and improve air quality. From potted plants and hanging baskets to integrated green walls, greenery can transform your living space and enhance your lifestyle & mood. Low-maintenance options like snake plants or peace lilies are perfect for adding a touch of nature without requiring extensive care, suitable for any homeowner and not just those with a green thumb!

A great example of a project of ours where the client wanted to bring the outdoors in is, ‘Flow House,’ where we even recommended locations for indoor planting to help zone the large, open plan kitchen/living space. Combined with lots of architectural glazing, the plants will likely thrive in the space all year round.

Rear Extension with Strategically Placed Plants– Flow House

Energy-Efficient Upgrades: Grants and Incentives

Modern home design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also about efficiency. The UK government provides several grants to support energy-efficient upgrades as they push to meet green targets:

• Solar Panels: The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) allows homeowners to sell excess solar energy back to the grid. This can lead to long-term savings on your energy bills.
• Air Source Heat Pumps: The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers grants up to £5,000 to help with the cost of installing air source heat pumps, making this green technology more accessible.
• Home Insulation: The ECO4 Scheme provides funding for various types of home insulation, including loft and wall insulation. This helps reduce heat loss and lower energy bills, but is only available for certain homes / people.

Many local authorities will have their own grants available for green technology, so it is always recommended to speak to them first to find out what help is available. At the end of the day, as technology improves the cost of doing so will likely come down, however, the savings in the short-term may end up outweighing the future reduced initial costs. Luckily, most legitimate sustainable technology companies will offer you a comprehensive report on the effectiveness of sustainability measures before you sign up making the entire process more trustworthy.

Eclectic Styles: Mixing Modern with Traditional

Blending modern and traditional styles is a growing trend in home design. This eclectic approach allows you to mix contemporary furniture and fixtures with classic architectural details. Combining sleek, modern elements with timeless features creates a unique and personalised space that reflects your individual taste.

A recent example of Eclectic design is our project ‘Monument House,’ combining both contemporary design features and traditional furnishings to achieve a truly unique result. For guidance on integrating eclectic styles into your modern home design, reach out to our team. We can help you create a cohesive look that combines the best of both worlds.

Eclectically Styled Open Plan Living & Dining – Monument House

Looking Ahead: Trends for 2025 and Emerging Innovations

As we navigate through 2024, it’s important to consider whether the modern home design ideas we’re seeing will continue into 2025 or if new trends will start to make their mark.

Sustaining Popular Trends

Several of the trends from 2024 are likely to remain relevant in 2025. Sustainable design features, such as green and blue roofs, are expected to persist as homeowners increasingly prioritise eco-friendliness and energy efficiency. Similarly, the use of natural light through large glazing and the appeal of open-plan living with smart zoning are anticipated to continue, offering lasting benefits in terms of space and functionality.

Eclectic, Open Plan Living Space with Natural Lighting – Twin House

Emerging Trends on the Horizon

However, the world of home design is dynamic, with new innovations constantly emerging. Here’s what might shape the future of residential architecture:

• Smart Home Integration: The integration of smart technology into home design is on the rise. Automated systems for lighting, climate control, and security are becoming more advanced and user-friendly, providing enhanced convenience and efficiency.
• Biophilic Design: Building on the trend of incorporating plants, biophilic design focuses on creating a deeper connection with nature through natural textures, water features, and organic forms. This approach is gaining traction for its positive impact on wellbeing and environment.
• Minimalism with a Twist: While minimalist design remains popular, it’s evolving with bold accent colours, unique textures, and standout pieces that add character and warmth to otherwise simple spaces.
• Adaptive Reuse: Repurposing existing structures is becoming a significant trend. Adaptive reuse reflects a commitment to sustainability by preserving historical architecture while transforming it for contemporary needs.

Summary & Next Steps

As you consider modern home design ideas for 2024, remember that each trend offers unique benefits and challenges. From choosing the right cladding to incorporating energy-efficient upgrades, there’s a wealth of options to enhance your home’s style and functionality.

Are you ready to transform your home with the latest design trends? We are here to help you navigate the possibilities and bring your vision to life. Contact us at info@devisarchitecture.com to schedule a free consultation and start your journey towards a modern home design today!