Millennials: Who are they and what do they want in their home?

Millennials are generally found in urban areas living in small shared spaces. They crave human interaction and seek community and proximity to fun social amenities and professional networks. A digitally connected generation that looks to sustainable and efficient multi-functional living spaces. Millennials are unique in that they are holding off on more traditional milestones, like marriage and children, and focused more on saving money and renting out part of their home in order to be able to afford a mortgage.

With the need for smaller communal spaces on the rise with this generation, we are seeing the dual-purpose furniture trends popping up. Millennials are looking for a home space that has an open floor plan, a home that offers enough personal space with a shared living area like a kitchen, for example. There may be lounge furniture that not only serves as a sitting area, but also as storage or a shelving unit, or even perhaps a coffee table that slides out when needed. Millennials are very keen on functionality, simplifying their life, and designing their home in a modern and clutter-free way.

Green materials are very much in demand with this eco-driven and cost-conscious generation. Non-toxic paint, Energy Star appliances, and LEED-compliant fixtures in and around the home are high on the list. Another popular trend among the Millennials is bringing the outdoors into the home. Using natural materials like reclaimed wood, natural stones, barn doors, or even ladders to get to loft type spaces, while sticking to neutral colours on the walls, can connect nature in the home.

While eco-friendly features are desired, such as solar energy systems and rain sensor-controlled irrigation systems, they must also be affordable and low maintenance. Smart tech gadgets must have a utilitarian purpose, such as Wi-Fi connected technology. Being able to control light, heat, entertainment, speakers, security systems, and even smoke detectors remotely from a phone or tablet is highly desirable. Having the entire millennial home set up with high-speed internet and plenty of outlets and charging stations throughout is now becoming a common requirement.

Today’s modern home has changed. It is designed with flexibility, sustainability, simplicity, natural interiors, comfort, style, and functionality in mind. With the advancement of technology and a digitally connected world, the Millennials have shaped the new standard in home design. And with the increased awareness of the environmental challenges that the world is faced with, eco-friendly lifestyles are growing at a rapid rate.

Categorized in: Helpful Resources, Lorne Rose Architect