Property

5 ways to future-proof your home

man sitting at desk on phone with dog in his lap

Courtney De Bono

Posted August 10, 2021

You don't need a crystal ball to make smart design choices that will serve your family now and into the future. 

With a little common sense and careful forward planning, you can create a home that’s sustainable, efficient, and adaptable to the changing lifestyle needs of its occupants. Whether you’re building, renovating, or on the hunt for home improvements, these five ideas will help get you started in future-proofing your home for years to come.  

Save with solar

Solar panels allow you to harness clean, green energy from the sun - reducing your carbon footprint and bringing down your bills. With a bit of research and expert advice, you can design a system specifically tailored to your home. Look for installers that use high-quality panels that are highly efficient, durable, and come with long-term warranties.

Make the most of your investment by considering installing a solar battery, allowing you to store energy generated when the sun is shining for later use. Want more good news? Having a solar system has been shown to increase your home’s value and appeal to prospective buyers.  

Enhance your energy efficiency

Creating a future-proof home means making sustainable design decisions that minimise your environmental impact. And while solar is a great place to start, there are myriad ways to reduce energy wastage. Straightforward fixes include draught-proofing air gaps around doors and windows, glazing, and ensuring your home has adequate insulation. But for an even more impactful investment, look to the biggest energy suckers in your home – the heating and cooling systems.

Inefficient and outdated systems can be unreliable, affect your indoor air quality, and waste energy - leading to high bills and maintenance costs. Installing a new system (particularly when paired with solar) is one of the best decisions you can make when it comes to improving your home’s energy efficiency and comfort, ensuring you stay warm in winter and cool in summer. 
 

two people standing at an outdoor barbecue at a party in sunlight

Indoor-outdoor living is a lifestyle trend that's here to stay. 

 

Choose smart storage solutions

Insufficient storage space is one of the biggest impediments to staying in a home long term – especially with a growing family. And while you’ll find plenty of quick-fix hacks online, investing in built-in storage units is a sure-fire way to maximise space from floor to ceiling.

Built-in closets and cupboards help you organise (and hide!) clutter and can be customised, complete with drawers, shelves, hanging racks, shoe storage and cabinets. Built-in window benches with under-seat storage provide a perfect hiding spot for toys. Built-in bookshelves, wine racks and TV units are also great ways to utilise wall space, while maintaining a stylish aesthetic that cohesively blends into your home. 

Embrace the outdoors

Indoor-outdoor living is a lifestyle trend that's here to stay. A well-designed alfresco, patio or deck area can be used year-round, creating additional entertaining and relaxing spaces. Functionality is key to creating a versatile space that becomes a part of your everyday life. Outdoor kitchens complete with BBQ, burner plates, fridge, sink, prep space – even pizza ovens – are becoming increasingly popular, allowing you to cook and serve a full meal in the open air.

Modular outdoor furniture opens up your options for lounging, dining, and socialising. And no matter the size of your space, including features that help you stay outside for longer are a must: think screening and overhead shelter, lighting systems, outdoor heaters, mounted fans and fire pits.  

Make your home office work harder

Remote working is now a way of life, and having a home office is increasingly desirable. But why not make it a space that meets more of your needs? Whether you’re building, adding on, or considering how to use existing space, thoughtful planning and furniture choices are key to creating a multi-functional room.

A desk on wheels or that folds away is a great place to start; you can even tuck a workstation inside a cupboard with overhead shelving. A stylish sofa bed is a great option for merging your office with a guest bedroom, while extra stowaway space for workout equipment or toys can ensure it doubles as a home gym or playroom. Consider also how the room might function as your family changes; perhaps you’ll need a second living room, a space for your hobbies, a rumpus or a parents' retreat. The options are endless.