DESIGN - New Trends

HIGH STANDARD DWELLINGS

 Residential and holiday homes along the Mediterranean Coast have evolved, and  from the seventies to present it is evident that the standards for residential properties have suffered a drastic change, not only in an increased demand for larger living areas, but also for new requirements as to the layout and quality use of the spaces.

 THE SPACE

The open height of the spaces increases, with an average of 3mts of free spaces, and also the incorporation of double heights in entrances and lounges.  Large windows and pure lines.  In living spaces we can see:

 The kitchen, as a space, has evolved towards a optimized functional standard that incorporates the latest on appliances, and also adds new working surfaces such as the central “island” units.  There is also a new tendency of kitchens open to a family sitting or dining area.

 The bathroom evolves from a practical to a leisure space.  New standard master bathrooms would include double sinks, separate shower and toilet areas, and bathtub which are not built-in but rather installed on marble or wooden platforms.

 MATERIALS

New materials have contributed to a new vision of the residential spaces. Basically leaded by materials in one neutral color,with surfaces and finishes of pure lines and tending to a minimalist concept.  This composition creates fresh, clean and open environments to these new homes.  Large size natural stones, wood, micro-cement and ceramics are the materials chosen for the floors of these new trend homes.  Rustic finishes on walls give way to smooth, elegant and refined surfaces, which could also be finished with painted “perlita” or vinylic paper wall with attractive textures.  Glossy bronze and gold metals have been substituted by polished or mate steel finishes.

 LIGHTING

The priority in lighting is not the final use, but the idea of creating different visual atmospheres in the interior space.  There is a larger use of dimmers to graduate the intensity of the lights, depending on the different usage requirements. Domotic and LED systems add a whole new perspective to lighting and color.  Avant-garde indirect lighting, of all types, are inherent part of these new spaces. 

 In summary, the new trends are oriented towards a modern and simple urban dwelling, created with a minimalist atmosphere, where space is the protagonist, and is used in a flexible, fresh creative way.