Good Insight For Renovators From Architechs

Not sleeping, living – the dream reno

Australian renovators are favouring fewer but bigger bedrooms where they can relax and take time out, according to a new Archicentre survey of architects across Australia.

Archicentre polled its membership of over 800 architects on what steps their clients are taking to improve their homes and these trends form the essence of Trends in Contemporary Home Renovation 2008.

Robert Caulfield, Managing Director of Archicentre said that main bedrooms now allow for additional furniture such as couch, seats, desk, drawers etc. while most upstairs bedrooms will invariably have a balcony or deck as well as a walk-in-robe and ensuite.

"Bedrooms are increasingly becoming a living zone, not just a sleeping area, with people using them to find quiet and peace in a busy and noisy world", Mr Caulfield said.

Architects taking part in the poll said ensuites were requested in 93 per cent of renovations with walk in robes following second at 85.4 per cent and decks at 57 per cent.

"Walk-in-robes are bigger and today double as dressing rooms, being highly detailed and generally larger so that the user can easily get dressed in there, particularly without disturbing their partner who may still be asleep", Mr Caulfield said.

"Today's walk-in robe must be purpose built with natural light, his and hers' space and a full-length mirror."

One of the developing trends the research brought to light is that one in four clients request facilities designed into the bedroom for a study which also includes the installation of data points.

"This complements the trend for the inclusion of free-standing furniture in bedrooms such as sofas which were required by 17 per cent of the renovations included in the survey", Mr Caulfield said.

Master Bedroom Trends

En suite 93.2%

Walk-in-robe 85.4%

Deck or balconies 57.5%

Study 28.8%

Freestanding furniture (sofas) 17.8%

Bidet 7.3