Ever notice that some of the latest home design trends just don’t work in “real life?” That floating staircase might be beautiful, but is it practical for a multigenerational household? Yes, converting the basement into a primary suite might work in some areas, but not locations where basements are rare due to rocky soil.

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Fortunately, some of the latest trends are perfect for Hawaiians, and can help upgrade your renovation or new build into something truly unique. Here’s a few trends to consider while you plan your next project. 

Personalized Essentials 

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More and more homeowners are customizing the layout of their new homes and renovations with personal upgrades specific to their lifestyles. This trend  is particularly relevant for Hawaiians, who want their home to truly reflect all the benefits of island living. 

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Whether that means extending the size of the patio to accommodate surfboards and kayaks or repurposing the square footage normally used as formal dining room for an outdoor kitchen, the latest design trends reflect a need to create truly personal spaces

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Even if you’re using a pre-designed floor plan, it’s important to talk to your builder or architect in order to see what personalization options are available. While it might not offer the same level of customization as hiring an architect to create a one-of-a-kind layout, there are still multiple opportunities to get creative without altering the square footage or basic design structure. 

Indoor/Outdoor Forever 

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From shade-creating extended rooflines to the traditional lanai, Hawaiians have always been ahead of the game when it comes to indoor/outdoor living spaces.

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But recent trends in home design are starting to catch-up, which means it may be time for an upgrade. And since Hawaii’s beautiful climate makes indoor/outdoor living spaces particularly appealing, it’s definitely a worthwhile investment.

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While previous home designs still maintained a distinction between indoor and outdoor spaces, current trends blurr that line in order to bring the outdoors in. Things like bi-fold glass patio doors, weather-resistant flooring throughout every space, and open concept floor plans make it easy to reconfigure indoor and outdoor spaces in a myriad of ways.

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Of course, adding floor-to-ceiling windows and doors means you can enjoy your views all day (and year) long, regardless of any fluctuations in weather or temperature. 

Form+Function

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Now that the average person spends more time at home than ever before, it’s crucial that every square foot of space is utilized to its best potential. More time at home also means more stuff to store, especially since most homes now double as an office, school, or gyms.

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Previous generations may have been content with the occasional hall closet or set of shelves in the garage, but current homeowners recognize the need for clever design that maximizes storage without sacrificing style. 

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And since the average Hawaiian home tends to be smaller than the mainland counterparts, good storage options are particularly important. 

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Extending cabinets all the way to the ceiling, adding built-in shelving, or creating additional storage space in transition areas like hallways and landings are all ways to add storage without extra square footage. 

Build Local

Looking for the right team to help you integrate the latest trends with classic Hawaiian home design? We’re here to help. Contact us today for assistance finding the best local professionals for your job, and make sure to use our free online calculator to start planning your budget. 

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