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It’s exciting to witness the changes that are taking place in home design.

Interior styles have made significant shifts in the past decade. The old methods of styling a room no longer apply. There are no strict rules of how spaces are used.

Recently, I was asked whether lifestyle generates design changes or if design is the driving force that affects how we live. I feel that lifestyle has certainly driven design changes. In our hectic lives, many people are trying to stop and smell the roses. This relaxed attitude has changed home design and interior design. Enjoying the simple pleasures, while relying on our technological conveniences, is essential. Integrating the way we use technology into design plans is an important consideration when planning a space.

As a designer, it is not uncommon for me to learn that a client prefers working on a laptop while sitting on the bed rather than working at a desk. Many people sit on the sofa to eat and watch TV rather than pulling up a chair at the kitchen table. This is the way families live and it all needs to be taken into consideration when embarking on a
design project.

The homes that I have worked on lately have been carefully orchestrated to suit the individual needs of the homeowners. Lifestyle has a big impact on design choices. We adapt how we work with clients to really listen to how they use their space, implementing our designs based on that. This is important to keep in mind when determining a floor plan layout, drawing up an electrical plan and selecting the interior décor. Designers must stay current not only on design trends, but also technology, and be able to integrate the two. 

For example, I recently installed a TV in a client’s bathroom over the soaking tub so she could luxuriate in the tub and catch up on all her TiVo shows. Ten years ago, this concept would have been deemed eccentric; now it is fairly common.

Other custom touches that are now commonplace include morning kitchens in master bedroom suites and docking stations for cell phones and laptops in closets. Fully equipped outdoor living spaces and media rooms are the norm. Elaborate wine rooms and great room-kitchen combinations have replaced formal dining areas and the traditional living room.

Spaces in general are functional, yet specialized, and there are very few spaces that are unused in new home design. I do not hear folks wanting to be as conservative in their design choices as they had been in the past. Budget continues to be a big issue, but the urge to be safe and decorate for resale is not as prevalent as it used to be. There will always be those who will play it safe, but the trend is to live to the fullest by making the most of what you have.

Today’s homes are designed for convenience and relaxation. Now every space reflects that. Clients are looking for their homes to be a personal oasis of relaxation that reflects their personality and style while incorporating their technological conveniences and luxury.

Manufacturers have also heard the call to action and are listening to what consumers want. The outdoor market is a great example of lifestyle leading to innovative designs to encompass furniture, fabrics, accessories, lighting and technology. All of these subcategories within the outdoor living category have been influenced by consumer lifestyle changes.

Years ago, all-weather fabric came in solids, stripes and an occasional palm pattern. Today, hip fabric choices are available in every color, texture and pattern, including window treatment fabrics, upholstery weight and multi-use options. All-weather fabrics are extremely user-friendly. Being mildew-resistant, stain-resistant and water-repellent, all-weather fabric is ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens and family rooms. Where once they were a bit stiff — making them unappealing for interior use — now they are soft and very versatile.

Outdoor seating now is as adaptable as indoor seating with comfy deep seating styles in every conceivable finish. Diverse seating and dining options now make it easy to create a signature look based on your personal taste and style.

The outdoor rug market is now offering polypropylene all-weather rugs that are soft to the touch and have vibrant color. Once very synthetic looking and commercial, now you can even bring the outdoor all-weather area rugs into the kitchen and family room. Stylish outdoor decorative chandeliers and table lamps now available make it easy to create the ideal outdoor living room.

Lifestyle has not only affected residential design, but it has also had an impact on commercial spaces. As corporations are changing the way they run their businesses to be more family-friendly — incorporating wellness programs, day-care facilities, job sharing and telecommuting — interiors reflect these changes. The old stodgy office look is gone, giving way to more comfy residential-looking interiors. Even waiting rooms are decked out to appear non-threatening and homey.

Innovations are expanding our design options. New and better products combining style and function are arriving on the market all the time. Change is inevitable and not always welcome, but most consumers are embracing the departure from décor that looks great, but doesn’t feel comfortable, because new products better fit the way they live.

Jessica Dauray is owner of Elements of Style Interiors, a full-service interior design firm with offices in Greensboro and Wilmington, and The Studio, a trade-focused fabric and furniture resource. Visit her Web sites at www.elementsofstyleinteriors.com or www.thestudioofgreensboro.com. Have questions? E-mail Jessica at jessicaofeos@bellsouth.net.