The Australian population is on the rise. Local home design is changing in many significant ways to accommodate the required housing for this expansion.
For instance, people are searching for ways to live comfortably in more dense, urban environments while sustaining their privacy. The rise in population has also meant that more locals are turning to flexible living arrangements like multi-generational households and shared apartments. Alongside this, Aussie businesses are globalising their approach and have incorporated remote work into their processes, which has meant that more people are carving out an office space in their homes.
Below, we’ll explore the most significant ways that Australian home design is changing in response to population growth – keep reading to learn more about these design trends and how you can use them for your own home.
Increased privacy
Local homes are constantly changing to reflect individuals’ and families’ need to carve out their own personal space. Due to Australia’s growing population, privacy is becoming a bigger concern than ever. People are living in denser environments to stay close to work and the inner city, which has led to many installing privacy fence panels, tinted glass windows and other fixtures that enhance privacy.
By installing full privacy fencing and features, Aussies can live in their own private sanctuary in the city, without feeling like density is intrusive on their spaces. Full privacy PVC fencing provides the perfect height and backdrop to create backyards and outdoor spaces that are high-design, contemporary and peaceful. PVC fencing, in particular, is being adopted in record numbers because it is low-maintenance and can be cleaned with a simple rinse, and this convenience goes hand-in-hand with a busy city lifestyle.Modern PVD fences look just like timber fences, with contemporary and stylish panelling that makes it super easy for homeowners to style. What’s more, PVC, as opposed to timber fences, doesn't decay or deteriorate anywhere near as quickly as exterior timber, so it’s an investment that helps improve property value.
A new focus on security
Australia was once known for having a ‘doors always open’ attitude towards community visitors. In 2025, Australians will live closer to each other than ever before. So these days, it’s simply impractical and unsafe to do so with a society that has grown so much in the last 50 years, and the rising population has meant that many Aussies have safety and security on their minds.
The measures we mentioned earlier, namely private fencing and tinted windows, help on this front as well, but a growing number of households are looking to even more serious measures. These include CCTV cameras, digital locks and burglar alarms. This has led many to make greater efforts to carve out their own personal space and protect their safety by installing key privacy, security fixtures and security fences in their home design.
Sustainable living spaces
While there are many benefits to a growing population, it also poses significant challenges to the environment. More people mean more consumption and, typically, a higher carbon footprint. Australians have found many creative ways to make their homes more sustainable. A major one is using renewable energy sources like solar and wind as an alternative to fossil fuels. Many are also installing smart windows that automatically let in sunlight during the daytime, which reduces reliance on electric lights.
Some other areas where sustainability is impacting home design include water efficiency and the implementation of rainwater tanks, the use of eco-friendly building materials and energy-efficient appliances. As a response to significant population growth and many more minds working towards sustainable design, many Aussies are choosing to go green without sacrificing style and design to reduce their personal carbon footprints.
Work from home spaces
Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work has firmly entrenched itself in the lives of many Australians. Add to this the fact that the population is always rising and traffic is growing more congested by the year, and it’s no surprise that office workers throughout the country are choosing to spend the working day at home.
The emergence of remote work has meant significant changes in Aussie houses. Many people are investing in an extra bedroom to use as a home office. This minimises distractions and makes it easier to focus on the task at hand. Some key features of home offices include soundproof walls, ergonomic chairs and warm lighting.
Even those who don’t have the luxury of dedicating an entire room to work often make use of spaces like spare bedrooms, studies and outdoor patios. When flicking through modern or off-the-plan home listings, more often than not, you will see at least a study nook dedicated to helping buyers work from home, which we only used to see on rare occasions.
Flexible housing arrangements
While individualism is highly prized among Australians, the rising population combined with the growing prices of houses means that not everyone gets to live in their own home. Many people are choosing not to leave home in order to save money on rent. Additionally, shared houses are becoming increasingly common among students and young professionals who want to split the cost of rent. These days, plenty of apartments and small houses are being built with multiple rooms and large common spaces in order to accommodate a larger number of people.
The increased prevalence of shared housing, whether between family members, friends or strangers, has necessitated changes in home design. For instance, many multi-generation households choose to install a granny flat just outside the main structure, allowing for privacy while keeping the whole family in close proximity to each other. For home design, this has meant more room and private areas in homes, or modern expansions and granny flats attached to the main homes. Today, we’re seeing a lot of traditional-style homes with expanded contemporary sections that offer a compelling contrast.
Final thoughts
Australians are adapting to the growing population in many innovative ways, and nowhere is this more evident than in housing. While there isn’t as much space per capita as in the past, various creative housing solutions are allowing locals to keep many of their daily comforts.
In this article, we’ve covered some major home design changes that have taken place in recent years in response to population growth. If you’re thinking about a renovation, expansion or building a new home, apply these design principles to your own home today to live a safe, comfortable and sustainable life while safeguarding your investment for future needs.
