Emerging Design Trends: Capturing the Downsizer Market

As the investor market stalls, the growing downsizer and empty-nester demographic has buffered an otherwise slowing property market.

Developers are altering their product to better capture this market, with high-quality, low-maintenance apartments chock full of premium product performing best.

And kitchens are becoming increasingly important, according to Craig Handley, general manager of kitchen appliance giant Shriro.

“When discussing projects with clients, the kitchen is becoming an increasingly critical component of a project sale,” says Handley.

“The design needs to respond to the emerging demographic and behavioural trends that modern Australian families are in the market for.”

Often given little thought in the design process, the kitchen is now a key centrepiece of a contemporary home. As demonstrated by the success of reality TV cooking programs, the kitchen continues to be a key part of the decision-making process for any new home buyer or investor.

Here are four of the emerging kitchen design trends.

Easy to maintain

The hectic lifestyle of Australians mean any feature that saves them time is a luxury.

Providing easy access for cleaning cabinetry, minimising spaces between cabinets and installing appliances that incorporate pyrolytic cleaning are all great selling points. In addition, easy clean surfaces that repel grime and stains for messy chefs is a bonus.

Size

Inspired by cooking shows, families are increasingly throwing large gatherings at their homes, showcasing their culinary expertise. A kitchen that can cater for extended family parties will allow clients to see the longevity and potential of the kitchen. For example, the Omega Inverno can fit up to nine chickens in one cooking cycle!

Design

Along with project location, a project’s design is a key differentiator for your development. Clients are becoming increasingly savvy for the latest design trends and are always on the lookout for projects that are forward thinking and meet these expectations. Two trends in particular – black glass appliances and minimalism – are flooding social media design feeds.

Durability

Especially for families with young children, being able to showcase the durability of your project’s kitchen is a certain selling point. From hardy cabinets and drawers that can take heavy loads, to well-engineered kitchen appliances that can go through hundreds of cooking cycles without issues, durable appliances are always in demand.

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