As more families are forced to share a family home for longer, experts say it’s time to rethink the idea of fixed, unmoving rooms and think about a more fluid space.
Instead of a bedroom or an extra bedroom, rooms can be made multifunctional with cleverly designed furniture that can be folded, such as the classic wall bed. A room can be a study during the day and a bedroom at night, for example. More people will convert the space they have, including basement and loft space, to create that extra space needed to accommodate the growing family. This new approach to space has inspired new buzzwords, such as ‘simplicity’ and ‘dwelling’, according to The Future Foundation report. Having rooms that can be divided or subdivided and then reopened will allow the space to have the necessary fluidity to meet our living needs. The report states: “Homes should contract and expand as we need to.”
A wall bed and folding furniture and TV screens are recommendations to help maximize space, as are movable walls and partitions that can be stored discreetly in the ceiling. In Japan, the idea of maximizing living space is epitomized by pod hotels, where guests literally lie down in a cramped but well-designed sleeping pod. The future of home life may not be quite so extreme, but partitions could be the solution for creating personal space in crowded conditions. This will be an increasing priority, with an estimated 65% of men ages 20-24 still living at home by 2020. Additionally, more boys are expected to return home sporadically throughout their lives. , even between the ages of 30 and 40. divorcees are expected to recover with their parents.
Having adequate personal space in a home is crucial so families don’t end up arguing or imploding. Rooms will have to become like Swiss army knives, capable of multi-functioning in a clever way that optimizes space. Their long-awaited kitchens will become completely collapsible, the tables could double as computer screens. If all that sounds far-fetched, it’s worth considering that Wandsworth council has already created 168 new houses from old cupboards and boiler rooms across the region. And more of London’s hidden spaces are expected to be reclaimed to create tiny apartments.
