Over the past 50 years, trends in Australian home design have continually evolved, setting the scene for what might be next on the horizon.
When Metricon was established five decades ago, the biggest trend was to deliver solid brick homes with a good-sized backyard, epitomising the classic Australian dream.
“What families wanted from a home in 1976 – I think it was just very simple back then, and they've changed significantly over that period of time,” says Adrian Popple, Design Director, Metricon.
At the recent Metricon Love of Design 2026 summit held in Byron Bay, the big question was, what’s next? With 50 years of change to draw on, the Metricon team were ready to make predictions.
Lisa Goodsall, Design Manager, Metricon says buyers now have immensely higher expectations of their home, from facades to interiors, outdoor spaces to storage.
“Customers want more out of their homes, so we need to be able to offer floor plans and designs that give customers flexibility and allow for growth in the future,” she says.
Flexible spaces to cater for change
One of the top trends is a desire for flexible spaces that enable families to use their home in different ways as their needs change. If their home has flexibility, they might avoid costly moves, renovations or having to leave their local community down the track.
“The research and time that we put into what we think will be required from an adaptability point of view is actually working,” says Ms Goodsall.
Flexibility in design might mean having dual-living spaces for different needs, studies that double as guest rooms, bedrooms that easily adapt into nurseries or craft rooms, and zones focused on entertaining versus zones for sleep.
Buyers are also increasingly expecting to have work-from-home spaces and wellbeing zones, to enable lifestyle balance. Having room to roll out a yoga mat or set up some cardio or gym equipment is popular, as is having a nook where residents can relax and read in peace.
Flexible spaces that can be an office, spare bedroom, or a craft room adapt to the needs of a homeowner throughout their lifetime.
Creative solutions for multigenerational living
Beyond flexibility, another significant shift is the growing demand for homes designed to accommodate multiple generations under one roof.
Multigenerational living might mean young children, teenagers, adult children, parents and grandparents sharing the same home. Mr Popple says Metricon is seeing strong demand for multigenerational designs and offers a range of creative solutions to support different family dynamics.
“A future-ready home in practical terms is really about adaptability. As lifestyles evolve, the home can evolve with them,” he says.
In design terms, this could mean opting for a double-storey layout, a separate entrance, multiple main bedroom suites or additional bathrooms and toilets. These homes may also include several entertaining spaces and a generous central kitchen with additional bench space and a butler’s pantry.
A shared living area provides a welcoming place for everyone to connect, balanced by separate children’s zones and private retreats that allow family members to enjoy their own space.
Having additional bedroom suites can help make multigenerational living easier for families.
How to design a future-proof home
For buyers keen to build their dream home, with the future in mind, there are some fundamentals that always count, regardless of the latest trends.
“Picking the right home and the right land and the right orientationare critical, and getting these elements right can genuinely enhance the way you live,” says Mr Popple.
Considering the local climate and sustainability, choosing durable interiors and incorporating the latest home technology can also deliver lasting value. Buyers who visit Metricon can benefit from the company’s 50 years of experience in bringing these elements together, Mr Popple explains.
“We've gained an enormous amount of insightover that time and developed a deep understanding of our customers and how they want to live. That puts us in a strong position to continue great homes for the next 50 years,” he says.