Setting the trend

While buying shoes that are the height of fashion might well be a worthwhile indulgence, making decisions about the look and function of your home on transitory fads is not. That doesn’t mean, however, that trends in home building are to be ignored because they often reveal some very important innovations and leaps in thinking about how spaces can be best used and homes made more comfortable and easy to live in. We asked some of Australia’s leading experts to talk us through a few of the most important design trends.

GOING FOR GREEN

“The use of solar power is a trend that is significantly up and coming,” says Janelle Miles, Porter Davis’ World of Style Queensland lead interior designer. “Consumers are becoming increasingly educated and mindful of their impact on the environment, and as a result are excited to embrace new and innovative ways to help conserve energy.

“Solar power systems are continuing to evolve and