New trends in renovation design

PLANNING ON UPDATING YOUR HOME THIS YEAR? ENSURE YOUR PROJECT BENEFITS FROM ALL THE LATEST PRODUCTS, LOOKS AND TECHNOLOGY

- NATASHA BRINSMEAD

Keeping an eye on what’s new in the world of home improvement will ensure your project not only benefits from the latest in home tech, but also that it looks up-to-date. Knowing what’s worth doing and what might be viewed as a fad almost before the project is complete could mean the difference between added value and a waste of money. We asked some top architects and designers about what they think you should be including in your renovation. Here’s what we expect will be big in 2025 and beyond…

1 CLADDING WITH BENEFITS

A huge trend is for exterior cladding that doubles as external wall insulation (EWI). This is a popular choice for older houses, where adding internal cavity walls would have a negative impact on room sizes and period details such as fireplaces and coving. ‘We liken it to giving your house a woolly jumper to wear!’ says Glen Thomas, director and founder of Glen Thomas Architecture. He explains that this cladding can be given finishes such as paintable render and timber. ‘Simply by adding these insulation panels, you can completely transform the look of a dated building. Suddenly, you have a very modernlooking house that’s also very energy efficient.’ EWI is complex to install, so if you’re considering it, choose a company registered with the Insulated Render and Cladding Association or INCA.

2 FIXED, FRAMELESS GLAZING