10 Designers Share the Trends Defining Dwellings of Tomorrow

Remember back when an open-plan layout was considered cutting edge? Or everything was shabby chic and then suddenly midcentury modern? Trends in home design can either cement themselves as benchmarks of contemporary living or flame out fast. So what’s right around the bend? We asked 10 of the world’s leading designers and architects to share their predictions. Tackling the effects of climate change, technology, and the epidemic of loneliness, their replies run the gamut from meditation rooms and wellness zones to wilder, less manicured gardens, calming decor, and creative ways to reinforce human connection.

“Human connections are getting lost because we spend too much time on the screen. I like the idea of homes being a kind of collective—something that you can share with other people. We call it a buddy block. The idea [is] that friends build a community together. You have your own home, but perhaps you also have a clubhouse that you enjoy with 10 friends. It’s almost like a mini hotel, [where] you can have breakfast, lunch, and dinner [and also] share a physical trainer, life coach, or driver.” —Kulapat Yantrasast, AD100 designer and founder of Why Architecture Workshop, Los Angeles

“Full-blown wellness [areas]—whether you’re integrating a steam shower into a shower or [installing] a dedicated sauna, steam, cold plunge or hyperbaric chamber. Things like gyms are [now] dispersed throughout the house—[there’s a space for] lightweight exercises [and another one where you can do] yoga. I’m not overly into techy houses. I love the physical touch and sound of a light switch [rather than using a smart switch]. You want to walk in your house and it feels good. Why does it feel good? Because it doesn’t overwhelm you. You don’t want to go: I didn't charge my phone, so now I can’t get into the house.” —David Flack, AD100 designer of Flack Studio, Melbourne

This story is part of The Future of Home, a collaboration between the editors of WIRED and Architectural Digest to help you understand what “home” will look like tomorrow and beyond.

“The home is becoming quieter. People are moving away from overly decorated interiors toward spaces that feel mentally calm. Not necessarily ‘cozy’ in the traditional sense, but less visually busy and more emotionally clear. Empty space will become more important. Minimalism will finally become meaningful again—not just an aesthetic, but a way to clear your environment and your mind. Personally, I’m becoming more interested in strong contrasts like black and white rather than endless shades of beige. I also think it’s interesti