1 – Mixed Use Buildings
One of the latest multi-family design trends is mixed-use buildings, which is “a type of commercial property that includes both commercial and residential space. One of the most common mixed-use designs is a vertical, multi-story building, which features a retail store or office on the street level and apartments above.
Mixed-use buildings were initially popular in cities and major commercial areas, but they have spread out to suburban areas as people have moved away from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan areas. It’s not uncommon to see coffee shops and law offices topped with apartments along the streets. Since remote work is so prevalent now, many of these buildings feature shared coworking spaces mixed in amongst the retail and living areas.
2 – High End Finishes
High-end design elements, from flooring and lighting to furnishings and décor, have grown increasingly popular, especially among millennials, the largest demographic of renters. But there is a new, secondary focus for this multi-family design trend – high-end classic. The high-end classic trend addresses both aesthetic and financial concerns for owners and designers of multi-family settings. High-end furnishings are beautiful, but they can also be costly. If their popularity has a short expiration date, that is not a viable solution for a renovation that is intended to last for years to come.
Also Read: Why Choose Multifamily Quartz?
3 – Co-Living
Co-living spaces are another multi-family design trend that is on the rise. CoWorking Resources defines co-living as “the trend of living with many other people in one space that encourages its residents to interact and work together.” This has especially become a popular option in expensive urban areas. In many cases, co-living means a private bedroom with a shared living room and kitchen. Bathrooms can be included in the bedrooms or also shared depending on the space’s layout.“In the next few years the number of units offered by major co-living companies in the U.S. is going to triple to about 10,000,” according to a Vox article that references a recent report from real estate company Cushman & Wakefield.
4 – Visual Finishes
Options such as light color tones and neutral finishes have also become a popular multi-family design trend. These include lighter yellow or gray tones that accompany the idea of “stress-free living.” According to Real Simple, pairing white walls with beige accents can create a relaxing environment. “Or fill a space with different shades of white, using variations on the color to create a monochromatic color scheme. If you want to shake things up with a different neutral, try gray.”
5 – Co-Working Spaces
Multi-family design trends are starting to see the creation of workspaces incorporated into a residential setting, but with an eye toward cleanliness and proper distancing. Since the popularity of work-from-home has grown with COVID-19, having a designated workspace within a residential setting is appealing to renters of all ages.
Many coworking spaces are designed so people can sit in a cubicle-like space and have a place to make calls, charge their phone or use their laptop — and of course, have access to Wi-Fi. This is critical as it cuts back on the number of people in the same space sharing germs. Often there is a larger gathering space, making safe, collaborative work possible in apartment settings that are traditionally lacking in extra space.
6-All About Amenities
Designers have responded by providing many of the elements you would find at a four- or five-star hotel in one’s home. Some of these amenities include:
- Valet parking, concierges
- Fire pit and barbecue areas
- Rooftop lounges
- Swimming pools
- Dog parks
While these services are often reflected in the price tag, many renters are willing to pay the extra money for these features that make their day-to-day lives easier and more convenient.
7 – Personalization
Another popular multifamily design trend for multi-family homes is the option of personalization, reflecting the desire of many younger renters and buyers to put their own spin on their spaces. In some cases, the first occupants of a new multi-family home or apartment can choose the finishes, flooring, or cabinet color. “Although it may not be on every property manager’s radar, the ability to personalize a space to suit aesthetic preferences is important to renters,” according to Investor Management Services, LLC. “In fact, research indicates that tenants who are allowed to customize their living spaces are more likely to renew their leases, even in the case of a price hike. Millennials in particular – one of the largest cohorts of renters — take into consideration the extent to which they can customize a space.”
8 – Functional Cabinetry
Dual tones are emerging as a hot trend in multifamily. Typically, the designer will incorporate a darker solid or wood tone on the base cabinets. Lighter tones or white are typically incorporated on upper cabinets. Floating shelves or open shelving are also incorporated to personalize each tenant’s space. Built in organization systems are also sought after to corral all our kitchen appliances & accessories. Functional workspaces provided by cabinetry are one of the most sought after designs by multifamily developers.
9 – Gorgeous Countertops
As inflation continues to rise, many developers are looking for unique ways to lower bids. We strongly suggest not cutting back on countertops. REI offers a wide array of options to the most discerning design/development team. From granites to quartzites, using natural stones to enhance your cabinetry choices is typically the most cost efficient. We also offer competitive cut to size choices in manmade quartz to complement any multifamily design vision.
10 – Swoon-Worthy Showers
Out with the (grout) and in with the new. Our modern design finishes are seamless & offer a maintenance free solution to tenants & developers. Choose from always on trend white to a cement look when upgrading your multifamily units. Banish the 12 x 24 tiles to the basement.
As we analyze trends for 2023, these are multifamily design ideas we are watching.
