We all want a home that will last through the years. But to really get more from your home, considering ways to future-proof will not only help you keep your home as you age, or go through life changes – it will also allow you to be more eco-conscious, upsell your home when you’re ready, and even offers tax breaks incentives in some cases. Read on to find ways that future-proofing can save you time, energy, and money.
Choose A Style That Will Last
When it comes to future-proofing your style, you want to keep your design and style simple. Going for a more minimalist look, with white, or neutral-toned walls is a good start, and gives you a nice, bright, blank canvas to work with. Instead of following trends, by one or two pieces you love that speak to you, and stay neutral with the rest. Some tips:
- Hardwood and laminate flooring will last a lot longer than carpet, especially for a growing family. Opt for a statement rug to zone areas, or to add a touch of warmth.
- Choose furniture made from natural materials for easy cleanup. Leather and wood furniture is strong, and sturdy, and won’t need to be updated through the years. Upholstery wears faster, and will likely need to be updated often
- Instead of spending money on trendy, expensive items, choose smaller accent pieces that are cheaper and easier to swap out of your design when the trends end. That way, you can stay on trend, and still keep a timeless, future-proof style.
Go Green
Eco-friendly homes are a huge draw in recent years, and it’s one trend that shows no sign of slowing down. Becoming more eco-friendly doesn’t have to mean huge, expensive installs like solar panels. Think about what is important to your family. Low-flow showers and a smart thermostat system in your home can help you save energy and save money. Weather-stripping on windows and doors can save you anywhere from 5-30% on your energy costs.
It’s not just about what’s indoors, either. Spending time and money on landscaping can also help you future-proof your home. Planting a garden is a good way to cut down your carbon emissions, and your bill at the grocery store. Instead of a huge privacy fence, try a line of trees or shrubs. It’ll protect your yard and your home from prying eyes, and even bad weather. It also helps with soil erosion. Planting trees and shrubs are a great way to give back to the environment.
Make Life Easier With Smart Tech
Smart technology is set to make our lives easier in a multitude of ways. It goes well beyond asking Siri to play your favorite song. You can now ensure the safety of your family and home with remote alarm systems, nanny cams you can watch via webcam while you’re at work, and even baby monitors. For elderly family members, there are voice-activated door locks, lights, and sprinklers. You can even set timers on your stove or crockpot, so you can be sure that dinner is already cooking when you arrive home. Perfect for those of us with a long commute!
The last thing you want in your future-proof styled home is the nests of wires and hookups that go along with your smart tech. Choose a centralised location in your home, and find ways to hide the wires, by hanging them up, or hiding them behind artwork or appliances. This way, they’re not underfoot, and you always know where things are.
Protect Your Internet Connection
The internet is ubiquitous in the 21st century. And if the future is wireless smart tech in our homes, that means our reliance on the internet is only going to increase. If you think it’s bad now when your connection is spotty or unsecured, imagine in ten years, when everything from your lights, to your alarm code, to your kitchen appliances is hooked up to a smart device.
Consider using secure networks to strengthen your internet connection. Services like these will become more vital as our internet connections become more important to our day-to-day lives. Internet security and cloud services will also become more vital, as more and more of our data hits the internet, in the wireless age.
Think About Your Age
Obviously, when you’re thinking about how best to future-proof your home, it’s important to think about your own and your family’s future. If you’re a young couple, that may mean considerations to make your place kid-friendly later on, should you need to. And of course, you’ll also want to make considerations as you age.
Smart tech like wireless alarms and door locks, and emergency buttons have made it possible for an aging population to stay in their homes and remain independent longer. But it’s not all about the technology. Practical considerations, such as wider doorways, non-slip mats, and grab bars in bathrooms make it easier to create a more accessible home environment, even in the event of an injury or illness. Not only does that means staying in your home longer, but it means your home is safe for every member of your family.
In the 21st century the saying, “The future is now.” has never been more relevant. But
future-proofing your home isn’t just about getting the latest in wireless technology or even
focusing on making eco-friendly choices. Those things can save your family money and
time. But it’s just as important to think about your own future. Are you planning for your
family, as they grow and age? Are you using materials and choosing furniture that will last
through the years? Are you working to lower your energy costs and overall carbon footprint?
These are the choices that will ensure your home will serve you and your family for years to
come.
