Townhouse design has changed over time and has gained immense popularity among Filipinos. As urban and rural spaces continue to evolve, these designs take on different shapes, styles, and concepts so that homeowners can make the most of their living space. In this article, we will take a look at all the latest trends and features of the modern townhouse in the city, and how designers and homeowners alike are combining creativity and functionality to maximize style and space.
Open-Floor Concept
One of the more popular characteristics of contemporary townhouse design is the open-floor layout that usually integrate different areas of the house in a seamless way, such as living room, kitchen, and dining area. The trend not only enhances the space, it also encourages social interaction and promotes a fluid transition between functional areas around the house.
Going Vertical
With horizontal spaces in urban spaces becoming scarcer by the day, people are opting to live in townhouses and condominiums. For this reason, designers are more inclined to create a townhouse design that have multiple storeys to maximize space. Aside from providing residents with more flexibility in configuring the rooms, they also get a unique vertical perspective of their surroundings.
Sustainability
A key component in contemporary designs is the use of sustainable materials. Townhouses now feature more eco-friendly features, such as natural materials and energy-efficient appliances. Outside the actual home, residents are surrounded by communal green spaces that integrate nature with urban landscape.
Sustainability is not just good for the environment –– it’s also beneficial for the people living in the space. A townhouse that features sustainable materials enjoys an upgrade on both functionality and aesthetics. In terms of aesthetics, materials that are sourced locally and made of recycled materials add character and style points to a home. Practicality is also improved, giving homeowners more comfort while reducing energy expenses.
Creating a home that is wholly sustainable may seem daunting, but it’s really not if you’re taking small steps. It is important to remember that the goal is simply doing less harm to the environment, whether you’re building a new home or redesigning an existing space. It is not about making drastic changes which may require more expenses, but rather, taking small steps in the right direction.
In most modern interiors, it is not uncommon to see homes making the most of natural light and ventilation. Letting in sunlight through large windows is a great way to decrease energy costs as you are not confined to using conventional lighting. Having an open-floor layout also reduces cooling costs during hot and humid days, especially in the summer.
When it comes to lighting, a simple way to take a step towards sustainability is swapping out incandescent bulbs for LED bulbs. Not only is it energy efficient, it also lets you save more money because they consume less power and they usually last longer than conventional lightbulbs. Some lights can even be programmed to dim or switch off automatically during the day to help maximize your energy savings. Switching lightbulbs or insulating your windows may seem simple, but they are able to make significant changes that can make a positive impact on urban living, and the environment.
Smarter Homes
Integrating smart home technology in contemporary townhouse design is changing the way we live. Nowadays, homeowners are able to enjoy an unprecedented level of efficiency and control. Homes have now become more comfortable without sacrificing aesthetics and functionality. Some examples of popular tech inside the home include automated lighting, integrated security systems, and even climate control, all of which can be operated and monitored through voice commands or a simple touch of a button on a smartphone or tablet.
Interior design has come a long way, as smart home technology seamlessly integrates style with functionality. Designers are experimenting not just with the technological advantages of smart devices, but also with their ability to elevate the overall aesthetics of the home decor.
Such devices are easy to integrate in the home’s aesthetic because they are already designed to fit both traditional and contemporary interiors. As an example, smart lighting are now available in different styles to enhance a room’s ambience. Smart mirrors may also function as digital devices, adding utility and aesthetic value at the same time.
Versatility
Townhouses and condominiums have limited square footage. For this reason, designers focused on creating with multifunctional spaces that can fit the different needs of homeowners. Some examples include transforming a second bedroom into a home office, or a dining area doubling as a study space. Having these multifunctional spaces provides residents with the ability to maximize the existing space without sacrificing style.
Owning multifunctional furniture pieces also allows you to maximize space inside the townhouse. For example, choose a sofa that can be transformed into a daybed for unexpected guests, or a coffee table for your living room that is equipped with hidden compartments. Not only do they help you save space, they also make your home more adaptable.
Diversity
A growing trend in architecture is diversity, where the townhouse design is not limited to a single style. More and more designers are combining multiple aesthetics to create unique and visually stunning modern interiors and outdoor living spaces. Townhouses now come in different design expressions, from contemporary minimalist styles to classic and eclectic designs.
Simple Tips to Maximize Space
With a bit of creativity and organizational skills, you can easily make the most of every square inch in your townhouse whether you live in a 2-bedroom house or a loft-style property.
Consider vertical storage
Think wall-mounted cabinets and floating shelves in the living room, kitchen or bathroom to maximize storage without taking up too much floor space. This will allow you to store everyday items and display decor while keeping everything accessible and organized.
Put unique spaces to good use
Townhouses usually have nooks, crannies, and corners that can be used as extra storage. For example, that cupboard under the stairs can be transformed into a cozy reading nook, or that awkward corner can be transformed into a mini home office. Unleash your creativity to make the most of every bit of space available.
Declutter for more space
Less is always more. Regularly go through all of your belongings inside your bedroom closet, kitchen cabinets, and other storage spaces to declutter. You may also want to consider practical storage items such as closet organizers or under-bed drawers to keep things neatly tucked away. Clearing out unnecessary items instantly frees up more space for a cleaner, more organized townhome.
Divide and conquer
Open-floor concepts are very popular in modern townhouses. But although they provide homeowners with a sense of openness, they may lack distinct areas for different activities. This doesn’t necessarily mean you would need to build walls, as this will make the already-limited space look and feel more cramped. However, you can use your creativity to come up with room dividers that you may already have. Think curtains, different paint textures on the walls, bookshelves, or some other strategically placed piece to separate the living room from the ding room or workspace. Doing this will help define each area’s purpose, while providing a bit of privacy.
Be playful with colors
Choosing the right colors can make a significant impact on the concept of space. For example, light, muted colors such as white, beige, pastels, and even soft blues can make interiors feel more open and airy. Lighter colors also reflect natural light better, which creates the illusion that a room is bigger than it really is. A feature wall is a great way to add color without overwhelming the space. You can also brighten things up by placing mirrors in strategic places to reflect the colors of the wall. This especially helps if the townhouse lacks windows or doesn’t have sufficient natural lighting.
Create a focal point
Find an attractive space and draw attention to it. When you direct the eye to a specific area, it distracts attention from the actual size of the room while adding character to it. You can achieve this by displaying an artwork that has a pop of color, using patterned cushions, or placing a rug with interesting textures.
Urban living doesn’t have to be constrained to limited square footage and compact outdoor living spaces. With a little creativity and ingenuity in organizing your belongings, you can make your townhouse feel more open, spacious, and stylish all at the same time. Remember, maximizing small spaces isn’t just about being practical or something to be done out of necessity –– it’s also about upgrading your well-being and quality of life.
Guided by our core value of weaving tradition into homes, PHINMA Properties can help you find the townhouse that brings you closer to what matters the most –– whether it’s about living in a home that maximizes style and space, or one that uses sustainable practices, eco-friendly materials, and forward-thinking technology. Visit phinmaproperties.com to discover more useful design tips or available townhouses in very accessible locations throughout the country.
The modern filipino house shows how we, as a people, also changed over the years. The blending of tradition with contemporary architecture influences resulted to familiar yet diverse range of homes that reflect our changing needs and ever-evolving cultural heritage. From the timeless beauty of the bahay kubo to the modern elegance contemporary and sustainable designs, Filipino architecture continues to captivate and inspire because of its one-of-a-kind charm and artistic expression.
Remember, creating a contemporary Filipino home goes beyond combining traditional and modern materials. What makes it truly Filipino is how we can create a warm and welcoming environment where families and friends can come together.
Discover what makes the contemporary Filipino home unique by visiting us at phinmaproperties.com. Whether you’re building your dream home or redesigning an existing one, we can guide you as you try to find the perfect balance of tradition and modern. You can also contact us if you wish to look at the available properties in our portfolio.
