It might just be me, but it feels like every major plan and strategy in the last decade has been forecast with 2020 as the target date. Well, 2020 is finally here, and it is shaping up to be a memorable year!
Here are some of the big trends in design we expect will dominate 2020, as well as our expectations for the Coffs Coast property market. And read all the way to the end to discover our exciting plans to make 2020 the best year ever for Balance Design and Construction.
Expect 2020 to feature a slightly subdued and refined style, with a focus on natural materials, clean lines, sustainability, and simple luxuries.
Sustainability will become an ever more important calculation for new home buyers. With the ongoing drought and sky high electricity prices, home buyers are looking for ways to save water and reduce energy use.
With the chaos of 2019 fresh in many minds (think bush fires, global conflicts, subdued economic conditions, perpetual social media outrage, etc), the idea of “home as a sanctuary” will be stronger than ever. From a design standpoint, this desire to create a sanctuary at home will translate into a kind of calm, pared-back, warm minimalism.
This desire to create a sanctuary at home will also drive more use of natural and organic colours, materials, and motifs. Expect to see extensive use of plants, recycled wood and textiles, earthenware, and soft fabrics.
Even lighting will reflect a natural touch. “Look for organic structures in lighting with creative bases like metal and/or wood,” says Nancy Fire, creative director of Design Works International. “Tinted glass in handblown style allows imperfect shapes to take center stage, and organic substrates like rope, raffia, twine, and string are important because they bring a natural vibe into any interior space.”
For those who favour a brighter, edgier vibe, we also expect to see prominent use of strong geometric forms feature in 2020. The bold, clean cut lines of modernism will be seen extensively, drawing inspiration from the modular, multifunction designs that were a hallmark of the first half of the 20th century.
We also expect industrial style to continue enjoying prominence, and as well the Hamptons style, which fits so well with our laid-back coastal lifestyle on the Coffs Coast. Expect to see some tweaks to the Hamptons Style, with more daring use of non-traditional colours.
Some notable major developments in 2020 will drive long term change in the Coffs Coast property market.
The elephant in the room is the Coffs Harbour Bypass. Construction on the bypass is scheduled to start in late 2020. This $2 billion project will require hundreds of workers, many of whom will come from out of the area and will require accommodation. With rental accommodation already in short supply, and Coffs Harbour City Council actively discouraging new developments, this increase in demand will push rents and property prices up.
The other major factor that will affect the local property market in 2020 is a lack of available residential land. Coffs Harbour City Council is pursuing a “Compact City” plan, which will restrict the availability of land for single family residential homes. Council’s aim is to force more people into medium and high density housing. While Council is convinced this strategy will create more liveable neighbourhoods and less urban sprawl, it is yet to be seen if people will embrace the idea of living in townhouses and apartments in a region where space, nature, and the great outdoors are a primary lifestyle consideration. The restrictions on creating sufficient new residential building lots is likely to push up prices for single family homes over the long term.
Other major developments in the area include the Coffs Harbour Health Campus redevelopment, new building at Southern Cross University, and several major residential and seniors living developments.
To make a long story short, 2020 will see unprecedented demand for new housing on the Coffs Coast, without enough supply to keep up, so expect prices to increase. In our view, 2020 will be a good time to invest in property on the Coffs Coast, particularly with interest rates at historic lows.
2020 is shaping up to be the most exciting year yet for Balance Design and Construction. We are nearing completion of our brand new office. This stylish new facility will improve the experience for our clients, providing a much larger colour selection display and providing a great workplace for our staff. Watch this space for info about our grand opening.
Our new office will be the anchor tenancy in the exciting new Stadium Business Centre complex, located just off Stadium Drive. The Centre will feature 10 new business/professional suites, all with lots of parking and a stylish facade. Suites are still available for purchase.
2020 will also see us construct a new display home in Woolgoolga. This new home will feature a Hamptons inspired façade, and a beachy, relaxed interior. Watch this space for more updates as we start construction in a few weeks.
We are also planning some fantastic new residential developments, including six townhouses with spectacular ocean views. We’ve got a number of projects already at various stages of completion, and we are waiting for Council approval before beginning several new family homes for different clients on the Coffs Coast.
The team at Balance provides expert assistance at every stage of the residential construction process, from initial feasibility analyses to final touch-ups. Our in-house design team has produced a portfolio of exceptional new home designs, and we also offer custom design services using state-of-the-art design software (including 3D renderings you can view on your smartphone or VR glasses!).
We have solutions for steep sites, beachfront lots, and unusually-shaped blocks. We take care of Council paperwork and approvals, and provide professional interior design advice to ensure your home is stylish and practical.
Seeking a construction partner for your next investment project? Balance are the Coffs Coast experts in townhouse and boutique developments, with multiple successful projects delivered over recent years, producing excellent returns for our clients.
We offer a unique service to investors, with our ability to handle every stage of your development, from early concept plans through to completion. We provide excellent value, and can even put you in touch with quality local real estate agents to help sell or rent your new development.
We also offer turnkey development solutions so investors can start earning a return sooner with less hassle.
Unfortunately, the big builders have convinced new home buyers that the only way to afford a new home is to settle for one of their standard plans or pre-arranged house and land packages. But why settle for a home designed for someone else?
A home designed to meet your specific needs may be much more affordable than you realise! At Balance, our pricing is transparent and we’ll happily tailor our designs to meet your budget and the family’s needs.
You’ve got nothing to lose – visit our display home, or give us a call today on 1300 056 298 to arrange a free consultation.