Stunning homes! How do you design a house like a New Zealander? Seven popular, classic styles you are sure to recognise

Modern home design styles are constantly evolving, from uncluttered, spacious minimalism to rugged, modern industrial design and warm, natural timber tones. Each style has its own appeal and suitable settings, but whichever you choose, you need to consider overall cohesion and practical living needs.

 

In New Zealand, popular styles differ somewhat from those described above, incorporating more of the country’s distinctive cultural and historical elements.

 

This year, James Hardie has produced a Modern Design Trends Report covering seven popular, classic and contemporary New Zealand home styles. Whether you are planning an extension, renovation or new build, this overview of design trends will be an indispensable tool.

About the Modern Design Trends Report

The Modern Design Trends Report explores seven design styles in depth and shows how to incorporate them thoughtfully into real homes, helping readers find the design ideas and direction that suit them best.

At James Hardie, we are committed to helping people create their dream homes by understanding how they live. We combine advanced AI technology, real-world case studies and interviews with architects, designers and industry professionals to uncover home design trends. Our aim is to help homeowners communicate their needs clearly and support industry professionals in delivering their clients’ modern dream homes without compromise.

 

An overview of popular styles

 

1

Modern farmhouse style — Modern Farmhouse

Grand, classic, cohesive

Grand. Classic. Cohesive.

Modern farmhouse style skilfully combines traditional design with contemporary elements, emphasising clean lines, open spaces and the textures of materials.

 

2

Barn style Barn

Simple, versatile, inviting

Simple. Versatile. Inviting.

Barn-style homes are known for their high ceilings, open-plan living spaces and striking exteriors. As shown below, a steeply pitched gable roof is an essential feature of this style.

 

3

Modern holiday home style — Modern Bach

Open, light and airy, filled with light

Open. Airy. Light-filled.

Inspired by the relaxed atmosphere of New Zealand seaside holidays, modern bach style offers a contemporary interpretation of traditional coastal design. Its features include relaxed, comfortable spaces, modern simplicity and rustic, dark exterior cladding.

 

4

Scandinavian wabi-sabi style — Japandi

Zen, minimalist, atmospheric

Zen. Minimalist. Ambient.

Japandi combines the essence of Scandinavian minimalism and Japanese wabi-sabi to create a distinctive hybrid architectural style, ideally suited to simple, elegant homes.

 

5

Modern box-style architecture — Box Modern

Bold, contemporary, precise

Bold. Contemporary. Precise.

The defining feature of Box Modern is its use of large geometric forms, such as cubes and rectangular volumes, stacked, staggered or arranged to create striking contemporary homes.

6

Mid-century modern style — Mid Century Modern

Functional, nostalgic, effortlessly stylish

Functional. Nostalgic. Effortlessly cool.

Mid-century modern style emphasises practicality and functionality and has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years. This modern classic offers a fresh interpretation of twenty-first-century living, seamlessly combining contemporary simplicity with the refinement, ingenuity and spirit of mid-century modern architecture and interior design.

7

Modern heritage style — Modern Heritage

Elevate, define, reimagine

Elevated. Reimagined. Defined

Modern heritage style enhances traditional homes through meticulous renovation and restoration. Contrast is its central defining element.