A Look into James Hardie’s Modern Homes Forecast 2024

We know you’re familiar with Australia’s #1 cladding brand, James Hardie, but what you might not know is they recently released their first annual research initiative, the Modern Homes Forecast 2024. James Hardie conducted an extensive analysis in collaboration with research specialists Fiftyfive5, utilising desktop studies, state-of-the-art AI technology, and insights from interviews with architects, designers, and prominent industry journalists. The results? Seven popular and emerging Modern Home styles tailored to the unique elements of Australia. 

Come with us to discover each home style, and hear from Interior Design expert, Neale Whitaker, who has proudly partnered up with James Hardie for the initiative. Plus, learn why the Modern Homes Forecast 2024 is revolutionising the future of Australian interior design and construction. 

Modern Farmhouse Render

The Modern Home Styles

So, what are the seven distinct Modern Home styles that are currently trending and are expected to continuing shaping the Australian housing landscape? 

Modern Farmhouse

This style merges traditional and modern elements, which achieves contemporary functionality while maintaining the comfortable appeal of classic design and craftsmanship. It features a neutral palette, open-plan layouts, and distinctive black windows, adding a striking contrast and a modern architectural flair to the timeless charm of the farmhouse aesthetic.

Mood board created by James Hardie on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.

Modern Farmhouse Render

Box Modern

Defined by its geometric, block-like structures, the Box Modern style utilises large, cube-shaped volumes that are either stacked or intersected to craft unique, modern homes. It’s a quintessential design for those who are after a completely contemporary home.

Mood board created by James Hardie on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.

Box Modern Render

Modern Heritage

This style enhances heritage homes by blending thoughtful restorations and bold renovations with sleek, modern additions. Modern Heritage creates a seamless blend of old and new, producing homes with both timeless elegance and enhanced practicality. It’s the perfect balance between traditional and contemporary.

Mood board created by James Hardie on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.

Modern Heritage Render

Japandi

It comes as no surprise that Japandi is on this list. If you’re not familiar with the popular style, Japandi blends Scandinavian functionality with Japanese minimalism to foster spaces that are both simple and inviting. This style uses natural materials and soft, neutral tones to enhance the connection with nature, emphasising tranquility in its design.

Mood board created by James Hardie on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.

Japandi Render

Mid-Century Modern

Featuring a mix of clean lines and organic shapes with vibrant accent colours, Mid-Century Modern homes are marked by a sense of optimism and functionality, bringing a contemporary update to nostalgic design elements.

Mid-Century Modern Render

Barn

Drawing inspiration from Nordic minimalism and a bond with nature, the Barn style focuses on simplicity and craftsmanship. With its pitched roofs and open-plan spaces, it prioritises natural materials to create peaceful, aesthetically pleasing homes.

Barn Render

Modern Coastal

Modern Coastal homes offer a fresh interpretation of classic coastal architecture, merging indoor and outdoor spaces. Elements like crisp white weatherboards, expansive stacking doors, and high clerestory windows characterise this style, capturing the essence of Australia’s iconic coastal vibe with a touch of modern luxury.

Each style is unique and purposeful in its own way, catering to the varied lifestyles of modern Australians. 

Modern Coastal Render

To assist homeowners, James Hardie has also created Design Handbooks that offer insight into each of the seven design concepts, including design features, materials textures, colour palettes, and Hardie™ exterior cladding solutions, empowering homeowners and industry professionals to perfectly achieve their vision. 

Plus, James Hardie has curated a lineup of leading design professionals and aligned them each with a home style where they have offered their expertise and insights. Along with these key industry professionals, Neale Whitaker has shared his insights into the influences of the Australian market and expressed his thoughts on his partnership with James Hardie for the Modern Homes Forecast 2024. 

"I am thrilled to be part of the Modern Homes Forecast 2024 as it represents a forward-thinking exploration of contemporary living. James Hardie's dedication to understanding and shaping the future of how Australia builds, aligns perfectly with my passion for innovative design. Together, we are poised to inspire homeowners and industry professionals alike, fostering a new era of creative possibilities in modern living."

- Neale Whitaker

James Hardie’s Modern Homes Forecast 2024 also revealed the factors influencing residential trends throughout Australia. Elements such as a shift in family dynamics, environmental concerns, a renewed support for local manufacturing, and as more Australians are working from home, there’s a focus on dynamic home office spaces. These changes are pivotal for architects, designers, and homeowners as they adapt to the evolving landscape of contemporary living.

Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding

Axon™ Cladding

Over the next few months, we’ll dive into each of the seven home styles to take a deeper look at the features and benefits of the designs. We’ll also hear from some incredible interior design professionals and explore through the industry tips to discover just how to achieve each style. 

If you’d like to learn more about the Modern Homes Forecast 2024, head to James Hardie’s website. Or, if you’re feeling inspired by the seven design concepts, begin bringing your vision to life via our mood board tool.