Home designs, though more permanent than the fast fashion of catwalks, still follow the ebbs and flows of trends.

What homebuyers look for and want in a home is partially dependent on what is popular and trending at the time of purchase. Gone are the days of orange carpets, patterned curtains, and burgundy furniture of our parents’ generation.

Currently, the latest home trends reflect a shift in society due to land shortages, home prices, and the economy. Going smaller has become more popular, with an emphasis on sustainability and affordability, without forgoing comfort.

Here are some of the top trends right now.

1. Light and airy
Natural light has physical and mental benefits — and home buyers know that. People want to feel more connected to the outdoors and so look for more windows, screened porches and better access to the views outside.

2. Technology for greater convenience
Society’s gadgets and technology has increased at an outstanding rate. Things that used to be part of a futurist dream — like robotic house-helpers — are now part of a reality. Homebuyers are starting to expect things like smart fridges and smart alarm systems in their homes the sake of convenience. The technology exists, so why not?

3. Big tubs and remodelled bathrooms
Bathroom renovations are huge right now. No one wants a dingy, dark hole-in-the-wall bathroom and, instead, there’s a growing emphasis on a more spa-like experience.

Overhead showers, particularly square-shaped ones, are making a come back. But the biggest surprise is the demand for big, free-standing tubs: Homebuyers wants a little corner of luxury in their home.

4. Colours and motifs
Grey is the least popular colour currently — colours set the tone of the room and keep things feeling fresh. Trending colours right now include different tons of green and wood details.

5. Sustainability and green-minded
Things like solar panels, charging ports for electric cars and water-runoff systems are spiking in demand. It’s popular across the board, both for the environmentally conscious and those looking to save money long-term.

Swing into Spring: Witches Market (March 9)
The Original Witches Market brings in spring with more than 40 vendors selling everything from herbs to soul stones.

Floral Education Week (March 11 – 15)
Florists come together for a week of information sessions all about plants, aimed at anyone looking to start a career in the industry or simply learn more about flowers.

Edmonton Boat and Sportsmen’s Show (March 14 – 17)
The show covers all aspects of outdoor life from boating and off-roading to hiking and fishing.

Annual Interfaith Symposium (March 14)
A ladies-only event that brings women together for an interfaith dialogue focused on peace and respect.

Spring Craft Retreat (March 15- 16)
A workshop to learn all about creation and craft-making.

Western Canada Fashion Week (March 20 – 24)
Five nights of runway shows and fashion extravaganza, for big names and new talent alike.

Who doesn’t dream of a multi-room house with a large garden and picket fence? But sometimes, your palace might be a bit smaller than you hoped and you’ll have to get creative with the space.

Tiny homes, which are less than 400 square feet, are becoming increasingly popular in big cities like Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver.  Despite their size, tiny homes are subject to the same land use bylaws as other residencies.  

However, mobile tiny homes have to abide to a different set of municipal rules, depending on whether they are built on a chassis or on a permanent undercarriage. For example, parking regulations can vary city to city.

We turned to people living in the smallest of spaces for advice: those living in vans, RVs, micro-homes, laneway houses, and other unusual set-ups for a variety of tips.  

No matter what your living situation is, these ideas will inspire better living in minimal spaces.

1. Dual purpose storage

"If and when you need to bring organizational pieces into your tiny home, consider stylish items that can function beyond their intended purpose," says Whitney Leigh Morris, author and founder of The Tiny Canal Cottage.

Items that pull double duty, like storage chests that act as seats, are both functional and stylish.

2. Wall mounted shelves

"Open shelving allows you to see what you have, while maintaining openness," say Alexis Stephens and Christian Parsons, who live and travel in a tiny home on wheels.

These shelves can be everything from pots and pans, spices, and bicycles. Open shelves help create the illusion of space by clearing the floor.

3. Space saving tables and beds

Furniture that folds up and tucks away, like a bed that hides away or turns into a couch, means more space for everyday use. Some tables, for example, have hinges so you can hide it away when not in use.

4. Use lighter colours  

"Use white or light color paint on your walls. Painted wall panels can also lead your eye to a focal point, creating length in your space," says Jenna Spesard, who runs a tiny house blog.

A lighter colour palette brightens up a space and makes it look larger. Avoid dark coloured woods.

5. Think vertically

"Store items high and low, and out of the eye-line to make spaces seem bigger," says blogger Jenna Spesard.

Other tricks to make space look bigger include hanging mirrors up and keeping windows clear and open.