Unispiring domestic modern design

Browsing through real estate listings on the net tonight and man I just cant get over how really unattractive, uninspiring and boring modern interior design is. It has of course been going on for a few years at least now. The sharp edges, kitchen islands that are just a big giant block. Lack of architraves, no crown mouldings, no skirtings. Just everything flat, bland and bl**dy boring! Not a hint of craftsmanship or personality. Where is this trend taking us? What is it pursuing? and when will the pendulum start to swing the other way and individuality and quirkiness start to appear again?

Perhaps most people like it? Perhaps it is just popular because it is simple and therefore cheap (in terms of labour cost)? The thing is that the majority of expensive apartments and houses are made to this style. Perhaps this is developers making things appeal to the broadest range of people to maximise their investments? Playing safe to make sure things appear fashionable?

I am in New Zealand so not sure if this is the same in Australia so much? I have seen some beautifully crafted brand new homes on American websites (ie made with some time and effort put in to do more than just ensure that surfaces are smooth and parallel).

Perhaps it is a sign of the current economic conditions that people are not interested in embellishing their interiors with anything other than a coat of paint? However, I am sure this trend started long before 2007.


Interested to see if this stirs up any other strong feelings out there!

One of the problems is also the developers / councils / planing bodies that have created minimum sized blocks, played with LSR (land space ratio) usually min 40%, and the new energy efficiency mantra, then the client with the need for the majority of modern home design requirements and you ave a recipe for same old same old.

But you are correct when you say it costs money for the elements that you refer to for individuality.

I think the trend is to make things inoffensive, which means banal and lacking in character. To quote an article in a recent magazine, "keep permanent fixtures and surfaces simple. The finish has to be neutral, ... it's safe but it works." The focus was on adding personality with accessories. I guess that fits with the idea that houses aren't homes anymore, but investments. People don't intend to stay in one place perhaps. Do them up and leave, as rentals etc.