Just a decade or two ago, having a lift installed in the home would require a large, cumbersome, often noisy and even somewhat ‘medical’ feature to sit alongside your much-loved décor.

Home elevators have come a long way since then ensuring that there is an answer for those homeowners who value beauty and contemporary design which can not only be of enormous practical benefit but also blend beautifully with its surroundings.

Here at Lifton Home Elevators, we take a look at some of the convenience and sustainability trends which are likely to influence the future.

Enhancing accessibility and convenience

For some homeowners investing in certain products such as a residential elevator may be about addressing their current needs, for many others it is about future proofing, or simply making life easier when they open their home to other family members of the family. It could also simply be for reasons of making life easier – to help with tasks, such as travelling from floor to floor with laundry, luggage and many other things besides.

This need for increased convenience has swiftly permeated our human psyche in everything, from same day deliveries of groceries to online banking, to controlling our heating systems from our phones. We have all begun to expect more from our home services and from the companies we buy our products from, and this will only continue to accelerate. We expect to be able to see our loved ones or enjoy consistent access to all areas of our home, forever, at the touch of a button – and with a modern home elevator this is now possible.

Smart Home Technology: Preparing for the future of home automation

Voice controlled systems are increasingly present in our homes from linking our power sockets to smart speakers, TVs and even lighting to climate control and entertainment systems which can now all be controlled by voice requests.

Within the next few years, there is every chance of this approach being adapted for other items that make life easier in our home, such as home lifts.

Security and surveillance is another area that has seen massive growth, with doorbell cameras, smart locks and security systems linked to our phones so that we can keep in touch with our homes and loved ones (even our pets!) at a glance.

Energy efficient upgrades

LED lighting has put an end to us all regularly changing our lightbulbs, not only do the new LED lights last longer but they use far less energy to run and help to reduce our utility bills.

They can add layers of style and individuality to our homes, from the highly functional task lighting required in some spaces to creating a backlit colored glow from behind furniture or in kids’ rooms.

In home elevators expect increasingly customizable lighting options and flexible controls as well as ongoing improvements in their energy efficiency.

Create versatile living spaces

Many of us have already embraced the trend for open plan living, often seeking light filled, welcoming and flexible spaces allowing us to eat and socialize and adapt our space to the needs of the whole family.

In an effort to maintain the clear, open aesthetic, there is also an ongoing move towards multi-functional furniture. King size beds with ottoman storage, foldable and extendable tables and modular shelving to ensure we optimize the space in our homes and tailor our furniture to fit our needs rather than work around it as we may once have done.

The latest residential elevator options, rather than dictating exactly where in the home they must be located, allow you the option of whether to opt for pride of place or as discreetly blended in as possible, thanks to the small footprints and contemporary design options.

Make your home accessible for everyone

Designing a home that is accessible for everyone involves incorporating features that make life easier for all ages and abilities. By incorporating these elements into your home design, you can create an environment that is comfortable, safe and inviting for everyone, all the way from Boomers to Gen Z.

Key components include ‘no-step’ entrances, wider doorways and open plan designs to allow for easy movement. Accessible bathrooms with roll-in showers, grab rails and ‘comfort-height’ lavatories, combined with kitchen

areas including adjustable countertops and slide-out shelves, enhance functionality.

Inside, a home elevator, good coverage lighting, easy to use light switches, and smart home technology improve convenience and safety, while non-slip floors and a level floor throughout remove the risk of falls. Outside, accessible pathways and raised garden beds are ideal. Overall, these thoughtful design choices create a safe, comfortable, and inclusive living environment for everyone.