CIVIC LANE Interior and exterior design is increasingly being shaped by more than appearance alone. Recent design thinking emphasises climate resilience, adaptable spaces, biodegradable materials, local sourcing and homes capable of functioning during extreme weather or power disruption. At the same time, highly personalised interiors are competing with minimalist approaches based on fewer but better-quality possessions. Smart technology is adding another layer by allowing lighting, heating, security and energy consumption to respond automatically to occupants. The home of the future may therefore be defined as much by how intelligently it performs as by how attractive it looks.