How the pandemic will influence the future of home design

The evolution of home design will always continue, but the COVID-19 pandemic has redefined the needs and wants of the living space and set design directions on hyperdrive. Whether single-family or multi-family, owned or rented, the goal is to create environments that are simple to maintain, engaging the senses and aesthetically beautiful. This is in addition to creating desirable spaces that embrace an extraordinary sense of ease.

Here are some predictions of the pandemic-related design trends that I believe are here to stay.

Flexibility is the key

Flexibility is the buzz for designs that make life easier. Formally labeled rooms will be more loosely defined, and furniture, design elements and materials will help redefine interior and exterior spaces. The new multi-functional spaces will serve as offices, classrooms, craft spaces, and bedrooms, and a quick-change approach will influence the design and make it easier to change the landscape of the room.

“Work from home” is fast becoming the new status symbol of “corner office”, and comfort at home will inspire more stay moments. To overcome the obstacles of the lack of privacy and sound control of open planes, movable walls and panels will change the dynamics of a space, quickly transforming from a home office to a gathering space to a comfortable guest room.

Furniture that takes up minimal space or with varied functions will add convenience to homes. A desk that folds into the wall, for example, a coffee table that transforms from cocktail height to dining room height, or a bed that disappears into the ceiling will provide smart answers for the newly defined uses of space. Improvements in sound and light will be absolute necessities, as privacy, along with levels of silence, will be necessary for productivity and peace of mind. The soft materials and textured design will help control the sound, while the lighting will add multi-level applications besides introducing as much natural light as possible. Both add to the ambiance of the space, while also providing more comfort for the inevitable moment of work video or selfie.

A focus on easy-to-clean surfaces and products

Consumers’ continued concern with cleanliness means that the materials will have to withstand multiple uses and multiple users. Performance materials will be desired throughout the home with built-in stain resistance and effortless cleaning, even with more powerful cleaners. Ideally, they push away the icky stuff from the start.

The need for cleanliness is obvious, and the desire for a beautiful aesthetic is vital. The products must both work and look stunning. Solid and porcelain surfaces will join quartz for their aesthetic options and waterproof nature, unique characteristics such as seamless installations and wear resistance. Upholstery textiles like velor and faux suede will prevent spills and stains. And flooring, especially luxury vinyl, will add comfort and silence to endless style underfoot.

Inside, meet the outside

Outdoor spaces will become part of everyday life and adding outdoor spaces to a plan will include recreation areas in the front and back. From large windows to terraces and balconies, even a simple Juliet balcony, it’s all about connecting to nature and expanding living space. With designs inspired and complementing nature, sleek, UV-resistant, large-scale surfaces will ensure aesthetic success and simple maintenance for outdoor living.

Comfort, both physical and emotional, will be the goal of the design process and the way in which they are treated will continue to evolve. Flexibility will be key, but so will a feeling of a safe haven that allows everyone to stay connected and secure. The recent wave of loungewear, clean-lined yet comfortable furniture, and tactile surfaces have all contributed to the ambiance. Elements that excite the touch and captivate the sight have become fashionable moments in the overall notion of “refuge”.

Various textures and patterns will make the viewer pause and savor what they see. They not only look great, but also help control the sound and add a feeling of calm. The flowing lines of surface veins, for example, are heartwarming and suggest rolling hills or flowing water. Most importantly, they cover design styles and can be used in contemporary or traditional settings. Textures that mimic leather, velvet, and other indulgent materials gently engage the viewer, adding another relaxed vibe that embraces all design styles.

Color as a mood enhancer

Color, of course, is paramount in a design, whether it catches the eye on its own or provides a background to accentuate other hues. To create and maintain a feeling of ease, natural and calm colors, ranging from light to dark, beautify products and environments. Rooted in nature, neutral colors of off-white, warm beige and gray, and again black, influence an emerging palette that embraces cool, muted hues. They bring balance and familiarity and add security to the feeling of comfort and ease.

Of course, moments of brightness will occur with accessories and appliances, so expect a bit of poppy pink with a warm gray, an earthy vegetable green with golden yellows, or nearly black with ivory and beige. Blue and green will also continue to reflect the natural world, in all of their different color values, from home fashions and surfaces to exterior accents and thus complementing an idea of ​​the natural world as an interior haven of peace.

Different gloss levels from matte to gloss also add visual interest and help with light control. Highlights can make a design look soft or bold and make design statements while providing practical functionality. Matte finishes will work in low traffic areas with minimal reflection for a relaxing aesthetic, where a higher shine can add energy and spark a bit of excitement. An added bonus is that it’s easier to see stains that may need to be cleaned up, and if the material is waterproof, it’s a snap to maintain. Often the highlights are combined to provide a balance for calm and ease.

In summary

Rethinking almost everything from work to school to entertainment is shaping the future of the new hybrid lifestyle. Design will continue to evolve and refine living spaces to meet the multiple needs and desires of a home. A flexible environment with a sense of ease will create havens for everyday life and help make the future home extraordinary.