COVID-19 brought changes to every part of life, and home design was no exception. Experts are expecting to see lasting impacts on everything from the materials we use to the rooms we prioritize. Check out these noteworthy design trends spurred by the pandemic:
Houses Over ApartmentsMany people who live in condos or apartments do so to be closer to the action – work, entertainment, and shops – and never planned on spending much time at home. But the pandemic has changed that, and more people are going to want a home that offers plenty of room, maybe a home office and outdoor space in case they need to isolate again.
A hard lesson we’ve learned is that items and services we thought we could count on aren’t necessarily a sure thing, so products that increase self-reliance will become very popular. Expect to see more homes with internal sources of energy like solar panels, sources of heat like fireplaces and stoves, and even urban and indoor gardens that allow you to grow your own produce.
Between playgrounds closing and parks becoming overcrowded, many of us are turning to our balconies, patios, and backyards for fresh air and nature. This means we’re going to be investing more in our outdoor spaces, with functional kitchens, soothing water features, cozy firepits and high-quality outdoor furniture to create a much-needed escape. Did you know you can build swimming pools and spas with ICFs?
Thanks to spending more time indoors and reprioritizing our health, we’ll turn to design to help ensure our homes are safe and healthy for our families. We’ll see a rise in products like water filtration systems as well as materials that improve indoor air quality. For new homes and additions, alternatives to wood-framing like Insulated Concrete Forms offer increased ventilation for healthier indoor air quality and an environment that’s less susceptible to mold.
Home OfficesBusiness experts are suggesting many companies will see that working from home is not only possible but offers tangible benefits, like saving money on office space rent. With working from home on the rise, creating a home office space that inspires productivity will be a significant project many of us tackle. Luxury home office furniture that feels chic and blends into your décor as well as ergonomic chairs and desks will see a considerable boost.
With the hit to the economy, people are going to be buying less, but what they do buy will be better quality, while at the same time making an effort to support local businesses. When it comes to design, trends will shift to locally made furniture, custom-built homes, and pieces and materials that stand the test of time.
