Since the 2020 pandemic outbreak, homes have transitioned into makeshift offices, gyms, classrooms, and movie theatres, amongst other inventions. With so many activities happening under one roof, homes have had to adapt and incorporate new functionalities, changing the way one looks at the spaces within. Serene colors, large mirrors, organic textured finishes, and uncluttered, open spaces have a soothing effect. Now, more than ever, one understands that the home is a place to feel comforted, safe, and inspired.
The pandemic’s impact on interior design can be summed up as a deepened focus on well-delineated, adaptable spaces
Heavy-Duty Home Offices
Indoor-Outdoor Amalgamation
The lockdown has induced a rising need for an outdoor area such as balconies and terrace gardens as a respite against the long hours spent indoors. For people owning homes with lawns, we suggest building a porch for shade and rest, and making use of the hardscape and softscape by building pathways at several junctures to allow an interesting play of textures and materials.
Tough & Easy-to-Clean Materials
Hygiene is now at the forefront of everyone’s minds. The use of materials in the interiors is modified to ensure deep cleaning and sanitation. Materials with anti-bacterial properties like copper, linen, and some timbers are in demand. There is rising awareness of using locally available materials. The more durable polished plasters, limestone, and marbles are finding increased use as they can withstand heavy-duty cleaning, such as at entryways.
Light, Calming Colors
With longer hours being spent indoors, people want calming and colorful linen and cushions in the living room. Colored walls are being replaced with neutral shades and whites. With such soulful integrations, home interiors are embracing the idea of ‘conscious living’.
Bringing Greenery Indoors
Plants bring a sense of positivity to homes. Incorporating greenery such as indoor plants, green walls, flower beds, etc. has a profound effect on the well-being of the occupants while lowering the carbon footprint of the house. In a residence designed by us, we have used various textures of concrete and wood, a concrete pathway on the grass on the lawn, and lots of potted plants at the entrance.
Smart Kitchens
A smart kitchen design is becoming more prominent with the intervention of home technologies like voice-activated and motion sensors, and remote control of lights, faucets, and appliances.
Multipurpose Rooms
Homeowners are taking advantage of under-utilized basements, bedrooms, and garages by recasting them as bonus spaces for working out, watching movies, and other activities to keep the family entertained. They are also requesting extra space that encourages home schooling/tutoring arrangements, and extra storage options, including built-in cabinetry.
Dining tables are being introduced into spacious kitchens to establish an easier flow of movement while the extra free space is being included in the functional activities for the user. A home office is being co-used by kids to instil separate zones for work and play. Functional spaces which are in the most basic form in the layout planning of any home, can be accentuated in terms of use with the right aesthetics. Necessity, as they say, is the mother of invention.
