The future of Interior Design, a new era after Covid-19

From Isolation and self-sufficiency, the new standards of design will embrace our new lifestyle.

Let's begin at the beginning...entry to the home. While a welcoming entrance to set the character of the home is desired, it may now accommodate a screening area to filter guests, deliveries and leave bags, keys, and shoes. It can even feature an antiseptic station or an ultraviolet radiation lamp. For those in apartment buildings, the reduction of multi-used areas and surfaces, such as lobby,elevator, elevator buttons, and door handles will be necessary. Perhaps a voice-operated mechanism and uv lighting will assist.

The integration of technology will also play a strong role in the design. Smart-house systems, that up till now were viewed as more of a luxury item, will take on a more utilitarian agenda. While they control the temperature of the home, they may also monitor and filter the air. Perhaps even water filtration systems will be requested.

There may be a shift to greater self-sufficiency for water and heating as well. While solar panels are the norm, additional heating may be achieved by fireplaces, known as kamins. Aside form their incredible ambiance, the right model and placement in the home can heat quiet nicely. Whether the shift to autonomous home stations/ generators are also in the cards, is yet to be seen.

Perhaps the most tangible of needs that come into focus, is the need for speed! That is internet speed and reliability. As we speak there are advanced companies who are on the verge of satellite-based alternatives that blow their predecessors away.

Along with these technological advances, the interior spaces will also see a shift. While an open-plan was the much sought after layout, it's ability to provide simultaneous sharing of activities is proving less ideal. Television viewing, zoom calls, reading, and yoga do not mesh all that well. Redefining how the interior is subdivided to allow for private spaces, be it a temporary division or a more structure one, will be more suitable. Home office space will probably top this list. Food storage will also gain popularity, by allowing fewer outings to the supermarket. This can be in a pantry style off the kitchen or in a secondary section such as a garage or basement.

When it comes to designing the more private areas of the residence. aside from the Master suite, another en-suite may prove very useful. This would allow a family member or guest to be in home-isolation more easily.

Nowhere do we feel the need more to splurge, than in our outdoor space. Being isolated in the home promotes an immense desire to connect to the outdoors! For high-rise buildings this would mean a balcony oasis. For houses, this would translate into the great outdoors of the backyard. From nourishing a vegetable and spice garden,to the luxury of a pool; individual needs can thrive here. By featuring a comfortable seating and dining area, the outdoor living space will transform into an integral part of the home. Activities such as reading, working and especially entertaining can be easily enjoyed throughout the seasons.

Stay tuned for my future blog on how we can work on your interior design needs through zoom and other innovative ways in this time.