Life After lockdown: How the coronavirus pandemic changed the way we design and live in our homes

Our homes are no longer simply a place where we go to escape the world for a while. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic began, our lives have changed in completely unexpected ways, and our homes have become the protagonists of the unprecedented time we live in.

Needless to say, this situation has also affected the way we style, organise and live in our homes, even setting new interior design standards for the future that will last long after the pandemic has subsided.

Health-conscious materials

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to put a higher emphasis on hygiene, and even exposed certain weaknesses in our homes regarding cleanliness and safety.

For that reason, we started incorporating more hygienic materials into the interior design, such as glazed ceramic tiles that are easy to clean, as well as oak and bamboo flooring, which naturally prevents microorganisms from growing.

Similarly, areas that are frequently touched, such as handles and knobs, are being replaced with antibacterial materials like copper and bronze, while high-traffic areas in the home are getting smarter upgrades in the form of automatic faucets and smart toilets, for instance, all in an effort to maintain hygiene.

Dedicated home office spaces

As the current situation has led many to start working and studying from home, some for the first time ever, we have finally realised the importance of having a separate space in our home that is isolated and quiet enough to allow us to get our work done.

Considering this fact, there’s no denying that the post-pandemic workplace will take on a new meaning in the future, most notably in the form of dedicated work and study areas, home offices and libraries.

As the need for several professional spaces in a home rises, so will the popularity of ergonomic furniture, multifunctional pieces, and practical yet creative interior design.

Natural and organic elements

While obliging us to stay isolated in our homes, the pandemic has also left us longing for that fresh and organic feeling of the outdoors. That could be the reason why many homeowners are aiming to bring more elements of nature inside, ultimately setting a new design trend.

This was mostly expressed through natural fabrics and materials used for decor, such as natural fibre rugs that add warmth and dimension to any space.

On the other end of the spectrum, those who had the opportunity opted for larger windows with beautiful views or even an indoor/outdoor concept that allowed them to be more connected with nature. Either way, a higher emphasis is put on natural lighting, fresh air, plenty of greenery, and an overall organic design.

More home entertainment options

A greener home is not the only aim, it seems. As most of us have spent several months in lockdown, we were forced to find new ways of entertaining ourselves at home, leading to an increased need for dedicated entertainment spaces that are as safe as they are fulfilling.

For instance, patios and backyards are being turned into family get-together areas, spare rooms and garages got new makeovers in the form of home gyms, while living rooms were redesigned with new media, game or cinema corners in mind.

Even if they’re not particularly large in size, special entertainment areas are evidently essential in most homes, for providing some peace of mind during such an uncertain time.

Separate and defined living spaces

Whether it’s out of necessity or simply as a form of precaution, time spent isolating together with a family also highlighted the need for separate, private spaces in a home that allow for independent living.

Apart from home office and entertainment areas, this also affected the designs of other rooms in the house, as well as the layout of the floor space.

For instance, families are opting for hidden reading nooks, separate bedrooms, especially children’s, as well as an overall layout of the home designed with distinct, separate spaces in mind, instead of an open floor plan.

A sense of calmness and security

Our living spaces can greatly influence both our physical and mental well-being, particularly during the time of the coronavirus. For that reason, having an environment that positively stimulates the senses, encourages relaxation and has numerous health and wellness benefits has become one of the most important aspects of interior design.

From open concepts and bright colour palettes to soft and cosy decor elements, such as fuzzy decorative pillows and comfortable throw blankets, all of these details have become a necessary part of home design, as they represent a calm and relaxing escape from an otherwise uncertain world.

Whether the COVID-19 pandemic results in permanent lifestyle changes or not, there is no doubt that the world of interior design has been changed entirely, now focusing on cleanliness, comfort and practicality more than ever.