How The Coronavirus Outbreak Has Affected Interior Design

How the coronavirus outbreak has affected interior design

Our homes have never meant as much to us as they do now. This year has been such a strange one, and the fact we have all been forced to stay at home for so long means they are no longer just a place we escape to at the end of the day, but they are also places of work, schools and even gyms for some of us.

With so many different activities now taking place under one roof, and lots of different people sharing the same space at the same time, our homes have been forced to adapt with us – and the way we look at them has changed too. We have all been forced to really look at the design choices we have made in the past, including picture frames all sizes, and we have had to try and make space in the home for work and play and keep them separate – in a way in which we haven’t had to before.

While the social distancing measures are starting to be lifted (in some areas at least) the past few months have changed the way we look at our homes, and are likely to have an impact on interior design in the future as well. Let’s take a closer look at some of the trends we think we will see in the future world that has been forever changed by the Coronavirus. 

Trend One: Flexible spaces within the home

As we have touched on above, if the last few months have taught us anything it is that our homes need to function in many different ways while still looking good – whether it is as a home school environment that encourages children to learn or a home office that helps us to stay productive.

Recent research by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) reveals that before lockdown around 70% of employees had not worked from home – whereas now around 20 million of us are having to do so! Although lockdown restrictions are beginning to ease, many companies (and not just small ones) are realising the benefits of a remote workforce and allowing their employees to choose to work from home if they want to for the foreseeable future.

So, how do we make our homes, whatever the size, adaptable enough to accommodate all of the activities we need it to? The key really is to work with what you’ve got and use clever storage solutions to really make the most of your space, keeping it feeling chic and organised at the same time. Storage is the only way to ensure everyone in your family can complete the tasks they need to whatever time of the day they need to do it – and then it can all be tided away at night when you want to sit down and relax.

Look for flexible storage solutions, such as benches with hidden storage, and ladder shelves with built in desks that not only give you plenty of storage options, but can also be dressed in a way which complements the look of your home. Use plants and art in to give your home a professional feel, buy custom frames online to make sure your Zoom call background looks the best it can.

Trend two: Hygiene will be built in

Hygiene has been a hot topic of conversation for everyone this year with the spread of Coronavirus, and it will stay a priority for many years to come – especially when it comes to home design.  Hard surfaces will have to be easy to clean, germ-resistant materials will be used where possible, and smart technology will be standard.

However, there still needs to be a nod to design about these items, people don’t want to feel that they live somewhere clinical or that their hand sanitiser unit or rubbish bin looks out of place. Extra hand basins will also be added to homes, and we will probably see a rise in mud rooms and external cloak rooms where people can leave their outdoor clothing that may be contaminated.

Trend three: Staying in is the new going out

With pubs, bars, restaurants and cinemas being closed since March, we have got used to making our own entertainment at home and this is unlikely to change. Many people have already installed bars, comfy seating areas and larger televisions into their home to help them to recreate the atmosphere they enjoyed when they were out. 

Dining rooms are also seeing a resurgence in popularity, with people craving the idea of hosting their friends and family in their homes – which they haven’t been able to do for months. Larger dining tables are seeing an increase in sales as well as dining chairs, crockery, glassware, and drinks cabinets.

Gardens are making a return to favour as well, as people look to expand their living areas to outside as well. Especially as restrictions mean we can see friends and family in our gardens but not our homes – meaning people want to make their outdoor space as comfortable and cosy as their indoor living space. Outdoor rugs, throws, cushions and candles are all seeing huge increases in sales. 

Trend four: Wellbeing is key

The focus on health that we have all had since March has led us all to think more about our wellbeing, and how our homes contribute to that – and interior design is a big part of this. Our homes should be our sanctuaries – and for many people creating a calming space starts with colour choice. Neutral tones and natural materials seem to be key to helping us relax while creating spaces that are light and airy and that inspire us to be productive when we are working or educating our children. 

Minimalism and cleaner looking interiors will become more popular, especially as white tends to symbolise cleanliness and we are all obsessed with being clean and hygienic at the moment. Bright colours may also become more popular too, as many people find them uplifting and want to use them to help keep their spirits up during these unprecedented times. 

Trend five: Bringing nature inside

Lockdown has made it harder for some of us to enjoy the great outdoors, especially at the beginning of the pandemic when we were all basically confined to our homes. This has led to more people wanting their homes to feel more natural, with indoor plants seeing an increase in sales as people see them as enabling life and symbolising growth. 

It also ties in with the focus on health and wellbeing as well, with earthy elements and organic shapes rising in popularity. 

If you are looking to spruce up your home and make it look better in the background of your Zoom calls then check out the ready made frame sizes at Frames.co.uk.