Since COVID-19 appeared in the United States in early 2020, our way of life changed drastically. Homes became classrooms and offices, and we spent more time in our living rooms, bedroom and family rooms than ever before.
Interestingly, all of this “at home” time is already having an impact on interior design. More than ever, people have realized how things like color, layout, functionality and more have an impact not only on their mood, but also on their productivity.
With this in mind, let’s look at some of the ways that interior design has changed, and will continue to change, post-COVID-19.
Colors That Mimic Mother Nature
The pandemic has understandably left many people feeling anxious, stressed and grief stricken. As Architectural Digest notes, these unsettled emotions are inspiring a desire to paint our homes in shades that make us feel like we are outside among nature. Instead of fire engine red accent walls or electric purple wallpaper, expect to see calmer and more relaxing shades like sky blue, sea glass green, putty gray, creamy off-white, olive green and turquoise. In addition to the walls, furniture that is upholstered with these same shades will undoubtedly be quite popular, as will accessories like throws, pillows and artwork.
Security Cameras That Instill a Sense of Well-Being
Prior to COVID-19, most people would usually answer the door every time the bell rang. As we continue to social distance, we are less likely to want to come face to face with a delivery person, door-to-door salesman or other stranger. At the same time, people want to protect their homes more than ever, which have literally become their safe haven. In order to do that quite effectively, homeowners are predicted to embrace security camera systems more than ever. For instance, Lorex’s Wi-Fi security cameras link to the Lorex Home app, so you can remotely monitor the footage. If you install a camera near your front door, when the doorbell rings, you can see who is there from the comfort of your couch and convenience of your smartphone. These cameras also have a two-way talk feature that allows you to interact with the person at the door. If you opt for a wire-free version, you can place the security cameras anywhere in or around your home.
Home Offices Will Take Center Stage
Traditionally, home offices were often an afterthought, or maybe a space that was shared with a guest room, or tucked into a corner of the family room. Instead of having a home office, people will now desire an office at home. These spaces will be functional, attractive and designed to handle full-time teleworkers. As a side note, with the recent increase in video conferencing, these work spaces will be designed with Zoom in mind — lighting will be selected to make virtual meetings easier to see for everyone, plush throw rugs will be placed on top of tile or hardwood to help with acoustics and what we display on the bookcases behind us will be carefully chosen to make a personal and fun statement for others to see.
Home, Sweet Comfortable and Relaxing Home
When we first bought our homes, we might have been more focused on the number of bedrooms, or the roomy master bath with the jetted tub, but now that we’ve spent more time in our casas than ever, we are starting to think in other ways about what makes a house a home. COVID-19 is making a long-lasting impact on our abodes, from the colors we will choose and the cameras we install to feel more safe, to creating a fully functional space to work remotely.
