We are actively living in uncertain, unique times. The different part of our lives – work, home, fitness, education etc., have all collided into once space as we practice social distancing and as many follow the stay-at-home orders that have been put in place.
We recently came across an article online sharing that DIY home improvement projects are through the roof. Additionally, design professionals are seeing increased requests for input on paint color, or job requests to install larger pantries. These small improvements make sense, since homeowners are spending more time than ever at home.
Immediate desires aside, what does this mean going forward? How will this pandemic impact how architects, interior designers, and homeowners look at their home post-pandemic? We recently read an article in Dwell that interviews several industry professionals on the matter, which we highlight below.
Larger Pantry
The toilet paper, cleaning supplies and food hoarding that has occurred during this pandemic will be emblazoned in our memories forever. Some firms already report an increased request for larger pantries. Need we explain?
Home Office
The pandemic has forced much of the working world to operate remotely. Going forward, companies may rethink the method of “working from home.” This could change the way businesses view their physical office space. In the future, companies may consider reducing physical office space to save on cost. They may choose to dispose of personal desk space and use the office strictly for team meetings and client meetings.
If this were to happen, homeowners would be forced to rethink how they work from home. This would be cause for permanent, more practical solutions for a home office – no more working at the kitchen table. We could see a surge in people trying to creatively add a workspace in their home, one that provides privacy from other house residents. For example, doubling a guest room as an office space, or re-purposing it entirely.
Balance of open spaces and private spaces
The house has become more than just a space for gathering and living. “Suddenly, we are all using our homes simultaneously as offices, classrooms, conference rooms, and gyms—with multiple users at the same time—and dealing with the consequences of the open floor plan” states Maura Trumble to Dwell.
The open floor plan poses issues when all these activities collide in one space, at the same time. This is a reminder that having some segregated space in the house can be very useful for work and sanity.
Open floor plans can be difficult for functional privacy. Trumble goes on to say, “How do the spaces we live and eat and play in also allow for a functional and separate use for work? How do smaller spaces perform multiple duties, but still create a separation of work life and home life? It seems like this should be another lens through which we evaluate the design of homes.”
Quality of Spaces and Household Objects
This was mentioned by a few designers in the Dwell article. They touch on the fact that the quality of spaces in the home will become more important post-pandemic. Desirable qualities include natural light, air quality, comfort level, and finishes – things that make a space feel more welcoming. Tactile quality was also mentioned – objects that raise the comfort level of the home
Bring the Outdoors In
As exposure to the outdoors becomes limited, there may be a movement to bring the outside indoors. Whether that means bringing more plants and fresh blooms inside or installing larger windows to open up views to the exterior, we’re on board! Plants improve air quality and the feeling of a space, what’s not to love?
Focus on the Backyard
In a time when we are restricted on where we can go, many of us are turning to our yards for time outside. This may have people re-imagining what it means to spend time in their yard and what they want to get out of it going forward. A few things our business is already encountering: new decks, vegetable gardens, chicken coops, and outdoor lounge areas.
Read the full Dwell article here.