The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everything, from how we work to how we interact with others. It has changed the way we function in the world and has made us reconsider our dwellings. The pandemic has fundamentally transformed our relationship with our homes. In turn, it has changed our interior décor expectations.
Our homes are no longer just places where we live. Everything has become home-centric. People worked , worked out, and studied from home. They even entertained from home. We spent more time at home than we ever expected. Because of this change, people have had to adapt. In this new normal, we have different needs when it comes to interior design and interior décor. Keep on reading to discover how the pandemic has changed our perspective on interior décor.
How the Pandemic Has Shifted Interior Décor Expectations
Our homes are no longer just living spaces. They’re also our workspaces and our gyms. The pandemic has changed how we view our homes. Interior décor expectations have changed to match this. In addition to aesthetics, there’s a strong emphasis on functionality and adaptability. The following expectations reflect our changing needs.
Need for Private Spaces
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us the importance of private spaces. These include home offices, remote learning spaces, and children’s rooms. Open-concept shared spaces are still popular. However, more people have realized the importance of private spaces.
Home offices have always been popular. Yet, they weren’t used as much as they were during the pandemic. Despite offices opening back up, work from home is still prevalent. It’s more flexible, convenient, and less stigmatized than before. Some people are now choosing to work from home or have more hybrid arrangements.
Since remote employment is here to stay, home offices aren’t going anywhere. They’re now an essential part of homes. Previously, home offices were makeshift desk setups. Now, more people are investing in private spaces. They’re even converting guest rooms into home offices. There’s also an emphasis on aesthetically pleasing backgrounds for Zoom calls. Many are focusing on paint, artwork, and plants to make their spaces more exciting.
The nature of home offices has also changed. Previously, people used them to check emails or pay bills. With more use, they’re becoming more substantial. People are investing in larger desks and workspaces and more robust storage options. Stylish desk chairs are also giving way to more ergonomic options. 91% of individuals tried to improve their workspace during the pandemic. 90% of them spent money to do so, and more than 50% invested in new chairs.
Other interior décor trends that have come from this are pocket doors and partitions. Pocket doors allow people to keep open layouts while still having the option for privacy. Partitions and dividers help make spaces more flexible while adding visual interest. Both interior décor trends make dividing spaces simple. Yet, they do so without compromising an open floor plan.
Warm and Earthy Colors
Our homes have become our sanctuaries. People are trying to create calming spaces by using warm and earthy tones. Open floor plans are still important. However, there’s an increased need for privacy because of work and study from home. One way to separate areas while still creating a cohesive space is to use warm and earthy colors. Since these colors tie spaces together, you can still maintain an open feel to any room. Warmer colors have also been popular because they create a cocooning effect.
However, this doesn’t mean that interior décor has to be boring. While the overall mood of spaces remains calming, many are embracing fun accents. Colorful corners, peel-and-stick wallpaper, and statement tiles bring spaces to life. Natural tones like blues, greens, and oranges can introduce color to living spaces.
Embracing Biophilic Design
Biophilic design focuses on connecting people to the natural environment through design. It mostly brings in nature-inspired colors. It also consists of large windows and sliding doors. There’s also emphasis on natural textures and shapes, and plenty of natural light. In a time of stress and panic, biophilic design can help boost both physical and mental wellness. Natural textures such as wood are also comforting. They add to the cocooning effect created.
Incorporating Plants and Greenery
After more than a year of being stuck inside, people have realized the importance of nature and greenery. Interior décor has always focused on greenery, but it’s now more essential than ever. Adding plants and greenery to indoor spaces brings nature inside. It also lets us experience parks and gardens that we may have otherwise avoided.
In addition to being more attuned with nature, plants also help fill empty spaces and soothe the eyes. They bring a sense of freshness to spaces and are a critical part of interior décor. Trailing plants, wall hanging pots, and balcony flowerpots are becoming more popular.
Outdoor Spaces for Entertainment
The pandemic made going outside almost impossible in 2020. Now, despite the world opening up, some are still hesitant about going to public spaces. Entertainment has shifted to outdoor spaces like backyards. Patios, decks, and backyards are all outdoor spaces that are for entertaining. They’re also extensions of our homes. Thus, people are investing more in interior décor for their backyards and decks. In addition to setups like tables and chairs, LCD screens and projectors are popular for outdoor space decoration.
Even those with small gardens are incorporating areas for barbequing or play areas for children. Smaller backyards are embracing smokeless fire pits and comfortable seating. They’re extending the warmth and coziness of indoor areas outdoors.
Let Robert DeFalco Realty Help You With Your Real Estate Needs
When buying or selling real estate, we know the importance of interior décor and design. The real estate agents at Robert DeFalco Realty can work with you to narrow down your needs. Once we understand your focus, we can help you find a home. We can also advise you on sales and represent you when you’re selling a property.
Real estate agents can guide you throughout your buying or selling journey. At Robert DeFalco Realty, we are experienced in commercial and residential real estate. We have offices throughout New York. Visit us in person, call us at 718-987-9700, or contact us here. The top realtors at Robert DeFalco Realty can help you with all your real estate needs.
