6 positive changes the pandemic is bringing to interior design
How is the Covid-19 pandemic going to change interior design and our relationship with spaces?
What follows is a review of 6 positive changes that have been introduced or accelerated by the pandemic in the world of interior design…
Mindful living spaces
Lockdowns have left us paused in our homes. This imposed stillness and extra time experiencing domestic spaces has brought to the surface things we were not necessarily noticing before. From clutter to spaces that were not aligned to daily needs, we’ve been realizing what didn’t work in our homes. Also, quarantine has physically shrunk the perimeter of our daily lives, making us focus more on the little things while raising questions about what really matters.
Ultimately, we’ve experienced a more intentional way of living: a more mindful approach to the spaces we inhabit and the things we own.
Home as a nourishing space
During quarantine, home has been our safe harbour – literally. Spending much more time than usual at home has strengthened the relationship with our domestic spaces, fueling the desire to truly feel good at home.
Home should be our own shelter, a deeply nourishing space. Lockdowns have cultivated a new level of awareness in the general public, highlighting the extent to which the spaces we inhabit impact our quality of life.
Flexibile spaces
With the pandemic, domestic spaces have seen their functions multiply. Transitioning between activities multiple times throughout the day, they’ve had to host work, family time, relax… all in one space.
In this scenario, it becomes even more important to design living environments whose areas can be flexible while retaining individual functional identities. Otherwise, the risk is ending up with homes where many things take place but none of them has a proper space.
Value of gathering
The pandemic has precluded all in-person interactions and time spent together.
On a positive note, this has highlighted the value of gathering, reminding us all that spending quality time with others is a gift and – as such – it should be appreciated and genuinely valued.
Connection with nature
During lockdown, many people have missed being in nature. Outdoor spaces – no matter how small – have gained exceptional value, turning into a precious escape and allowing a degree of indoor-outdoor living.
This has shed light on the distance that currently exists between living spaces and nature, widening the discussion about the potential of biophilic interiors and biophilic cities.
Sustainability
The pandemic has put our lives on hold, giving us all a chance to reflect more. Some reflection has gone in the direction of our relationship with the environment, questioning our behaviours and showing alternatives.
From commuting less to shopping local, we’ve experienced that environmentally-friendly behaviours aren’t necessarily a limitation.
Despite its undeniable seriousness, this pandemic could also be seen as an opportunity. In the world of interiors, the opportunity to design more intentional, sustainable, and wellbeing-centered spaces; nourishing spaces for people and the planet.