You Know, For Next Time

COVID made us realize a lot of things. We need to make health and safety a priority. The economy is not as virus–proof as we would have liked it to be. And life is precious. Not to mention, it forced us to acknowledge so many things we take for granted – like getting out of the house regularly!

COVID-19 has changed everything. Our society, economy, medical care, politics, you name it, have all made drastic adaptations. We will return to some semblance of normalcy, but the world will never be the same. For better or worse, this is the new normal.

And with these forced realizations, we also came to some quick insights about our homes while neck-deep in quarantine. Design is shifting and will continue to evolve as the impacts of this pandemic reverberate through every facet of how we live.

With the changing landscape of design in mind, we want to take a look at how homes might continue to shift within this pandemic paradigm. This way, the next time a global pandemic hits you can have your pantry stocked, T.P. piled high (though we’re going to recommend a bidet) and your home will feel so much more quarantine-friendly.

As we look ahead, here’s what we see changing in architecture and design.

Outdoor oasis

With home design, the irony now is that one of the first things people think about after so much quarantine is how to get out of their house. We’ve realized that nature, open air and the outdoors are crucial to our health and sanity. In the new post-pandemic home, there will be a greater focus on private outdoor space. This could mean a backyard lounge area, a pool, an outdoor kitchen and anything else that can provide an escape, as well as safe social distancing measures. Even in compact homes we will see roof gardens, micro backyards, porches and balconies incorporated into the designs.

Adaptable layouts

As we spend more and more time at home, the house will be required to provide more and more functions. One of the solutions to an adaptable living space is AD-APT. The first of many of its kind, the AD-APT system involves a series of modular walls and screens that can segment your home into a variety of spaces.

Separating spaces

While we’re not going to make any definitive claims that the open floor plan is officially dead, we are going to see a big move back to more traditional floor plans. People need space, and sometimes that means moving from a wider open floor plan to designated offices, entertainment rooms, and hidden nooks.

The new kitchen

With so many people skipping the dine-out experience and opting to eat in, the kitchen has become, once again, central to the home. We’ll see designs that create a more sensible, organic flow in the kitchens, as well as appliances meant to increase efficiency and ease. Design will focus on the kitchen as the heart of the home.

The new home office

With so many of us working remote now, and businesses realizing that it can often make more sense and save more money to have employees work virtually, we’re going to see a massive rise in the importance of the home office. Home offices will be designed with comfort, quiet and productivity in mind. And people will invest more in desks, office chairs and other necessities for an industrious and contented workday from home.

The new “play” room

Parents aren’t the only ones who need space. Kids need a break too. They need to be able to play and explore. With the massive changes in education, they’ll also need a well-designed space where they can find their focus while in their virtual classroom.

Clean air, clean everything

From HVAC systems with built-in air purifiers to sanitized entryways, we will look to our homes to provide health and safety. Designers will also be incorporating natural antimicrobial materials into every room they can. Metals like copper, brass and bronze have properties that can kill a wide range of microorganisms. Quartz countertops are tough, stain and scratch-resistant and the one of the most sanitary surfaces. Certain woods like bamboo, oak and cork are naturally antimicrobial.

Safety, security and peace of mind

Overall, we have realized that our home is our refuge, our harbor, our haven. It not only provides a sanctuary from natural disasters and super-viruses, but it holds and protects the ones we love most. In design, we will see a shift in making the home as calm, nurturing, beautiful and safe as possible.

With mortgage rates dropping and the home becoming the new office/classroom/restaurant, it has never been a better time to renovate or remodel your home. You can make your home more quarantine-friendly, as well as increase its value. Though we’re with everyone else in lamenting an era and way of life that may be gone forever thanks to COVID, we are also excited to see what the future holds for design and for the new home.

We can’t wait to design in this new paradigm with you!