The pandemic has accosted us with more time spent indoors. As a result, interior design has been in the spotlight more than ever as people look for new ideas and inspiration on how to do up their homes. With trends coming and going, especially with the appearance of extremely fast-moving micro trends, many are concerned about investing in the ‘correct’ style. Naturally, people are interested in what the next decade might look like for interior design so they have a clearer picture of where to go with their home renovation. No one wants to spend their life’s savings on doing up a home for it to simply go out of fashion in a year or two. Here’s what the experts are predicting.
Hello Nature
Many people have become more accustomed with nature and outdoor exercise due to the pandemic. Therefore, many people are looking toward renovating their gardens to create a social and living space. Additionally, there is a desire to increase accessibility to the outside world through having balconies, large windows which open up, and terraces. Skylights may also become more popular for added natural light and the option to stargaze!
Additionally, increased popularity has been seen in cane and rattan furniture sets, which give off a more natural and earthy feel and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Goodbye Open Plan?
Open plan living areas are arguably on their way out. This may be due to the fact that they give a cold, less homely feel. However, experts reckon that due to spending so much of our time in lockdown, it is now vital to have distinguished spaces that separate work from play. For example, many may feel a loss of joy from family mealtime if they find that they have to work in the same place.
Biophilic Design
Biophilia does not run far away from how nature has been increasingly incorporated into interior design. However, this name refers more to a movement and philosophy, which seeks to integrate nature within architecture as a means of improving mental and physical well-being. So rather than your bog-standard garden, think of large hanging plants and centerpieces made from greenery. Here, plants become the focal point, rather than a decorative touch.
Functional Spaces
After working and living at home for months, even years now, it is natural to want to make our homes more functional and easier to navigate. For example, if you have children who are studying, you may look to incorporate “study nooks” into a dining area or living room. That way, you can make use of existing space, yet still create a separate area that may enhance productivity when your child begins to feel sluggish in their bedroom.
Another feature many homeowners and renovators are gravitating towards is having a functional kitchen with plenty of storage. For example, you may have a cupboard that when you pull out extends to reveal even more storage space. Another way of creating a seamless look is disguising washing machines and dishwashers as standard cupboards – that way your kitchen will look 10x more elegant and put together.
It’s important to listen to trends as no one wants their home to be seen as ‘dated’. However, do not let them dictate your choices as you may end up with a home that simply doesn’t feel like ‘you’. You will feel happiest in your home when it truly reflects who you are.
