The Coronavirus pandemic is changing our lives in many ways, including how we feel about our homes. For the past 12 months, we have all adapted and changed the way we live and work, so it’s perhaps not surprising that Covid-19 is also influencing interior design trends. 

Our home is no longer just somewhere we live – it’s also become our office, the gym, the cinema, the pub. People are looking to change their homes (or move to new ones) in order to reflect this.

Here are some of the key ways our homes will change as a response to the pandemic and the need for more adaptable spaces.

Location is key (and outdoor space matters)

The pandemic has made people reconsider where they want to spend their time.

Those who spent lockdown in an apartment are considering how to gain some outdoor space. Estate agents have seen a surge of interest in properties with gardens and those in rural areas. Even the ‘unfashionable’ suburbs are making a comeback – people can’t see the point of paying premiums for city centre properties when amenities like pubs, restaurants, museums and galleries are shut.

Gardens are a huge priority for house-buyers, who are looking for space for outdoor eating, safe play for children, and somewhere to grow vegetables. Outdoor space and gardens will continue to occupy us, with garden design and outdoor accessories remaining on trend for 2021.

Working from home is the new normal

The Covid pandemic has proved to many companies – which didn’t previously believe in this model of work – that employees CAN work effectively from home. Those working from home (often now avoiding a tedious commute) have seen an improvement in well-being and happiness.

Once lockdown is lifted, it is inevitable that the trend for working from home will continue. Although many employees manage in restricted spaces like kitchen tables or hallway alcoves, working from home ideally requires a dedicated home office. We’ll continue to see a rise in basement conversions and garden rooms as people seek to create a comfortable and productive environment in which to work, as well as allow separation between work and home life.

Well-designed office furniture, good lighting and efficient storage will all be called for. Sound-proofing may also see increased demand. It goes without saying that super-fast wifi will continue to be a must-have!

Cleanliness comes first

Hygiene will be at the forefront of people’s minds. Materials which allow deep cleaning will be popular and technology will see new germ-resistant materials developed for flooring and surfaces. Traditional materials with natural anti-bacterial properties like copper, linen and some types of wood have already seen a resurgence.

Air purification systems and high-tech air conditioning will be more commonly installed in domestic settings. 

Japanese bathroom manufacturers are seeing increased demand in Europe for smart toilets, previously only popular in south east Asia. They are considered desirable thanks to their self-cleaning ability and hygienic design, which can prevent germs spreading. 

At home gyms and leisure facilities see a boom

One of the most popular investments for the wealthy is an at-home gym or yoga studio. The well-off are installing home cinemas, pools and even home spas. A basement conversion is the ideal way to create this kind of luxurious space without increasing the existing footprint of the house (and avoiding the loss of valuable garden space!)

If you feel inspired by the home improvement and basement conversion ideas you’ve seen here, don’t hesitate to contact Multiskill for expert help and advice. We can transform unusable spaces into comfortable and attractive rooms for use by the whole family. You’ll continue to reap the rewards of your investment both now and once the Covid pandemic is over.