Navigating the New Normal In Interior Design
As 2021 rounds the corner and heads towards its second half, there is little doubt that 2020’s reflection in the rearview mirror is one for the generational record books on a number of levels, which include the depth and breadth of disruption to human activities.
For many professionals working in the interior design realm, the pandemic has created various impacts on current interior decorator trends. It has also been a great time to rethink or refocus on the ways homes, buildings, and cities can meet the needs of their residents and visitors while helping to create a sustainable environment for the future. This is because life – at least what was once considered ‘the norm – has been forever modified – although which of the new norms will become the new normal remains to be seen.
One of the fundamental changes challenging interior designers today is the need to reevaluate outdated organizational and design elements of a typical home, mostly because a family home’s purpose and function have become the focal point of a family’s work and home life.
Practically overnight, the family home has now become the space that must meet the needs of all family members, as follows –
- A place for a family to live
- Protection for the family
- An office for those working from home
- A play zone for adults and children
- A classroom for kids or working learners, to name a few.
Ways 2020 Has Influenced Current Design Trends
The future of interior design is not about predicting the future but more about appropriately preparing for how design impacts the future. So, for the many individuals who did/could not move to another home to solve the space and function issues of their current home, their situations offer interior designers a great opportunity (and interior decorator challenge) to help families do the best with what they currently have.
One’s House Is Now More Important Than Ever
Many people (after unexpectedly being forced to) have spent more time inside their homes in 2020 than ever before. This extended time provided new insights into just how relevant, and important the art of interior design really is.
Professionals across industries, through personal experience, have recognized how much work could be done remotely with the use of technological marvels like –
- Virtual meetings and other technological software innovations
- Project management & customer relationship software
- Interior Design proprietary software, to name a few.
Home is now more than a sanctuary because while it is still where a family or individual’s heart is, it is also the location where many other important life events happen daily.
Interior/Architectural Design Changes Will Need to Protect Against Nature’s Elements – Like Airborne Dangers
The global pandemic opened the world population’s eyes to how vulnerable humans are against the elements of nature – other than wind, rain and storm, etc. In other words, the pandemic demonstrated how important it is for architecture and design to work with and not against nature and the environment.
Design elements of the future will need to revise spatial layouts and open/private space ratios to meet evolving needs, along with the advent of high-tech sterilization technologies creating a new genre of design materials.
Virtual Interior Design is Not a Passing Fancy
Interior design has always taken advantage of cutting-edge technology, and the pandemic was no exception. Like many businesses, the interior design field has made a graceful transfer to e-design services that many clients prefer due to the e-design service’s convenience and flexibility. Zoom consultations are often used to help manage the process.
An interior decorator has a unique occupation in that he or she has the ability to create environments that facilitate healthy and thriving relationships – especially with family members, as a baseline for a happy, satisfying life.
