How home design trends are developing for social distancing

COVID-19 has brought changes to everything, and home design is no exception. Experts are expecting to see lasting effects on everything from the materials we use to the rooms we prioritize. Check out these and other noteworthy trends: Houses over apartments: Many people who live in condos or apartments do so to be closer to the action – work, entertainment and shops – and never planned on spending much time at home. But the pandemic has changed that, and more people will want a home that offers plenty of room and outdoor space in case they need to self-isolate again. Self-sufficiency: A hard lesson we’ve learned is that things and services we thought we could count on aren’t necessarily a sure thing, so items that increase self-reliance will become very popular. Expect to see more homes with sources of energy like solar panels, sources of heat like fireplaces and stoves, and even urban and indoor gardens that allow you to grow your own produce. Outdoor living: Between playgrounds closing and parks becoming overcrowded, many of us are turning to our balconies, patios and backyards for fresh air and nature. This means we’re going to be investing more in our outdoor spaces, with functional kitchens, soothing water features, cozy firepits, and high-quality outdoor furniture to create a much-needed escape. Healthier spaces: Thanks to spending more time indoors and re-prioritizing our health, we’ll turn to design to help ensure our homes are safe and healthy for our families. We’ll see a rise in products like water filtration systems and materials that improve indoor air quality. For new homes and additions, alternatives to wood-framing like insulated concrete forms, which offer improved ventilation for healthier indoor air quality and an environment that’s less susceptible to mold, will be key. Home office space: Business experts are suggesting many companies will see that working from home is not only possible but offers tangible benefits, like saving money on office space rent. With working from home on the rise, creating a home office space that inspires productivity will be a major project many of us tackle. Luxury home office furniture that feels chic and blends into your décor and ergonomic chairs and desks will see a major boost. Custom and quality: With the hit to the economy, people will buy less, but what they buy will be better quality, while attempting to support local businesses. With design, trends will shift to locally made furniture, custom-built homes and pieces and materials that stand the test of time.