FT NEWS

“Home interior design and functionality go hand-in-hand, and hence home design has continually evolved during times of crisis, catering to the need of that moment. The country has faced most of the brunt of this pandemic epidemiologically as well as economically. People who love to travel are now forced to stay indoors. Therefore, we like to adopt a more holistic approach to redesigning our home interiors”.

Given this new normal, homes will be divided into noisy and quiet zones to demarcate, study, work, entertainment, cooking, or relaxation, making it a truly multifunctional space.
Here are all the possible changes that have begun popping up in homes and will proliferate in the coming times:

Revamped Foyer / Entrance: The most notable change we can expect will be in the foyer or entrance, serving as a distinct transition zone where people take off their shoes, masks, etc., and sanitize their hands. Space will be allocated at the entrance to hang bags, keys, masks, keep disposable gloves, wipes, disinfectants, sanitizers at the door, and so on.

Kitchen Innovations: The lockdown has altered many daily habits. People now prefer to store non–perishable items and groceries for longer than earlier durations. Hence, they will require a convenient and spacious pantry. Plus, as more people have started to cook at home, they are buying the latest kitchen and equipment tools.

Dedicated office space: Work from home is the current norm, and people need a functional office space to be more productive. People are finding innovative ways to create a comfortable workspace at home, like converting areas under the staircase (in case of duplex or penthouses), storerooms, half-bedrooms, or even master bedrooms into makeshift office rooms. With Zoom meetings replacing office conferences, one has to use materials that offer acoustic insulation, take care of lighting, and have an aesthetically pleasing backdrop that lets them have their zoom calls, etc., with confidence.

Indoor workout: A leading sports goods retailer, recorded a 220% rise in the fitness products category after the first lockdown. This means people are allocating dedicated space for fitness activities within their homes. Post pandemic, things may not be very different, and most fitness conscious homes, whether big or small, will look to incorporate a separate fitness area within the space they have.

Rise in preference for open spaces: The pandemic has reinforced the need for well-ventilated and airy spaces to be included indoors. Areas like a balcony, open terrace are becoming imperative. They offer good access to sunlight and fresh air, both of which are essential now to enhance our well-being.
 

Bringing greenery indoors: Probably staying indoors has led to increased interest in gardening as a hobby. Becoming plant parents, a trend in existence earlier has caught up with the millennials during the pandemic. Wallpapers and botanical prints are trending for interior finishes when it comes to wall treatments.