COVID-19 |
NEW HOME DESIGN IDEAS INSPIRED BY COVID CONCERNS The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 has had a resounding effect on the way people live—not only in how they interact with those around them, but also in how they view their homes.
By Lacey Middlestead As people are confined within their homes now more than ever before, homeowners have been forced to transform their living spaces into makeshift classrooms, home offices, and gyms. As a result, homeowners are seeking ways to maximize the functionality of their living spaces to better accommodate for spending more time at home and engaging in such nontraditional activities. Whether life gets back to “normal” in months or years, the pandemic will no doubt leave a lasting impact on home design for generations to come. Here are some of the budding
trends in home design and renovation.
TRANSFORMING OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES
Designing alfresco areas will take on a renewed importance post COVID-19. Since the onset of the pandemic, homeowners’ appreciation of the outdoors has greatly increased. People seek solace from all the isolation and confinement by going outside to read a book or host a socially distanced cookout. As such, more and more people are likely to want to carve out their own private outdoor living spaces. From simple improvements like upgrading patio furniture and installing deck lighting, to larger upgrades like building decks,
gazebos, sustainable gardens, and outdoor kitchens, there are a variety of ways and price points at which to create your own backyard Eden to flee to.
MODIFYING MUDROOMS AND ENTRYWAYS
Once defined as simply areas to take off jackets or rain boots when entering the home, is no longer an afterthought in home design. Now a focal point, mudrooms and entryways are a space where mail is dropped off, groceries/delivery boxes are collected, face coverings are removed, and hands sanitized. Practical design improvements to consider could include adding an attractive bench that signals to guests that this is where they
can sit and remove shoes. During this pandemic time, you may want to leave outerwear outside your living area while it sits and decontaminates. Design a package station that can serve as a processing place for groceries, keys, outerwear, and packages. Or consider adding some extra cubbies or a console table to stores things like extra shoes, masks, hand sanitizer, and scissors.
REIMAGINED LAYOUTS
Open concept floor plans—where walls and doors are eliminated to merge living spaces—have gained popularity in recent years with homebuyers. But as more and more people are adjusting to working and schooling from home, it can be harder to meet CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
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