SIMPLY A SIGN OF OUR TIMES

WORDS VIVIAN WARBY

This year was off to a bang with the hope anti-Covid strategies would be reduced and that would mean the return to some normality in our homes.

However, the world’s eyes have turned to the possibility of a war spreading throughout Europe, with an impact on other countries.

According to South African futurist Belinda Silbert, if the war spreads, “the paring down of luxury will become a more widespread practice”.

“Austerity will not be a decor choice, it will be an unwelcome reality, since we will be spending most of our money on food and fuel,” she says.

Silbert predicts the growth of the upcycling movement will be “astronomical as increasing numbers of the population repurpose furniture and decor rather than buying new items”. “Repairing and refurbishing will become invaluable skills in this economy,” Silbert says. And the ultra wealthy? “They will have the opposite reaction to those who make up 99% of the nation. The ultra-rich will feel the pinch but will backlash by making their environments ultra-luxurious so they feel that they have a haven.

“What will change is that the ultra-rich will close their doors so their luxurious lifestyles are not seen by the rest of the populace.

“They will no longer entertain and thus the kitchen and dining room areas will become more utilitarian; no longer to be displayed as showpieces.”

Silbert adds there will be an emphasis on form following function – the necessity of being able to lock up and go will influence furnishings “so they become simpler”.

Organised storage will be of prime importance. People will want to know where their documents are so they can leave rapidly if necessary, she says.