If there’s one thing architects, interior experts, forecasters and leading designers agree on it’s this: our collective experience of lockdown will fundamentally alter the way we live in the future. Our recent awakening will change what we place importance on; from the materials we choose, to the design of our living spaces, who we live with, and how we want our spaces to interact with and ultimately fulfil us.
Read on for how thought leaders say the life-changing experiences of 2020 will play out in the near future. And a note that the links to further stories will give you a comprehensive overview and more insights into all the trends we see coming in the near future.
1. The rise of antibacterial materials and biodesign
If there’s one thing the pandemic has burned into our brains, it’s the importance of hygiene.
As individuals we’ve embraced hand washing, sanitising and the wearing of masks.
And just as sanitary practices have become a life-saving virtue, a rise in automatic washbasins, touch-less flushing systems, and infra-red sensors in our bathrooms will meet our desire to reduce excessive contact with surfaces.
There will be a greater demand for surface coatings that are bacteriostatic (capable of inhibiting the growth or reproduction of bacteria). Copper and its alloys, brass and bronze, fulfil this criteria so expect to see more tapware, and kitchen and bathroom fixtures such as sinks and splashbacks, made from these materials.
2. Tiles and bricks as the new vehicles for self-expression
Where once experimentation with colour and texture in a home was primarily through paint colour and application, it is now moving onto tiles – and bricks – with incredible results.
3. An increased focus on clever small home design and adaptive large-home layouts
Let’s start with what won’t be happening. The ‘big is good’, philosophy and fundamental belief in set layouts that can’t change and grow with a family will be revisited.
Our houses (and apartments) need to be designed to be more adaptable to provide opportunity for quiet. Open-plan living has its benefits but how to optimise space within our homes is more critical than ever.
There is an increasing necessity for creative solutions for living small. Younger generations are seeking creative space-planning solutions for small-footprint dwellings and apartments, driven both by housing affordability, construction costs and an environmental consciousness. You only need to look to Japan as proof that living small can be elegant and beautiful.
4. Nature as savior
Designing for wellbeing – green roofs, internal courtyards and external sightlines – is growing in importance.
Increasingly, architecture and interiors are looking for interesting ways to integrate nature throughout [a home]. Connection with nature is essential to wellbeing. When we design any space, the garden is a central part of the design-making process. The two need to work together and be seamlessly integrated.
If you are thinking of embracing any of the above, get in touch with the team today to discuss how we can help make it a reality.