2020 has been a testing time for all of us with the Covid pandemic. As we've had to adapt how we live and work, we’ve found that our home isn’t just a place to sleep any more. It's become our office, exercise space, social space and more as we spend an increasing amount of time within our own four walls. Given that we are having to drastically change the way our home functions for us, it's not surprising that coronavirus is also shaping how we decorate our homes too.
When we experience setbacks in our lives, many of us find a good distraction in a good interior clear out, focusing in on our own homes. This is a great 'survival' technique to avoid worrying about things out of our control. Instead, we focus in on our immediate surroundings and projects to occupy our minds - as well as bringing joy to the every day.
This year we've seen a shift in what we're looking for in the design of our homes with the need for a more adaptable, personal and relaxing space. In this blog, I'm going to chat you through 3 of the top shifts I've noticed. I'll also include some of my go-to products for implementing these changes into your own home.
1. Creative Storage
Undoubtedly one of the long term consequences of Covid-19 is that more people are now working from home – even after lockdown restrictions are lifted. In fact, according to Office for Nat. Statistics, an estimated 20 million people have swapped crowded offices for makeshift workspaces in their own homes. So the key is to make every inch of space work with clever storage to hide it all away once the working day has finished.
Creative storage is now also top of the list especially for families who are juggling young children with setting up an office at home. It may be the case that there is a designated playroom to tidy things away - but I know from experience that toys do have a habit of moving from room to room even then! Our clients have noticed just how often this does happen since children have been spending more time at home. Their answer? They've been coming to us with requests for improved storage and joinery carefully planned into the interior.
Popular requests include having storage be built into an awkward alcove or low level storage build in along windowsills - often doubling up as seating! This allows our home to quickly morph from a playroom to work station to exercise studio in a matter of minutes.
When it comes to storage, there are so many incredible options available for all budgets. For example, bench seating with hidden cupboards and drawers is a great way to add more storage space to your home or ladder shelves with built-in desks provides a handy, space-saving solution that can be styled to blend in with the rest of your home. In recent months, we’ve been asked to create special ‘boot rooms’ or 'boot zones' where outside shoes and coats can be stored away from the main part of the house. In the kitchen, a larder unit is also proving popular as it can be built to the ceiling to maximise storage and keep worktops clear.
If you'd like a piece of made to measure furniture for your home, be sure to get in touch today.
2. Back to Nature
Lockdowns and restrictions have made it hard for some people to enjoy outdoor spaces. The need to bring the outside in and be close to nature has seen a surge of bringing plants and foliage in our homes because we feel more connected to nature with greenery. It's one thing that makes us feel at ease and can scientifically improve our wellbeing. What's more, they make a great zoom backdrop!
Just take a look around my home! I'm always looking to find a spot to add in a new plant to add some tranquillity to the space.
You might like: Tall Bamboo Plant in a Pot
You might have noticed any friends or relatives living in apartments or anywhere with limited outdoor space are keen to move on to pastures new with more open space. There has also been a rise in people wanting to utilise their outdoor spaces to be at one with nature without having to put on your hiking boots. Many homeowners are also looking to incorporate garden studios and outdoor rooms which can double up as a workspace as well.
You might like: Faux Cycad Plant (pictured above)
3. Colour to Match Your Mood
Finally, lots of us are taking a closer look at homes and how we can transform our house into a sanctuary during these uncertain times. This is where colour can really come into its own. It has the power to emphasise emotions and nurture feelings.
Colour can be used in so many different ways. It can be an expression of your personality with bold pops of colour, it could be used to inspire productivity with a bright and airy feel or even create a sense of relaxation and serenity with calming tones.
When it comes to adding a splash of colour onto our walls or injecting some into our rooms with some soft furnishings, think carefully about the mood you're trying to create for that zone. For example, if you’re looking to create a peaceful area, opt for muted colours and a minimal palette so you don’t clutter the space.
I have noticed more of my clients are choosing brighter colours, such as yellows, greens and blues to lift their mood and spirit. It really is amazing what a bright colour can do!
And what better way to add some colour to your home than with a lick of paint? Since we started stocking Frenchic paint earlier this year they've been flying off our shelves and onto your walls or up-cycled furniture. It's been such a joy to see how you've been using your paints!
Whether it's neutral and relaxing or bright and fun, we have a wide range of colours available so you can really have fun with creating a space that's a true reflection of you.
You might like: Frenchic Paint
---------
What interior lessons have you learnt this year? Let me know in the comments below!