How Design Trends From the Pandemic Will Carry on This Year

One year ago, Americans were told to stay indoors for a few weeks. Weeks turned into months, which turned into a year, and now the pandemic's effects have shifted home design to accommodate this new normal. The most influential themes affecting residential design from the pandemic are working, schooling, and exercising from home, along with a new interest in outdoor living, says design firm Housing Design Matters. Looking toward the future, Housing Design Matters predicts working from home is here to stay. The firm has opted to design two work-from-home spaces in new construction, noting that one just doesn't cut it. And even if the kids go back to school full time, it’s beneficial to have a designated area in the home for kids to work productively.

WORK OUT FROM HOME
If you invested in a Peloton or other workout equipment, you will continue to workout from home – provided of course the Peloton is not in your bedroom. Or will you? Much like new years gym memberships, I wonder how many used Pelotons will end up on the market over the next few months. Hold steady!

OUTDOOR SPACE
This will continue to be a major driver in both single family and multifamily design. Many who lived in homes, condos, or apartments without private outdoor space quickly sought housing that did. For existing single-family homes, this will keep remodelers busy for a while. And as many added pools, patios, putting greens and enhanced their backyards, perhaps a few more staycations won’t be so bad.

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