As much as we like to think we are in control, the reality is that design trends have a lot to do with circumstance. Yes, architects will occasionally lead the way with new ideas, but most of the time we are innovating in the realm of trends that come about organically.

It is easy to assume that COVID-19 has simply put the world on hold and that everything will go back to normal. However, it is almost certain to be a generation-defining event in all areas of life. Architecture and design is no different.

In fact, COVID-19 has already had a major impact on homeowners around the world. By forcing people to spend months at home, it has made us all look at our personal spaces a little differently.

These are some of the trends that homeowners might adopt even once COVID-19 is a thing of the past.

The Rise of the Home Office

For those of us who are not essential workers, COVID-19 has meant working from home or facing a period of unemployment. Many have turned to alternative sources of income, creating home businesses or freelancing. Even those who are unemployed have needed space to work.

Home offices are no longer an extra feature when designing a home. Millions of people are getting used to working from home. Those who have a space available appreciate their ability to turn it into a home office. Those who don’t now wish they do.

We’ve also learnt that a home office does not need to be a room in and of itself. With limited space comes opportunity for innovation. This is where we step in – our creativity won’t drive this trend but it will certainly help it along.

The Importance of Maintenance

A lot of homeowners leave maintenance for some indeterminate future date. This is often not due to neglect but simply because money is tight. Non-urgent maintenance and repairs can wait.

However, many homeowners have discovered that some of these issues are really glaring when they have nowhere else to look. Especially if they live in a small space, every inch needs to be usable. A lack of maintenance means a consequent lack of useful space.

Home warranty companies might come out ahead on this one. You can see a Select Home Warranty review to get a better idea of what they do. New homeowners will recognize how important it is to have cover for when things go wrong and money is tight.

Normalizing DIY

When you think of DIY, a certain type of person comes to mind. This is the kind of person who is incredibly handy and loves physical creation. They make the most out of the least, and aren’t scared to put faith in their own decorating and building abilities.

Now, with people stuck looking at the same four walls while tightening the purse strings, DIY might just become a craze. People have time, even if motivation is lacking right now, and they are using it to improve the rooms they spend each and every day inside.

DIY can look amazing, and the more people who do it, the more will buy into the trend. It is not good news for interior decorators, but it is great for homeowners on a budget.

Author: Josh Mishin

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