After the pandemic, the world will never be the same again. Probably people will no longer have to wear masks or practice social distancing. But the effects of COVID-19 will linger in other ways. These include changes in architecture and interior design.
What can potential homeowners and even industry professionals in 2021 and beyond? Consider the following:
- The Probable Decline of Open-Floor Plan
Many homeowners embrace the open-floor plan that seems to promise plenty of space and versatility. However, the pandemic highlighted one aspect sorely lacking in this setup: privacy.
According to an Ikea survey among US property owners, over 33% now prefer a house with a space for hobbies and a home office. To do that, the home needs a proper partition. Doing so will also allow parents to work from home in peace.
The pandemic also teaches families the significance of quarantine and isolation when someone has a viral infection to minimize the spread. Adding more rooms will help homeowners achieve that.
- Growing Popularity of Sustainability
One of the underlying discussions amid the pandemic is environmental conservation. Although studies seem contradictory as to where the coronavirus originated, illegal trading of wild animals remains a likely culprit.
Further, the lockdowns around the world highlighted how severe pollution is. In many places, mountains that were otherwise covered by smog and dirty air became more visible, standing tall and majestic.
Meanwhile, urban dwellers cooped up for weeks in their tiny apartments, and condos began to long for more space and nature.
These realizations are more likely to boost the popularity of green living. For instance, buildings and homes in the Beehive State may now use steel more frequently. This material is long-lasting and corrosive resistant. Further, it uses fewer resources than other common construction supplies.
- Bigger Kitchen
The pandemic forced people to spend more time at home and find activities to keep them entertained and interested. It turns out a lot begin to cook.
Although the fascination for whipping up their most delectable pandemic meal is dying because of fatigue, many are still likely to maintain the hobby after COVID-19 is over.
In a survey by HUNTER, over half of the American respondents said they plan to continue getting busy in the kitchen after the pandemic is over. Around half said that doing so helps them save money, allows them to eat healthier, and relaxes them.
For this reason, the Ikea report may be spot on in saying that homeowners may demand a bigger kitchen, which may also have another advantage. It could only increase the property’s market value.
The kitchen is one of the parts of the home that could make—or break—a sale. Depending on the color, layout, and size, homeowners could expect at least a 70% return on their investments, according to HGTV.
- Access to the Outdoors
According to USPS, a record 15.9 million moved during the first six months of 2020 because of the pandemic. Temporary movers increased by a whopping 26%, while those who planned never to return to their old home rose by 1.94%.
Most movers were urbanites who might have lost their jobs and couldn’t sustain the high cost of living in cities. Others were students and individuals who wanted to spend more time with their loved ones. Some left because they feared that an area with a high-density population increased their risk of catching the virus.
On the other hand, a good percentage relocated because they wanted more space, such as yards for their pets and children to play around.
What does this mean for future home design? Some experts believe that this feature will be a premium and that families may be willing to travel farther to work if they could have more space at home. They may also want a well-developed outdoor space so that everyone can pursue their interests.
Some events will change history forever—this pandemic is one of them. These four points show it will likely affect industries permanently, including how people live and choose their homes.
Paul Petersen is a seasoned home improvement expert and DIY enthusiast with over 20 years of experience in the industry. He began his career as a carpenter, honing his skills in woodworking and structural design. Over the years, Paul expanded his expertise to encompass a wide range of home renovation projects, from kitchen remodels to landscape design.