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Coming up on a full year, the global pandemic has reshaped our lives in drastic and unforeseen ways. While the pandemic has affected everyone differently, one thing is nearly universal – everyone is spending a lot of time at home. The result? People are investing in making their homes beautiful and comfortable more than ever before.
No surprise, stay-at-home comfort, cleanliness and practicality are behind many of this year’s design trends as people work to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Let’s take a look at how the pandemic has shaped home renovation over the past difficult year:
Lasting Durability
The shift into social distancing and remote work has meant that many people spent far more time in their homes than usual. Our spaces are getting a lot more added wear and tear, as our spaces begin to see more use and serve more functions. The result? Many people reconsidered the durability of their furnishings. That increase in house hours has translated into decorating with furniture built for durability as well as style. Homeowners looked at pieces that are built to withstand years of usage rather less sturdy accent pieces.
Not only were people interested in pieces that could withstand greater use, furniture and fixtures that could serve multiple roles were also given the spotlight this year. Many gave their home office an upgrade or expansion. As schools wavered between open and online, people established learning areas for their children at home using collapsible or modular elements.
Naturally Clean
Materials are at the heart of home design and this year was all about non-porous and naturally antimicrobial surfaces. During this pandemic, the importance of surfaces that are easy to clean and disinfect is starkly evident -and consumers caught on. Smooth and non-porous surfaces like glazed tile, glass and metal rose in popularity alongside a minimalist design aesthetic that favors simplicity and functionality as guiding style principals.
Some metals – notably copper, brass and bronze- naturally possess antimicrobial properties. The past year saw more emphasis on these materials – especially in the design of fixtures that are touched and handles frequently like drawer pulls, door handles and cabinet knobs. Switching to an anti-microbial and non-porous material helps keep surfaces clean and reduces the potential spread of illness.
Getting Smart
Upgrading home systems to smart technology was another big trend this year. Not only do smart, networked home systems have the potential to be more efficient, they also allow household members hands-free options for adjusting controls, thus minimizing shared surfaces. Smart thermostats, door locks, home security and lighting can now all be managed remotely by smartphone, as well as with nuanced precision to maximize the comfort and performance of your home.
Keeping Calm
Unsurprisingly, there was a big push in home design towards decluttering and creating a calming and soothing atmosphere. With the pressures of the world ratcheted up, home trends opted for designing for natural light, soothing neutrals, fresh scents and air-freshening houseplants.
Added time at home and limited options for shopping created a strong foundation for decluttering and helped people separate the things they cherish and use from excessive possessions. Going hand-in-hand with easy-to-clean surfaces and functionality, decluttering helps people breathe new life into their spaces even as the effects of the pandemic drag on.
Outdoor Chic
While many public venues were shuttered, people came to rely on low-risk outdoor spaces for safer distanced socializing, or simply unwinding with their family or pod. Taking advantage of personal balconies, yards, courtyards and porches was an essential part of life this past year. To make the most of it, people took towards improving their outdoor spaces for comfort and enjoyment. From adding an outdoor kitchen to setting up a raised bed garden, personalized outdoor spaces became a place to celebrate and appreciate.
CC Sunscreens
While the pandemic shaped home design and renovation, the trends it activated aren’t going anywhere. Making your home a central sanctuary of comfort can improve your life in a multitude of ways. We can’t think of a better way to begin than by installing beautiful, functional custom built sunscreens from CC Sunscreens. Our durable sunscreens resist mold and microbes, are simple to clean and make your home more energy efficient and comfortable year-round. Our patio shades are a must-have for enjoying your outdoor space under Arizona’s hot sun.