How COVID-19 could transform the way we design our homes
From the economy to technology, everything has changed ... not least of all our homes, which have become sanctuaries in ways we could never have imagined.
Living through a pandemic isn’t something everyone gets to do. And while it might not seem like we’re the lucky ones in any sense of the word, this abnormal time has seen us able to experience a world transform first-hand — for better or worse — very, very quickly. From the economy, to technology, everything has changed in a matter of months. Not least of all our homes, which have become sanctuaries in ways we could have never imagined just a year ago.
But how will our interior designers adapt to the world shaped by COVID-19? One of Australia’s leading interior designers, David Flack of Flack Studio says that while it might not dramatically change the way professionals look at their design process, it has changed the mindset — and in turn, client expectations.
“Many of us placed more focus on work than the reasons why we work,” Flack reflects on the pandemic’s seismic cultural shift on the ‘work/life balance’. “The values of working hard to live better lives was replaced with living to work and I’m very grateful for this reset.”
Spending more time at home has meant that simple pleasures have become more important than ever, something Flack attests to being at the forefront of his job: to create beautiful, liveable spaces.
“Homes are sanctuaries and COVID-19 has seen our kitchens, bathtubs and arm chairs remind us of their importance in giving us balance and creating space for families, lovers and friends to come together,” he notes. “It’s strengthen[ed] my design process and it has been lovely to hear from all our clients on how their homes have been working hard for them.”
So, with renewed interest in home spaces and a requirement to make the house as flexible as possible, what could we see changing in the world of interiors moving forward?
“There will obviously be a focus on green spaces, home offices and lifestyle, however a focus on finishes, materials and fixtures that assist in maintaining healthy and sustainable homes will be our priority moving forward,” Flack explains, noting “cooking and supporting family time” as key focuses.
“Our approach is holistic and very much [around] designing forever homes that look to the future to ensure the space works hard now and in twenty years. We’re finding clients are understanding our process a lot quicker, as we place importance on every zone of a home, with the intention of creating spaces that can accommodate anything life throws — including a pandemic.”
And while some experts argue homes will become more popular than apartments — thanks to the outdoor space — the reality is that high density living isn’t going anywhere, especially given the Australian population is set to grow by 11.8 million over the next 15 years.
For Flack, this means tweaking the way we think of our smaller space and ensuring it’s doing the heavy lifting.
“Small spaces can take more layering than you think. If they feel like home and calm you, they’re already working hard. The big change is focusing on how spaces make you feel, rather than size or what your neighbour has.”
“In smaller spaces, you have the luxury of making everything count, so always go for comfort over style,” he suggests.
For those who aren’t up for a complete renovation just yet, it’s important to make the most of what you already have when working from the living room.
“At home, you’re the CEO, so take the best seat in your house. Make sure you have a window with a view, natural light, plants, objects that make you smile and the rest will come. It doesn’t have to be designated, it can be the dining table or an Ikea desk, just make sure you feel good.”
