The author, journalist and style expert Melissa Penfold spoke exclusively about how Coronavirus will change our homes in the next decade.
Experts are predicting that the coronavirus epidemic will lead to “a global recession of a magnitude that has not been experienced before” and will eventually allow humanity to reset its values. Find out how we will slow down, get back to basics, and change the way we live, consume, entertain, decorate and travel, in ways we never imagined.
COVID-19 may well drive many people back into their homes and speed of the modern world is over, allowing us a moment of contemplation and respite from the hectic daily rountine. Here are some of the points that Melissa Penfold highlighted on how our homes will change in the years ahead.
A quarantine of consumption
We’ll be using what we have. Shopping our own house for things. Rejecting the commercial volcano of consumption to enjoy more humble aspirations. Trend forecaster Li Edelkoort says that “We’ll be trying old things in new ways at home and repurpose things in creative ways to simplify our lives.”
Anti-excess consumerism
As awareness of environmental damage rises, we will consciously be stepping back from the ledge of excess consumer culture.
Slowing down
The impact of the virus outbreak will force us to slow down the pace, work from home, entertain among close friends or family, learn to become increasingly self-sufficient and mindful. To keep the planet going we will make changes to the way we live, travel, consume and entertain.
Improvisation
Improvisation skills and creativity will become the highest assets. We already know that the design processes for fall/winter products are not happening as they should. Skype helps but we will have a lot of mediocre goods coming our way, just relying on former success formulas.
Comfort comes first
Our homes will increasingly become places that encourage mindfulness and foster wellbeing. People will want more from their spaces and strive to make it feel like a place of respite and relaxation.
Back to the basics
With wellbeing and sustainability on the rise, the biggest trend will be the use of natural materials and textures. Humble materials like hemp, rattan, cane, and jute can add a huge impact to a space without feeling trend-driven or overdone. More and more consumers well seek pieces that help them feel like they are saving the planet by being conscious of materials.
A place to unplug
Renovators will be installing fewer electrical outlets in the bedroom, so they can’t be surrounded by plugged-in devices where they sleep. This intentional move cuts down on temptation and makes the bedroom a peaceful oasis. TVs will be removed from bedrooms as we invest in beautiful bedding, window treatments, and moody, soft lighting. The new trend will be for the bed to sit in the centre of the room or at least away from the wall so that you can move around it.