How is Covid changing our homes?

The Coronavirus pandemic has changed our lives in many ways. In a previous blog post, we looked how Covid has made us appreciate our outside space. Now, we’ll look at how it has affected the way we feel about our homes.

In the past year, we have all adapted and changed the way we live and work, so it’s no surprise that Covid-19 is also influencing interior design trends.

No longer is our home just somewhere we live – it’s also become our office, the gym, the cinema and the pub. Consumers and interior designers are thinking about how our homes need to change in order to reflect this.

We’ve researched the topic and we think these are three of the key themes we’ll see in our homes as a response to Covid.

1. Working from home is here to stay

The pandemic has proved that employees can work effectively from home. Despite initial reservations from some businesses, it’s been proved that home-workers are just as productive as those who are office-bound. In addition, individuals working from home have seen an improvement in happiness and well-being.

Once lockdown is lifted, it is inevitable that the trend for working from home will continue. A dedicated home office provides a comfortable and productive environment in which to work, as well as allowing separation between work and home life.

A home workspace can be less formal than a traditional office and should reflect the personalities of all those using the space. Furniture should match the overall interiors style of the home.

We love the Nermada mango wood desk from Kayu Home. The desk is made from a blend of industrial iron and sustainable mango wood, with a clean and modern design. Two deep drawers with simple cut outs for easy opening mean plenty of room for pens, papers and files

Brighten the corners with the adjustable Tubu desk lamp. This desk lamp is artfully aged with a rust-coloured finish and has an adjustable height of 32 to 48cm with a black fabric plug cable.

If your home office is small, one great accessory to add is a wall mirror. A mirror like this one in carved mango wood is ideal to bounce light around and make your space appear bigger. Made in Jaipur, Rajasthan, this lovely wall mirror has a thick, chunky frame that has been carved by hand and given a distressed, whitewashed finish.

Those working in a more limited spot which doubles as a family room, will need plenty of storage in order to pack laptop and papers away out of sight. This carved mango wood sideboard is beautiful enough to grace any living or dining room. Handcrafted in Jaipur, it has two cupboard sections and central open shelves. It has been given a whitewashed finish for a rustic, contemporary look. The top surface and interior are in polished mango wood and the doors and frame are wonderfully carved with circular floral patterns.

As well as adaptable office furniture, good lighting and efficient storage, sound-proofing is also expected to see increased demand. It goes without saying that super-fast wifi will continue to be a must-have!

2. Focus on naturally anti-bacterial materials

Hygiene and cleanliness has been at the forefront of our minds for some time, and this is set to continue. Materials which allow deep cleaning have increased in popularity and in the future, technology will lead to the development of new germ-resistant materials for flooring and surfaces.

However, many traditional materials have natural anti-bacterial properties. For example, silver and copper were valued as antimicrobials by Greek, Egyptian and Roman cultures, as far back as 2200 BC. Both metals were used to store and treat drinking water and to make antiseptic salves.

Copper - as well as its alloys, brass and bronze - can eliminate over 99% of bacteria from its surface in under than two hours, which is why it’s widely used on objects like taps and handles.

In a home with children, minimise the impact of dirty little fingers with copper and brass accessories. We love the tall Nami brass pot, which is watertight so can be used as a vase for flowers. The decorative metal pots are hammered into shape before being etched with beautiful patterns.

Or how about this amazing Muturi floor lamp, available in either antique brass or aged bronze? The clean, simple design incorporates a heavy, solid brass shade and circular base. The shade is adjustable, making the lamp ideal next to a desk or armchair for reading, or at the end of a sofa.

This bronze vase with a silver inlay is another beautiful ornament from Kayu Home. Each one is unique, with a mottled green patina and intricately decorated with a silver inlay showing figures, animals and symbols from Chinese mythology.

Linen is another naturally anti-bacterial material. This Elbu footstool has an upholstered seat in soft charcoal linen fitted over a mango wood frame with pale wood feet. Match with the Elbu armchair for cosy, elegant seating in a living room or bedroom.

Snuggle under the Mayla throw, handwoven from 85% linen and 15% cotton and with the same hand-stitched black lines as the linen cushions in the same range.

Hardwoods have natural antibiotic properties which kill bacteria. Woods like mango, teak and elm contain antimicrobial compounds which kill microorganisms and stop their growth. All these beautiful woods are used extensively in our furniture and accessories.  

These lovely Indus mango wood bowl is ideal for fruit or snacks. The stunning Lampung teak bowl is made in southern Sumatra and would be ideal as a large fruit bowl on a dining table or sideboard.

This elm side table is a piece of history, originating from Shanxi, China around 1900. Once finished in a dark lacquer, it has worn and faded over time to leave a stunning patina. Made from solid elm, it has features commonly found in classic antique Chinese furniture such as the 'S' shaped stretchers and horse hoof feet.

3. A desire for nostalgia

When the world feels uncertain, it’s human nature to yearn for a simpler life. Speaking to Architectural Digest, trend forecaster Gemma Riberti of WGSN Lifestyle & Interiors believes desire for nostalgia will be strong in 2021. She says: “Nostalgia has an incredibly reassuring power in times of uncertainty: a well-known past is looked at with fondness and longing. This is impacting the rising appreciation of vintage and antiques as well - and the growing numbers of designers and retailers that are exploring these for a contemporary audience.”

In times of change, antique furniture can be a reassuring presence. This simple antique elm sideboard originates from 1880 in Shanxi, China. Possibly once lacquered, it now has its natural finish. In a simple, pure style, the beautiful material and thick, chunky top surface and frames give the sideboard a comfortingly rustic character.

Keep memories of good times alive with the Dudi wooden photo frame. These lovely photo frames are hand-carved from sustainable mango wood. Available in two sizes, they can be displayed either in portrait or landscape both standing or hung on a wall.

The Danta antique brass frame is another elegant way to hold onto family memories. Made from welded antique brass, it is available in three standard sizes.

Place your treasured photographs or souvenirs between the double glass panels to create stylish keepsakes.

Traditional hand-woven rugs evoke a feeling of homeliness and nostalgia. This Kelim rug is hand-woven in India and has a traditional kilim design, which features an interlocking, multicoloured pattern.

The Paloma rug is a gorgeous multi-tonal rug with a varied pile depth, giving a very tactile feel. It is made from a wool, cotton and polyester blend which is hand-woven in India.

Which trends are you feeling? Let us know how you think home trends are evolving in this time of Covid.