Post-Pandemic Interior Design Trends

Jun 6

by Kellie Haslam | June 6, 2023

Antimicrobial surfaces, touchless fixtures, easy-to-clean materials, stain-resistant technologies, dedicated home office, custom built-ins, maximize storage, pleasing aesthetic background for a full day of Zoom calls, peaceful and soothing environments, warm tones, comforting textures, curves, arches, oversized tufting, fully upholstered bases, furniture plans, optimal conversation and connection, sectionals, swivel chairs, colour, pattern, dopamine decor, happy, lively, personality, colourful, statement tiles, statement wallpaper, bold colours, vibrancy, outdoor spaces as extensions of the home, outdoor living areas, biophilic design, cohesiveness between the inside and outside.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forever changed the way humans work, play, and connect. Even as most restrictions have been lifted, people continue to spend more time at home than before the pandemic. Their needs and wants are changing, and residential architecture and interior design trends are reflecting that.

1 | Keeping It Clean

Hygiene and cleanliness have become top priorities, leading to changes in material choices and design elements. Entryways, foyers, and mudrooms are getting extra attention. While these spaces are not new, we are seeing a renewed emphasis on their design. These spaces are getting more priority in the home, becoming larger and more functional as we are more cognizant of maintaining sanitary areas and clear divisions between outdoors and in. Antimicrobial surfaces and touchless fixtures are key elements in kitchen and bath design. Rugs and fabrics made from easy-to-clean materials and stain-resistant technologies are being favored to maintain a sanitary environment.

Source: vianainc.com | Aura Washable Spill Proof Blue White Area Rug

Source: vianainc.com | Aura Washable Spill Proof Charcoal Beige Multi Area Rug

Credit: webbercolemanwoodworks.com | Custom Mudroom Millwork

Credit: americanstandard.com | Beale® Touchless Single-Handle Pull-Down Dual Spray Kitchen Faucet

2 | Hard Working Home Offices

With the widespread shift to remote work and online education, the demand for dedicated home office spaces has surged. Many people have transformed corners, or nooks into functional workspaces with ergonomic furniture, good lighting, and furniture that can be easily reconfigured or folded away to maximize flexibility and utility. Those with square footage to spare are dedicating whole rooms and setting up these spaces more reminiscent of a traditional office where they can keep their work lives separate from their personal lives. Most new construction homes today include spaces fully designated and designed for home offices. With this trend has come an increased demand for custom built-ins that maximize storage and a pleasing aesthetic background for a full day of Zoom calls.

Credit: scoutandnimble.com | Design + Build by Cambridge Home Company | Custom Cabinets by Custom Cabinetry Utah | Photography by Rebekah Westover

3 | Cuddle Up

With increased stress and anxiety due to the pandemic, creating peaceful and soothing environments within homes has become a priority. Warm tones are at the forefront of interior design with oatmeal, camel, brown, rust, and clay colours featured prominently. Leather furnishings are featuring cognac and nutmeg hues. Woods are predominately oak and ash that lean slightly away from bleached whites to a warmer, slightly yellow tone. Designs are featuring gold, brass, and black metals. Comforting textures are in high demand. Bouclé and corduroy fabrics are featured prominently in many lines. We are also seeing soft furnishings with curves, arches, oversized tufting, and fully upholstered bases. Furniture plans are being designed for optimal conversation and connection with the use of sectionals and swivel chairs.

Credit: mustsociete.com | Plush Sectional Sofa

Credit: sunpan.com | Isidore Lounge Chair and Ionic Sofa

Credit: mustsociete.com | Kangaroo Lounge Chair

4 | Happy Homes

As we lift ourselves out of the anxiety and isolation created by the pandemic, a demand for design that embraces colour and pattern has emerged. The dopamine decor trend—like dopamine dressing that came before it—is a focus on surrounding yourself with furniture, art, and objects that make you happy. As a result, lively designs with lots of personality are being requested more than ever. Clients are leaning into colourful kitchens, statement tiles and wallpapers, and bold colours and patterns that add personality and vibrancy to their living spaces.

Credit: yorkwallcoverings.com | York Rifle Wallpaper Co | Garden Party Mural

Credit: artistictile.com | Moon Cosmati WJ Moasic Custom Tile

5 | The Great Outdoors

The pandemic has increased the appreciation for outdoor spaces as extensions of the home. People are spending a lot more time outdoors when meeting up with friends and family. Patios, balconies, and gardens are being transformed into inviting outdoor living areas with comfortable seating, outdoor kitchens, outdoor televisions, fire pits, and greenery. While inside the home, the need for connection with nature and improved well-being has led to an increased emphasis on biophilic design. Incorporating natural materials, indoor plants, and ample natural light has become popular, promoting a sense of calm and bringing the outdoors inside. New construction designs featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and doors give the illusion of a bigger space, as well as a cohesiveness between the inside and outside.

It will be interesting to see how residential architecture and interior design trends continue to evolve as the world adjusts to a post-pandemic reality. Are some of these trends here to stay? Or will new needs and preferences emerge?

Kellie Haslam Designs is a full service design firm creating spaces where memories are made - from chic ski chalets to lakeside retreats to charming farmhouses - across South Georgian Bay.