With the bulk of people forced to stay at home to work, or in anticipation of a return to work, the majority of Americans are spending more time confined to their homes than at any point in the last few decades. A side effect of this is that we have become more conscious of our homes, of their designs, of what is right and wrong with them. Given that we spend so much time cooped indoors, it makes sense that we are eager to redesign our living spaces. It may interest you, then, to know what the three design trends to watch in 2021 are, according to designers and real estate experts.
Indoors Gardening
In this time of high stress, little warms the soul more than a good houseplant. Houseplants are hugs for the soul and we all need one. The great thing about houseplants and indoor gardens in general, is that they do not require the deep commitment and knowledge that having a normal garden entails. So long as you are willing to learn, indoor gardening is a skill that you can develop. Practice makes perfect. Looking after houseplants and tending to an indoor garden is a great distraction from the cares of the world and it’s so, it’s no wonder that more people are taking up looking after houseplants and starting their own indoor gardens, growing everything from flowers to herbs. There is something calming about sinking your hands into the soul and so nourishing about seeing something grow as you look after it. There are many more reasons why you need a houseplant or indoor garden!
Outdoor kitchens
Covid-19 has forced us to reimagine how we entertain. It is no longer as safe or sometimes even possible to dine out, especially when that means coming into contact with many other people. So, many people have embraced the idea of having outdoor kitchens. This way, they can utilise the space they have outside the home to entertain, without being forced to separate themselves from their guests by constantly moving to and from the kitchen.
It also offers up novel possibilities for entertaining, by recreating some of that homely, intimate magic that is often found in the kitchen, in the outdoors. Cooking becomes a communal activity, bringing together everyone in an informal way. There’s a reason that we all love gathering in the kitchen and you get to have a bit of that ambience right outside. If your budget allows, you can also add a barbecue area and even a full bar. There are so many ideas you could explore to create the perfect outdoor kitchen.!
The Permanent Home Office
There was a time when many of us thought the Covid-19 pandemic would be over and done with in a few months and consequently, we used makeshift offices throughout the home; sometimes on those beautiful quartz countertops we just fitted into the kitchen, another time in the bedroom, and another time, a different place all together. Yet, research has shown that having a dedicated home office is crucial to your productivity. Working from home blurs the line between work life and home life, so your brain does not receive the cues that tell it that it needs to enter a state of deep concentration for your work. So, it’s easier to get distracted, tasks are done without the full power of your mind behind them, and consequently, your productivity is low.
You need a dedicated home office so you can enter your zone and separate your home life from your work life.
