Lockdown has meant rethinking our rooms, but which trends could be here to stay?

Our homes have had to multi-purpose this year, serving as a sanctuary, office, school and even a gym. So much of our life has been happening within four walls, that many have of us been rethinking our rooms, wondering if that charcoal grey paint is a bit dark and depressing, if open plan is such a good idea after all and how to carve out a quiet space for work. So, how has lockdown changed our interior spaces and which trends could be here to stay? We talk to two experts: Mark Bithrey, founder and creative designer of B3 Designers and Amy Hunt, founder of Amy Elizabeth Interiors.

A home office

When people were first told to pack up their desks and work from home in March 2020, most thought it would just be for a few months. Today, a year later, employers realise remote working is feasible with potential to save huge sums. Seven out of 10 companies now plan to close or downsize their office space, according to a survey by KPMG.  Home working is here to stay.

Bithrey said: “Without a doubt, home offices are now a must-have. While the pandemic has been devastating, it has come at a time when technology has been able to equip us to work from home.

“If people need quiet working time, extend into the roof or put an office in your back garden; it’s best to use spaces that are away from the heart of the home. Garages are great for that, noise-free focus zones.”

Hunt said: “My advice would be to select a room you can close the door on. It’s important to be able to separate work and home life, so if possible, choose a room, such as a spare bedroom, to create your office space. Add greenery, warm woods and shelving so you can add accessories to give your space a sense of style.”

Hunt recently helped a client transform a second-floor bedroom into a trendy loft office by adding a reclaimed wood desk, built-in storage, pops of bright patterns and fur textures.

Image supplied by B3 Designers

Separate spaces & flexible interiors 

Open plan living has been on-trend since the 1970s.  But the Flexible Living Report 2020 by John Lewis & Partners suggests a change of mindset with families spending more time at home in very close proximity. Research by the retailer found that one five people have reconfigured their open plan living spaces to help accommodate multiple activities through the day.

Individual rooms dedicated to one thing, like a study, kids’ playroom, home gym and/or yoga space is the new luxury. So, is open plan living going out of fashion?

Hunt said the dominant style of the last few decades hasn’t been consigned to the trend bin yet. “I have noticed that it is kitchen-dining-family spaces that my clients like to be open plan. This is mostly to accommodate family life. While parents are cooking the children can be at the dining table doing homework. Then in the evenings, they can move to separate lounge area to relax.”

Bithrey said his designers had noticed families looking to modify open plan spaces to afford more separation. He said: “We are seeing a move towards putting sliding/bifold walls in to allow for more privacy for kids, teenagers and adults. The future is in designing flexible spaces that can go from large rooms to smaller, sectioned-off rooms.

“From an interiors perspective as well, different rooms need different lighting and furnishing that suits them best which can be tricky with open plans.”

Image supplied by Amy Elizabeth Interiors

Connection with outside

During lockdown those of us lucky enough to have gardens and/or live in the countryside, realised how vital spending time outside is to our health and happiness. Feeling connected to nature helps us relax and can have a huge impact on our wellbeing, say scientists. Large feature windows and patio doors are brilliant for connecting with outside spaces.

So, how else can we get our green fix? House plants are trendy again, especially with millennials. Sales have soared during lockdown. “Greenery is a huge must when styling spaces, this brings the indoor/outdoor vibe to your home, making spaces feel larger and fresher,” said Hunt. Transforming a corner of your home into a stylish jungle, can also help your home look good on camera.

Image supplied by B3 Designers

Photo ready interiors

To many people, the idea of styling their homes to make the interiors picture perfect (so they can be posted on Instagram), is exhausting but to others it’s a chance to express their creativity. From front doors decked out with festive garlands to tables artfully arranged with plates, napkins and candles to sofas with colour-coordinated cushions and soft throws – people are taking a greater interest in interior design. 

Bithrey said: “Instagram has definitely increased the ability to share home spaces with the world and people are able to find inspiration, products and collaborators on the platform. With people working from home over the last year, our homes that were shared only with a selection of people are now there for all to see over video calls.

“Our backgrounds are being shared with colleagues and clients and of course we want to put our best foot forward. People’s interest in decorating their home and adding their personality to it has increased.”

Hunt has noticed how people are willing to splash out more on home styling. In many cases, what we haven’t been able to spend on holidays, restaurants and pubs, we’ve invested in our homes from cushions and artwork to paint and furniture.

Image supplied by Amy Elizabeth Interiors

Nature-inspired palettes

Along with the upsurge in midnight blues, the colour green has also increased in popularity. Green and blue are considered soothing colours that can help to calm a busy mind. Sage green kitchens are fast becoming one of the biggest kitchen trends for 2021, according to Houzz. Reflecting this fashion perfectly is this kitchen by B3 Design Interiors. Whether it’s paint, cabinetry or fabric, green is popping up everywhere.

Bithrey said: “Colour is very personal – we have clients who absolutely love strong, bold colours and others who enjoy muted tones. I always say to clients – choose a colour that brings you joy – it doesn’t matter if it’s the colour of the year or not!”

Hunt added: “Greys and earthy neutrals are very popular at the moment. Lots of people like the layered grey on grey look. This undertone palette should then run through your home for a cohesive feel and you can add your favourite feature colours to any room.”

Image supplied by B3 Designers

Rooms with personality

Stark, minimalist interior designs have dominated in recent years. But current times call for a different aesthetic. Bithrey said: “Stark minimalism is no longer in-trend. Clients still love and want minimalism and clean lines but also layers of colour, texture and warmth to make it feel like its lived-in.”

B3 Designers personalise spaces with objects clients love, such as a favourite picture or shell from a walk on the beach. “What starts out as a discussion, often translates to beautiful defining features within the concept of a room/space.”

Hunt added: “I definitely think minimalism is on its way out but not to be confused with a dislike for clutter and plenty of storage which is a big part of my designs. It’s all about (creating) cosy, layered interiors with lots of accessories now which inject my clients’ personalities. I always encourage them to add their own stamp, mostly through paintings and artwork.”

Three UK lockdowns have forced a seismic lifestyle shift. This is the year we have stayed in but also decked out and repurposed our rooms.  From home offices to photo ready interiors and more flexible, open plan spaces, these trends could be here to stay.

Image supplied by Amy Elizabeth Interiors