The pandemic has certainly affected many aspects of our lives—and that extends to our relationship with our personal spaces. Our homes have dramatically shifted as remote workand distance learning became the norm. As a result, we started incorporating offices and study nooks into our home’s interior design. A New York Times article cites an increase in requests for multi-functional spaces and products that address pandemic needs. This includes incorporating well-ventilated sun rooms, mud rooms to isolate in, and even task lighting into one’s home design.

During quarantine, limitations on movement meant families had to get more creative with time spent at home, from entertaining one’s kids to working out. In fact, the year 2020 saw the rise of plantitas and plantitos. The Philippine Daily Inquirer referred to trends such as this part of a greater “stay-sane-at-home” movement.

New Normal Home Design

The pandemic has challenged the boundaries between work and life. And that is where interior design can help turn your home into a space that is as comfortable, inviting, and above all, functional amid these challenging times. But remember: you don’t need to spend a lot on re-modelling. Our tips show you how you can make simple tweaks to your home even on a budget!

#1 Work with what you have

Assess your existing furniture pieces and decorative items. You can:

• Create a color palette and group together items to create a vignette.

• Frame and mount your own artworks—or even those made by your kids. Another option is to check out downloadable digital prints on Etsy.

• Move furniture around. Try using an app like Room Planner.

• Find new uses for existing furniture like turning an ottoman into a coffee table, or turning a stool into a side table, or a pedestal for holding books.

If you do plan on adding new pieces to your home’s interior design, consider the pandemic a good opportunity to support local home design businesses. 

#2 Style your work and study spaces

Your family’s books and work files can easily contribute to clutter. But when styled thoughtfully, your shelves can look inviting, and even encourage productivity and learning! Some ideas to try:

• Incorporate home decor items into your shelves including vases, framed artwork, plants, and even your kids’ toys!

• Categorize books according to color.

• Add organic elements. As plantitas and plantitos have demonstrated, plants do a great job of refreshing a space. Some plants, such as philodendrons and chrysanthemum, can even purify indoor air.

• Mix things up by stacking books vertically and horizontally.

Need more inspiration? Check out these Pinterest boards.

# 3 Do a DIY Home Decor Project

If you have time and space—and a few cans of paint and primer—you can refresh existing pieces in your own backyard. On the other hand, you can get younger family members involved in fun and easy-to-do projects. Here are a few ideas to consider.

• Paint an entire furniture piece.

• Dip-dye wooden dining chairs.

• Add color to glass jars.

• Change the pulls and handles on kitchen drawers and cabinets.

• Choose from a variety of colorful craft projects to keep kids entertained.

Looking for more DIY ideas? You can find a vast array of project tutorials on YouTube.

The pandemic has been tough on individuals and families. But it also underscored the value of our homes as a center for work, study, and family life. Whether you make small tweaks, change up the order of your furniture, or DIY your own project, you can create a home you love whatever your budget!

Need professional help with your home? Inquire with us at www.jasanchetainteriors.com