Clean lines, uncomplicated easy-to-maintain and innovative surfaces will dominate homes in the future, says Priyanka Joshi

Everybody has their own vision of what a happy home filled with love looks like. However, this  year more than the past ones, we have been practically forced to spend more time confined to our houses. Earlier, we believed that life would bounce back to normal but now are learning to live with the virus in order to survive and embrace the new conditions. So it is time to redesign our  houses to fit the needs of the current times, where safety against diseases, is the prime focus.

Adetee Sawhney from Altus Interio says “This is the time where we have no option but to stay home. So, we need to make relevant changes, especially, in the areas where we spend a lot of time like the kitchen, bedroom, living area and bathroom. They would need a change to begin with.” On the other hand interior designer Punam Kalra, creative director of I’M the Centre says, “We have been reminded that our lifestyle is nothing but an ode to nature and hence it’s essential to embrace the green movement by shifting our focus to biophilia and easy to recycle elements like wood, vegetable fibre, jute, sisal, hemp, stone, metal, terracotta and many more. We have to also become more sensitive to the sourcing of our materials, the manufacturing process and the end design, so that our interiors are environment conscious, heartfelt and inspiring.”

Since there is a stronger focus now on cleanliness and sanitation, there will be emphasis on incorporating uncomplicated, easy to maintain and innovative surfaces within the house for easy upkeep in the future. “The role of interiors has always been to aid daily routines and lifestyle of the inhabitants. It can’t build immunity on its own, but provides its users with a safe space and convenience to successfully achieve it,” says Kalra.

This intimate relationship between spaces and the human experience needs new terminology like immunity assisting décor, modern essentialism, interior hygiene and resilient interiors.

Healthy interior

Curtains and carpets are always integral part of interior décor. But they also attract dust which is harmful, especially during these times. “These are essential part of the décor which we can’t remove from our houses. But now we have to choose light and natural fabrics which are easier to clean on a daily basis. The upholstery should be in distinctive, natural fabrics like linen and silk, bamboo mats, and woven rugs which can add an organic feeling of luxury and intimacy,” says Sawhney.

Curtain are essential to maintain our privacy and make the interiors look beautiful. Architects, Pooja and Arbaysis Ashley, co-founders of Ashleys, say, “Curtain fabrics can be coated with special technology to make them easy to maintain. Anti-microbial coating can be used on any upholstery and carpets too. These make the furnishing more hygienic. Rather than curtains one can opt for tech-based switchable glass films too which can be used over any glass surface. These technologically advanced films can be dimmed by a wave of hand, voice or by a remote. These can even be smart and automated to change the intensity of opacity depending upon sunlight.”

Our home is our safe haven and a healthy interior is all about eco-friendliness. The world is now realising the importance of designing spaces which connect well with our state of mind while creating a balance between our physical and mental health. Sawhney says, “This is the time to choose environment-friendly options for our houses. For instance, we can use all natural fabric for sofa and other covers, bamboo chairs and tables, indoor plants, wooden furniture and natural lights. Secondly, we can use energy saving devices like eco-friendly kitchen appliances and solar lights.”

Invoke emotions

Using a combination of colour in décor means introducing various shades of emotions. The work from home culture brings in the opportunity to reimagine both, how we live and how we work, as colours can influence our moods and thoughts. Kalra says, “A combination of materials, patterns, textures and colours within a space will be necessary to create an interesting and inspiring ambiance, that is also acoustically sound, multi-functional, easy to maintain and comfortable”. Colour can also be added in the form of wallpaper, photographs, memorabilia and big art work, used as feature walls, statement ceiling finishes, wall art  and installations. 

 “Bold and dramatic, or soft and understated, or an eccentric mix of the two; the freshly coloured walls, ceilings and furniture immediately make the interiors look new. The Pantone Colour of the year — classic blue — paired with earthy and neutral tones, highlighted with bolder shades like orange and terracotta create an elegant and artistic ambiance. Pastel and muted shades of pink, green and lilac give the space a hint of cheery pop and modern vintage glamour. Adding deep forest tones to the upcycled furniture creates a fresh natural look. Nature-inspired motifs and vivid colours like mauve, black, purple and yellow in wallpapers, tiles and statement accessories create a vibrant interior,” says Kalra.

Space management

With homes doubling up as offices a dedicated space to work in may become the new trend. Pooja and Arbaysis said, “People have learnt that working from home is a possibility and more people may engage in it. It may be more advisable to look at furnishing options which are natural and comfortable to body contact and health as you spend longer hours at home. Quieter spaces with sound absorption and soundproofing are going to be important”.

Since we might be spending more time at home in the future, our private spaces need to change in their fundamental use. We need to make more space for daily activities like exercising and soaking in the sun, create dedicated work spaces and accessible healing areas which facilitate easy disinfection and natural ventilation.

The existing spaces have to be decluttered and reorganised to accommodate new open furniture layouts, personal working and relaxation corners which can be conveniently sterilised at the entrance. These areas also need to incorporate minimal exposed surfaces, clean forms, hygienic surface treatments like brass and copper and more automation with touchless technology like automatic doors, motion-sensor lights and temperature control. Kalra says, “The dedicated space should be inspiring, well-lit and quiet. Personalising a small corner with comfortable furniture and chic accessories like lamps, small planters, vibrant art, tea coasters, speakers and cosy rugs, throws and cushions, can create an ideal work environment. The colour tones and materials can be balanced with a healthy dose of neutrals and wood, along with bolder accent colours and highlight accessories, while also ensuring minimal clutter and visual conflict of the arrangement”.

 In a small space choose a corner in your living room or bedroom to create a compact desk so that it does not occupy  too much of floor area. Create space for your pens, pencils and other paraphernalia along with some small potted plants. Decorate the wall behind the desk with inspirational quotes and miniature artworks.

Sachin Gupta from Beyond designs says, “By choosing a sofa that will double up as a bed whenever needed, a centre table with storage and floating shelves on the wall for your memorabilia and accessories, the living room can have space for all essentials with minimal furniture. Similarly, you should go for furniture pieces that also offer storage in all rooms so that you can do without separate storage units that occupy precious floor space.”