The pandemic has transformed our homes into pretty much our own little universes, considering that for so long we have been spending most of our time in. During this time, many people have realized not only how important space is but also how important nature is in our lives and that in reality, comfort can be achieved with much less.
The construction and renovation of a home can have a significant negative effect on the community. Building and remodeling houses generate pollution and release harsh chemicals into the atmosphere in a variety of ways. These consequences are permanent. What are some potential solutions to this big problem? The solution is home design creativity.
As people become more environmentally conscious, designers, including BoxdLiving, are now attempting to build elements of the home that are both functional and appealing while also being environmentally friendly. The growing demand for green homes is having a significant effect on the design aspect of custom home construction. People are starting to gravitate toward sustainable homes rather than luxury homes. The focus could shift towards the classic ideals of “reduce, reuse, recycle,” which will manifest in minimalism, DIY upgrades on antique parts, and a commitment to recycled materials.
So what can we expect from home design from now on? As commercial movers, Empire Movers often come across design trends even before they actually become popular when helping people pack up their homes and relocate. Here are a couple of trends on the rise!
Recycling and minimalism
From what we noticed, there is an increase in the use of obviously recycled materials in goods, interiors, and houses. As news of global waste streams polluting soil, air, and water becomes more widely known, people are searching for concrete ways to minimize their exposure to the production of virgin materials.
During the pandemic, more and more people found that a minimalist lifestyle has numerous benefits, starting with relieving anxiety. When relocating their homes, numerous people have renounced a lot of the clutter that didn’t really feel useful anymore. It is very probable that society would adopt a consumption pattern that is rooted in a consistent set of core values that honor the environment and a simpler lifestyle. If anything, this year has shown us that we can do a lot more with a lot less.
Refreshing older pieces
Unsurprisingly, during quarantine more and more people have discovered the fun of DIY projects. From self transformations to setting up small businesses based on creating decorations or soaps to home renovations. With this in mind, it is expected that the DIY trend will continue for what concerns home design and there will be a resurgence of updating used furniture and acquiring new skills to become more self-sufficient. DIY upholstery, woodwork, and other projects are likely to increase.
Renovation projects continue even if supply chains are slowed by the global pandemic. So, many people have come to the realization that it is easier and more cost-effective to upgrade the furniture we already own or to buy used. As an added plus, DIY projects and reconditioning home decor are a great way to stay busy when cultivating one’s imagination.
Incentives from the government
Numerous governments all over the world have created programs that offer tax credits to those who purchased solar panels and electric vehicles or even reimburse part of the cost. It is very possible that we will see more of these programs in the future, to convince shoppers to buy large household products with a positive environmental impact. As consumers are becoming more mindful and conscious of the threats faced by climate change and technology develops, home trends will turn towards a greener approach, and hopefully, this will ultimately drive the market prices lower for these products thus making them more accessible to a larger number of people.
Using more natural materials
More and more designers and home builders are starting to raise awareness about the toxicity of construction products and to create sustainable alternatives. People are becoming more aware of the effect our intimate environments have on our wellbeing, as well as the correlation between both the materials in our homes and household air pollution. As a result, homeowners will pursue cleaner indoor air, and interior designers and architects will use healthier materials in their designs. Vinyl flooring, for example, is being phased out in favor of linoleum and Marmoleum, and carpet manufacturers are starting to phase out the use of stain and water repellent chemicals.
Green roofs and walls
Green roofs and walls are structures that include plants and other living vegetation such as grass species, moss, and flowers. Their aim is to enhance air quality by filtering out pollutants. This is a home design trend that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that more and more people are gravitating towards it. Read more about this here.
Green wall systems can be installed on almost any wall surface and provide a safe growing atmosphere for plants inside a home. This is an excellent eco-friendly home design trend to keep an eye on because it not only purifies the air but also because it humidifies the air, providing both health and environmental benefits. The same goes for green roofs which are constructed with a water-retaining layer under the vegetation.
Going smart
With the development of technology and smart devices that enable homes to become more energy-efficient, smart homes are becoming a real trend. Since it is environmentally friendly while still bringing comfort to people’s lives, this green technical breakthrough is appearing in almost all new home designs. In these types of houses, devices connect to a phone, computer, or tablet from remote locations, allowing homeowners to monitor from anywhere. This allows the homeowner to switch off or reduce the power to devices while he or she is not at home or using them, having a very eco-friendly effect. Some of the most trendy devices for smart homes include smart thermostats, smart irrigation, and sprinkler systems, and smart lighting.