Within a short span of time, the covid-19 pandemic has altered our lives forever. It has forced many of us to think differently about several things, including the way we view the inside of our homes.
Architects and interior designers believe that because so many have been cooped up inside their residences for months, people will now look at their current residences with a new perspective. Scores of homeowners have realised that their spaces need to be designed keeping in mind contingency measures in order to deal with situations like this pandemic. Home owners and designers will now start gravitating towards more natural and local materials.
â–ª Antimicrobial fabrics: will be preferred for curtains and upholstered furniture because these can prevent the growth of microorganisms within its fibres. Materials like bamboo viscose fabrics and wool are naturally antibacterial in nature. Some of the most frequently touched surfaces in our homes include kitchen countertops, kitchen cabinets, handles and knobs to name a few, these surfaces should also be anti- bacterial in nature.
â–ª Copper: A natural antimicrobial in nature, copper is an ideal choice for places such as kitchens and bathrooms. Using copper in kitchen and bathroom cabinets, installing a copper kitchen sink and a copper kitchen tabletop can act as significant disinfectants to keep your home infection free. It is also an extremely durable and budget-friendly material.
â–ª Flooring: Cork is an eco-friendly, antimicrobial flooring option. It contains a wax-like surface called suberin that repels microbes that may be harmful both for you and your floors. Ceramic tiles are another durable and popular choice for the bathroom because of their natural resistance to moisture. Ceramic tiles have a tough surface that resist moisture and keeps bacteria and other harmful substances from penetrating your floor. Both these materials comprise of natural, antifungal agents that prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.
▪ Green Indoors: People are definitely going to want greener interiors that are conducive to therapeutic living. Inclusion of indoor plants, green walls, flower beds, etc. has a profound effect on an occupant’s well-being. Vertical gardens and indoor gardening trends will also catch up because they are a proven way to reduce stress and to improve air quality inside our homes.
â–ª No-Touch Surfaces: A technology that can help eliminate the need of touch surfaces and certain items constantly is much needed. Such a technology would help to curb the spread of diseases like Covid-19 by eliminating the need to touch items or to operate them in various scenarios. This includes TVs, lights, thermostats, speakers, and more. Sensor-based taps and flushes will be of use to avoid surface touch.
▪ Use of Quartz: Quartz is one of the hardest non precious stones on earth and countertops made from quartz—which are made of ground quartz combined with a small amount of resin—are hard, stain and scratch resistant, and antimicrobial.
The covid-19 pandemic has forced us to reconsider the way we live and build in the future. From the conception of social distancing in public parks to a rise in lightweight and temporary architecture, new ideas are swiftly being brought to the fore. As people are confined to their homes, a fresh spotlight has been cast upon the way residences can accommodate the demands of this new and unforeseen era.
