The ‘new’ home
STORY Eugenia Triandos and Korina Khamis
Designers & Co-Founders, Hibou Design & Co.
The future of Interiors in a post-pandemic world
The days, weeks and months spent isolating in our homes have given rise to reflecting how we truly use our homes as well as providing a shift and renewed interest in interior trends. What will our homes look like, post Covid-19? Here are some of our thoughts on the upcoming emerging trends that we believe will now move to the forefront.
Smart Home Features
This trend is all about convenience, and has been on a steady incline for the last decade or more, but the pandemic has given it some gas. As we've already seen in the retail and service business landscape, technology makes the world go 'round - most notably during this pandemic, but the trend was already well on its way, bringing a whole new level of convenience to our day-to-day. Similarly, the tech trend is spilling into our homes, as much for its convenience as the "cool" factor. Home automation technology has put systems like interior and exterior lighting, appliances, thermostats, home security and many others in the palm of our hand via smartphone. Voice-activated smart speakers are on stand-by to bring you the news, play your favourite podcast, or to tell you exactly how many ounces are in a pint as you test out a new recipe.
Touchless Tech
Welcome to the new, touch-less reality. Motion-activated faucets, automatic doors, sensor lights and voice-activated everything else isn't just handy, but it's also the more hygienic option, not to mention pretty darned cool. And once you incorporate this trend into your interiors, you'll wonder how you ever got along without it. Taking this trend a step further, naturally anti-microbial materials such as cork, copper and ceramic will continue to be a popular choice, equally in-demand for their aesthetic qualities and their functionality.
Creature Comforts
If this pandemic has taught us anything, it's the value of comfort. There's absolutely nothing wrong with spending more time at home. In fact, many people welcome this respite from the hectic outside world. Whether we're home out of necessity or desire, our environments should be a reflection of ourselves more then ever. The new home design will focus more on all the cozy comforts, cocooning and custom elements that make it truly yours.
Buy Less, Love More
Buying less isn't a new trend. It's one that keeps resurfacing in the spirit of environmental consciousness, financial fitness, clutter-free interiors and now, because we simply can't go out and purchase what we want when we want it. With impulse buying no longer a viable threat, consider online shopping to be a blessing in disguise. Load up your digital shopping cart and give yourself a day to think about the purchases. Do you really want them? Need them? Love them? Furthermore, can you really afford them? And do you have a place for them in your home?
Our exterior environments impact our homes, but regardless of what's happening in the world around us, "home" should always be a reflection of our inner selves and a place to provide comfort for all! Hibou is here to help you love your home once again.
About Hibou Design Co.
Designers Eugenia Triandos and Korina Khamis are co-founders of Hibou Design & Co. With well over a decade of collective experience ,this Montreal-based multi-disciplinary design firm has focuses on creating both stylish and well-curated interiors. They provide complete bespoke residential design services throughout Canada & North America.
Learn more: hiboudesignco.com
