1. Can you give us tips on how to make your home in tune with the New Normal?
The New Entry
Besides aesthetics, entrances now have a new function to keep us and our homes germ-free. Commonly called “sanitation stations” or “disinfecting zones”, those unsightly hands-free alcohol dispensers and mist may need to blend in with your decor at the foyer. Combine these essentials with plants and trays and create a vignette around them to make it part of a whole composition.
Practical and Multi-Purpose Spaces
Staying at home has forced us to get busy and be creative with the insane amount of free time gifted to us. We need to create spaces that are flexible to keep up with the new hobbies and routines that we have developed. Planting, crafting, cooking or even indoor bike now need to have a definite space in the living area.
Work from Home Space
These days, having a home office is more of a necessity than a luxury. Pay more attention to sprucing up this space with greenery, mementoes and scents that will keep you always inspired. Give importance to lighting and ideally situate your table closest to a window to benefit from natural light.
Blended Interiors: Indoors and Outdoors
Biophilic design is defined by connecting nature in our daily living and putting a significant influence on it in the interiors and architecture. This has grown more popular this 2020 because of the human need to be with nature and the environment. In this pandemic or New Normal context, create spaces that will allow for you to re-connect with nature. Whether that is through a natural wooden table, a big Yucca plant or a vertical garden wall, have something that will remind you of what it feels like to be outdoors.
2. Any tips on sourcing in this age of the New Normal?
The pandemic really pushed businesses to pivot and focus their strategies on online platforms, since fewer people go to malls and stores to shop. Now, it’s easier and a lot safer for people to shop through different online stores. There are so many trusted and quality brands that offer easy and hassle-free online shopping experiences. However, be wary of the scale (dimensions) to make sure they are in correct proportion to your space. If unsure especially if these are big-ticket items such as furniture, artworks or area rugs, find shops that can do a free mock-up at home. Search for firms that have personal shoppers who are interior designers that can give good advice on what is best for your personal space as well as assist in putting them together at your home.
