Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Post Pandemic Home Design

So, I need you to help settle a question in our household.  Like all of you, we've been sheltered in place and spending a LOT of time at home.  So we've had time to think about home:  what makes us happy and what we would want to change, when shelter in place is over.

And it's gotten me to wondering if we will want different things once the pandemic is behind us.  Do we want to go back to classic design?  Or something new and minimalist?

I've already started design work on our next project (location is still a secret!), but as I think about this, I'm torn on the design approach.  It's become a topic with our kids as well and everyone has opinions!

Approach 1 - My thinking is after this pandemic, people will really want something warm and cozy.  A home that surrounds them with comfort and glad to be home.  I've been madly clipping ideas here:




I love the idea of soft prints, a few antiques and a bit of 'more is more'.
Photo:  Bria Hammel Interiors
Approach 2 - Our kids (aka GenX/Millenials) think people will want clean, crisp design.  Something where germs can't hide.  (To be honest, it keeps making me think of the Kohler ads from the early 1900's about the 'Sanitary Bathroom' - click here).  And I do love this style, but wonder if I'm ready for it right now.







So what are your thoughts?  Comfy and Cozy?  Or Clean and Crisp?  I'd love to hear lots of opinions as I work through this design!  And if you're willing to share what generation you fall into - Baby Boomer, Gen-X, or Millenial - that would be helpful too!


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16 comments:

  1. Comfy and Cozy ALL THE WAY! But I'm not a millennial or Gen Xer! Looking forward to seeing your new project! I scroll through your old projects, and especially the home you just sold, at least twice a week, while I'm housebound! It's more satisfying than HGTV! Dreaming of pretty places is good for the soul!

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  2. I thought the first two images/examples of comfy/cozy that you posted (esp the second) were an ideal mixture of both styles melded together. Not too stark to appear cold, but not too cluttery. In fact, as I reflect on most of your previous house projects they are usually a good mixture of both styles, which is what I think is the most appealing to the majority. I don't think that's going to change.

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  3. I think the first two images you included for comfy/cozy (esp. the second) are excellent examples of a meld between the two; not too much clutter and not too cold/stark. Actually, as I reflect on your previous renovations, I think you generally capture the perfect combination between these two styles. I don’t see that changing in what people are looking for. They want to be comfortable.

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  4. I love comfy, cozy, and warm. I'm a millennial and live in an old bungalow in SOPO. I love the soft patterns and antiques sprinkled around. That being said I think the current trend is all about decluttering, which definitely lends itself to clean and crisp! My vote is for warm and cozy and less is less! ;)

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  5. The "clean and crisp, less is more" esthetic leaves me cold. Love some of the other pictures - but of course, that's why we follow you!

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  6. Tail-end baby boomer here. Comfy, cozy, warm and uncluttered. An inviting interior. And I agree that you are a pro at mixing it up and making it welcoming.

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  7. This just-before-baby-boomer says keep doing what you do -- a nice mix of comfy and uncluttered. As I've spent a lot more time inside than usual, easy to clean and to keep clean tops my list.

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  8. Gen X - comfy and cozy

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  9. Baby Boomer, comfy and cozy all the way.

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  10. Millennial and my pre-COVID style was about halfway between the two you’ve listed! But now I’m confronted with all the items we have that just aren’t necessary... I hate having to pick up/straighten every day for things to look neat and I’m hyper aware of how difficult some stuff is to clean. Team crisp and clean!

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  11. genxer...comfyandcozy for the win.

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  12. Clean and crisp. I've been working from home with 2 little kids throughout social distancing. Everything is a mess and the idea of having to manage and clean "more" is too, too exhausting.

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  13. Wow - thanks so much for all the input! I'm still wrestling with this and the fact that I can't go shopping and look at fabrics, wallpaper and more - makes it even more difficult. But I'll keep sharing as this design evolves!

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  14. Gen X here, I think over here in the UK people will swing towards cosy. Here people will be looking for a house with a home office and a pantry. I can see a pantry being a huge item on the want list. Many houses here are build with tiny kitchens and no where to store any food. I think there will be a lot of people with toilet paper and canned goods sitting at the end of their bed as we also dont have basements to store all this stuff. Just my 2 pence worth

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    Replies
    1. So great that you mention a pantry and storage!!! That's something that is suddenly so important and I think we're all going to want some extra toilet paper and paper towels around after this is over!!!

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  15. This GenX/Millennial cusper wishes DESPERATELY that her house was less open concept! I need places to get away from it all!

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