What your Zoom background says about you

In another fascinating account of the rapid shift in consumer buying patterns, Livingetc, one of Britains most influential dcor magazines, highlights eight ways in which Covid-19 is shaping design and decorating trends. The humble abode is no longer only a place to lay ones weary head: houses will have to become far more adaptable to create flexible, multi-functional spaces.

Well start to see the incorporation of desks and work spaces into bedrooms and living rooms as part of the norm, because even those who continue to work in an office will likely have more flexibility to engage in remote work, says Ryan Prince, founder of UK property rental management company UNCLE. Creating multiple work spaces throughout the home means that two people can work from home at the same time without bothering each other.

In a similar vein, Livingetc predicts that stylish and ergonomic desk chairs will become a must-have item on dcor buying lists as demand rises for chairs that fit in with the rest of a homes aesthetics. Bold colours will come to the fore, with safe neutral palettes likely to be rejected as people crave something bright and sunny to counter pandemic-induced dreariness.

Also, there will be an increased gravitation towards unique home spaces, as more people start to consider what their backgrounds are saying about them in Zoom or Microsoft Teams meetings.

Kitchens, too, will be reimagined. Already UK kitchen manufacturers are reporting increased demand for larger islands with integrated seating that can be adapted for various uses, including cooking, eating, games evenings, family gatherings, homework or Zoom calls.

Creative storage will become another key consideration for home design. Livingetc argues its become all about low-level storage units in multiple rooms ottoman-style furniture, sideboards and cabinets that allow tired parents to quickly pack away games, toys and books.

But upgrading ones primary residence may not be for everyone. If you have a few bob stashed away, and want to flee the pandemic altogether, why not consider buying your own island? Thats what the worlds uber wealthy are doing, according to this report in the Financial Times.

Trayor Lesnock, founder of Platinum Luxury Auctions, which is marketing Fijis Mai Island with a price tag of just over $4m, says theres been a sharp increase in demand for safe haven private islands in recent months.

Owning an island has long been considered cool and desirable, but its often been a whimsical dream, he says. But with Covid-19 its starting to look a lot more practical as people rush to find private spaces for themselves.

Read this article:

JOAN MULLER: Home is where the renovation is - Financial Mail