Insights
How can design respond to the new demands of living?
As we take more and more activities from the urban universe into our home, the traditional dynamics of domestic spaces have been completely changing, requiring a new look in these environments and greater attention to our health and well-being. Whether through minor renovations, a makeover, or a simple reorganization of the layout, the challenge of the moment is to think about how to adapt old rooms to different functions, with our homes embracing new routines and lifestyles that tend to gain strength In the next years.
Let's start with the basics ...
Colors are very important in this scenario of introspection, with several studies proving their therapeutic and vibratory power. But when it comes to decoration and functional architecture, the role of colors goes much further. In houses with multifunctional environments, for example, separating functions from spaces by color can be a great idea! If your living room is also your office and dining area, creating “visual dividers” in the environment, exploring different color blocks on the walls or on the surfaces of the furniture, makes the house more beautiful and organized without losing an inch of area.
Speaking of colors, narrow walls should be given warm tones giving the impression of a cozy environment, not a small space. Another tip to give a welcoming feeling is to choose materials with a natural aspect. Melamine coatings are great allies in this regard, bringing versatility and good cost-benefit to projects. This is because it allows the reproduction of a multitude of surfaces, such as wood, stones, fibers, and fabrics. It is worth mentioning that patterns with textures, cathedrals, veins, and plots with more organic movements boost the natural and relaxing vibe inside the house.
It can be comfortable and stylish, yes!
In fact, from the moment we started spending most of our days in closed spaces, we realized more than ever the value of well-lit environments. So, never block windows; bet on mirrors located in strategic positions to bounce natural light throughout the space; and invest in portable luminaires (floor, click, or sconces), which in addition to being functional, add a super cool touch to the decor.
Cushions, blankets, and rugs, as well as surfaces with playful or unicolor patterns, also provide comfort to the environments and can be used to give an update to the decor, acting as focal points of color and inserting prints that help to lift the mood of our homes. Geometric shapes in the covering of furniture and walls, for example, are very high and bring a modern and creative footprint to the project. In addition, these items also allow you to create optical effects. While small rugs cut out the spaces, the wide ones bring an effect of fluidity and continuity.
Multipurpose furniture for multifunctional environments
Other essential tips are given regarding the optimization of these spaces, which has everything to do with well-being. After all, environments with a lot of information or with little circulation area can cause emotional stress. The first suggestion is to invest in the right furniture. Round tables, preferably up to 80 cm in diameter, are ideal for small houses and apartments, in addition to being quite stylish. Foldable and stackable furniture are also good options in this regard.
In addition, ottomans that can be used as a coffee table, beds with built-in drawers, as well as coated MDF panels that allow the suspension of electronic devices and household items, also increase the functionality of the spaces. In time, thinking about the house in a vertical direction, with taller furniture and more pure forms, can help to create a feeling of greater fluidity between the environments.
Far beyond aesthetics
And don't forget to enjoy every corner in an intelligent and pleasant way, such as, for example, opting for sliding doors; using hooks on the walls and behind the doors; as well as using triangular furniture to fill “dead corners” of the house. These tips, in fact, are ideal for creating "mini entrance halls" - a trend that follows the increased concern with personal hygiene and aseptic environments - in homes that do not have this extra space.
Organizing the interior of the furniture and leaving the surfaces free of objects, still help with aesthetics and cleanliness. Baskets and organizing boxes too! And, of course, being more aware of what will be taken into the house, making appropriate disposal of garbage, choosing surfaces that are easy to clean (such as melamine), among other points, are some other behavioral trends that we have already pointed out which have had a great impact on the construction of the “new normal”.