MUDROOMS AND PORCHES WILL HAVE GREATER APPEAL
HOW we use our homes – and how we feel about them – has changed dramatically for many people over recent months. So, as the world adapts to the ‘new normal,’ it stands to reason that the pandemic and the impact of lockdown is set to have a big influence on future trends.
With increased awareness of social distancing and the functionality of our homes being questioned like never before, Houzz (houzz.co.uk) – a platform for home renovation and design – analysed search data and spoke with professionals from their community to predict how life after coronavirus may translate into the design of our future homes... bespoke joinery,” says designer Samantha Watkins Mcrae.
“Smart, well-considered bespoke furniture will always improve living and aesthetics, but now more than ever this can be used to transform a room into different functions.”
■ Top tip: A spare bedroom can incorporate a bed that folds seamlessly away to become a desk/ study when guests are not there. A children’s bedroom can have a play aspect with a fun, considered storage and sleeping solution that moves overspill from other rooms. A poorly used living or dining room can be given new life with a different configuration and flexible desk space, which can be tidied away when not in use.
AS awareness for how we bring germs into our homes rises, designers may rethink entryways, with mudrooms and larger porches becoming the norm. Closed off from the rest of the house, these transitionary spaces will allow us to remove and store outerwear, leaving germs at the door.
“Buffer zones have become even more important. These allow the outside to be tempered – viruses, as well as mud, coats and mess, can be contained and not walked through the house,” says Rebecca Jones from PWJ Architects, who suggests putting a sink in this space.
“Not just for muddy football boots, but for essential hand-washing before you get into the house.”
To incorporate a mudroom into your home, Rebecca says: “Consider converting a garage for this, or you could add a porch. The beauty of this approach is that in most cases this can be done without extensive remodelling or even the requirement for planning permission (although this does not apply to listed buildings).
“Porches can be put on, or spaces converted without planning permission provided certain criteria are met – position, distances to boundaries, height restrictions and materials. This can be explored in more detail with a design professional or online on the Planning Portal website.”