While life has largely returned to normal post-pandemic, the lasting influence on our homes and lifestyles remains a constant topic of conversation in 2023. The pandemic compelled many of us to spend significantly more time within the confines of our homes, leading to a transformative shift in the way we perceive and utilize our living spaces, both in terms of aesthetics and functionality.
This transformation has awakened a desire among homeowners to infuse more personality and creativity into their interiors, a shift that can be attributed to the increased amount of time spent at home. Design experts anticipate that individuals now yearn to have fun with their interior design choices, seeking to craft spaces that are uniquely personal and reflective of their own styles.
“As the pandemic curtailed human interaction, it underscored the importance of incorporating various amenities into our homes. Features that were once considered premium luxuries, such as spas, home theaters, gaming rooms, children’s entertainment areas, outdoor sports facilities, home gyms, home offices, libraries, and elaborate study spaces within children’s rooms, have now become essential,” notes Ashish Kohli, Founder of Ashish Kohli Design. “The demands of clients have made it imperative to create individual or hybrid spaces, especially when dealing with space constraints. While designing these multifunctional spaces, striking a balance between functionality and innovative design concepts is crucial.”
This shift has seen a transformation in rooms that previously served singular purposes. Spaces like the kitchen have become more versatile, evolving into multifunctional areas. According to Kerrie Black, Group Merchandising and Marketing Director at Sanipex Group, this change extends to outdoor spaces, which have emerged as natural extensions of our indoor living areas. She emphasizes that this trend has persisted and has compelled designers to approach kitchen and outdoor living space design differently, with a strong emphasis on multifunctionality.
The concept of flexible spaces has gained prominence to better accommodate the diverse needs of daily life, prompting the reimagination of additional spaces for more frequent and adaptable use. So, what factors must be considered when designing a multifunctional space?
Vivek Sinha, Founder and CEO of Vision Catalyst, offers insights: “Creating a multifunctional space can be as straightforward or intricate as you desire, depending on the types of spaces you wish to merge. For example, merging a kitchen with a dining area is relatively straightforward. However, combining a living and sleeping area requires a more innovative approach. Two key considerations are zoning and multipurpose furniture. Zoning helps establish design boundaries, while multifunctional furniture facilitates the dual use of the space.”
Black underscores the importance of thoroughly understanding how the finished space will be used, emphasizing the significance of personalization. She also emphasizes the role of zoning, especially when the kitchen serves multiple purposes, such as food preparation and remote work. In such cases, including an element of privacy or a quiet space can be beneficial. Achieving this often involves strategic furniture placement, material combinations, and thoughtful lighting choices that consider the space’s various functions throughout the day and night.
Attention to detail plays a pivotal role in achieving these multifunctional spaces, adding a layer of personalization to your home. In interior design, attention to detail encompasses various aspects, including meticulous consideration of the color palette, which extends from wallpapers to furniture and accent pieces, significantly impacting the overall interior design. Kohli emphasizes the significance of fine craftsmanship and meticulous detailing in design, stating that the idiom “God is in the Details” holds true in the world of interior design.
