In a revealing episode of Espacios que hablan, Laura Huerta, Interior Design Director at U Interior Design, and Naima Farrouki, Head of Advertising at Manera and Fearless, reflect on the profound changes that interior design has undergone in recent years, especially as a result of the pandemic. The conversation highlights how people’s relationship with their homes has evolved dramatically, generating greater demand and a new appreciation for the spaces in which we live.
The radical change in household perceptions
Naima Farrouki stresses that one of the most significant changes in design trends has been the focus on the home as a personal refuge.
‘From the pandemic to this side it has already changed a lot, because now we realise that we need, when we come home, to have a warm, cosy home, where you feel at ease.
During the pandemic, many people spent more time in their homes than ever before, causing them to rethink the importance of comfortable and aesthetically pleasing spaces. This need has transformed the way people see their homes, no longer as mere places to pass through, but as real refuges where wellbeing and comfort have become a priority.
The growing demand for decoration and design
Prolonged time at home has also pushed many people to invest in upgrading their spaces. Naima Farrouki points out that, during the pandemic, a phenomenon began to emerge where many people suddenly realised that they needed to update different areas of their homes, such as changing the curtains, the kitchen or the living room. This change in mentality has led to a significant increase in the demand for products and services related to decoration and interior design, generating an expansion in resources dedicated to this sector.
‘There has been a kind of expansion of resources in terms of decoration, because there is a lot of demand’ – Naima Farrouki
Design, once a luxury for the few, now a necessity for all.
Laura Huerta reinforces this paradigm shift by pointing out that, before the pandemic, interior design seemed to be reserved for an elite. Today, however, design has taken centre stage for everyone, regardless of socio-economic status. ‘Before, design was for the few,’ says Laura, noting that the pandemic has democratised concern for the environment in which we live. Today, more than ever, people value having a home that is not only functional, but also aesthetically appealing and reflects their personality.
Laura also stresses that this transformation has brought design closer to people on an individual level. Increasingly, people care about the environment around them, recognising the impact that a well-designed space can have on their well-being and quality of life. This shift has broadened the relevance of interior design, making design accessible and desirable to a wider audience.
A new era for interior design
The pandemic has redefined the way people perceive their homes and interior design. As Laura Huerta and Naima Farrouki explain, the home has gone from being a functional space to a cosy and aesthetically pleasing refuge where wellbeing and comfort are a priority. This transformation has generated a greater demand for decoration products and services, expanding the means and resources available to meet this new need.
Today, interior design is no longer a luxury for the few, but a priority for all. More and more people understand the value of living spaces that are not only functional, but also reflect their personality and enhance their quality of life.
To learn more about these fascinating changes in the world of design, we invite you to watch the excerpt here, where Laura Huerta and Naima Farrouki delve into how the pandemic has transformed our ways of living and designing spaces.