The pandemic still lingers around us. It has been tough times for many but this doesn’t mean that interior design should not be given utmost important anymore. Actually, this is the perfect moment given that many are working from home nowadays. Imagine spending majority of your time in a well-designed and Instagram worthy home. It will surely be inspiring and uplifting! If you want to be updated on the latest on interior design or you want to know the current work from home trend, continue reading and surely, you’ll learn a lot. 

Bright Spot 

Having a bright spot in any home is always a welcome development. But because of the pandemic, a bright spot in your home especially for those working from home has become a must. Video conferences, online meetings, and even live selling has suddenly become a trend. Who would have thought that one day we will actually design a spot in a room that is focused solely on video conferencing? Well, that’s the reality nowadays. 

Obviously, lighting and background are very important for your online video calls. Proper lighting has become mandatory so you can appear at your finest. Somehow, it can also be a reflection of your personality if you put effort to your lighting. So how do you create a bright spot? 

First, take advantage of natural lighting. The idea is to position the table where you place your laptop or phone for video calls opposite a window that receives sufficient light. If you do it the other way, you’ll be against the light on your videos and it will be unpleasing for those you are talking with.

Image Credit: Renonation, The Scientist 

If natural lighting is not possible, it’s time to make use of artificial lighting. For better live meetings, add wall lamps or table lamps for gentle lighting. 

Shop this look: Thorpjornsen Modern Crystal Torch Wall Lamp 

You may also purchase a ring light online, which can diffuse light to you and eliminate shadows. This is actually often used by vloggers and content creators. Follow this trend and you’ll surely have good videos on zoom, skype, facetime, or whatever platform you’re using. 

Image Credit: AIXPI

Get this look: Preben Round Ring Wall Lamp 

Maximalism Makes a Comeback 

It’s hard to say for now that minimalism is out and maximalism makes a full takeover. But unlike previous years, maximalism is starting to be a trend again. Wallpapers with mixed patterns have been in demand and saturated colors are being used for walls. Colors like Teal, Turquoise, and even Orange and Pink are getting trendy in 2021 and going into 2022. 

Image Credit: Renonation, The Scientist 

Image Credit: Renonation, Free Space Intent 

If you’ve been wanting to go for a maximalist theme for your home office or home interior, now’s a good time to do so. 

Natural Look

Breathing life into your home and bringing outdoors to indoors is not just about adding plants to your interior. It’s also about including natural fibers in your furniture or layering your home in wood or leather. Woven rattan as primary feature of cabinets, display shelves, tables, etc. has been a growing trend since the pandemic. For some, this interior design trend provides warmth and tranquility while also being welcoming. 

Image Credit: OLA Interior Photography, ORACorporation

Indoor Plants

In the first quarter of 2020, Singapore and other neighboring Asian countries were left with no choice but to impose lockdowns to their respective countries so as to prevent, or at least contain the spread of Covid-19. Since malls and other attractions closed down, people chose different past times just to keep sane amidst the pandemic. Some binged watched movies and series on Netflix, the younger ones or at least the young at heart indulged in video games, while some opted to cultivate a home garden. Although the trend of being a plant aficionado subsided a bit, indoor plants as part of interior design persisted. 

Image Credit: Renonation, Oh So Lovely 

There are many advantages to keeping indoor plants especially in your home office. To state the obvious, it helps in intensifying the quality of air in the room. There are also studies implying that their all around productivity increased when indoor plants were introduced to their environment. 

Image Credit: Renonation, Spirossoulis

If you are yet to incorporate indoor plants to your interior design, you may consider putting small plants above the table or even big plants that can fill corners or empty spots in your room. If you want to be part of the trend while having a room with a fresh-looking vibe, then you should consider putting indoor plants to your interior design. 

Image Credit: Renopedia, Dots n Tots 

Goodbye to Wood Stains 

Naturally, alcohol has been our “friend” during this covid-19 season. Pre-covid, we usually just need four things in our pocket – wallet, cellphone, handkerchief, and keys. Now we have added alcohol to that list. But what the pandemic has taught us is that wood stains may wear off with alcohol. Wood stains have been very popular for top coat of doors, cabinets, center tables, office tables, and counters. But as mentioned, there are mixtures of alcohol that causes wood stains to turn into “white stains”. 

Image Credit: Thirty Fun 

Because of this, many have recently moved on from wood stain finishes and opt for its famous alternative – laminates with wood finish. Although the truth is, alcohol stains are not damaging the wood itself but just the sealer, it is still awful to see. 

Image Credit: Renopedia, Zenith Arc 

Concealing the Power 

“Intelligence is Elegance” – this has been the trend in today’s homes. With everyone working, playing, or passing time on their phones, tablets, and televisions, high speed networks and wireless connections have been a must. With more devices being used, it also makes sense to add more convenience outlets or charging ports. Virtual assistants like Alexa has also been widely used all over the world. 

Image Credit: Renonation, Design Chapterz 

Now how is this related to interior design? Two words – visual clutter. All these technological advancements aforementioned despite some being wireless will require hiding away or concealing cables at some point in time. In interior design, it’s always about functionality and aesthetics; not just one, but both. We want to have all the benefits of these technology while still having a home office or room that is “wire-free” and organized. 

Image Credit: Qanvast, Habit 

These are some post Covid-19 interior design trends that you can try for your home office. At the end of the day, you’re the one who knows what you need the most. Just try a few of these trends and you should be well on your way to coming up with a trendy home office and interior design for 2021.