The New World of Interior Design

Words Sayo Akinlude  

There’s no doubt that the world has changed significantly these last few weeks, but with lockdown in the UK easing what will the new normal look like? Interior Designer, Sayo Akinlude reveals the new realities of interior design that will make you want to start designing immediately!

There is no doubt that the world has changed significantly these last few weeks, but with lockdown in the UK easing what will the new normal look like? Many of us have taken this time to find ourselves, learn skills, and enjoy being home. It’s safe to say lockdown has been really a real eye-opener. So, let’s get straight down to it. Lockdown has made us all appreciate our home a little more and look after it a little more. Let us all be honest, we’ve had moments during this lockdown where we wished we had done the decoration we had ‘been’ planning - or actually taken the time out to renovate.

It is with no doubt that the changes caused by COVID-19 have substantially benefited the interior design industry. Not to mention that it is of no coincidence the only places to open their doors were the essential stores, such as Homebase, B&Q and now Ikea. The new normal for interiors is looking very promising, creative and functional.

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The amount of time we’ve spent at home during these past few weeks has made us all realise several things:

• The importance of looking after your home.

• Having a home that’s not only alluring but also functional.

• Investing in quality pieces.

• My personal favourite realising Pinterest isn’t the real world.

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Now, although things are looking promising for the industry, people have also developed what I like to call, home Scopophobia, which is the fear of showing others their home. There are many reasons for this but I truly believe one of the main reasons is social media. Due to the lockdown several people have turned to social media, for an escape, entertainment, and more. However, more people have been showing us clips of thier extravagant beautifully designed homes, for example, Drake’s Toosie slide, filmed in his mansion, Patricia Bright has started a new page dedicated to her home ‘The Bright’s at Home’. As a result of interior design being displayed on a new level, many people are starting to feel a little embarrassed, of our small one-bedroom, or our lack of a garden space, which in the long run can affect your mental health.

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Interior design is not about how big your space is, or how many bedrooms you have, interior design is about having a space that embraces all the different aspects of you. A space that accompanies all of your needs and that allows you to be free and happy.

Sayo Akinlude - Interior Designer