D E S I G N & I N N O V AT I O N
What Covid-19 has taught us about our homes Z I A L I L L E Y, I N T E R I O R D E S I G N E R AT JOHN ROSS ARCHITECTUR AL BUILDERS C O N S I D E R S H O W T H E PA N D E M I C H A S C H A N G E D T H E W AY W E I N H A B I T O U R H O M E S A N D H OW W E C A N LO O K FO RWA R D TO BUILDING BE T TER.
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
C LO S I N G TH E D O O R ON OPEN PL AN Kiwis are very attached to the idea of open plan – but the reality of a fully open entrance, living room, kitchen and dining space is not a practical set up for most families. After living in lockdown, we’ve realised that sometimes you just need a big old wall – or at least degrees of separation that allow people to do their own thing. ‘Broken-plan’ (or split-level) living is a more flexible alternative with freestanding walls, mezzanine levels, sunken living spaces (when sites allow it) and other design features to provide spaces that are connected without being unnecessarily open. Don’t underestimate more minor changes either: colour, materials, and lighting can do a lot to give pockets of privacy and cosiness.
