F E AT U R E
How COVID-19 is Changing Homes The way we live & work in our homes has changed rapidly in the last couple of months. More permanent changes are on their way across communities as industries are undergoing huge shifts. We’re likely to see the layout of homes change sooner than later. Here’s a few ways it might play out.
OPEN CONCEPT MAY CLOSE UP Open concept seemed to be here to stay. We may see that demand shift from the entirely open concept main living area to more traditional closed concept layouts. Retractable, sliding walls for office use during the day and family living off hours, might be a more frequently requested design option offering the best of both worlds.
OUTDOOR WORKSPACES Spring means expanded living space outdoors; balconies and decks, gazebos and front porches become a welcome change of scenery during the work day. Grab your laptop and some shade and head outside for your 100th Zoom call while birds are happily chirping in the background. We may even see tiny house style additions to backyards being used as offices or in-law suites as bylaws change to support more off buildings.
MULTI-FAMILY DWELLINGS Being separated from loved ones has been one of the most trying parts of the pandemic. The idea of being away from them, weeks at a time, may instigate the consolidation of families into multi-family, cost-saving dwellings over individual residences. As an added bonus, mom and dad can have safe, quarantined access to childcare onsite when trying to work during the day!
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