The future of all things near and dear to mankind has never seemed so uncertain. The outbreak of the novel Coronavirus has disrupted life as we knew it and shook the core foundations of many things interior design included. Many courses like Bachelor of Interior Design have already started altering their course strategies in order to prepare us for the times that lie ahead. Many industry experts have given honest responses that paint a picture of a changed yet enduring industry that will continue to thrive—even in the aftermath of a crisis. Let us look at the 8 ways the interior design industry will change after the global pandemic we are currently facing.
Product Development
Since there is going to be less capital to work with, production will slow down and that was quite inevitable when brick and mortar revenue-based companies shut down operations. Many of these firms have lost close to 90% revenue overnight when a stall was put on things. If you look at it logically, demand and customers will change once we have left behind coronavirus. It is sad, however, that many up and coming design brands were upcoming before the virus will probably shut down or will have to figure out very innovative ways to stay in business.
Pricing
The sudden recession the market is going to eventually face might tempt a lot of designers to lower their prices. Tread carefully is the advice from many experts across the industry. The price might not be an issue as most affluent purchasers will still have the appropriate resources. The more pressing concern will be justifying your prices to the buyers. The game for pricing will be dependent mostly on perceived value more than anything and it is pivotal that you don’t undersell yourself or your products for that matter.
Client Spending
When we step out of the best colleges for interior design and step into the real world, there are huge ticket-size clients that are spending huge sums of money. Industry experts suggest that client spending will increase owing to high-demand for design elements and interior designs. Experts indicate that a lot of the normal purchases and the new purchases will be added to the spending power of high-end brands looking for new innovative solutions. Being locked up in our houses, the tiniest of discrepancies in our homes, which were overlooked for years, will now become major things to get fixed and there is a high chance as things stabilize, more and more people will start looking for interior design solutions.
Colour Trends
In order for colours to appeal, gain traction and popularity, it has to acutely represent the customer attitude. Colour psychology plays a major role in setting trends for colours in interior design. The pandemic has understandably spurred a feeling of unrest, grief, and anxiety among consumers, who are now craving colours that instil a sense of reassurance and comfort. The colours which have minimal hues and instil a feeling of peace and overall “feel-good” factor will trend for some time to come in the future.
Studio Operations
In day-to-day operations, design studios will rely heavily on their staff to keep things afloat. In this brave new world, we’ll see that the skills and abilities design affords to us—empathy, curiosity, patience, common sense, problem-solving—are more crucial than ever. Individuals who will help the organization become recession-proof and are quick on their feet with problem-solving might just take the credits more than their counterparts.
Workspace
Offices will completely transform the way they function. Many organizations have already declared a work-from-home for many of their employees for the year 202 at least, in addition, the reopening of offices for many other firms is highly unlikely till Mid-August or so. Companies will need to integrate workplace changes in ways that reflect living in a post-COVID world.
Trade Shows
The design fairs won’t disappear by any shape or form. They’re a key part of the interior design industry. Some shows might have virtual components, but at the end of the day, we need human connection and human touch. The pandemic will force the industry to invent new models, tools, and platforms for its programs. It won’t be about the size of your booth or how high and thick your walls are. It’ll be about the story you’re bringing to life and who is behind the projects the brands are presenting.
Comms Strategy
It will be a different world when we get to the other side of this crisis. Designers need to embrace the fact that as the physical health of those infected deteriorates, the mental health of those in containment deteriorates. In order to cater to the emotional sensibilities. It will be important that designers be sensitive in their tone and outreach. Understanding the clients’ challenges and offering extra consulting hours will help them plan for the near- and long-term future.
The hardest of times help bring out the best of the people. Many industry experts have hailed that these times will see innovation in the industry like never before.
