The 2020 pandemic has resulted in an increase in more people actually living — as well as working and schooling — at home.
“From haven to home office to home school to staycation, we’ve demanded more of our indoor and outdoor home spaces than ever before,” said Pat Bowling, vice president of communications for the American Home Furnishings Alliance. Foremost in home furnishings designers’ minds regarding fall trends are functionality and practicality.
“Families need a lot of work space without taking up too much floor space,” says Sophie Drouin, marketing and innovation director for South Shore Furniture, a North American manufacturer. The company’s work stations, for example, are equipped with durable melamine tops and a charging area for multiple devices.
Other important utilitarian furniture considerations include:
‒ Options and flexibility to configure pieces different ways to accommodate multiple uses in the household.
‒ Locked drawer or cabinet for financial items or homeschool test answer keys, for example.
‒ Plenty of storage and organization capabilities.
‒ Different-height desks for various ages.
“Adding function has been and will continue to be the biggest motivator for home furnishings sales this year,” said Bowling.
