AN EVOLUTION OF HOME DESIGN

June 2020

The first of our webinars from the ‘Northacre at Home’ series was broadcasted this month with property and finance commentator and former editor of the Times Bricks & Mortar, Anne Ashworth at the helm. Showcasing a panel of global experts from the world of design, art and prime property, the session explored the concept of design in the home post Covid-19. The past few months have had such an immediate and significant impact on the way we live that the effects will be felt long into the future and will fundamentally change what we value most about our place of abode. Anne was joined by CEO of Northacre Niccolò Barattieri Di San Pietro, interior designer Natalia Miyar, Founder of Art Contact Viriginia Grub, international landscape and garden designer Andy Sturgeon, and Director at Squire and Partners Michael Poots to discuss how the home will evolve.

As stunning artwork and lines of books decorated the various backdrops behind them, each speaker described a definite shift in consumer behaviour as we enter into a time of renewed love for our home – one that is breeding a trend to invest more in a greater quality of space both indoors and out. The panel collectively presented 2020’s demands of closer connections to nature, designated living areas, enlivened interiors with colour and light as well as spending more on fewer exquisite pieces for the home than cluttering areas with cheaper decoration.

It was agreed across the board that to focus on our well-being, to find lasting balance and joy in this new world, home design needed to do more. While Andy spoke of the real need to be able to access or, at least, see green space to improve our mental health, Virginia talked about the benefits of surrounding ourselves with beautiful art and explained that despite the long-standing demand for the airy expanses of open-plan architecture, we should be sectioning off individual areas to serve different functions – to work, to exercise and to relax in spaces of calm. Michael explained how people are finding beauty and enjoyment from the intricate features of period homes in the capital and Natalia drew a hard line on London still being ‘the coolest place to live on Earth’. Finally, Niccolò wrapped up the common thread of creating an elevated living (and working) environment via the principles of good design in his commitment to produce the highest quality per square foot in the capital – an art in itself. No one disputed that a form of normality would soon return to the city and prime central London would become busy with life again, but it is clear that working from home is here to stay.

To watch the full webinar, please click here.