From multi-functionality to more sustainably focused spaces, what are the ‘healthy home’ trends for 2022, Dyson interior specialists and engineers share their predictions:
Creating a multi-functional living room
With the pandemic changing the way we work, the new normal at home could mean daily work calls from the dining table, home-based learning in the kitchen, or exercising in the living room. Open plan spaces in homes have shifted to informal breakout areas to accommodate these changes. With hybrid working set to continue¹ and more family members at home, greater flexibility in home layouts will allow for various activities.
The inclusion of a wall-mounted drop leaf table as work desk in the living room, or the integration of modular furniture like sectional sofa blocks to change seating arrangements, or stackable shelving units for storage options — will allow for the expansion and contraction of spaces. Versatile products with technologies to provide the right illumination for the user throughout the day for work calls or leisure activities, will also be ideal in such spaces.
Cosy comfort in the bedroom
Soft furnishings like carpets, throws and cushions can help inject a feeling of comfort but can also off-gas, contributing to indoor air pollution. If purchasing a new carpet, choose one that releases fewer Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) emissions and request the use of glues or adhesives that are non-toxic and low in VOCs. Have the carpet installed while the space is unoccupied and keep the windows open where possible. Choose fabrics made with natural materials like cotton and wool – and avoid treatments such as antibacterial additives and chemical flame-retardants. If painting is in the works, use low-VOC or zero-VOC paints which are now widely available and have been specially formulated to match the quality standards of conventional paints.
Sustainable choices to improve indoor air quality
Sustainability² in interior choices will also be prioritised by homeowners. Reducing the ecological footprint such as opting for eco-friendly materials or second-hand furniture also helps in safer air in a home. Choosing low-formaldehyde products or buying second-hand furniture ensure that these off-gas less formaldehyde over time, while ULEF (Ultra-Low-Emitting Formaldehyde) and NAF (No Added Formaldehyde) furniture is increasingly available. If buying new, buy solid wood furniture or fully sealed pressed wood (MDF) furniture.
Creating cleaner homes
Hygiene will continue to be important in 2022 but homeowners will start to consider other aspects such as wellbeing, especially with concerns about chemicals in cleaning products. Despite that, when it comes to cleaning at home, chemicals are not always the only solution. For example, mopping with a disinfectant to kill the germs is not enough.
Smarter homes
As our homes have become places of work, rest and play, the way in which we interact with them has also changed. Research shows that use of voice interfaces has grown by more than nine per cent since 2019 and globally the number of homes with at least one smart home device increased by a third over the past year. In support of a healthier home that is easier to navigate, consider connected technology which allows you to simply use your voice to change your environment.
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