The pandemic has drastically modified attitudes towards many things in life and staying homebound during the pandemic has increased the need for automation and led to the rise in the demand of – the concept of smart homes, call for connected devices and artificial intelligence.
With gyms being shut during the lockdown, homes had become fitness centres so smart speakers, Wi-Fi enabled fan controllers etc became popular.The demand for smart homes has seen a significant rise in the last couple of years. With hybrid working models becoming the norm, technology integration is essential to maintain a smooth balance between work and personal commitments. Experts say that home automation will redefine the homes of the future. Here’s looking at some of the top trends home decor and interiors this year…
Unlock the next-level luxury living
“A smart home hosts an ecosystem that offers superior living experiences that maximize comfort. Empirical data and our on-ground experience suggest customers are increasingly keen on adopting tech intervention to make their homes safer, secure, and comfortable. A smart home ecosystem can easily meet these modern days requirements as it enables contactless amenities and remote connectivity that extend beyond the four walls of their home. Digital integration also allows hyper-customized features that complement the user’s lifestyle and unlock the next-level luxury living. In addition to simplifying life, smart solutions such as motion sensor lights promote energy efficiency while biometric security systems safeguard the residents from external threats,” says Ashish R Puravankara, Managing Director, Puravankara Limited.
Our realty market is also in the process of being revolutionized by technology. Increasing needs for tech-driven homes and advancing AI in housing will propel smart homes to become an indispensable part of residential projects, mainly premium and high-end.
“In the coming year, we can expect to see the automation of plumbing pipes and devices in the house to control and monitor resources being used. Widgets will only become even more intelligent and offer solutions that can remotely control the entire house. With automation becoming increasingly common across the country for multiple devices and accessories, we anticipate automation providers to go all out to distinguish their products and smart homes, leading to the evolution and efficiency of the sector,” says Ashish.
Automation and intuitive interiors
The year 2021 catalyzed innovation and digital prowess across segments, and we saw amazing advancements that pervaded our homes and surroundings. With the increase in demand for energy along with need for energy efficient solutions, people are now actively looking at the smart homes space and eco-friendly solutions. Srinivas Shanbhogue, Vice President – Home and Distribution, Schneider Electric, says, “There is a rising demand for smart homes which integrates automation with intuitive interiors. Over the years, we realized the market’s need and devised smart home solutions that could fit into any home – existing or new, in a matter of hours and without the need of any wall damage or rewiring. Builders and architects too are offering Smart Homes to fit the needs and expectations of a diverse group of homeowners. We’re seeing new ways of conceptualizing homes when it comes to touch-free technology, home security, and energy efficiency. Smart doorbells, mood-settings, motion-sensing lighting, and auto-dispensing faucets, which were previously only seen in hotels, offices, and recreational facilities, are no longer restricted to those settings.”
Wellness décor
The pandemic has made people realize that the home is the haven. Therefore, creating a mollifying aura through meditation zones, spa-style bathrooms, cosy hobby areas is essential, while also promoting healing of mind-and-body through the maximization of daylight, ventilation, and provision of indoor plants says Giulia Baima Bollone, Business Head, Embassy Interiors.
She says, “Disinfecting devices, home cleaning equipment, antibacterial and antimicrobial surfaces will continue to be in demand throughout 2022.”
“Structural and curved furniture is in vogue and is here to stay. Be it the mellow curves of a sofa or built-in architectural features, these details convey a sense of tranquillity and fluidity in a space, while also breaking the incessant monotony,” she says.
Every aspect of a realty development is now steeped in the concept of a smart home
The four pillars on which rests the concept of home automation and modern living are, comfort, convenience, security and energy efficiency. Automation is the most in-demand feature of today’s real estate aspirations and smart homes are a reality, and in vogue.
“Owning a James Bond-like home where you can get things done at the snap of a finger or with a simple voice command is no more a distant dream. Everything from OTT services and online gaming to virtual assistants and video conferencing, surveillance to e-learning is an integral part of today’s daily life. The real estate industry worldwide has responded to this new way of life with a 360-degree approach. From the planning and design table to the finishing touches, every aspect of a realty development is now steeped in the concept of a smart home. Fibre-optics compatibility has emerged as a key differentiator in choosing real estate. Real estate developers across the world are trying to make their buildings fibre ready,” says Pramod Dwivedi, President, Marketing, Ambuja Neotia.
Unique aesthetics, relevant functionality and enhanced safety features
Experts say that the advent of smart homes as a trend, is a validation to the hypothesis that the customers are increasingly choosing products that make their lives convenient, lend them peace of mind, are incrementally functional and reflect their individual personalities.
Keshav Bhajanka, Executive Director, CenturyPly, says, “We have noticed, noted and acted on these nuances of changing customer preferences, especially with respect to the surface home décor products like laminates. As a result of this noted change, we are working continuously on introducing unique aesthetics, relevant functionality and enhanced safety features to make the homes of our customers stand out and thus make their lives easier and productive, day in and day out. In the era of digitisation, where technology is embedded in design to make homes responsive to the needs of its inhabitants, it would become extremely important to maintain the aesthetic appeal of the interiors. From Kitchens to wall panelling to column claddings to furniture’s, a variety of colours, textures and styles are available in decorative laminates making them an ideal choice for these new-age smart homes. We also realised the increased need to make our products safer and conducive to the current world we live in the era of pandemic catapulting our lives. We thereby were the pioneers to come up with the Virokill technology that enables our products with Anti-Microbial, Anti-Fungal, Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Viral features. This technology makes any viruses that come in contact with the product to self-rupture themselves and thereby lending a lifetime protection.”
Versatile homes are much loved
Design is not only about aesthetics, but it should also be capable of solving a problem. Bollonesays, “The ineluctable problem faced by users is a lack of space to avail themselves of all the functions they desire. The advent of open plans has resulted in the incorporation of multifunctional and transformable spaces as well as furniture. This has in turn has led to the increase of functionality and appeal. An extendable dining table, a platform storage bed, foldable furniture, movable partitions, and more along an open floor plan can help transform one space into another with ease.”
Multitasking furniture stays a top favourite in 2022
“With emphasis on minimal, sleek and contemporary design, we have the best furniture solutions for urban families,” says Pranjal Agrawal, CEO, Furnmill and Hermosa Design Studio adding, “The goal is to create a product that will fulfil the desired functionality as well as appeal to the senses.” Convenience, comfort and durability is of utmost importance and the designs are a classic representation where modernity meets creativity. From minimally designed beds to sofas that multitask, elegant drawers and dressers, functional wardrobes, spectacular accent chairs and more, today’s furniture is an amalgamation of local techniques and global inspirations.
Handle-less furniture
Handle-less furniture is a popular trend that adds a touch of luxury and comfort to your designs. Most handle-less furniture opens with a simple push and closes with the lightest touch and no force. Furthermore, handle-less furniture results in cleaner drawer fronts, giving it a more modern and appealing appearance and is the true trend in minimalism.
Buying furniture online will remain popular
The epidemic has forced consumers to opt for e-commerce over offline stores. Shopping being one of the most exciting activities is has gained maximum traction on online shopping platforms.
Raghunandan Saraf, CEO and Founder, Saraf Furniture shares some valuable tips as he shares, “When buying furniture online, measuring can be a tiring task that may seem irrelevant, but it is important. Since product sizes may vary, read the description to check accurate dimensions . Look for the same product in different shopping platforms. You can also try checking with the offline stores to gain more clarity on cost and other important aspects. Perform background checks. Read customer reviews. Take time to read the negative reviews so that you can weigh the good and the bad better. Always check warranty and return policy when shopping online.Since most online stores do not have real stores, it is difficult to retrieve products if they are damaged or shipped improperly. No matter what the size of their business, the return policy should be very clear and flexible.” Always make time to do the homework he urges. Saraf says, “Relying merely on a five stars or single review is not a smart decision. The more details you can get the better decision you can make. Above all, choose your payment method wisely to protect yourself from identity theft.”
