Architects wonder how to design in the face of a pandemic. How to prepare for a crisis whose form we cannot predict? These thoughts occupy not only designers, but make many of us think about the functionality of our own homes. Certainly, clever storage will play its part.
Closure in the home has perfectly demonstrated the importance of functionality. At the same time, many of our daily habits have changed. And the result is a change in thinking about the house. Many architects agree that, especially in small apartments, we are moving towards multifunctionality. Custom-designed hybrid furniture combining multiple functions is gaining in popularity.
Many architects agree that, especially in small apartments, we are moving toward multifunctionality
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On the other hand, less frequent shopping trips entail the need for more storage space. We need to fit more food in the kitchen, especially food with a long shelf life. In the bathroom, there must be room for large, economical packages of cosmetics and household chemicals. And all this sensibly arranged, always in its place and at hand. How to do this without compromising aesthetics, so that you don't constantly have a bunch of water in view or trip over a large box of washing powder?
functionality first
Ordered made-to-measure cabinets make it possible to enclose virtually any surface, even those difficult ones, such as bevels or corners of rooms. Where we have little space as a closet closure, sliding or folding doors work well. In terms of finishing, the only limit is your imagination. On the fronts there may appear lacquered glass in color, a layer of concrete or a board with a laminate faithfully reproducing one of the types of wood. Recently, quartz sinters resembling various types of stone have also appeared in the range of finishes. And for those looking for luxury solutions, the proposal is a door covered with leather.
In the bathroom, there must be room for large, economical packages of cosmetics and household chemicals
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As one architect emphasizes, apartments "will becomę multifunctional, they will be micro-offices, conference rooms, gyms, cinemas in one." It's good to prepare for this today, and long before the next renovation, think about what functions are missing from our four corners.