Overall, homebuyers are wanting more open space and there is a trend moving away from urbanization. Bigger kitchens, private home offices, playrooms, workout areas and expanded outdoor living areas are key selling points in response to the pandemic and to acclimate the “new normal.”

But for those of you already settled into your homes, there are ways to adapt the spaces you have to meet to your new needs.

Perhaps the most obvious adjustment people are having to make is the transition to working from home. The below are some tips for creating a more inspiring workspace.

• Include different types of art, texture, and color
• A textured rug to ground the room and provide instant warmth
• Make it functional as well as stylish; open shelving with stacked books, art, and accessories add layers
• Add proper lighting; lamps that you can focus light where you need it while you work
• Go outside of the box with funky patterned wallpaper or a colorful chair to amp up the design factor

We are all spending more time at home, and therefore more functions are coming into our flex spaces. That means, for example, staying home when you otherwise would have gone to a restaurant for a night out. To make these now frequent “nights-in” more of a treat, think about modifying your outdoor space.