Multifamily Design Trends

H e l l o!

Up on the blog this week, it's all about the interior design of the multifamily dwelling.  Last year, the definition of home was reinvented. All houses, townhouses, apartments, and condos quickly transitioned from traditional places of rest and relaxation to new, multifaceted living, working, and learning environments.  When COVID-19 emerged in March of last year, managers had to first decide how to keep all their residents that live in close proximity safe and healthy. Now, developers are asking “how do we create community with residents in isolation?” and “how will this health crisis affect future multifamily developments?”

Outstanding Outdoor Amenities 

With more people accustomed to spending time and socializing outdoors, the number one amenity for residents is the outdoor space.  Roof decks, pools, private cabanas, built-in barbecues, and elaborate fire pits, as well as gardens for growing food are all trends we are seeing.

Photo Cred:  Pinterest

Instagrammable Moments

What is an Instagramable Moment? – An Instagramable moment is a picturesque moment worth capturing. A few examples of Instagramable moments are, a group of well-dressed girls laughing, the perfect side shot of a flawless heel or a perfectly lit dressing room selfie. Creating Instagramable moments is an art form.

Multifamily marketers are in love with the Instagrammable Moment. It’s a powerful way to broadcast the property’s awesome amenities and lifestyle to potential renters—best of all, it costs absolutely nothing because the residents are the ones posting and hashtagging the property.  Apartment communities that have invested in concept-based demographic interior design backed by research see better results for attracting interest via social media. So just think what can happen when the design is conceived with social media influencers in mind.  Of course nothing is more instagrammable than the view from your building but, you can also create other special moments.

Photo Cred:  Blume Philly

Healthy Home Features 

Due to the pandemic, today’s residents are more conscious of their health and how their environments affect their health. Developers are now considering air and water purification systems for both residences and common areas, as well as advanced lighting designed to replicate circadian rhythms. Physical spaces where residents can exercise or relax remain in high demand, but, in 2021, the amenities residents can’t see will draw just as much, if not more, attention and serve as a true differentiator in the market.

Photo Cred:  Pinterest

Work-from-Home Support

Providing spaces for those working from home has been a growing trend in the past few years.  It is now at the top of the list of amenities developers are asking for in the advent of Covid.  Although many companies will be eager to welcome employees back to offices, the shift will likely be gradual. Incorporating home office workspace into individual units as well as creating co-working space in common areas to include conference rooms, private single-use areas, and multimedia capabilities are all amenities being asked for.  Developers should plan to provide high-speed and secured Internet access and charging stations in technology-driven areas, while creating a flexible and comfortable setting for people who want a dependable place to work from their laptop.

Photo Cred:  Pinterest

Dining and Drink Options

With people more inclined to stay close to their apartment buildings, providing choices such as in-house bars and cafés where residents can sit and enjoy a drink and appetizer while socializing with their neighbors is important. Grab-and-go food kiosk areas, with prepared sandwiches and salads, give residents the option of grabbing a snack without having to venture out or calling a delivery service.

Photo Cred:  Pinterest

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In addition to being a Philadelphia Multifamily Interior Designer,  I also design boutique hotels, fitness centers, office spaces, residential development projects, other commercial spaces such as office and retail spaces, and the senior living community throughout the tri state area.  We work here in Philadelphia, the main line, and even Nationally!