The global impact of COVID-19 and resulting lockdowns have shone a fresh spotlight on considerations around our physical and mental wellbeing. There is a growing body of research that shows how the design of our environments can impact our overall quality of life. Given we spend nearly 90% of our lives inside buildings, it’s important to explore the emotional benefits we can foster with the design of our everyday spaces, writes Donna Dent, Concept Designer at Interface.

Pamela Gruhn, Founder of chalk paint brand Frenchic, has always had a passion for giving old furniture a new lease of life rather than seeing it relegated to landfill.

Perforated metals have been in existence almost since metals were first discovered when humans punctured the metal for decoration and even coinage. However, it was when the need for metal armour became prevalent so too did the need to make it lighter – so by applying tight perforations, the metal was made lighter, more breathable, but still durable. These perforations could be applied in uniform patterns or with distinctive designs as they were hand-punched, says Anthony Millington, Business Development Manager at Amron Architectural.

Private gardens have benefited from an explosion in creativity in 2020. Social media timelines have been filled with photos of amazing lockdown transformations, from outside bars to floral and structural displays worthy of a stand at Chelsea.

Charles Taylor, Sales Director at Composite Prime, discusses the benefits of composite products and how they can be used to maximise garden value.

As homes and workplaces across the UK adjust to post-lockdown life, what might the future look like for UK bathroom design? Here, Sophie Weston, Channel Marketing Manager at Geberit, discusses why a new era of bathroom design could be on the horizon – and how existing product design and innovation can help shape the future for interior designers and architects.