Almost 67% of interior design professionals say a good design improves people’s health, according to a new survey that analyses the future of design in homes, hotels, offices and retail. That’s why 98% of interior designers consider well-being when designing their projects.  

In addition to well-being, one of the most important values remaining in the wake of the pandemic, environmental impact is gaining significant weight. In fact, the percentage of professionals who apply sustainability criteria to their designs has risen from 66% in 2021 to 80.9% in 2023.  

Here’s how a focus on health and sustainability are affecting the spaces where we live and work, according to “The New Habitat 24-25,” the study promoted by APE Grupo and conducted by Futurea, a specialized consultancy firm with the collaboration of more than 400 interior designers, professional bodies and a panel of 10 interior design experts. 

Homes:  

• Homes are getting smaller and healthier, in an effort to design more sustainable and energy-efficient homes.  
• Homes are becoming inclusive of the older generation, with spaces designed to meet their different needs.  
• Young people are redefining the concept of the home as a feeling, with emphasis on shared spaces and the integration of different perspectives in order to incorporate the new needs and visions of society. 

Offices:  

• Offices are adapting to new needs, with a more collaborative approach and a focus on employee well-being.
• With more employees preferring hybrid work, designers need to ensure that the office is an attractive space to help companies encourage workers going back to the office.  
• Good interior design improves people's performance in the office by 75%, the study shows. Natural light and flexibility are the main priorities, while ergonomics is increasingly more important for improving productivity.  

Hotels:  

• Hotels are adopting a guest-focused approach to foster more emotional relationships.
• Designers are challenged to help hotels expand their services according to the tastes and preferences of their guests, such as membership-based services including members-only clubs and pet-friendly spaces.
• Investment in interior design in the hotel sector will double in the next year, according to 34% of professionals responding to the survey.  

Retail:  

• Since ecommerce is booming, shops are focused on giving their customers a unique experience, innovating in retail environments and taking advantage of screen fatigue. It is no longer just about selling products, but about creating a symbolic space and offering a wide range of experiences.
• The APE Grupo study shows that 40% of professionals consider this to be the most important aspect when designing a retail space.
• Designers maintain that shop immersion is an essential part of the retail experience, even more so than the way in which products are displayed. Shops thus become a focal point for creating a community and prioritising the role of the company over the business.