Crisis-Inspired Design: How World Events Shape Our Spaces

If design reflects our lives, then nothing shapes our spaces more than crisis. Throughout history, global events—from wars and pandemics to economic upheavals—have dramatically influenced how we build, decorate, and inhabit our environments. In moments of disruption, design doesn’t pause—it adapts. And often, it becomes more meaningful. To wrap up our Cultural Connection Series, we’re flipping the script and seeing how interior design is effected by our world; specifically - crisis events. These life changing circumstances force innovation in interior design, changing the way our world functions and feels.

The Home Office Revolution: Lessons from a Pandemic

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, it triggered one of the biggest shifts in home design in modern history. Living rooms became offices. Closets became Zoom rooms. Suddenly, the idea of “multi-functional” space was not just trendy—it was essential. Our industry responses included:

• Acoustic panels, camera-friendly backdrops, and compact desks in unexpected places.

• A renewed interest in privacy and quiet zones within open floor plans.

• The rise of biophilic design to combat screen fatigue and support mental health.

What began as a reactive shift has now become a permanent part of how we design for flexibility, wellness, and work-life balance. Plus, who really wants to go back into the office anyways??

From the Great Depression to Minimalism: Making Do with Less

During the Great Depression, scarcity redefined home life. People reused materials, repurposed furniture, and prioritized function over ornament. This era gave rise to built-in storage and space-saving design as well as a cultural shift toward valuing durability and craftsmanship. The early roots of modern minimalism also flurished here as simplicity and purpose mattered more than abundance. The “use what you have” mindset still echoes today in sustainable and vintage-forward design choices.

Post-War Pragmatism: The Birth of Mid-Century Modern

After World War II, returning soldiers and a booming population created urgent housing needs. The response? Prefabricated homes, modular furniture, and the birth of Mid-Century Modern design. This era emphasized clean lines and functional beauty. It also saw the birth of mass-produced furniture that still felt high-design (hello, Eames chairs). Open-concept living spaces that supported the era’s optimism and family-centered values became a staple in homes. What started as a solution to housing shortages became one of the most beloved and enduring design styles.

Climate Crisis & the Rise of Sustainable Design

Today’s crisis is environmental—and design is responding again. With climate change at the forefront, homeowners and designers are embracing:

• Natural materials and non-toxic finishes.

• Energy-efficient lighting, insulation, and appliances.

• Locally sourced décor and artisan goods to reduce carbon footprints.

Sustainability is no longer a niche—it’s becoming a standard. And it’s reshaping the values of modern interiors.

Why Crisis Makes Us More Creative

Times of crisis often force innovation, rethinking what we need from our spaces:

• Function over form becomes a necessity.

• Design becomes democratic, meeting people where they are.

• We rediscover a sense of intentionality—spaces that soothe, support, and sustain us.

In essence, crisis pushes design to become more human.

Interior design doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It evolves alongside us—responding to our fears, needs, and hopes. When the world changes, our spaces change too. And through that change, we see creativity, culture, and resilience come to life in the most tangible ways. As we face new challenges in the world, may our spaces not only reflect our realities—but help us reimagine better ones. Thank you for joining us for our Cultural Connections blog series. We hope you enjoyed learning about these topics as much as we did! What should we talk about next? Stay tuned to find out!