Unless you have something to do with interior design, you probably don’t look much at the place around you except for wanting it to be pleasant to be in and practical. But that’s already a lot to ask for. Because essentially, interior designs are our aesthetic aids that, if made well, can help us to find that much-needed inner peace.

From the ancient Chinese art of feng shui, where spatial positioning corresponds with energy flow, or wabi sabi, the Japanese practice of embracing imperfections, the harmony with ourselves and our space is something we’ve been looking into throughout history.

According to interior designer Timothy Corrigan of Timothy Corrigan Inc., “there is more and more research that shows the direct influence that our homes have, not only on our moods, but our overall health and well-being.” In such chaotic times when people spend more and more time in the comfort of their homes, the space, the ambience, the decor, and the function become probably one of the most important aspects in our lives.

Erick Garcia from the Los Angeles-based design firm Maison Trouvaille told Vogue that our perception of our home has undergone a dramatic change recently. “We have been forced to slow down and spend time in our homes—this drives a strong desire to really create a space that reflects both visually and affectionately what it is we are feeling. As of lately we are paying close attention to how design has the ability to create an energy.”

As a result, every corner and every object we're surrounded by must serve some sort of purpose. So experts suggest that we may see a shift towards more functional interiors, as well as more emotional ones, like travel or hobby-inspired.