In the 1800 bathrooms looked very similar to bedrooms with the woodwork and decorative items all around. This led to dust buildup and areas that were very difficult to keep clean. After the pandemic of the 1800’s people were advised to move to a more smooth surfaced bathroom area which is where white tile and linoleum came into play. The smooth surfaces were easier to keep clean and the white surfaces showed all traces of dust or dirt buildup. 

Linoleum, was created by pressing cotton scrim with oxidized linseed oil and adding cork dust and coloring, became popular in all older households and we see a lot of it in old Lebanese homes, because it was easiest to clean. 

The guest bathroom or half bathroom as we know today, were initially created during the pre refrigeration era when daily deliveries were necessary. Ice and milk would be delivered daily by someone that had been in many other houses on the same day. This bathroom was made for the delivery person to use and was deliberately placed by the door so that they could use it on their way out. 

The built in closet was also a product of post pandemics. Built in closets made it easier for cleaning. There were no longer needs for big heavy closets that could not be moved to clean under. The dust and dirt gathered under a closet could not be cleaned because the dressers were so difficult to move. 

Terraces, balconies and flat roofs all originated because of the previous pandemics. They were made for sleeping areas for the sick when sunshine, fresh air, and nature were believed to be the best medicine for disease. These are all common elements in modernist architecture. 

So what will corona add to our future homes? Most architects these days believe that a designated area to work from home is a necessity for future home architecture and design. That is what Covid 19 will have added to every future built home from now on.