Author(s)

Maryam AlKhateeb

Architecture Department, Al Yamamah University, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia.

The interior design of contemporary homes symbolizes the socio-cultural adaptations driven by evolving lifestyles and user preferences. Global pandemics, particularly COVID-19, have profoundly influenced these preferences by reshaping how people organize and perceive their living spaces. This paper investigates COVID-19 as a case study to determine user preference shifts and adaptability in contemporary Saudi homes post-COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the factors that led to the persistence of specific modifications. The research is based on mixed methods, starting with a literature review defining what “home” means, then exploring its status during and after COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia. Two survey datasets support the findings: one involving 483 participants during the pandemic, and another with 275 participants as restrictions eased. Analysis reveals that changes in spatial preferences among contemporary Saudi home users have persisted beyond the pandemic. This persistence indicates a new socio-cultural understanding of home. Homeowners’ perceptions of the definition of home shifted from being guest-oriented to more owner-focused, reflecting adaptations made during the lockdown. The research suggests that similar adaptations likely occurred globally due to shared influencing factors, although the nature and extent of these changes may differ according to socio-cultural contexts. This study underscores the lasting impact of the pandemic on residential preferences and the evolving concept of home.

Interior Design, Saudi Arabia, House Design, Home, Post-COVID-19

AlKhateeb, M. (2025) Houses’ Adaptability Post-Pandemics: A Case Study of Contemporary Saudi Houses Post COVID-19. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 13, 546-564. doi: 10.4236/jss.2025.1310032.