What’s the new normal going to look/feel like? It’s all anyone can talk about these days. And fair enough, it’s a tough one to imagine and make peace with. Some theories and predictions are logical, though. Surveillance will stay (yikes). The way we travel will change (again). The handshake will probably not make a comeback (namaste for the win). Video calls are already the new office.
Whether you think a meeting could’ve been an email is irrelevant, the reality is that you’re going to be summoned to your virtual office at least a few times a week for a while; resistance is futile. We say make the most of it!
How to Make Virtual Background Work For You?
In case you missed it, there is a feature on some of the popular video calling apps that allows you to customise your background. This means you can pretend you already live in your dream home, and save yourself the hassle of any last minute tidying up by throwing a stylish image behind you (so your colleagues don’t have to see what your house really looks like when it’s just you in charge of your life). It’s also a great way to find inspiration for your own home, and test what kind of interiors you really like so Hipcouch can come in and magic it up for you for real when lockdown lifts.
Pro-tip 1: In general, it’s good to pay attention to three basics, whether you’re showing your actual interiors or choosing a virtual background—colour (not more than three in frame), good lighting and texture (houseplants, bookshelves). Keep it as neutral as possible so the focus is on you.
Pro-tip 2: After you’ve chosen your background, if you want to give your face a quick touch-up and glow-on-the-go as well, choose the “Touch Up My Appearance” or any other similar filter in the app.
1. Behr
One of the first to leverage this feature, this American paint brand put out a whole Google drive full of stylish interior images for people to use at their next video conference. Cosy nooks, cute studies, warm living rooms, kitchen sit-outs, they’re all available here.
Hipcouch Picks:
This deeply zen study with calming green jewel tones and a lush window view for a more serious meeting.
This boho-chic sunroom, complete with an indoor hammock (!) to showcase a more playful vibe.
2. Williams Sonoma
Home furnishings giant Williams Sonoma put out an album of highly styled and expansive spaces—plush living rooms that open into gardens, a poolside sit-out, ceilings festooned with chandeliers, even a patio by the sea that’ll have you wanderlusting hard and thinking ‘this is the life(style)!’
HC Picks:
Unless you already live by the water, this is the closest you’re going to come to making work from home look enviable. You know your reality—even finding enough balcony space to carry out the quarantine activities we keep getting instructions for every other week is a struggle—but no one else needs to.
We love this living area because it’s spacious, uses a relaxing colour palette even in its statement art pieces, and has so much natural light rushing in from the French doors. Could it be distracting? Well, isn’t that the point?
3. Modsy
Tropical vibes come straight at you from Maui in this Moana-inspired sitting area designed by Modsy. We love how that wall paint immediately lifts the room, contrasting beautifully with light wood furniture. Would you go that bold in real life? Try it on for size now!
4. Hygge & West
If you’ve been toying with the idea of wallpapering your room but haven’t had the guts yet to just go for it, Hygge & West have a whole bunch for you to try on your videocalls to help you get used to the idea/make up your mind.
HC Picks:
A repeat flower pattern in shades of blue and white may be too busy for a whole room, but it’s perfect for an accent wall, and will definitely standout on a call, no matter how many people are dialled in.
Nature is flourishing, we are the virus? We’ve all seen some version of that on our WhatsApp groups in the last few weeks. Pull in some swallows to your next video call.
Okay, this isn’t a wallpaper, but it might as well be? A teepee, two confused pooches, and a shimmering pool. The world is so weird right now, nothing seems believable anyway. Take the plunge.
5. West Elm
This Brooklyn-based home decor company also put out a full stack of virtual backgrounds to choose from.
HC Picks:
Who doesn’t enjoy a good view? Now you have one too.
Is your office pet-friendly? It is now! Bow(bow) down to this backdrop that comes with a complementary good boy.
