During the pandemic, a cover story of the Sunday New York Times magazine was titled "Sweatpants Forever." That caught my eye. Why? Because there has always been a correlation between political, social and economic events and their influence on fashion, which in turn directly influences architecture and design.

For what feels like years, I have been lamenting the disappearance of the interior furnishings and finishes of the '90s and 2000s. During those years, interior spaces still had colorful printed fabrics, rich woods, and a mix of modern upholstery pieces and beautiful antiques. 

Those interiors still had character. Each space was not unique unto itself but reflected the tastes, interests and personalities of its inhabitants.

I cannot pinpoint the time that things started to change, but I get the feeling that it was sometime around the date that "Casual Fridays" were introduced to the delight of office workers. That’s when things didn't have to be so formal anymore, and companies like Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn took full advantage of these new, relaxed mores. 

What happened next was the homogenization of all things in design: the same gray fabric, same gray paint, same gray sofa and same matching chair. Throw in a "barn door" coffee table, and your living room was complete.

I have always focused on our surroundings. More specifically, how their appearance makes us feel. It is this psychological factor of interior design that is so interesting to me. So when everything started to turn gray, I became concerned. I began having to work around the grays, still seeking to provide projects that were reflective of their owners. But after reading "Sweatpants Forever," I was afraid, very afraid.

Over the past three years, I have noticed a convergence of the three most influential factors that affect our day-to-day lives. We are politically divided, socially challenged and economically stressed. Add to that the fear that was caused by the pandemic, and it is no wonder that we just live in sweatpants. 

I cannot identify another period in history when all these factors occurred at the same time. Each one, individually, has the potential to create change, but what happens when all three occur at once? 

The Times article highlighted what had already been occurring with fashion and retail. People just were not buying high-end fashion anymore. Stores were scaling back, canceling new inventory, and even returning unsold goods to suppliers. So what were consumers doing? They were, surprise, surprise, buying on the internet. Only now, they were doing their internet buying via Instagram and Facebook. And the majority of purchases were of... you guessed it, sweatpants.

The big question is, how will architecture and design be affected by these three big influencers, and will our interiors become the equivalent of sweatpants? 

I still say that that "gray" is over. I have been saying that for a year, but now I really mean it. If you paint your walls gray today, your room will look dated tomorrow. So be forewarned.

I am watching for signs of where we are headed, and I do see signs of hope. Beautiful colors, unique furnishings and reflective surroundings are making a comeback, and sweatpants are going back where they belong... to the gym.

Patricia Cove is the principal of Architectural Interiors and Design in Chestnut Hill and can be reached through her website, www.patriciacove.com.