As we go into the New Year, we are still in the throws of dealing with the Covid Pandemic. This has changed our lives.
We are re-thinking our spaces and how we function in them. Here are some thoughts to help you in the coming year.
#1. HOW CAN WE USE OUR HOMES BETTER NOW?
Investing in a more professional, dedicated space for our home office is a great way to go. We used the kitchen counter for a while, but as Zoom meetings continue, we are looking for a better backdrop for those calls! It is Zoom fatigue but many of us will be working remotely for the near future, perhaps always.
The aesthetics of the room you work from affects your energy and productivity. A well-lit, bright, fresh and plant rich space goes a long way to elevating your mood. Remember the living room off the front hall that no one ever used? It might be the perfect spot to set up your home office. Maybe a double french door addition would help eliminate distractions?
#2. WHAT CAN WE DO TO BRING THE OUTSIDE IN?
We have been indoors and isolating quite a bit over the last year. Many people decided that outside was safer for them and started to think about how they could bring the outdoors inside. One key way is to tranform the windows into doors to get outside. The large folding doors that open up the entire back to the yard are becoming more popular now. But if that is too much for you, you may consider what an awning can do.
With the technology to open and close an awning easily, you can have protection from the sun and elements while still connecting to the inside.
There are many features that can be added that make outdoors a place to be such as the outdoor room/kitchen, a water feature, an outdoor shower if weather permits, or, a fire pit that might extend the season for you.
#3. HOW CAN WE CHANGE THE VISUAL INTEREST IN OUR HOMES?
We are very used to smooth, painted walls. People are now moving towards more texture on the walls. It might be faux brick or venetian plaster. Grasscloth wallcovering is making a big comeback. In a more modern home, 3D wall panels add dimension to the space and gives it interest. What a big difference it makes!
Here are some images that may help you think about these renovations during 2022:
