5 Things to Consider for Your Post-Pandemic Dream Home

The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of our home environment. The home is not only a place to sleep in but must also serve as a place of work (home office), a full-time kitchen, a place for entertainment, and a place for relaxation. Having a home that can act in all these roles can be challenging, but is also achievable. 

This quarantine has led us to reevaluate the role of the home and how to best prepare for the future. Here is a list of strategies and methods to create the best environment for post-pandemic living. 

1. Access to a Variety of Spatial Experiences

Spending all your time at home can take a toll on your mental health and productivity.  Having access to a variety of spatial experiences is important to potentially avoid burnout and unnecessary stress.  

Bright and airy spaces can be great as places for relaxation, but these can be too distracting for work. While there may be people who prefer to have the dining area double as a co-working space with the rest of the family, there are some who would need to have established quiet corners that boost productivity.

For the post-pandemic ideal home, it may be best to have a variety of spaces for a change of environment when needed.

2. Flexible Spaces

Not every house can have a dedicated space for all types of activities within the home. It is crucial to incorporate flexible spaces.

For example, instead of having a guest room that is rarely used, it may be a more practical option to consider building a multi-purpose room that can also be used for other activities.  A home office + guest room combination is a great idea. You can use the bed as a lounging area when you don’t have people over.

3. Designing for Cleanliness

Clutter can easily make your home look and feel disorganized, chaotic, and stressful. You can encourage cleanliness by taking into consideration spatial organization and material choices in your design.

A garage with a sink and a table can be a dedicated space for disinfecting packages and groceries. In terms of materials, non-porous, smooth materials are much easier to clean and disinfect.

4. Space for Physical and Mental Health

A space that encourages exercise can help maintain a sense of normalcy in the home. Home gyms (or even an area cleared for movement and meditation) have become increasingly popular during the quarantine period. Creating a simple home yoga space reinforces the importance of self-care.

5. Access to Outdoor Space

Access to outdoor space is also a great thing to consider for your post-pandemic dream home. While it is tempting to utilize all available space for a building, do not forget to carve areas for landscape and access to light and air. Having something close to nature can help with your mental health.