Nowadays, you might feel that there’s no running from the threat of COVID-19. With the number of cases still increasing in our cities, many of us may feel defenseless and afraid. Our homes have become our refuge during the pandemic, but do they meet our newfound needs in the era of the “new normal”?
Many of us were confined to our homes during the quarantine. As such, our houses should serve as our first line of defense in the fight against diseases. If you think that you’re home doesn’t rise up to the occasion, however, consider doing some tweaks here or there to make sure that it will be able to meet the new normal standards. Or, if you feel that it’s time to switch homes, choose one that keeps your family healthy and safe.
Here are some elements that you should add or consider in a home to turn it into a sanctuary in the new normal.
Don’t let the pandemic stop you from pursuing your passions and going about your daily life.
Flexible Spaces
Many of us have turned to new hobbies to cope with the humdrum life under quarantine. Activities such as baking, yoga, and even carpentry work have helped us stay productive and sharp amid the pandemic. This turn of events made us realize that our house can be a venue for a variety of activities. But does it actually have enough space to keep everyone happy at home?
The reality is, there is limited area for each household in our country. Where we lack space, however, we can make up for in terms of compromise and creativity. Even if it only has one or two rooms, our homes should ideally cater to flexible areas that can easily be converted into a venue for specific activities. Divide a room by using paint or pattern to designate areas. Use movable partitions if you need privacy. Try expanding your home vertically by adding bunk beds or a mezzanine if possible.
Start your own urban farm to ensure your food supply while you enjoy a new hobby at the same time.
Urban Gardens
When the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was announced in our country, many of us scrambled to stock up on food items before the shops closed down. There were the wiser ones, however, who started their own little farms at home. Today, those little farms provide a constant supply of vegetables and herbs, at little to no cost to the families they provide for.
These urban farms range in size, from actual garden plots to small, potted plants on window sills. While those who lived in single detached houses had yards to plant in, those who lived in smaller spaces such as condominium units had to be more creative. Hydroponics, potted herbs, balcony gardens and indoor vegetable plots—these and other alternative forms of gardening suddenly found renewed popularity.
If you want to have food security at home, start your own little urban garden now. This ensures that your family will always have something to eat even in the worst times. Plus, it can become a fun and rewarding hobby for you.
Install hands-free devices in your home to minimize contact and stop the spread of viruses.
Contactless Technology
If you have become somewhat of a germaphobe during the pandemic, you might be wondering how to keep surfaces totally clean from possible pathogens. While you can scrub all your tables and doorknobs, the best way to eliminate viruses and bacteria is to minimize contact with these surfaces. You can do this by installing hands-free devices in your home, such as smart plugs, motion sensor switches and the like.
If you’re in the market looking for a new home, look for one that has built-in smart home features. The Empress in Capitol Commons, for example, allows you to control your airconditioning, lights, and even electrical sockets with a cellphone app. This design feature reduces the need for touching handles and switches, thus reducing your chances of picking up germs from inanimate objects.
Circulo Verde offers a balance of suburban comfort and modern living.
Estates, Mixed-Use Developments
When it comes to areas outside your home, it is quite convenient if you find yourself quite close to a lot of retail shops and commercial spaces. But if you’re actually looking for a new home right now, it’s best to choose a home that belongs in an estate or an integrated community.
These mixed-use developments offer a variety of shops and spaces that can cater to your every need. An estate definitely provides you a sanctuary as it offers comfort and convenience without requiring you to travel far from your home.
Several estates already exist in our country, while there are many more being constructed nowadays.
One example would be Circulo Verde in Quezon City, which offers a balance of suburban comfort and modern living. The estate caters to two residential buildings, but it also has its own retail mall, dog park, sports center, and school. Such a setup will allow you to have easy access to your work, school, essential providers and leisure spaces without compromising your family’s health and safety.
Your home should be your first line of defense in the new normal era.
Curate your Spaces
Although our standards of living have to be adjusted in the “new normal” era, that doesn’t mean we have to stop chasing after our passions. On the contrary, the pandemic actually gives us an opportunity to improve our spaces and rethink our priorities in life.
Turn your home into a sanctuary by tweaking its features to suit your lifestyle. You can also find an escape from the challenges of daily life by investing in a home that has already been prepared to accommodate your needs. Whatever you do, remember to uphold the essentials in your home—nature, health, wellness and comfort, to find happiness in your spaces.