When remodeling a home, our first thoughts are often to do with investment, appearances, and durability, but there’s another factor to consider – health. The shape and composition of your home can have a profound effect on your mood and physiology. If you want to live somewhere that’s good for you, here are some ideas.
Natural Light
It’s difficult to overstate the importance of natural light in helping the body to function. Research shows that daily exposure can help reduce blood pressure, cutting the risk of heart attack and stroke. It is also shown to increase focus, helping those who work from home and reducing stress and anxiety. You then have the more commonly known benefits associated with sun exposure, such as Vitamin D and alleviation of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
The best way to introduce more sunlight into your home is to install new windows. When it comes to construction, you have two viable options – new build or remodel. Whatever you choose, make sure you’ve done some research into the available window types first. Bay windows can allow light to enter at different angles, slider windows can work on larger surface areas or balconies or if you’re lacking floor space, you could try a lantern window on flat roofs. As important as the window itself are the qualified professionals you hire to install them, keep an eye on reviews and testimonials.
Calm Space
Since the pandemic, it seems we’re spending more and more time indoors. Trying to find a quiet place in the house amidst remote working, kids home from school, and the usual living areas isn’t always easy. That’s why it’s important to take action and allocate space for calm. This might take the form of a reading room, meditation area, or yoga gym. Take the time to think about which activities (or non-activities) are most beneficial to your mental and physical health and commit to designing your property around these.
When it comes to building your calm space, there are no firm rules but it will help to stick to soothing colors. Pale, neutral shades and earthy tones tend to evoke relaxation but you may find that a darker palette creates more separation from the rest of the household. On this point, it’s also important to reduce sound from outside the room – a heavy-duty, solid wood door or some soundproof wallpaper can dramatically reduce noise. You could also hire an expert to install some acoustic foam paneling, available in a variety of shapes and colors.
Air Quality
If you live in the city or if you’re just conscious of air pollution, there are plenty of steps you can take to improve the air quality in your home. Structural changes might include checking and replacing ducts to reduce dust, mold, or dander. Examining the filters in household appliances, tumble dryers, kitchen vents, and even vacuum cleaners. Or you could even look into upgrading your property with a multi-room air conditioning system – this will help you to sift out common pollutants. When it comes to paying for remodeling projects, you may find you need to calculate home equity. This is determined by subtracting the amount pending on a mortgage from the current market value of your home. You can then work out the size of the loan you’ll be able to take out in order to pay for home improvements.
There are also more minor improvements that can help reduce toxins and keep the airways clear. Plants look great and can be hugely effective – peace lilies and rubber plants both have large leaf surface areas to help absorb harsh chemicals. Alternatively, you could invest in an air purifier – this may help capture some of the irritants that trigger allergic reactions. Humidity can also affect air quality.
If you want to lead a healthier, happier life there’s no better place to start than at home. With the right upgrades and remodels, you’re bound to see a positive difference in both your mental and physical well-being.
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