Homes in the age of pandemic by Haya Arafa
While each one of us have been quarantined within the four walls of our homes, they have become safe havens for us during this challenging pandemic COVID-19. We’ve realized that our homes shape and impact our lifestyles hugely. Clarifying our vision of ourselves and the enclosure we embrace every day. Consequently, spaces designed to provide comfort, happiness, function and serenity are much sought after. Here are some insights on how Designer Haya Arafa observed homes through the pandemic spectacle.
Bacteria Finishes
Door knobs and metal fixtures are the first or most common surfaces we come in contact with regularly. It is wise to think how we can minimize/eliminate the transfer of bacteria on these surfaces. Hence choosing the correct finishes plays a significant role. Copper was the most common metal for everyday use in ancient Egypt. Copper contained natural arsenic, and with its antibacterial properties helps in killing germs. Today, scientists have discovered that when microbes transferred by touching or sneezing land on the copper surface, the ions prevent cell respiration, punch holes in the bacterial cell membrane or disrupt the viral coat, and destroy the DNA and RNA inside. Therefore, in the times of COVID-19 it would be very helpful to use metal fixtures and doorknobs made out of copper.
Genkan
The Genkan is the welcome pit just inside the front door that serves as a gathering place for shoes, spiders and guests. The Japanese have been doing this since forever. When you enter a Japanese house, you leave your shoes in the genkan and proceed into the rest of the house in slippers rather than carrying the dirt inside.
Minimalism
“Eliminating the unnecessary” is simply minimalism. Always rethink whether it’s essential or not? invariably there are items that can be eliminated. Living in a decluttered home sets your mind on a free mental space mode. Always remember you don't have to have this extra music gadget that you think will make you happier because once you convince yourself it’s a need you start structuring your life around it. Minimalist homes don’t only look good but also help you discover your values.
SAD Syndrome (Seasonal Affective Disorder)
Some scientists think that certain hormones made deep in the brain trigger attitude-related changes at certain times of the year. SAD; a seasonal depression that’s related to changes in seasons that cause fatigue, greater need for sleep, weight gain, increased desire to be alone and trouble in concentrating.
As improbable as it may seem, light therapy is a popular treatment for SAD. Studies have discovered that Increased hours of sunlight heighten the brain’s production of the mood-enhancing chemical serotonin. If you’re struggling to fit natural light into your busy schedule, you may consider setting up the area you use the most in the house to be well lit. Appreciate your beautiful window and undress it, it’s okay to have bare windows. Avoid placing thick and dark furniture near the window. Convert solid exterior doors to energy-efficient bio glass doors. The brighter the room is the more productive you’ll be and eliminate the feeling of being in a cage.
What makes a home comfortable?
There’s nothing like comforts of home. Ergonomic furniture means furniture that has been designed to support function and comfort for human use, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal problems, joint pain, back issues, neck pains and arthritis. When talking about ergonomic furniture we should always consider: Knees should be the same height as the hips while you’re sitting down. Thighs and hips have to be parallel to the floor. A back that supports an upright sitting and not an inclined sitting. Feet are fully supported on the floor. Elbows stay close to the body. People are now realizing more and more the importance of furniture ergonomics rather than luxurious looks.
An office that blends in
If you don’t have a separate room to only use as a workspace, you can always integrate an office within your space. You can compromise a small corner in the living room or by the dining area, buy a console or have a vanity piece that will work as a desk and will still look great. Also, there are spectacular wooden bookcases that work like a desk. (Check Crate and Barrel “Helsing Bookcase and Dark Set”). If your home is 18th or 19th century, you can use the old “Secrétaire à abattant” that has a fall front desk or a working surface. It works as a double duty; a cover to seal up papers and other items located in small shelves/drawers that are hidden inside once you close it. The old secretaire will give your house a handsome edge especially if it’s made of antique walnut, mahogany, pine or a midcentury oak finish.
More than just a blank space
Have you noticed the black wall backgrounds on Zoom meetings? People are so afraid to use color in their spaces, and when I say color, it could be the perfect white shade or a super light healing mint green. Color evokes emotion and senses of a space. Some colors may make you feel more organized and structured, some make you feel confident or intelligent, some provoke energy and excitement and other colors can make you calm and serene. Colors don’t necessarily have to be in the walls, you can have a minimalist home where the subtle smooth finishes speak for itself.
Multifunctional spaces that prioritize
You don't have to upsize to get the new gym equipment you need; with smart space-planning and some creativity you can pack a lot of functions into the tiniest spaces. If you only use your formal dining room or your reception on special occasions and live only in your living room, it’s about time to reconsider space planning your home. Whether your dining room can act as your home office or your living room could be transformed into an office or a workout room by foldable furniture. Also, any unused corner spaces can be utilized into a multifunctional space. The trouble comes when our homes lack organization and thoughtful design; Without the right design strategies we find ourselves living in a complete mess.
An Escape
People finally have realized that balconies aren't storage areas. It doesn't matter how big your space is if you don’t have an escape for fresh air. Applications to adapt rooftop spaces or outdoor terraces are more likely to rise in the next period. The demand for homes with balconies and gardens have surged during the lockdown.
Human Centric Lighting
A type of light that brings the outdoors inside, the next big thing of the future of homes. The objective of Human-Centric Lighting is to enhance the human experience, in particular, to satisfy our craving for natural sunlight. This involves advanced lighting solutions that simulate the shifting color spectrum and intensity of light throughout the day. This simulated natural light seamlessly blends with daylight, so you can start your day with bright, energizing light, and wind down with the same warm evening glow that you would experience outdoors as the sun starts to set. Innovative LED companies now offer dynamic solutions created from a single light source.