The more “new” you buy, the more potential for off-gassing. Reduce VOCs (volatile organic components) by selecting low-VOC furniture, paint, and finishes to create a healthier home environment. Dehumidifiers and houseplants can also improve indoor air quality along with air purifiers to help with allergens.
Work-from-home spaces are more common than ever. If you can share a workspace with family, consider keeping a command center near the kitchen that can accommodate multiple functions. Outdoor structures, such as an ADU or shed turned office, help corral the work and allow you to disconnect when you’re done for the day. Any home office may reduce added stress associated with long commutes and commercial spaces.
Floor plans tend to reflect lifestyle trends like health and wellness, which is why they might offer aging-in-place features including main-level primary suites and laundry rooms along with curbless showers and raised counters. A seamless connection to nature tops many wish lists today with new builds and renovations that incorporate folding glass walls and windows that blur the lines between indoors and out to increase that feel-good factor.
When it comes to staying active and physically fit, convenience matters. So, it should come as no surprise that residential communities with amenities like outdoor pools, golf courses, pickleball courts, and classes have become popular among buyers. Bonus features like these, which support health and wellness minus the upkeep, have added benefits such as socialization that can lead to longer, healthier lives.
Organization and storage can be a real game changer when it comes to keeping your pantry and fridge stocked with healthy snacks like fruits and veggies. Place grab-and-go items like bananas on a counter where you can see them, leading to less waste in the long run. Enhance a home coffee bar with a juice bar. Blenders and juicers can be bulky, but they produce a refreshing reward after a challenging workout.
At-home cold plunge, saunas, and hot tubs are more attainable than ever; they offer health benefits and help you reset from daily busyness and constant technology. Lack the space? Retrofit your bathroom with a shower bench for relaxation and showerhead filters that offer various health benefits.
Technology can be an asset when it comes to health and wellness. Smart homes can help you save time and money with insurance discounts for smoke detectors and alarm systems that can put your mind at ease. Sleep technology looks like special lighting that simulates the sun or blackout shades for bedrooms and nurseries. Want to reduce household germs? Consider touchless faucets for kitchens and bathrooms and copper sinks and tubs that inhibit bacterial growth.
Even simple selections that appeal to the senses—like wireless speakers for podcasts and playlists—can lessen the overwhelm after a hectic day. Arrange a cozy reading corner where you can sit and sip a cup of tea. Add tactile objects like plush throw blankets to help you feel safe and warm—just like beloved pets that can reduce anxiety and add comfort to your life.
