Meeting Rooms
(13) Design Trends to achieve health and happiness and (5) Design Trends to tame fears.
We are finding emotions such as fear and the pursuit of health and happiness are the driving forces in home design today. Why are emotions taking more control over design? People want a refuge where they feel safe, happy, healthy and comfortable. They are spending more time at home and need an environment that boosts their spirit in many avenues of their life including work, play, learning, dining, creativity. Harmony, peace and safety are the goals.
Designing for health and happiness is a wonderful way to approach home renovations. Let's discuss what projects we have seen gaining momentum.
Home extensions - Both up and out. People want more space at home. They are using their homes for more functions and want to maximize their space.
Expanded Kitchens - This has been a trend for many years. More people considering the expansion are actually doing it. They are knocking down walls, taking space from an adjoining room and even relocating the kitchen all together to achieve their expansion.
Home Theaters - Our neighbor is a home theater expert. Home Theater of Long Island, in business since 2006, is busy with homeowners adding these entertainment spaces and home technology to make their lives more comfortable and fun. Website
Basement remodels - This is usually an easier way to expand the living space. Adding a theater, bar or wine cellar are typical projects. Game rooms are also a perfect fit in the basement.
Smart Home Tech - The comforts of home, office, school, entertaining, restaurant all under one roof begs for the latest technology for faster internet speed, automatic light, shade and temperature controls, video and music. All functions can be programmed and accessed thru a smart phone, tablet, keypad, or touch panel. Many consumers are adding noise control panels for offices and school learning.
6. Wine cellars - From small to elaborate, wine aficionados in Tri-State NY are taking the plunge and having a wine cellar designed in their home or apartment.
7. Home Bars - Always festive, home bars create a unique entertaining centerpiece. Encourages the social engagement that has been diminished.
8. Home Office - Of course this is trending. We don't know how long businesses that continue to have employees working from home are going to maintain this policy. Many people are already 1099 workers and spending more time at home while not visiting clients. These individuals are also leading the upgrade of home offices.
9. Air/Water Purifiers - Who doesn't want the cleanest air and water in their home? Whole home water purifiers are being installed vs. the individual purification machine on the kitchen sink. There are air purifiers that can remove the VOC gasses which is important for health. Air purifiers that use activated Carbon can rid the VOC gasses. Best Air Purifiers
10.. Expanded outdoor kitchens/entertaining area - You can never truly replace travel, restaurant dining, dancing and concerts. However, outdoor kitchens/entertaining areas can be a beautiful way to share great times. Some clients are expanding their indoor living outdoors, especially when they have limited space indoors to work with. Heaters, light deflectors, outdoor kitchens and bars are great additions to home living.
11. Outdoor landscaping - Surrounding yourself with beauty is quite inspiring. Designs by landscape architects can greatly improve the look and feel of a home. Don't forget outdoor lighting which adds another dimension to the landscape. Every inch of the property counts!
12. Exercise / Wellness Rooms / Spa - Gyms and yoga studios are finding their way into homes. From a Peloton in the basement to an entire room dedicated to exercise and well being, people are becoming more in control of their health at home. Specialty products such as Inversion Tables are being added due to the closure of chiropractic offices this year. Feng Shui design elements are more popular in wellness rooms and entire home projects.
13. Products free of chemicals - The more time you spend inside, the more important it is to evaluate every product you place in your home. Products low in formaldehyde and other harmful chemicals are key to a healthier home. Sourcing where furniture, cabinetry, carpets, flooring, etc...are made will educate you on the best products for a cleaner inside environment.
Design by Fear
Fear is a tricky emotion to deal with. But dealing with it proactively through design can be therapeutic. People want their homes more secure than ever. Being in control of your home is a secure feeling. What design features are people in our community looking for?
Of course home security systems are being installed at a rapid rate. Top of the list - Surveillance cameras and alarm systems connected to companies with 24 hour service who call the police when needed. DIY security systems such as Simply Safe are experiencing great popularity as well.
Gates /Fences - More secure gates and fences are being thoughtfully specified. Spikes on the top of fences with vertical rails and no horizontal rails make it difficult to climb. Purchasing a material that cannot be cut through like a chain link fence can, is important too. Ground sensors, heavy duty locks are sort after features. Perimeter Security
Eliminate hiding spots outside - Trimming bushes and open fences instead of solid fences help in eliminating hiding spots. If you are concerned about privacy, you can become creative with outdoor privacy panels or shades that can be easily erected when you are entertaining. You can also have custom mobile Plexiglass panels made with one way view film adhered so you can look out but no one can look in.
We have inquiries to build a second kitchen in the basement connected to a generator. These inquiries are from people who want a full service refuge, separate from their regular living, to include food storage and preparation equipment. We relate it to a less secure version of the Israeli "safe room". Ultimate Safe Room
Security on steroids! We recently heard of Hardened Structures. These services are for highly specialized needs. Their high security windows and doors are quite interesting. There is something for everyone! Hardened Structures
CONTACT US TO REALIZE YOUR DESIGN NEEDS.