There is no doubt that our priorities have changed in 2020. We have been put into a position where we have truly had to reflect on what is most important in our lives. The fear of illness; losing our jobs, loved ones and freedom, have put it all into perspective. With ongoing restrictions and our routine activities and events cancelled, we have found ourselves with extensive time in our homes and it has made us think about how we live and where we live. If our future is likely to include more pandemics like this one, is this where we want to be and is this what we want our home space to look like?
Home is where the heart is
We have been spending most of our time inside our homes this year and the area surrounding it, so naturally we are looking at our houses and suburbs in a different light. It also has us asking lots of questions. Do we have a dedicated space in which to work? Is our house a liveable place with flexible areas if children need to learn from home too? Are we satisfied with the amount of space we have indoors and outdoors? Do we love the town and area we live in? If you are thinking about moving locations and building a new home, your ideas of what to include in your dream house will no doubt have been altered by this year’s experience. It is likely that future homes will include specifications for remote work and study.
Space and pace
One of the most life changing elements of 2020 has been businesses and individuals realising that they can work from home easily and efficiently. Consequently, workers can enjoy the extra time not spent commuting doing other things, like spending time with family. This lifestyle change has encouraged many to consider trading the fast paced city life for a more laid back existence in the country. A tree or sea change seems more of a possibility than it ever has before. Our ties to the city are not as strong as they have been in the past. Indeed, if we are going to spend more time at home, why not live in a region that has a stunning natural landscape to explore and enjoy in your free time?
Home that reflects your wants and needs
Now that we have been home for longer than we have ever imagined we would, we are more aware of what our dream home would look like. What is important to us in a home is clearer now we know our priorities. If you are considering building a new house, why not customise it so you never want to leave, for want of a better phrase? Tailor it to your exact needs. Create your ideal office space if you intend to work from home more often. Include a theatre, games room, gym or alfresco area.
Adaptable spaces
You can also customise your home for your season in life, whether you are a couple, single, a growing family or a retiree. Create flexible living spaces that can be adapted as your lifestyle or situation changes. Customise your floor plan to make it friendly as you age.The children’s playroom could be converted into a pool room as they grow. A bedroom could become a craft or reading room. A little forward thinking now could save you time and money in the future as well as ensure your comfort.
Incorporating the outdoors
Our attachment to the outdoors has become more evident this year. As we have stayed at home, we have been able to observe the seasons more keenly on our daily walks. We were able to notice every sunny and shady spot in our home and garden. Design a home that maximises the light and warmth of the sun in winter, shields from the intense heat in summer and shades from the weather on wild and windy days. If you do make the move to the country or beach, you may like to include more indoor/outdoor areas to enjoy the view and fresh air.
2020 has made us realise what we need for our homes moving forward. We would like a space where we can work and study but also have plenty of areas to relax and enjoy ourselves. We want to feel connected to the outdoors and bring it into our homes to instil that serenity of the natural environment in our lives. We have realised the importance of flexible living areas for multi-purposes so that we can tailor them to our current needs and lifestyle in the years to come.
Are you ready to transform your life and create a liveable home where you love to be? Contact Swanbuild Homes today to organise an obligation free appointment. We look forward to assisting you in making your dream home a reality.