feel-good features
Helping Health and Wellness Start at Home
With a societal emphasis on well-being comes increased demand for health and wellness at home with features that can feed your mind, body, and soul daily. While there are plenty of options to ponder, here are some potential enhancements for your house and family.
Just Breathe.
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.
Performance Report.
Work-from-home spaces have gone mainstream for many households since the pandemic; some homeowners enjoy setups like a command center near the kitchen that can accommodate multiple functions. Some work situations require privacy, while others do just fine in common areas shared with family members. Outdoor structures, such as an ADU or shed turned office, allow for disconnect when you’re done for the day. Any home office may reduce added stress associated with long commutes and commercial spaces.
Go with the Flow.
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 inside and out to increase that feel-good factor.
Common Ground.
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, and pickleball courts have become popular among buyers. Bonus features like these that support health and wellness minus the upkeep have added benefits, such as socialization that can lead to longer life spans, making these gathering places a great selling point.
Zen Den.
Some quiet time with a focus can clear your head and free your mind from worries—that may be why yoga and meditation rooms have been on the rise. If you find mental peace through hobbies, consider setting up a craft room with space to spread out quilting or scrapbook supplies.
Nutritional Value.
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. Replace (or complement) a home coffee bar with a juice bar. Blenders and juicers can be bulky, but they produce a refreshing reward after a challenging workout.
Time Out.
Home saunas and hot tubs are more attainable than ever; they offer health benefits and help you escape the hustle and bustle that comes with daily life and constant technology. Lack the space? Retrofit your bathroom with a shower bench for relaxation and showerhead filters that offer various health benefits.
Comfort Plus.
From special lighting that simulates the sun, to blackout shades for bedrooms and nurseries, there are wellness features for everyone. For those who want to reduce household germs, hygiene features have been a top category. In this pandemic-minded era, you can turn to touchless faucets for kitchens and bathrooms and copper sinks and tubs that inhibit bacterial growth.
Tech Talk.
As for all the gadgets out there, technology can be an asset when it comes to health and wellness. Smart homes have the ability to save time and money with insurance discounts for smoke detectors and alarm systems that can put your mind at ease. Stand-alone products for each room, from water purifiers to sleep technology, may also boost your well-being.
Top Five.
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.
/ Written by Jeanine Matlow.
Photography by Iuliia Pilipeichenko/iStock/Getty Images Plus.
