As the public adjusts to the new normal, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, health and safety still remain top priorities for everyone. Which is why even though the community quarantine guidelines have become more lax as compared to before when the pandemic first started, many people stuck to working or studying inside the safety of their own homes.
Using technology, companies and schools have made it possible to engage their employees and students in doing their assignments indoors, keeping them safe from the health risks of the pandemic.
To create a more functional space, homeowners shifted several spaces from their previous set up to become home offices or study spaces. These areas, like most workspaces are well-lit, well-ventilated, and are located in places that have a good WiFi connection to ensure productivity.
Another factor that they consider in finding the ideal workspace is privacy. Homeowners, who are engaged in work at home scenarios, make sure that they’re in a spot where they won’t be disturbed by unwanted noise and other distractions especially when they’re in the middle of an important meeting or if their kids are taking an online exam.
Choosing a good spot can also help increase concentration.
Single family vs. Multi-family homes
There are different kinds of designs in houses that cater to its inhabitants. For example, single family homes are independent establishments that have a single kitchen, private rooms, and unshared utilities.
Usually, these houses have a little more space for dwelling, depending on the number of household members. Plus, this type of home gives more freedom to the residents because since they own this establishment for themselves, they can freely do what they like such as adding in more walls for privacy, repainting, or moving around furnishings as they please.
On the other hand, multi-family homes are establishments like apartments or condominiums which houses more than one family. There are some units where residents share utilities such as bathrooms with other tenants, but commonly, quality establishments offer separate and personal utilities for each of their residents.
Multi-family homes, particularly apartments or condos on lease, also require permission from the original owner of the unit before any drastic changes or construction can be done on the residence.
Both designs have their own unique features but aren’t limited to being the same for each and every unit. So in the new normal situation, homeowners have to be creative and resourceful in creating their own personal space to carry out their tasks.
The power of the color palette
Another way to secure productivity in a particular room is by strategically choosing the color that best fits the room’s purpose because there are underlying meanings to each color and how they affect the general mood in a room.
For example, the color blue evokes a feeling of peace and is said to lower blood pressure as well as heart rate, making it a common sight in bathrooms. However, this shade can also be used in bedrooms to promote tranquility and help the resident get a good rest.
On the other hand, yellow reminds people of sunshine thus promoting happiness. It is also known to raise focus, increase intelligence, and mental ability. It also helps stimulate conversations, making it a good color to have around areas such as re living and dining rooms, where people connect.
But the bright color shouldn’t be used in an entire room because the brilliant color can have adverse effects such as making people irritable and frustrated, especially after a long exposure to the color. Simply add a splash of yellow in a room by putting in a yellow chair, yellow pillows, or yellow curtains.
In between the two is green which is considered as one of the most refreshing colors as it combines the brightness of yellow, and the calming properties of blue. Green is good for almost all rooms as it helps relieve stress. If used in the kitchen or dining area, it elicits a feeling of togetherness, warmth, and comfort.
Having a range of well-balanced colors is a key to making a room both visually-pleasing and productive for its residents. It is advisable to use only three to four colors in a room to make it look cohesive; having more than four can make a room look cluttered and disorganized.
Setting up a personal yet inviting space
Since the pandemic has forced a work or study from home scenario for employees and students, it has given them more time with their families than before. So even if their workspaces need to be private for work-purposes, it also has to be inviting to others who might want to share in the same space.
One way to do this is by adding comfortable chairs and placing them in a spot that also receives good lighting and good ventilation. Homeowners can even assign particular areas for each individual so they can have a sense of privacy among themselves.
Sharing in a well thought out workspace can help residents blow off some steam from the pressure of their responsibilities or brainstorm a solution to a problem, thus helping families bond even more.
Also, if the area is well-decorated even by simply having a vase of fresh flowers, it could help liven up the mood and make those working or learning from home more relaxed as they go about their tasks.
Hanging encouraging posters or visually-pleasing artworks can also help in making a space more convivial and could even spark creativity.
In addition to all the changes that must be done in homes to make it suitable for work-from-home or online learning purposes, these areas also have to be organized and clean. Not just for health purposes, but because having a neat space lessens the stress that can already come from work or school.
New normal or not, homeowners should invest in ergonomical designs in their homes through quality, multi-purpose furnishings and strategically chosen paint to make sure that they feel comfortable and productive in either doing their tasks or bonding with each other.
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Article and Photo originally posted by Manila Standard last November 29, 2020 7:20pm and written by P.Y. Deligero. Minor edits have been made by REBPH to cater to its own readers.
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wonderful article