So Your House Is Gorgeous. But Is It Livable?
Throw a rock into the online abyss and you’ll hit and endless scroll of impeccably designed interiors. But gorgeous aesthetics aside, factoring in actual livability and comfort is a crucial factor to a well designed home - and one that is often overlooked when designing our own spaces based off Pinterest boards and saved Reels. But what actually makes some homes more comfortable than others? Human comfort is in many ways, it’s own kind of pseudo science, consisting of multiple, often subjective factors. However there are some aspects that remain universal. Here are the top comfort aspects to consider when buying a home - or when upgrading the one you already have.
Be Honest With Yourself
As with many things in life, if you have a clear vision for what you want to happen, you are more likely to make it come true. And having a clear vision starts with being honest with yourself about your personal strengths and weaknesses, needs, and habits.
For example, floor to ceiling windows may sound like the dream, but how much privacy do you actually need in a bedroom to feel comfortable? You love a beige aesthetic, but does your blood pressure go up anytime the kids go anywhere near the new chair? Being honest with how you and your family live in your space means making smarter design choices that will allow you to enjoy your home in a manageable way - and that’s better for you and your family’s wellbeing.
Hot and Cold
We all have a room in the house that gets drafty in the winter - or that gets just a tad too warm to be comfortable in the summer. Temperature upgrades can make it feel like you’ve reclaimed a ton of space in your own home. Spot treat your house with a smaller, more localized fix - or go for a full house upgrade, depending on what your needs are.
There are tons of options: a wood burner or fireplace, central heating via gas, or even electric-powered heating.
As for cooling options, a mini split is a great way to cool a controlled area of the home. Another option is to alter the kind of windows that you have, or even making more minor adjustments such as adding vents or a fan to allow air flow.
Consider The Flow
This might sound funny, but the way we move our bodies around our homes can have an effect on our state of mind. Being able to move intuitively and easily around our homes means we preserve more mental energy for other, more important things than maneuvering about our daily life. Overall, this can also mean more efficiency, better focus, and less exhaustion overall.
Old People Stuff
Ever wonder why older people prefer certain things in homes like carpet on everything, chairs with arm rests, no stairs, and extra firm, high couches they can actually get up out of? And then do you ever wonder why suddenly you’re starting to totally see the appeal? There’s no shame, it happens to all of us. Thinking ahead can actually be smart - especially when considering larger investments like intended forever homes and high-end furniture investments you intend to keep. Besides, with the way the pandemic is going, who doesn’t feel like they haven’t aged a little extra this year?
Help With The Details
If you’re looking to buy, considering long term details like the above is a great idea. And running your ideas, concerns etc by a professional isn’t a bad idea either. After all, choosing the right home big picture is often a series of compromises and negotiations, and having someone help you with the strategy is a massive help. Hitting up real estate forums or reaching out to professionals likeCompass real estate or just a trusted friend can go a long way in making sure what you’re looking for is truly right for you.