There are homes, and there are sanctuaries… your custom-built home should be your sanctuary since it is likely to be your forever home. To that point, when you design the home, you should consider your physical and mental health. I know it may sound a bit crazy, but just give us a few minutes and we think you will understand precisely where we are going with all of this.
Natural Light and Ventilation
Nothing beats real sunshine, so work in natural light sources in the home when you can. Natural light is a stimulant that helps the body produce Vitamin D, it helps improve our circadian rhythms, and it also helps improve your sleep patterns. It keeps you more focused and yes, it will even help improve your overall mood. In my home, our reading nook has a skylight to let more light and even natural air in during the right seasons.
Getting in Touch with Nature
Are you a biophilic person, or someone that is naturally drawn to other forms of life? Nature’s sounds can be so soothing and relaxing, so incorporate them into the home, especially in areas where you relax and rest. Indoor gardens and water features, for example, are great to create a connection to nature inside the home.
Ergonomics
I can still remember the first time I heard someone say “ergonomic chair.” I thought it was a label, not a type of chair that was better for my back. You want your home to look beautiful, but you also need to consider your physical well-being when you are sitting on the sofa or spending hours at the desk day in and day out.
Not-toxic Materials
If you want to create a healthier environment in your home, consider going outside the norm when it comes to “standard” building materials, many of which emit VOCs, or volatile organic compounds. Talk to your builder about using low-VOC or VOC-free paints, finishes, and materials.
Quiet Spaces
Earlier in the article, I mentioned how we have our reading nook set up with a skylight. This is our “reset” room, if you will, because it is where we go to get centered again. It is a quiet room, no TV, no computer… just books, relaxing furniture, and a fireplace. I like to refer to it as my mental detox room because I am able to do a mental check when I am there without all those other distractions.
Your “space” might be an exercise room or a yoga room. It can be anything, but consider working this into the design of your home to ensure that when things start going bad, you have a place to go where you can get grounded again.
Need more ideas for your custom-built home? Did you know that Better Build Now offers a variety of services to help homeowners venturing into the custom home market? For more information, give us a call at 888-402-4180.