It’s not news that many of us are stuck at home right now for all hours of the day. What previously served as a place for family and relaxing, is now also the site for working, exercising and more. Elie Choucair, Director of Design for Kerzner International, the team behind One&Only resorts, has shared tips for creating a balanced home that can handle it all.
To start, he’s sharing his three tips for getting a home ready for social distancing:
- Create different areas for activities throughout the day by moving things around and making multipurpose spaces
- Differentiate the work corner and living corner and avoid doing all activities in the same room
- Remember that balance and patience is key
Keep reading for how to easily achieve these steps to make the ideal environment for all activities.
Bring the outdoors in
Grab some inspiration from One&Only Royal Mirage where olive trees characterize the refreshing space of its restaurant Olives. Whether you’re embracing a full wall or roof design or just adding in a few small desk plants, the difference is notable. Elie loves Lucky Bamboos, Peace Lilies, aloe vera and orchids as many of these are said to bring luck in health while offering a beautiful aroma and being aesthetically pleasing to look at.
Create a “home office”
Dedicate a corner or small space as your work area. Choose somewhere with a view and natural light if possible, as both of these elements positively impact wellbeing and productivity. Remember to take in account the chair you choose to sit in. If using a dining chair, adjust height and comfort with pillows and casters.
Create a space for kids
If you have youngsters at home, creating dedicated areas for them to learn and play is also key. Make a studying space with a large desk to allow for multiple books to be open. A lower table and chair and mat can make for an activity and hobby area. Also, take in account different ages when creating a space. For smaller children, add a place to nap, a place for hands-on or messy activities and a space for more creative fun with things like a chalk board or geometric shapes.
Repurpose small living spaces
For those in small homes or apartments, utilizing various areas of the house for multiple purposes is a great way to make the most of the space. Elie recommends making the living space the TV and casual dining area while the dining area can transform into a work, hobbies and DIY area.
Make the most of your outdoor area
If you don’t have a large yard or access to outdoor areas, having a small balcony or terrace can be a game changer for getting some fresh air. Elie recommends taking full advantage of whatever outdoor space you have. For even the smallest of areas, he suggests adding a small table and chair, adding some lush greenery or herbs and creating a comfortable lounging area. Add pillows or cushions if proper outdoor furniture is out of the question. Lastly, to add a One&Only touch, consider incorporating hanging chairs or hammocks if you have the room, for a true resort-like escape.
Click here to read the full interview with Elie Choucair on One&Only’s site.