2022 AND BEYOND – HOME MUST-HAVES (IN MY OPINION)

2022 AND BEYOND – HOME MUST-HAVES (IN MY OPINION)
jrprojectsadmin

In this time of pandemics, when often-times up to three generations of families are compelled to live together in the same dwelling, our homes have to adapt to accommodate the needs of the people (adults, teens and children) living in the home to make life as comfortable, easygoing and harmonious as possible, whilst at the same time allowing individuals the opportunity to escape the hubbub of the family for some alone time….

Here are some of the areas where I feel we can bring more joie-de-vivre into our homes:

  • Colour – The drab emotions that accompanied the past 2 years of pandemic have left us all feeling the need for upliftment.  One quick, easy way to do this is through bringing colour into our life – literally!  Changing up the colours in our home from the cooler greys and beiges of the past 10 or 15 years to warmer, more vibrant hues such as moody blues, lush or soft greens, grapes or lilacs, caramels or chocolates (I’m getting hungry…..), warmer greys with tones of browns or lilac, and many more mood-enhancing colours (I still recommend steering away from strong reds, though) can, just by stepping inside your inviting home, instantly lift your mood and relax your shoulders –  Who needs a masseuse!?
  • Texture – Bringing textures into your home in the form of interesting tactile fabrics and finishes, or textural wallpapers, adds subtle interest to your surroundings, without overwhelming other décor items.
  • Whilst some predict the end of open-plan living, I still feel this type of space is the hub of family life and activity and should remain, whilst private enclaves for individual ‘me’ times can be created for each family member.
  • Dedicated Work-From-Home (WFH) spaces, created for a number of working adults in the home will become an essential design element in many homes.  The space/s required need not be especially large, but would need to be customised (in terms of shelving, drawers, desk space, task lighting, WiFi, etc) to meet each individual’s needs.
  • Finding that special furniture or décor item that uniquely reflects your personality – Having a special piece – whether it’s a funky old radiogram or jukebox (if that’s your jam), or a one-off art piece that you absolutely LOVE – on display in your home, gives you that fuzzy feeling every time you look at or use it… it’s something you’ll never tire of and treasure forever…. And is usually a good conversation starter, too!
  • Lighting – The correct lighting enhances the mood of a space immensely.  Using only a single light source gives a room a ‘blah’ feel … it is so imperative to use layers of light in any space.  By having multiple sources of light, we give a space atmosphere, making it feel cosier, comfier, more intimate and inviting.
  • Bringing the Outdoors In – Having indoor plants in your home brings nature inside and uplifts the feel of your space.  Bear in mind, though,  that indoor plants do need ongoing maintenance and, if you do not have a green thumb, you may opt for high quality artificial plants (although not my personal favourite), but, again, a caveat –  these also need to be kept clean and free from dust.  One or two large plants (or small trees) would enhance the space far better than a whole cluster of small plants that make a space feel cluttered and are dust-collectors.
  • Outdoor Spaces – More and more (especially in SA), our outdoor patio is becoming an extension of our home; no longer simply a braai space where the man of the house stands with his buddies cooking the meat and bringing it indoors when done.  The outdoor patio lounge/dining space often includes a pizza oven, comfy outdoor seating and dining space, shade cover, outdoor rugs and quality lighting for evening entertaining.  Outdoor table settings have also been zhooshed up to rival some of the best indoor dining settings.
  • Gardens – Thoughtfully designed and landscaped gardens (mostly waterwise, especially in SA) have also become an essential part of home living.  We all need a little oasis to escape to in order to ‘ground’ ourselves to Mother Earth, and be one with nature, cool down and calm down amongst green leaves and tranquil surroundings.