Photo Credit: Leandro Lujan

Duoma Atelier recently shared a wellness study regarding the increasingly normal trend for companies to allow (sometimes prefer) employees to work from home. The following are some of the key concepts that promote a healthy home office with wellness at the forefront.

Air

Since we spend most of our time indoors, the air quality of our buildings is extremely important. There are easy ways to improve the quality of the air you breathe at home. A good place to start would be to make sure that the HVAC unit filter has a high MERV rating. The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value is a measurement scale which reports the effectiveness of air filters.

Other than that, the next course of action would be to add an air purifier to rooms which you use most, including bedrooms, and in this case, home offices. Adding indoor plants also contributes to air purification.

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Comfort

Above all else, your home office should be a comfortable environment which allows you to work in peace. It's recommended to invest in a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones - you won't regret it. If you share a home office, or if your home office is located near a space in the house which tends to be noisy, a great idea would be to add materials such as carpet, felt or fabric-wrapped panels in order to absorb sound.

When it comes to lighting, it's a good idea to have a variety based on different uses and needs. General lighting ought to be considered as the first layer, accompanied by individual desk lamps for personal use. When taking zoom meetings into consideration, good illumination is a huge facet of any great home office.

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Mind

Mental wellness and physical wellness are equally important and they go hand in hand. Natural light should be at the top of the list when it comes to working from home. Try incorporating views to the outside or at least set up your office in a room that has windows to help with your circadian rhythm.

Next, add items that stimulate the senses. This can be through aromatherapy, a speaker which can emit sounds of nature in the background, or even some form of a miniature Zen Garden. The idea is to provide your mind with sensory cues to remember to breathe and relax from time to time.

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Water

Hydration is key to your overall health. However, drinking the appropriate amount of water for your body can be easier said than done. While a brief walk to the kitchen can be a good break from work and good way to avoid staying stationary for too long, it's a good idea to keep a water station nearby within your home office. Consider it a visual cue to remind you to stay hydrated.

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Movement

There are several ways in which your home office can be designed to promote wellness. Investing in a good ergonomic chair is a good place to start in order to promote good posture when you work.

But it doesn't stop there. Research shows that remaining seated for extended periods of time is just as dangerous as smoking. An adjustable standing desk has become popular for good reason. They have been proven to promote mobility, aid prevention of back pain and regulate blood flow.

Photo Credit: Unsplash

The post Duoma Atelier Designs Wellness in the Work From Home Era appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Terra Glen Apartment Complex

Photo Credit: hb+a Architects

Hafsa Burt has been practicing architecture for 21 years. Her portfolio includes work at the San Francisco Airport, institutional buildings, multi-family buildings, hospitality, retail, medical office buildings, and custom single-family homes.

She also founded a development arm for the firm called Box Lab which is focused on active research and development in product and space design and zero energy/zero carbon buildings. An environmentalist, Burt adopted the 2030 challenge a decade ago and is a huge proponent of high-performance buildings. Her focus includes eliminating toxins with indoor air quality as a specialty. She actively speaks on the topic of indoor air quality as it relates to the practice of architecture and is an industry expert on “Healthy Building Practices”.

Hafsa Burt

Photo Credit: h+ba Architects

Burt recently spoke to Haute Design about concepts regarding healthy buildings and indoor air quality.

Haute Design: We are paraphrasing here, but you recently mentioned that most people place objects within an interior environment and call it 'design.' Why is it so important for clients to adopt a more holistic approach toward design?

Hafsa Burt: I do believe that oftentimes focus is more on the relationship of objects in a space and not so much on the long-term effects of the built environment on the planet or of a particular building on its occupants’ health. We’ve been preaching about healthy buildings and occupants’ health since 2009 and have done hundreds of peer advocacy talks on the topic.

Numerous studies have been done that show a direct correlation between our built environment and our health, therefore, to me, design is a well-thought-out solution that focuses on how occupants feel physically and mentally in a space and what affects the indoor environment might have on their wellbeing, including cognitive function.

HD: What are a few common efforts you are applying throughout your projects that will benefit the clients' well-being by way of air quality or other approaches you would like to highlight? 

HB: We look at the material data of all finishes and make sound choices based on their health impacts. Our focus is also on the big picture and how the space feels besides a two-dimensional aesthetic view. We also work closely with mechanical consultants to see how we can devise innovative ways to improve the air circulation  in a space and several other measures.

Box Factory House

Photo Credit: hb+a Architects

HD: Would you say designing with mental health in mind and designing with internal air quality in mind go hand in hand?

HB: I do believe that spatial design can contribute to mental health and indoor air quality affects cognitive function. Design of spaces can certainly affect mental health. A few years ago I visited a newly constructed micro-housing building and wondered if the residents could experience social isolation, depression in such a space. Access to daylight, possibly a view, well thought-out design solutions that focus on space, finishes and furnishings that are ‘safe’ all contribute to a healthy living space.

HD: Do you foresee a rise in health-conscious design as a result of the pandemic?

HB: Yes very much, we did a lot of consulting last year on how to prevent spread of disease in commercial and institutional buildings. We explored strategies that would allow touch less function and social distancing accompanied with a constant supply of fresh filtered air.

Before the pandemic, more than a decade ago we used case studies of legionnaire’s disease to advocate for healthy building strategies and with the pandemic it all became too real. More and more people are conscious of their surroundings and how it affects their health and productivity and are asking for strategies that can have a positive impact. 

Coffee and Water Lab, San Jose

Photo Credit: h+ba Architects

If you would like to learn more about Hafsa Burt's work regarding Healthy Buildings, as well as her architecture and interior design, CLICK HERE to visit the h+ba Architects website.

The post Hafsa Burt Educates Haute Design On Healthy Buildings And Indoor Air Quality appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Temporary Wallpaper

Wallpaper once was a simple feature of a home that has now turned into a key creative staple in home design. From intricate patterns, colors to visuals that tell a story, wallpaper is an essential feature in 2021 that enhances any room. Wallpaper selection creates a sense of depth, style, and visual interest.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Fashionable Healthy Kitchen Appliances

In light of the pandemic, people have turned to a wellness living lifestyle reflected in their kitchen design. Wellness kitchen appliances make healthy living easy and effortless. Going into 2021, kitchens have transformed to include storage for whole foods, prep spaces, and innovated appliances to make healthy meals... can you say 'air fryer'?

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Maximalism

A few years ago, the minimalism trend hit the design market. Originating in the '60's, the idea of having a stark white room with only the bare essentials was all the rage. Now, since Covid hit and everyone has been stuck inside, they realize they actually would like more colors. Maximalism is making the comeback with people putting mismatched furniture with wacky colors all over their house.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Plants

Greenery in the house is nothing new, but it has especially started trending since quarantine. As people were stuck inside, a little greenery helped bring the outdoors in to them, and make them feel less alone. Many new plant moms and dads were born in this era, and this trend will continue throughout the year.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

The Color Green

Green has made its way back to the interior design world. Whether plants or kitchen cabinets, green brings a sense of relaxation and wellness to any home. Many designers have moved from whites and neutrals to pops of color. People strive for a healthy living lifestyle, and the green pop of color is perfect because it enraptures nature, wellness, and health.

What design trends do you see being popular in 2021?

The post Top 5 Design Trends Of 2021 appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Summit

Photo Credit: Binyan Studios

This luxury rental tower in Midtown Manhattan hosts weekly yoga and HIIT classes, along with bringing in personal trainers and boutique fitness studios for events hosted by LIVunLTd. Dubbed the “Arena” is the residents’ own personal gym— equipped with Technogym cardio and strength machines, Peloton bikes, and basketball and squash courts. Residents even have access to Lululemon x Summit branded yoga mats and yoga classes.

525 West 52^nd Street

Photo credit: 525 West 52 Street

Also influenced by LIVunLTd, this two-tower, 392-unit luxury residential development in Hells Kitchen offers classes designed by LIV’s fitness and program director, Todd Allen, who was previously the Director of Instructor Development for FlyBarre. The classes are led by certified fitness experts and include core conditioning, cycling, and Pilates.

Amrit Ocean Resort and Residences

Photo credit: Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences

Spanning over seven acres in Palm Beach County’s picturesque Singer Island, Amrit Ocean Resort and Residences offers residents a personal wellness assistant available 24/7 via app, text, call or facetime to curate a fitness plan based on your needs. Additionally, Amrit offers daily on-site programming of yoga, meditation and alternative fitness classes by industry experts.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach

Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach

Perched on the shores of Surprise Lake, residents at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach, have access to a medical concierge with award-winning author of The South Beach Diet and cardiologist, Dr. Arthur Agatston who can craft a fitness plan for residents to help them achieve their physical and mental goals at home.

Solé Mia

Photo Credit: The Shoreline

Wellness and fitness are at the forefront of the lifestyle at Solé Mia’s The Shoreline. Taking advantage of Miami’s sunny days, the property offers a 10-acre running trail around South Florida’s first 7-acre man-made crystal swimmable lagoon and neighboring Oleta State Park. For the rainy days, a spacious fitness center is equipped with Peloton bikes and fitness on demand to keep you on track.

The post Go Hard And Go Home: 5 Luxury At Home Fitness Studios From New York to Miami appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.