Set yourself up for success and give your living space a refresh.
With self-care becoming more of a priority than ever, many people are focusing on turning their homes into dedicated spaces that help them prioritize their health and wellness. And just like they’ve gotten creative with WFH setups, homeowners have come up with a variety of ways to squeeze in a spot to exercise, meditate and relax at home — whether it’s converting an existing space or adding on a new one.
Looking to adopt healthier habits at home as we head into the summer? Here are a few tips to get you started.
Add a gym
Hitting the gym can be an integral part of your daily routine, and having access to one at home can make heading to the gym — and committing to going often — that much easier. And you don’t have to have a huge space to make the magic happen.
If you don’t have the square footage or a hefty renovation budget to allocate towards making an entire room to a home gym, a well-dedicated corner and some strategic equipment (like a single kettlebell, a weighted jump rope or the high-tech and low-profile Mirror) can be perfect for small spaces in an apartment or a condo. Plus, having the equipment in your line of sight daily will motivate you to make working out a more integral part of your daily routine. Rather than throwing your yoga mat in the closet, try to set it out and use it as a friendly reminder to take a few minutes for yourself.
Have more room to sweat it out at home? You can opt for bulkier equipment like the tried-and-true treadmill, heavy-duty gym mats, a stationary bike, a rowing machine or weight lifting equipment.
Where to store your equipment
Deciding where to store your home gym equipment can be a challenge, especially if your home isn’t filled with natural light. Try to find a spot that makes exercising at home relaxing and inspiring rather than a tiring chore that you can’t wait to cross off your list. If you can help it — and you have open space that gets a little sunlight — avoid spaces like windowless rooms or basements that don’t have natural light. Aim to put your setup in a garage, spare bedroom or kids’ playroom if you’re able to fit your equipment in those spaces. This also might open up an opportunity to experiment with additional lighting or floor-to-ceiling mirrors.
Add a meditation zone
Creating a nice, quiet spot to meditate or reflect is not only a nice asset to have. It’s a full-on necessity for a well-rounded health and wellness routine at home. To create a personal meditation zone, seek out a peaceful space in your home — whether that’s a sunroom, a patio, the corner of your bedroom or even a walk-in closet — and gather or purchase items that help calm you. When you’re making this list, consider a tray of candles, a bundle of soft pillows or an area rug, perhaps. When it comes to the décor, opt for muted or neutral colors for the fabrics, paint and accessories in the room, which will lend to the tranquil vibe you’re trying to create and curate. Use this special space to do yoga, listen to a meditation podcast or simply enjoy some peace and quiet for a few moments.
Incorporate soothing colors
The colors you choose for your walls may seem inconsequential, but they can really change the entire mood and energy of your home. Paint color can go a long way in helping you create a serene space.
Soothing colors like periwinkle blue, sage gray, a soft white or a muted green are perfect for rooms in the home that are intended for calming down and resting, such as a bedroom, bathroom or sunroom. A bonus? Certain paint colors can even help you sell your home for a slightly increased percentage.
Create homecation vibes
You shouldn’t have to escape your home for a vacation. Although it’s no substitute for an all-inclusive trip to Jamaica or a jaunt around Europe, homeowners are increasingly interested in giving their homes a homecation makeover — incorporating small luxuries to make everyday life feel more relaxing and fun.
Adding upgrades such as a heated towel rack or a relaxing rain showerhead are small-scale ways to make your bathroom feel more luxurious. When it comes to your bedroom, consider investing in quality linens or purchasing a large canopy bed.
Interested in more permanent vacation vibes at home? Our research shows that including a saltwater pool as a listing feature helped homes sell for about 1.5% more, and in-ground spas, hot tubs and Jacuzzis helped homes sell for 0.7% more, suggesting there is a higher demand for these features.
Add smart cleaning technology
Smart cleaning technology helps make your home feel like a fresh, healthy and calming environment where you’ll enjoy spending time. Small changes, like making disinfecting a bigger priority at home, will bring you some peace of mind and make your day-to-day lifestyle more calm. Beyond scrubbing and disinfecting surfaces the old-fashioned way, there are multiple high-tech options that you can add to your home, such as touchless appliances — everything from light fixtures to kitchen faucets — and even self-cleaning toilets that clean with every flush (and deep clean with the push of a button).