GOOD HOME DESIGN THAT ADAPTS TO TIMES
IF THERE’S anything the COVID-19 and the community quarantine have taught us, it is the importance of proper home design. Long weekends in the comforts of home are always cherished, but for an extended period of time? That is undreamed of until today. It has become the “new normal”.
Home is the ultimate place of refuge, a sanctuary. It is important that upon entering, calmness envelopes the resident.
The perks of living in a condominium is given: privacy, 24/7 security, in-house amenities, and a commercial strip that will include food outlets, convenience stores, and pharmacy. In case of a lockdown, essential commodities are in the same building. Residents are safer from possible health threats that might plague the city.
Not only did Legacy Leisure Residences, Crisron Builders, Inc.’s vertical residences rising in Ma-a soon, address the structural integrity of the buildings to withstand strong earthquakes, it also upped the design of the amenity area. It will use 60% of its space for amenities to create a resort-themed recreational and multi- functional facilities, which will include an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
It’s a design that will exude an “everyday staycation.”
Safety is a primary concern for the homeowners of Legacy Leisure Residences. But what about the well-being of the residents in their units?
The developer knows that space is a primary consideration when looking for a home. In this condominium, units are spacious, not confining. Legacy Leisure Residences offers you options to choose the space you need, from a one-bedroom unit at 37sqm or a 2-bedroom unit at 77sqm to a 3-bedroom unit at 135sqm are available. Depending on the space you need, the design you want, other space options are on hand.
Liveable, comfortable and stress-free, this is how each home should be designed, most especially when staying home is required for long periods of time. This is where interior designers come in.
Interior Designers Charisse Puentespina, Adeline Infante and Lyn Tan say that the basic rules on condominium design, where space is limited, should always be considered: efficient space planning that promote smooth flow of traffic, task and ambiance lighting, saving spaces with use of multi-functional furniture and storage spaces, privacy nooks for multiple users and the creative use of mirrors, colors and texture to create the illusion of space. These considerations start as the essentials that will incorporate into the resident’s dream home.
“Our spaces, no matter the size, must be designed to accommodate and support a myriad of interests and activities, and this entails very clever and functional storage and furniture that can be used several ways,” shares Lyn Tan, Coordinator for Interiors at PCTan Architects and Associates.
Space is precious therefore, choosing the right appointments is essential. Stick to the classic as anchor pieces then work your accessories around it
Adeline Infante suggests to maximize space in condo units by using pieces that earn their spaces. Go for furnishing that boasts storage and use all possible corners while keeping in mind to leave spaces in between so pieces do not cramp as it will end up making the room smaller. Declutter and keep items not in use.
The choice of multi-functional furniture will have to be primary. Furniture pieces that can serve multiple functions and can be folded and stored
will be best. Also, the use of the walls for creative storage solutions that are both aesthetic and functional, shares Charisse Puentespina.
Lyn Tan says that flexibility is key. An example could be a desktop that can be lifted and inclined to transform into an easel. Wheeled furnishings also enable the homeowner to move things about and transform the look and energy flows of the rooms more easily.
Color and lighting.
Like space planning, color plays an essential role in design. The three designers said that a color scheme will unify areas. It’s a key to cohesiveness. Most importantly, color can affect us psychologically. Warm tones exude energy and can boost the adrenaline while cool tones give a feeling of calmness, peace and relaxation. Colors can affect the frame of mind of the occupant. Peace and calm is what we need in times of long seclusion.
Just as significant is the lighting scheme. Like color, lighting can make or break a room’s character. Good lighting makes a home comfortable and liveable.
Always incorporate proper lighting, the designers say. Natural light is good for the physical and psychological wellbeing. Natural light is proven to be healthy (our source of Vitamin D) and natural lighting can help us to focus, be more productive, happier, calmer and healthier.
In small spaces that lack natural light, may sure to provide the proper lighting. Keep in mind that lighting enhances the aesthetic appeal and style of a living space. It can induce good mood and create the right ambience.
Designs for a quarantine-ready home.
Quarantine means staying in for a long period, what design feature can make a home liveable and comfortable? Create your personal space, replied the designers.
“The importance of privacy in condos with multiple occupants can sometimes be overlooked. Privacy nooks and spaces for individuals can be achieved by assigning spaces for specific tasks and delineating with the use of barriers such as screens, transitions in color, placement of lighting and the like,” says Puentespina.
She adds, “The use of plants in interiors is underrated. Plants, for me, complete a space. It’s aesthetically pleasing, calming, acts as a privacy barrier and at the same time purifies the air. I can’t think of anything so simple that can drastically improve the well-being of the occupants.”
Infante agrees to this, “Add Live plants. Bring in some greenery to your home to make it more liveable.”
She also suggests to find a cozy corner for one’s personal space. Invest in a fancy piece of furniture, decorate it with personal mementos, have a diffuser or scented candles to set the relaxing mood in your cocoon.
“Anxiety, a sense of restlessness, and uneasiness can arise when one is required to stay within certain defined spaces for prolonged periods of time. One antidote can be the ability to ‘escape’ the boundaries we find ourselves in, and the only way we can do so during quarantine is psychologically. Find your space for your hobby—a nook for container gardening, painting or sewing,” shares Tan.
The new normal in home design.
Tan states that as each homeowner is unique in his/her interests and talents, a thoughtful consideration for his/her habits, temperament, and way of life can enable designers to create homes that can truly be spaces where people can be rested, happy, and fulfilled.
“Staying indoors for a prolonged period of time may induce stress and anxiety for a lot of us. Designing our homes for this eventuality will have to be thoughtfully considered as part of our new normal. Defined functional spaces which are comfortable and can easily be maintained should be primary. Nowadays, less is also more,” expresses Puentespina.
Visit the Legacy Leisure Residence showroom along Ma-a Road and know why it is wise to invest in a homegrown brand that addresses the need to adapt in the changing times.