Future-proofing your home
In the recently concluded Lamudi Real Estate Outlook Conference, the first segment caught my attention and roused my thoughts as the panelists were challenged to envision the homes of the future.
The instinctive answer was to imagine automated smart homes filled with high-tech kitchen gadgets that speed up everyday cooking, and condominium buildings with unique amenities that will complement the work-from-home and gig economy lifestyle.
There is no doubt that we are just entering a new era in which home appliances are connected to our phones, grocery shopping can be done via apps, and deliveries go straight to our doorsteps. Home management is evolving as we speak and we are just getting started.
As I listened to the panelists discuss these changes—some of which are already part of our daily lives, while others are yet to become our reality—I reflected on my own definition of what it means to future-proof one’s home, and the first word that came to mind was simple: family.
I believe that preparing our homes for the future means ensuring the safety, welfare and development of all those living in our homes. Why do we want to automate our laundry? So we can spend more time with those we love rather than spend the entire afternoon washing garments. Why do we want more efficient kitchen appliances? So we can provide nutritious food for our growing children and ourselves, as parents, so that we can lead a healthier lifestyle and live longer with our loved ones. Why is internet speed such an important factor to consider when choosing a home location? Because livelihoods now depend on it.
But beyond enjoying these conveniences and being able to do more with less time, maybe the way we can prepare for the future is to ensure that we do not get so lost in modernization that we forget our fundamental basic needs—basic developmental needs such as ample space for children to run, play and breathe fresh air.
Perhaps, future-proofing entails ensuring that the children will grow up in a safe, conducive environment where they can spend their days playing with friends outdoors, without wasting away in front of gadgets and computers. Giving the children an environment where they can thrive and enhance their social skills, resilience and emotional quotient will equip them as they grow up to be well-adjusted adults.
For me, future-proofing can also mean giving parents, children and other members of the family ample living areas at home where they can connect and bond, while still ensuring personal areas so that each one will be able to rest and recharge their minds, bodies and souls in order to fulfill one’s duties and potentials with renewed energy every day.
The future of smart homes and gadgets will always be exciting and something to look forward to, but as we imagine a world of immediacy and convenience, let’s remember that not everything needs to be quick, fast and high-tech.
When it comes to family and loved-ones, cherishing each other is the best bond to ensure that your home will be “future-proof.”