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There are many possible pathways to designing a wonderful house. However, for the most part, all of these avenues lead to the same goal - the ability to live in a comfortable, happy, healthy space. It’s not as if you’ll spend thousands on home design or renovating a property from the ground up to make it more inconvenient, drab, tiring, and uncomfortable to occupy. So, it’s good to think about what we mean by the goals we aim at to begin with. If you hope to increase the natural light allowance of a property - why? Well, it helps the space feel larger, more comfortable, more beautiful, and open. Let’s look at some of our other goals - comfortable, well that explains itself. Happy - that’s subjective, a consequence of achieving your design goals and having the house utility you desire. But healthy? Well, that’s an interesting point to discuss. To what extent can you design a house with health and well-being in mind? In this post, we’ll discuss this pursuit at some length; hopefully yielding some usable insight:
It’s important to remember that whatever is healthy and sustainable for the environment is most likely healthy for you, too. Reclaimed or recycled materials can help lower the carbon impact of your house or renovations - reclaimed wood and recycled concrete serving as great examples. Bamboo is also being used for structural elements like wall panels thanks to its tensile strength and worth. Hempcrete is a developing resource crafted from hemp fibers that can be a great concrete replacement and insulator. Of course, paint that uses limited VOCs will also release fewer toxins into the atmosphere. You can also invest in sustainable solutions for your household like solar panels making use of renewable energy. All of these efforts combine to eradicate the environmental impact of your home, which in itself feels great and certainly tips the scales in favor of a better society.
It’s also good to consider furnishings that are both comfortable to sit on and ergonomic. That might mean using chairs or sofas designed for your height if you’re a little taller or shorter on average, and office chairs that have been designed with lumbar support in mind. Depending on the space you’re designing, you can alternate certain fixtures. You might prefer a wet room so you can easily walk into your shower each morning, or comforts could involve memory foam mattresses that conform to the shape of your sleeping position and allow a deeper sleep than you’ve ever known as a result.
Designing a house around stress reduction and peace might sound like a vague approach to take, but you’d be surprised. For example, fixtures that allow for the light trickle of streaming water over zen stones in your living room can be very calming and allow for meditative focus. Great ventilation, air purifiers, and brighter colors also allows you to feel cleaner, as if the space is easier to breathe in and occupy. Stress reduction can also be developed purposefully - as crafting a small yoga room or reading corner you can escape to when you need to will really make a difference. Also, you could work on the ambiance of the space, such as by implementing warming lamps at night to prevent overly clinical lighting, or implement hidden speakers and voice assistants so you can set the soundscape of the room, be that with zen music or light jazz, at any time of day.
Anything that helps you work on your health is, of course, going to affect your health within the household. For obvious reasons, you might consider a home gym, but you could also implement smaller purchases like orthopedic mattresses or seat cushions and armchairs as you need them. You may even integrate steam showers which can function almost like saunas, which are great for your heart health and skincare, as exposure helps clear your pores. Depending on your own individual health needs, you may also integrate certain fixtures important to you. If an elderly parent is coming to live in your household, you might implement handholds near single steps up and down various areas of the property. With this advice, we hope you’ll see that designing a house around the priority of personal health and wellbeing is absolutely a valid approach to take. At any level of its design, renovation or construction from scratch, fixtures, utilities and even decorations or additions can be a great way of improving health, and all combined, will have a major impact According to Pew Research, the number of homeowners in America increased by 2.1 million in 2020. It makes sense to settle for nothing less than your dream house when seeking property to purchase since your home must be your sanctuary. However, it isn't uncommon for you to come across multiple homes that seem ideal, making your final decision challenging. Fortunately, there are numerous signs you can look out for to know when you have found the perfect place. Here are five hints that you have found your ideal home.
 Image Credit There is no denying that houses are expensive, so it is critical to find a property that you can afford when house hunting. Thankfully, you can get an online mortgage quote to find out how much money a lender is willing to give you by inputting a few pieces of information. With this sum in mind, you can know which home you can afford and which options to pass on, bringing you a step closer to your ideal home. Your dream home needs to fit your budget to avoid buyer's remorse and prevent falling into financial trouble. 2. You can imagine living in it Many experts agree that it is always easier to picture yourself living in your dream house once you walk in it, whether you are a first-time homebuyer or not. Therefore, if you can already see yourself modifying the backyard in a certain way or using the shed as your home office, it is a clear indicator that you want to live in that space and should buy it immediately. 3. It checks all your boxes While it is unlikely that there is a home out there with everything on your wishlist, your dream house will check many of the critical boxes. Therefore, a place with the most superficial interior and exterior features you fancy is undoubtedly your dream home. If this home is in your desired area and is close to important places like hospitals, shopping centers, your office, and schools, you can also consider it your dream property. 4. The home inspection goes well It is common knowledge that a professional inspection is crucial when buying a home, irrespective of how great the property seems. These inspections can uncover any pre-existing issues that can affect the home's price and even your zeal to purchase the property in the first place. Consequently, if any of the 9,914 home inspectors currently employed in the country uncovers no nasty surprises after checking the property out, you can consider this a great sign to proceed with your home buying efforts. 5. You can't stop talking about it It isn't uncommon to share the good news with others when you are delighted. Therefore, if several of your conversations with relatives and friends keep circling back to the highlights of a particular home, it likely means you are unconsciously in love with it. A direct comparison between two or more houses is one thing, but bragging about a specific home signifies that you already feel possessive.  Image Location - CC0 License
A Promotion The first thing that we’re going to say is that it might come in the form of a promotion. There are times where you have to work your way from the bottom up, until you get to the top! Every step in the ladder is gaining you new experience that you can add to your portfolio, making it a fantastic learning opportunity for you. You should always be working towards the next promotion, always looking for the next step, and figuring out what you need to do to get there. You’re not going to get it every time, but you’ve just got to keep pushing through. Starting Your Own Business Another thing that you should consider doing is starting your own business. This is not going to be easy, but if you’re finding it hard to work for someone else, or you have a fantastic idea for a new company, then you should follow this idea. You are going to need to think about all of the things that you need like a business office, employees, money and more. Then, down the line, you’re going to need things like an IT service, marketing, and potentially things like gips consulting, but that’s a long way off. Moving Abroad Last but not least, you could consider moving abroad for your career. In some cases, moving abroad could be the opportunity that you have to move your career forward as this is where the next step is. We understand that this is not for everyone, and some people may not see this as a good thing, so it’s something that you should only agree to, or apply for if you think that it’s right for you. Moving abroad could be a brand new adventure for you, and you get to learn more about the business and how it’s dealt with in a completely new place which looks great on your resume. We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that might happen when you decide that you want to push your career to the next level. It’s something that you are going to need to work for, and we highly recommend that you keep track of all of the achievements you have made, so when things get tough, you can look back on these and see how far you have come. We wish you the very best of luck!  Image - CC0 License
When we watch those TV shows set in sunnier climates with vast expansive (and expensive) villas, we can certainly reel off a number of benefits of being in those climates and tentatively look at how prices in certain countries. But when we dig deep into the weeds of moving to another country, we've got to ask ourselves if it is truly worth it. Is It Financially Viable? One of the top priorities for most of us is if we can do it properly and actually be better off. There are a number of ways you can do this. Firstly, you can look at the general exchange rate and do a like-for-like comparison based on your lifestyle and general expenses. Any currency calculator can give you an insight into if you would be better off, but of course, there's a number of variables that play here. There's the cost of living in that country with regards to things like the food, but you could also benefit from digging deeper beneath the surface and seeing if there's financial incentives to living in that country. For example, in Puerto Rico, there are a number of tax advantages of owning real estate, such as not paying most federal income taxes for half the year but there's also other community-based benefits on top of this. The Act 20 and Act 22 real estate initiatives in Puerto Rico provide grants to non-profit organizations to give back to the Puerto Rican community so there could be an extra benefit of finding somewhere that may cost around the same as what you are spending where you are but looking at the bigger picture you might be better off in many other ways. What is the Process of Getting Into That Country? Moving to another country is stressful enough as it is, but we also need to look at the process in the round, and depending on where you want to go, the rules vary. It can also take a lot of time to become a naturalized citizen of that country. For example, in the United Kingdom, you can apply for citizenship if you have lived there for at least five years and have what is known as settled status. There's also the fees for becoming a British citizen. Generally, when you are looking to go to another country, the toughest part is definitely filling out the forms and it can take a long time to get everything lined up. It is a massive task to do this, which is why you need to ask yourself if you feel moving to another country is worth your while. When we think we want to move to a sunnier climate after being on vacation there, we can easily become swept up in that vacation feeling. It's a very simple thing, but you've got to determine if it truly is worth your while going through the immigration or emigration process. Will You Experience Culture Shock? If you are looking to set up a whole new life somewhere else, why do you want to do this? If you are looking for that permanent vacation feeling, you might be surprised as to how life will feel once you truly settle into a place. Lots of people go far away so they can enjoy the sun, but there comes a period of time when they don't feel like they belong here. Lots of us have this nomadic sensibility, especially if we go traveling all of the time, and if we look at other people's houses in warmer climates and we think that we want a piece of that, we are neglecting the most common aspect of our emotion when moving to another environment, namely feeling homesick. If you feel in your heart of hearts this is where you are meant to be, the culture shock can still creep in. This is why you've got to be aware that these things will happen, but it won't be like this forever. There's always solutions to minimize the culture shock sensibility, for example, joining an online expat group. You can find other people who were in the same position as you a few years or a few months ago. It gives you an insight into how to feel more at home where you are and also make friends in the process. Of course, we also need to remember that moving to another country is about embracing that culture. We can always feel like the outsider or the foreigner, and it is important for us to do our bit to make this place feel more like home by throwing ourselves into cultural traditions and showing people that we're not on the defense, but are actually looking to make this place a home rather than just a long-term vacation destination. How Will It Benefit Your Soul? As grandiose a question as this is, you need to ask yourself if this is the right thing deep down. Lots of us love the idea of moving to another country for essentially superficial reasons, for example, the glorious weather. But moving to another country is a big decision, and we have to come to the conclusion if what we are doing is going to actually benefit us deep down. Moving to a different climate is going to come with a number of health benefits, especially if you move further afield to Hawaii, but there's also the big question of if you will ever feel at home there. So if you are looking at properties in a far-flung location that you want to take advantage of either financially or as a vacation home, you still need to ask yourself if these things will truly be worth your while or if you are just investing in something that is yet another distraction in your life. Moving to another country comes with a lot of benefits - financial, emotional, and many more - but we've got to decide if moving somewhere else is truly worth our while. Many people have done it and returned home, but others have certainly made a success of it. You've got to ask yourself some of these major questions. When summer comes knocking, it brings along not only the warmth and sunshine but a host of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities. Here are eight ideas to help you soak in all the glorious summer weather has to offer.  Via Pexels
1. Discover The Green Thumb Within You Starting a summer garden is a rewarding way to enjoy the warm weather. Be it fruits, vegetables, or simply flowers for visual delight, gardening is therapeutic and gives you a sense of accomplishment. Plus, nothing beats the satisfaction of eating a salad with veggies you've grown yourself. This summer, grow tomatoes, cucumbers, or peppers in your backyard or even in containers on a sunny balcony. A garden does not only elevate your space but also allows you to connect with nature right at home. 2. Embark On A Local Adventure In today's digitally connected world, we often overlook the allure of simple pleasures that lie right outside our doorstep. One such activity is exploring local trails either on foot or by bike. Not only does it provide an excellent opportunity to engage in physical exercise, but it also allows you to appreciate the scenic beauty enveloping your surroundings. Each trail offers unique landscapes and challenges, making it a versatile activity suitable for all fitness levels. Furthermore, it encourages you to disconnect from technology and reconnect with the natural world, promoting mental tranquility and well-being. As a bonus, you may stumble upon beautiful spots perfect for a relaxing picnic or a memorable photoshoot. 3. Venture Into Birdwatching Summer is the ideal season for birdwatching, with migratory birds flocking in. Grab a bird guide book or download a bird identifying app, take your binoculars, and head to the nearest bird sanctuary or even your backyard. Birdwatching is a fascinating hobby that can teach patience and observation skills. It offers a chance to slow down and admire nature's intricate details. 4. Master Outdoor Cooking Summer is synonymous with barbeques and cookouts. This year, push your culinary boundaries by experimenting with new recipes. Challenge yourself by adding cowboy beans at your next cookout to your menu. These beans, slow-cooked with a mix of sweet and tangy flavors and a hint of smoked meat, are a staple at cookouts in the American West and will add a unique touch to your summer meals. It's a fun and delicious way to enhance your grilling skills and surprise your guests. 5. Practice Outdoor Yoga Starting your day with a yoga session under the early morning sun can be a rejuvenating experience. The combination of natural light, fresh air, and the tranquility of the outdoors enhances the benefits of yoga, making you feel calm and energized for the day ahead. Practicing yoga outdoors can also increase your vitamin D levels, and the varied terrain can help enhance your balance and stability. If you're new to yoga, consider joining an outdoor class or following an online tutorial. 6. Try Night Sky Observation On clear summer nights, the sky becomes a stunning tapestry of stars. Investing in a telescope and a star map can lead to many exciting summer nights spent stargazing. Make it a fun family activity, locate constellations, or watch meteor showers. You might even spot a few shooting stars! 7. Refresh With Homemade Summer DrinksWhy spend money on store-bought drinks when you can make fresh, healthier ones at home? Making homemade lemonade, iced tea, or fruity infusions can be an enjoyable process. Experiment with different flavors, add fresh herbs from your garden, and enjoy the refreshing drinks on a sunny afternoon. Not only will you hydrate and refresh yourself, but you'll also eliminate the artificial sweeteners and preservatives found in commercial beverages. Plus, it's a fun way to introduce kids to the joys of cooking. 8. Plan A Beach Day If you live near a coast, planning a beach day is a must. Beach volleyball, sandcastle building or just relaxing under an umbrella with a good book are just a few ways to enjoy yourself at the beach. Pack a picnic of summer goodies such as fresh fruits and sandwiches; don't forget your sunblock! Engaging in watersports like paddleboarding, snorkeling or just swimming can add excitement and adventure. To cap it all off perfectly build a bonfire and share stories as the sun goes down; creating memories that will last a lifetime. As summer comes into full bloom, now is the time to break free from our normal routines and embrace its many sun-drenched possibilities. Unleash your adventurous side, discover new passions or simply find joy in simple summer moments like dawn's early light to the spectacular sunset - let each moment be a celebration of life. There is a lot that you might be keen to get out of a garden space, but one of the most common and popular is for it to be usable as a place to entertain guests. If you are hoping to be able to do that, then you are going to have to take a closer look at things, and make sure that the garden really is set up right to do this, which can actually be a lot simpler than you might assume it to be. In this post, we’ll discuss some of the major things you will want to think about in this regard.  Image Source - CCO License Space First of all and perhaps most importantly, you need to make sure that there is enough space. This does not necessarily require that the garden is sprawling and huge, but merely that you have cleared and arranged it in such a way that you are able to entertain guests easily without having to worry about people having enough room to move around. If you are trying to make sure of this, you might need to declutter and move things around just to ensure that it works properly, so that is something to consider. BBQ Ready One of the most common ways to make use of a garden is of course to host a BBQ there from time to time, so it can be a great idea to ensure that your garden is truly and genuinely BBQ ready. There are a lot of things you might need to focus on to help with that, and in general it’s something that you are going to have to think about a lot. Anyway, you will hopefully be having chicken wings this weekend if you do this right, and that can help make your garden a much more entertaining place.  Image Source - CCO License
Attractive Of course, you will probably want your garden to look the part as well if it is going to be good for having guests, and mostly that means that it has an attractive appearance in a particular garden style that you can be happy with. Whether you are looking to adopt a modern look or a traditional one, or really anything in between, this is the kind of thing that you absolutely have to focus on if you want to make sure your garden is great for having guests. If nothing else, you will be a lot prouder to have it. All The Senses Finally, make sure that you have thought about all the senses, and that you are creating an exterior space which is as effective as possible when it comes to being somewhere people actually want to be. In other words, it doesn’t matter how it looks if it doesn’t smell nice enough, so you have to think about that kind of thing as best as you can. It really will make a huge difference to your experience of hosting guests in that space in the future. |
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