If your health is a priority — and it should be — then you will want to take it into account when having a new home designed. If your home is laid out and planned in a way that promotes health, then you won't have to put as much daily effort into maintaining healthy habits. Here are some specific design tips and guidelines to adhere to if your goal is to build a healthy home.
1. Include some seating space in the kitchen.
You're more likely to make healthy eating choices if there is somewhere convenient to sit in the kitchen. If you can sit at the kitchen island to peel and enjoy an orange, for instance, you're more likely to eat that orange rather than just grabbing a bag of chips and heading to the sofa. Also, eating together in the kitchen as a family allows for more socialization than if you were to all just eat in front of the TV. And socialization is great for your mental health! Whether it's a kitchen island with room for chairs or just a small table, make sure there's room to eat in the actual kitchen.
2. Include plenty of windows.
Natural light is good for your mental health. Many people do not go outside as often as they should, so incorporating more windows into your home design is a smart way to increase your natural light exposure. You could include a picture window in the living room or a bay window in the dining room. Have the windows fitted with UV-blocking glass so you don't have to worry about unhealthy UV exposure when you rest in the sunlight.
3. Add an enclosed entryway.
If possible, you should design the home with an enclosed entryway or mudroom. This allows you to leave your dirty shoes, clothing, and other items in the entryway room rather than bringing them into the rest of your home. This way, you won't have unhealthy pollen, dirt, and other debris circulating in your home's air.
4. Choose hard flooring.
Carpet is pretty and comfortable, but it's not the healthiest choice. It gets dirty quickly and it is hard to clean. Even if you shampoo it often, carpet can harbor mold spores, bacteria, and other pathogens that could harm your health. Hard floors, whether they're made from hardwood, tile, or linoleum, are easy to keep clean, and a clean home is a healthier home.
Talk to your healthy home building contractor about these and other ideas for healthier home design. If you build a home that truly promotes health, you can look forward to a healthier future.
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