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Renew Blog

How the Pandemic Has Changed the Way We Use Our Home

As people across the country are still working from home, participating in remote learning, and entertaining family and friends in their backyards, they are starting to see their space in a whole new light. Homes have become a sanctuary to escape the chaos and functional space to keep up with everyone’s day-to-day lifestyle.

Here are a few ways we have seen the pandemic change the way we use our home and some suggestions to upgrade yours as we continue to navigate this new normal.

Home Offices

For most people, remote work is a new reality, and setting up an office that is both private and functional can be a challenge. If you have children doing remote learning, it is important to have more than one dedicated workspace at home to reduce distraction. Here are some suggestions to update your home to ensure everyone has a productive space: 

  • Convert a guest room into a home office or classroom.
  • If you have an open floor plan, create ‘micro-rooms’ by rearranging furniture.
  • Add additional windows to provide more natural light.
  • Install shelves or storage units to eliminate any distractions from clutter while also encouraging work not to leave the space.
  • Add sound-rated acoustic doors or sound-proof walls to improve productivity while working remotely at home.

Kitchens

Your kitchen has become more than a place for just cooking this year. For many, it has turned into an alternative classroom or office space. Here are some changes to help accommodate the added chaos:

  • Add a larger kitchen island with built-in storage to help decrease additional clutter.
  • Update light fixtures to provide a new feel to space with LED or eco-friendly bulbs.
  • Add a freestanding or movable island to save storage space and improve functionality.
  • Consider adding wall dividers or screened walls to separate the kitchen from working spaces. This allows flexibility for open space vs. extra space when needed.

Entryways

Instead of thinking about grand entryways, more people are opting for safety. Here are some ways to rethink how you enter your home:

  • Use a door that is closer to a bathroom or utility sink for easy access for hand washing.
  • Have a designated ‘shoe zone’ to avoid tracking germs inside.
  • Keep disinfecting wipes close to the door to clean doorknobs and light switches.
  • Consider adding smart home technology to reduce touching locks, lights, and appliances.
  • Add an additional washer and dryer to your mudroom to allow you to wash your dirty clothes as soon as you come home.

Outdoor Upgrades

Upgrading your backyard is a smart way to increase the living space on your property. As many activities require social distancing, the following additions could help provide your family with more outdoor activities to keep you busy.

  • Create an outdoor patio or deck that will allow outdoor dining while remaining at home.
  • Add more green spaces or mini-gardens in your yard. This allows for new hobbies to thrive and improves the overall aesthetic of the exterior of your home.
  • Consider adding a fire pit. This allows outdoor fun to continue into the colder months and encourages leaving home while still staying safe and on your property.
  • Add space heaters around outdoor areas. This can help you dine and entertain outdoors comfortably during the colder months. Space heaters are a modern method of warming up during the winter, but they are also the second leading cause of home fires. Never leave a space heater unattended, and make sure to turn off and unplug the heater when you go inside.

While these are only just some of the changes we see happening to the way we use our homes, the GMT team is ready to help you make your dreams a reality. Contact us today for all home design needs.