HEALTHY HOME
In the
ZONE
With people spending more time at home, healthy practices are vital to ensure a positive environment for all. Hasmita Amtha investigates what can be done to create a harmonious living space
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eeping your home a healthy living space is important, says behavioural specialist, spatial strategist and interior creator Kim Williams, of Kim Williams Design. “We underestimate the impact our environment has on our sense of well being and health. It’s important your space works for you.” Williams suggests taking Kim Williams the interior-design approach of zoning. Zoning gives every space a function or multiple functions, and helps you demarcate and think about how you use your space, says Williams. “We all have different emotional needs and react to environments in unique ways. Some of us need more time alone, some need time together, some need to exercise, while others need time for creative tasks like writing. These emotional components must be given consideration in the home, because of their importance for how we sustain ourselves.”
HOW TO DO IT
Zoning our spaces is a key step towards achieving the perfect balance between form, function, flow and finesse, says Williams. Here’s how: • First de-clutter by creating order and giving everything a place. • Consider your layout. Focus on what you need the space to do and what boundaries you need to work around that will create a more functional design. • Make sure everyone has a place to work, with spaces for phone/Zoom calls, preferably out of earshot. You can also use soundproof sponge on doors, and screens to help with white noise. Screens are extremely useful to create privacy in open-plan spaces, and are used to subdivide or create sound barriers. • Make shared spaces flexible. The lounge can be used as a social, relaxation and exercise space. Multifunctional, movable furniture works well here. • Keep lighting in mind. Have spaces that are more ambient and others that are well lit for working and studying.
“We underestimate the impact our environment has on our sense of well-being and health.” – Kim Williams
HOUSEKEEPING
101
In the words of pro organiser, author, blogger and Netflix TV series host Marie Kondo, a space needs to “spark joy”, and while de-cluttering plays a major role in having a breathe-easy home, keeping it spotlessly clean is important for our mental and physical well-being. Speaking to experts in the industry, we look at why a professional clean, air and water filters, and natural cleaning products can help keep the whole family healthier.
DEEP CLEAN
With COVID-19 making us all more conscious of cleanliness and keeping germs at bay, a professional deep-cleaning service has never been more necessary. CLiCK Cleaning founder Joanna Jenkinson stresses the importance of this type of cleaning service every three to six months. “The benefits are worth keeping in mind. From reduction in allergies to improving indoor air quality and eliminating harmful bacteria and viruses, it does wonders for everyone’s health.” Deep cleaning usually involves cleaning the surface areas with the use of industrial machines or active chemicals, then disinfecting surfaces after cleaning, says Jenkinson. “We are green certified and HACCP compliant. We use professional extraction machines to deep clean upholstery,
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