We spend 87% of our lives inside buildings. How they are designed really affects how we feel, how we behave.”
- Ilse Crawford, an esteemed designer in Europe and creator of the Man and Well-being program at the Design Academy in Eindhoven.

Our time spent inside is probably closer to 100% considering our current global pandemic, and our surroundings are affecting us even more than usual. As interior designers, our aim is to provide healthy spaces for people to live and thrive, and these are 3 points we think are most important to consider:

Air: It might come as a surprise to some that indoor air may be just as problematic as pollution outdoors. There is potential for many of the furnishings and finishes in our homes to be off-gassing toxic chemicals into the air we breathe. Proper ventilation, operable windows or using air purifiers are all great ways to start breathing fresher air. To read more about this, check out this article.
Nature: Incorporating nature into your home is an easy way to create a space that brings happiness and can help us feel refreshed and more productive. A term for this is biophilia, which is the idea that humans have an inherent need to feel connected with nature and other forms of life. Adding a few plants, having natural light, natural textures and nature views are just some ways to create a positive impact. And don’t forget about time spent with our pets! Interacting with animals is another way to relieve stress and connect to nature.
Lighting: Our lives literally revolve around light levels. In the morning, we wake up with the sun and when it becomes dark outside, it indicates that it’s time for us to rest. Having exposure to natural light as much as possible with as little exposure to blue lighting when the sun has gone down, helps maintain our natural circadian rhythm. To find out more about what circadian rhythms are, check out this article. Additionally, natural light keeps our vitamin D levels balanced.

These are just a few pointers to help you get started on improving your space, your health and well-being!

As some of us are currently working from home, we thought it would be a good idea to pull together some helpful tips and tricks to set yourself up for success in your home.

Designate a proper work area. Not everyone has access to a spare room to dedicate to a home office, but wether it is rearranging some furniture in your living room or purchasing a functional desk, it can be quite easy to create a dedicated space for getting your work done. You can find some budget-friendly desks that create separation between your work area and other distractions here or here. While planning your space, take note of what items, office supplies and documents you will need to keep organized and on hand while you work. In addition, incorporating plants, inspirational books, or trinkets that bring you joy is always encouraged.
Make sure your desk setup is comfortable for you. Proper office ergonomics is so important to your wellbeing when sitting at a desk for hours at a time. Your computer screen should be at arm’s length away from your face, your wrists straight with hands at or below elbow level, and your chair height so knees are about level with your hips are a few things to take note of when setting up your desk. You can find more information on optimizing your office ergonomics here.
Set a schedule. The routine you have now will look very different than the routine you had before working from home, but keeping some of those tasks can help stay you on track. Things like getting ready for work by showering, getting dressed and eating breakfast as if you were heading into the office will help you feel refreshed and ready to take on the day. Your commute to work now means walking down the hall to your dedicated work space to focus, and scheduling breaks and virtual check-ins with your colleagues will help you maintain social connection. You can find more mental health tips for working from home here.
Practice self-care. Remember to stay hydrated, to stretch out your legs once in awhile and to eat a healthy lunch. Respect your limits and avoid working more than your usual work hours to avoid burnout. Get sufficient sleep and exercise regularly and you’ll be set!