Thriving in Place

The Harris Poll conducted an online survey, the “Window to Well-Being”, in August of this year on behalf of Marvin, the family owned and operated cedar and lumber company (and manufacturer of doors and windows). Harris polled more 1,300 people in the United States, including homeowners, builders, architects, and designers. In addition, Harris had also conducted an online flash poll in April of this year on behalf of Marvin, reaching more than 1,000 people in the United States, ages 18 and older.

The results were not surprising:

• 96 percent of homeowners said their homes contribute to their happiness, just one percentage point behind the health of their families.
• 58 percent of homeowners plan to complete a home renovation to help them feel happier at home.
• Nearly 70 percent of homeowners and more than 80 percent of trade professionals said access to natural light is a top contributor to feelings of well-being.
• 73 percent of architects and designers said clients have asked to increase natural light in their homes.
• 61 percent of homeowners struggle to wake up when it is still dark outside and 81 percent feel more rested when they wake up to natural light.
• 92 percent of respondents said outside noise is an important factor in buying a home. Nearly 70 percent said poor soundproofing would keep them from buying a particular home.
• 95 percent of homeowners agree air circulation is an important factor when buying a home.
• 90 percent say outdoor views are important to making a home feel happy.

None of that is surprising because we’re animals — and we’re social and nesting animals, at that.

Check for Grown-Ups

Especially during the coronavirus pandemic, a house is no longer just a home: It’s now doing duty as a workplace, a school, an exercise space, and in some cases a place of worship. Is that a lot to ask? Well, that depends who you ask.

With or without a pandemic, we’re always in favor of taking a look at our confines. What we mean is we’re always re-evaluating and re-arranging our own homes. (We think practicing what we preach is a good thing.) The dirty little secret to doing that is that there is no dirty little secret. Rather than looking for some magic arrangement or thinking in terms of right-or-wrong configurations, use your imagination. Optimize your space.

Does that thing work over there? No? Move it. Does this piece of furniture or equipment work in this room? No? Move it. Do these colors suit your taste? No? Change them. Do you have all the things you need to do what needs to be done in your home? No? Get them. As long as there are no adults around to tell you can’t do something, do it. It’s your home. And it’s your key to thriving in place.

If you need help, call us. We’re not afraid of grown-ups.