November 17, 2021

How Homes Have Been Optimized for Your Lifestyle

The ways that we live, play, work and interact have changed drastically in the past couple of years. Simultaneously, we’ve seen a lifestyle shift in many urban cities – one in which you’ve likely experienced yourself! As large segments of the population continue to spend more time at home, the ways in which people engage with their environment and spaces have changed as well. Let’s take a deeper dive into how condo-living has been optimized to fit all lifestyles!

The Office 2.0

The introduction of a trend we now know as “working remotely” has taken employers and employees by storm in the past two years. We’ve seen many companies scramble to shift and adopt new ways to operate businesses. At the same time, many employees have gone from “working in office” to a completely new and foreign environment – “working from home”.

During this time, many people have shared creative ways they have adapted to this new work culture. Home offices were born in spaces that were either:

• A.Previously intended for another purpose,
• B. Under-utilized, or
• C. Completely unused.

Whether it be the kitchen dining room table, a den or a small makeshift office area in the living room or bedroom – people have found ways to make it work!

Another subtle trend that has emerged from this unprecedented shift was the use of residential building amenities. You know what I’m referring to! I’m talking about the home theaters, meeting rooms, fitness centres, swimming pools, and resident lounges that are located right in your building. These previous “nice-to-have” (which you may or may have used once or twice a year) amenities have now evolved to “need-to-have” spaces.

We’ve repeatedly heard or read about the work-from-home fatigue that people were experiencing, as it became increasingly more difficult to separate “the office” from daily home life. This paved the way for “work from home” alternatives, such as:

• co-op office spaces
• meeting rooms
• board rooms
• business lounges
• workpods

to just name a few! With wonderful office perks ranging from taking a conference call in your pajamas, limited to zero rush hour woes, and complimentary wifi, residents have unparalleled access to office-like settings from the comforts of their home. Now, that’s a great way to kickstart any Monday morning!

Blending Indoor & Outdoor Living

The customary school of thought is that city-living means compromising on your standard of living – trading space and comfort for location. As many of us have learned, that isn’t an accurate representation of condo living in this day and age. The shift in conversation has trended away from solely square footage and toward design and functionality.

Smart designs should give residents the freedom to reimagine and transform spaces to fit their changing lifestyle needs. From murphy-style beds to retractable glass screen railings, the idea of convertible living spaces have gained traction in buildings throughout Metro Vancouver. After all, simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication when we think about condo-living. The concept of a “home” has outgrown the traditional four walls to encompass outdoor space and in-building amenities.

Consider this! The evolution of the transformative balcony is reflected in Concord buildings from 2010 to present. Within a decade, smart design features have significantly re-shaped and elevated the overall condo living experience. As we’ve seen in Concord’s recently completed project – Avenue One – the seamless transition from indoors to outdoors is achieved through well-appointed design elements. From oversized sliding glass doors, outdoor solar shades, and radiant ceiling heaters, the balcony is best described as an extension of the indoor living room. More importantly, the interchangeability between indoor and outdoor spaces allow residents to remain within arm’s reach of nature – and always from the comfort of home. That’s convenient at its finest when you can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate outside, regardless of the unpredictable west coast weather!

Another popular trend in condo-living is bringing nature indoors! You must be thinking – what are the top benefits of indoor plants? Well, here’s some food for thought! Indoor plants help:

• Enhance the look and aesthetic of any interior space
• Promote relaxation and calmness
• Reduce stress levels and fatigue
• Improve air quality by absorbing toxins and pollutants

House plants aren’t just nice to look at. It also serves a very practical purpose in helping to improve your overall health and well-being at home! If you’re wondering how to get started, we’ve provided some of our top choices that will pair well with condo-living:

• Snake Plant
• ZZ Plant
• Aloe Vera
• Peace Lily
• Succulents

Wellness Starts at Home

Whether it’s a high-intensity workout or relaxing meditation session, health and well-being remains a high-priority commitment for many. In the past few years, we’ve seen a significant spike in amenity usage throughout the Metro Vancouver area. While gyms and studios are gradually reopening, residents have also rediscovered a plethora of facilities they have access to – and right at home! From the early stages of urban planning, building designs have always been built with homeowners and their everyday needs in mind.

Located just steps away from your front door, residents can enjoy spaces that are intended to engage the mind and body. Looking at some of Concord’s past and upcoming communities, the scope of building amenities have continued to adapt to the changing needs and preferences of residents. Some examples include:

• An indoor bike loop
• Private gardens
• Fitness Centres
• Water Features
• Spin Studios
• Gear Rooms
• Gymnasiums
• Badminton Courts
• Bowling Alleys
• Karaoke Singing Rooms
• Games Rooms
• Yoga Rooms
• Swimming Pools
• Theatre Screening Rooms

As schedules get busier, the ways we engage and utilize spaces have evidently shifted. It is often easy to overlook the vision and purpose behind these “nice-to-have” amenities, and that is to encourage a healthy, active lifestyle (on your terms). Whether you only have time to squeeze in a 20 min cardio session or a brisk walk around the gardens with your furry friend, It’s safe to say that health and wellness really does start at home.