With people spending more time at home for work and personal activities as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, designers and homeowners have been looking for smart and effective ways to reimagine home environments to adapt to new lifestyles and the next chapter of work-life balance.
A variety of design strategies for creating a sense of well-being in our physical and emotional lives will continue to remain relevant in a post-pandemic world. I believe that the definition of the “work week” will forever be changed.
Even when we all get back to a more normalised mode, working from home will remain on the schedule for many.
Flex spaces
A key element in successful design – and given that homes are now multifunctional centres for work, schooling and home life – is flexibility for changing needs. Designing areas to suit more than one purpose, or what is referred to as “flex spaces”, gives people the option of expanding the functionality of their homes and allows for different uses throughout the day and in the evening.
A flex space that is thoughtfully planned can evolve from a media room, to a nursery and then to a remote school or office. Homes designed with flexible workspaces, such as studies or dens that double as guest rooms, or kitchens that feature nooks outfitted with work desks, have been catapulted into the spotlight, and the value of a flex home office has become a necessity for people to maintain full-time focus.
Simultaneously, while maximising space and functionality is essential, it does not need to take up added square footage; this is particularly critical in small homes and dense urban environments, where every square foot is valuable.
Choosing the right spot
The first step in creating a comfortable workspace is identifying a good location. I have carved spaces for clients out of pantries, niches along a hallway, deep window openings, linen closets, nooks in a bedroom, and via repossessed attics and basements.
Fitting your workspace with a desk, an ergonomic chair that allows movement and promotes good posture, healthy and photogenic lighting, and shelves and storage that enable you to “shut down” at the end of the day are all important elements. This idea of shutting down can also be achieved spatially through small doors or panels that help separate work from leisure.
If your home layout permits, another option might be to convert a small alcove or portion of a room into a child’s study area, office or home library, and enclosing the space with glass doors to maximise visual and acoustical privacy while letting in as much natural light as possible. Implementing the design with natural materials in neutral tones and textures creates a sense of calm, which promotes wellness, as does the use of natural wood, textiles and stone, and plants.
Light up the way
Access to light and the proper use of artificial light can physically improve a person’s energy, disposition and health. This extends to creating workspaces at home – spaces that are close to natural light are preferred.
If you can create a remote work or learning space that provides even a small glimpse to the outdoors, where you can see the changing weather and moving forms, and hear the sounds of people or nature, the senses are kept active and the brain energised. A lower level of ambient light with a stronger lower task light reduces eye strain. The use of circadian lighting systems that vary throughout the day to reflect the body’s natural rhythm also creates vitality.
While there are many design strategies that can be used to promote wellness, I find that highlighting the opportunities to connect to the outdoors while at home, and maximising access to daylight and fresh air in our living spaces, can be some of the most effective, especially as many people have been spending much more time indoors over the past year.
Bring the outdoors in
One strategy to promote connectivity to nature is through “inside-out living” by incorporating real, accessible outdoor space – even in urban settings – in the form of balconies, terraces or loggias.
Biophilic design, which incorporates the scientific knowledge that mere visual access to nature reduces stress is a principle that has been used from the ancient Gardens of Babylon to the designs of Frank Lloyd Wright. Depending on the scale, these private or shared outdoor spaces can even be used for recreation or remote working.
Another strategy to bring the outdoors in is to design spaces with large corner windows, skylights or floor-to-ceiling glass. Combining this increased window space with multiple operable panes allows for increased cross-ventilation, reducing the need for air conditioning while promoting natural airflow.
While the pandemic has made it a short-term priority to incorporate designs and features that maximise flexibility and wellness in the home, these are likely to remain desirable attributes long into the future. It is our role as designers and homeowners to create inspiring spaces that promote well-being and enliven the spirit.
Nancy J Ruddy is the co-founding principal and executive director of interior design at architecture, interiors and planning firm CetraRuddy, where she leads research and design for innovative residential, cultural, and workplace projects
Company%20profile
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
EA Sports FC 25
Developer: EA Vancouver, EA Romania
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4&5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3.5/5
FIGHT%20CARD
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German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere
Director: Scott Cooper
Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Odessa Young, Jeremy Strong
Rating: 4/5
The specs
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 502hp at 7,600rpm
Torque: 637Nm at 5,150rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Price: from Dh317,671
On sale: now
Andor
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SPEC SHEET
Display: 6.8" edge quad-HD dynamic Amoled 2X, Infinity-O, 3088 x 1440, 500ppi, HDR10 , 120Hz
Processor: 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/Exynos 2200, 8-core
Memory: 8/12GB RAM
Storage: 128/256/512GB/1TB
Platform: Android 12
Main camera: quad 12MP ultra-wide f/2.2, 108MP wide f/1.8, 10MP telephoto f/4.9, 10MP telephoto 2.4; Space Zoom up to 100x, auto HDR, expert RAW
Video: 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, full-HD@60fps, HD@30fps, super slo-mo@960fps
Front camera: 40MP f/2.2
Battery: 5000mAh, fast wireless charging 2.0 Wireless PowerShare
Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC
I/O: USB-C
SIM: single nano, or nano and SIM, nano and nano, eSIM/nano and nano
Colours: burgundy, green, phantom black, phantom white, graphite, sky blue, red
Price: Dh4,699 for 128GB, Dh5,099 for 256GB, Dh5,499 for 512GB; 1TB unavailable in the UAE
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
RESULTS
ATP China Open
G Dimitrov (BUL x3) bt R Bautista Agut (ESP x5)
7-6, 4-6, 6-2
R Nadal (ESP x1) bt J Isner (USA x6)
6-4, 7-6
WTA China Open
S Halep (ROU x2) bt D Kasatkina (RUS)
6-2, 6-1
J Ostapenko (LAT x9) bt S Cirstea (ROU)
6-4, 6-4
ATP Japan Open
D Schwartzman (ARG x8) bt S Johnson (USA)
6-0, 7-5
D Goffin (BEL x4) bt R Gasquet (FRA)
7-5, 6-2
M Cilic (CRO x1) bt R Harrison (USA)
6-2, 6-0
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
Skoda Superb Specs
Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol
Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
Price: From Dh147,000
Available: Now
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
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LA LIGA FIXTURES
Friday Celta Vigo v Villarreal (midnight kick-off UAE)
Saturday Sevilla v Real Sociedad (4pm), Atletico Madrid v Athletic Bilbao (7.15pm), Granada v Barcelona (9.30pm), Osasuna v Real Madrid (midnight)
Sunday Levante v Eibar (4pm), Cadiz v Alaves (7.15pm), Elche v Getafe (9.30pm), Real Valladolid v Valencia (midnight)
Monday Huesca v Real Betis (midnight)
The%20Last%20White%20Man
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'Morbius'
Director: Daniel Espinosa
Stars: Jared Leto, Matt Smith, Adria Arjona
Rating: 2/5
What is an FTO Designation?
FTO designations impose immigration restrictions on members of the organisation simply by virtue of their membership and triggers a criminal prohibition on knowingly providing material support or resources to the designated organisation as well as asset freezes.
It is a crime for a person in the United States or subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to knowingly provide “material support or resources” to or receive military-type training from or on behalf of a designated FTO.
Representatives and members of a designated FTO, if they are aliens, are inadmissible to and, in certain circumstances removable from, the United States.
Except as authorised by the Secretary of the Treasury, any US financial institution that becomes aware that it has possession of or control over funds in which an FTO or its agent has an interest must retain possession of or control over the funds and report the funds to the Treasury Department.
Source: US Department of State
Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi
“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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United States
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China
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UAE
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Japan
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5
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Norway
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6.
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Canada
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Singapore
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Australia
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Saudi Arabia
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South Korea
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Despacito's dominance in numbers
Released: 2017
Peak chart position: No.1 in more than 47 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Lebanon
Views: 5.3 billion on YouTube
Sales: With 10 million downloads in the US, Despacito became the first Latin single to receive Diamond sales certification
Streams: 1.3 billion combined audio and video by the end of 2017, making it the biggest digital hit of the year.
Awards: 17, including Record of the Year at last year’s prestigious Latin Grammy Awards, as well as five Billboard Music Awards
The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Price, base / as tested Dh99,000 / Dh132,000
Engine 3.6L V6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power 275hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 350Nm @ 3,700rpm
Fuel economy combined 12.2L / 100km