A ROOM OF ONE’S OWN — Cont’d from page 57
Swan says a lot of homeowners are continuing to embrace the open concept in terms of their home’s common area — the kitchen, dining room and great room — but are opting for more closed off personal areas (such as a closed sitting area within a master bedroom) and recreational areas (like a private sunroom or home gym with a door that closes). And thankfully the days of the dungeon basement are behind us, creating a large opportunity for homeowners to build the perfect isolation escape below ground level. “With the walkout basements, we’ve got two or three levels in some homes,” Swan says. “There’s enough separation where people can go find a place for themselves and not have to feel like they have to practise social distancing in their house.” Take Huntington Homes’ latest show home, a stunning 3,305-square-foot custom built bungalow at 661 Bridge Lake Drive, for example. It boasts a basement with a walkout that leads right out to the lake. The lower- level’s main area — which features a wet bar, fireplace and rec room — is surrounded by bedrooms and a closed-in gym space.
HUNTINGTON HOMES — 661 Bridge Lake Drive — Bridgwater Trails
Aside from the defined spaces naturally created by the layout of a house, it’s important for homeowners to create personal sanctuaries within the home — human charging stations, if you will. The most obvious spot for a relaxing sanctuary — especially if space is tight? The bedroom, of course. “I share my house with my husband and a seven year old and a nine year old, and when we were in the full- on lockdown, I was retreating to my bedroom and locking the door,” says Kelsey Kosman, who helps clients create their dream spaces as owner/designer of Dollhouse Design.
“It doesn’t matter what the space is, I think that just for our own mental health, we realize that having our own time and space is important. “I think everybody should have a goal of having one space in the house where they really pour their heart into creating a thought-out, well-designed space that makes them feel good to go into for quiet time.” Kosman suggests creating comfortable, minimalistic, clutter-free bedrooms where you (or the kids) can have an escape. “I love adding real plants, diffusers for aromatherapy, and layered lighting is
Cont’d on page 60
HUNTINGTON HOMES — 661 Bridge Lake Drive — Bridgwater Trails
JUST FOR OUR OWN MENTAL HEALTH, WE REALIZE THAT HAVING OUR OWN TIME AND SPACE IS IMPORTANT.
58 Parade of Homes Fall 2020
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