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Wellness is a hot topic these days, specifically when it comes to home design. Luxury homeowners have come to expect their living environment to promote both physical and mental well-being, and theyre willing to pay top dollar for it. If youre looking to transform your abode into your own personal sanctuary, here are a few ways to create a healthy and relaxing environment.

Circadian Lighting
All of our screens”phones, tablets, laptops and televisions”emit blue light that tells our brains its time to be awake. To counteract this, there are now a variety of different smart lightbulbs available that dont give off any blue light, while also syncing with your circadian rhythm and helping to regulate melatonin production.

Spa-Like Bathrooms
Having your own private spa at home is a fool-proof way to experience instant relaxation. These days, features go far beyond having a walk-in rain shower, as homeowners are installing infrared saunas, massage rooms, and more, to help keep in touch with their bodies and ensure they feel their best.

Neutral Colors
While a splashy palette is fun and exciting, theres a reason why you dont see too many wellness retreats designed with a vibrant color scheme. Neutral colors tend to be more soothing and help put us at ease.

Biophilic Design
It may sound very scientific, but biophilic design is simply about creating living spaces that connect to the outdoors. Focused on a balance between sustainability and well-being, its being embraced by those who feel at peace in nature and want to preserve it.

Healthy Materials
Unfortunately, some products commonly used in home building can be pretty nasty. Be sure to use materials that are free of formaldehyde, phthalates and volatile organic compounds (known as VOCs) when doing work on your home. The good news is that there are plenty of nontoxic materials that are safe to use.

Purification and Filtration
Having a water filtration system throughout the house ensures that every fixture is running clean, potable water that will leave your skin and hair feeling healthier. Whether you have allergies, respiratory issues, or simply want to breathe air thats free of contaminants and pollutants, an air purifier is another sound investment to promote well-being in your home.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are four tips to ensure that your homes surroundings are on full display.

Oversized Windows

It goes without saying, but more windows means more views. They frame an unforgettable backdrop and bring the scenery into your house.

Thoughtful Landscaping

Your landscaping should enhance the scenery, not take away from it, while also maintaining privacy.

Decorate Accordingly

Low-slung furniture can be useful to avoid creating obstructions in a room, and the color palette that you choose should complement the scenery.

Focus on Seating Arrangements

Try to create seating areas that capture the best viewpoints in the house.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Looking to revamp your home before bringing it on the market? A fresh coat of paint can make all the difference. Do away with those dated walls and cover up the scuff marks that show general wear and tear. If youre looking for some inspiration, here are five of todays trendiest paint colors.

Living Coral

As Pantones 2019 Color of the Year, living coral is a vibrant peach shade that will add a burst of color to any wall in your home. Whether youre looking to brighten up a dark space or create a visually interesting accent wall, this blend of orange and pink is utterly uplifting.

Hunter Green

Bold yet earthy, youll find hunter green on Benjamin Moores 2019 Color Trends Palette. This rich tone complements classic colors, making it a safe bet to stay in style well after the year ends. If youre the type who likes to play things safe, rest assured that hunter green can be accented with more neutral tones.

Moody Blue

Mood shades of blue are all the rage right now. From kitchens to dining rooms, this dark and sultry hue makes a serious statement that interior designers cant get enough of these days. It works best in a room that gets plenty of natural light and pairs well with metallic fixtures.

Soft Pastels

You can never go wrong with gentle pastels to set the tone. Sky blues and sea greens create a soft color palette that serves as the base when decorating the rest of the room. If you find bold color schemes to be too overwhelming, this could be the choice for you.

Cavern Clay

A relaxed version of living coral, cavern clay is a soothing tone that works equally well in the living room, bedroom, or powder room. Reminiscent of terracotta, it has a down-to-earth feel that can transform a room.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

If youre searching for a new home, you might want to consider looking in a subdivision. You could find a house with amenities that homes in other neighborhoods lack, but there are some downsides to consider.

What Are Houses Like in a Subdivision?
Houses in a subdivision were most likely built by the same construction company. Therefore, they will be around the same age and may all have a similar style, or a handful of styles may be repeated throughout the neighborhood. Theyll also probably be similar in size, unless some homeowners have built additions.

Homes in a subdivision may have some standard amenities that arent typically found in houses that were built individually and scattered throughout other communities. If youre looking for a master suite or a house constructed with the most energy-efficient materials, you may be more likely to find those features in a subdivision than in other areas.

Other Characteristics of a Subdivision
Subdivisions are generally built outside the center of a city. That means they may not be close to stores, restaurants, parks and other places you visit frequently. That could be a problem if you dont have a car, or you might wind up spending a lot more than you would like on gas and vehicle maintenance.

Houses in a subdivision are generally close together. That can be a good thing if you like to spend time with your neighbors and your kids make friends in the community. You may also feel safer knowing that other people are around and that neighbors can keep an eye on your home if you go on vacation. The proximity could be a problem, however, if you prefer privacy and your neighbors like to socialize.

A subdivision is often governed by a homeowners association. Fees are typically charged for maintenance, landscaping and insurance coverage for common areas, such as a community pool and tennis courts. The fees may be several thousand dollars per household per year. An HOA may have rules governing everything from the colors people can paint their houses to landscaping, fencing, use of yards, where vehicles can be parked, and when and how residents can decorate their homes. Some people like the fact that everyone is held to a consistent standard to maintain the appearance of the neighborhood, but others are frustrated by the lack of freedom.

Is Life in a Subdivision Right for You?
A house in a subdivision may have the amenities and sense of community you want, but it may also have an overwhelming number of restrictions. Before you decide to buy a house in a subdivision, make sure you understand the rules and discuss the pros and cons with your real estate agent.

Published with permission from RISMedia.