In light of the current pandemic, it comes as no surprise that there has been an exponential increase in wellbeing as a permanent lifestyle choice instead of an occasional weekend spa retreat.
Before the new normal, the wealthy might have had expensive gym memberships, but with the advent of lockdowns and remote working, Mark Harvey, head of European residential sales at Knight Frank, suggests that the wealthy are bringing the wellness experience into their homes.
He said, “In cities, the home, work and leisure aspects of life are increasingly combined into one location. People are increasingly working remotely or freelancing from home. Most are busier than ever and spending more time glued to their screens, so in seeking to get the work-life balance right, it’s relevant to them to be able to access the ultimate in wellness onsite.”
Wealthy individuals are no longer content with gym and spa areas in their private residences. Increasingly, they are looking towards boosting their homes’ wellness infrastructure. In the last year alone, trends like Vitamin-C showers, which purify water and improve skin and hair quality, have skyrocketed. Smart lighting technology that regulates circadian rhythms by mimicking natural light has also become very popular. Incorporating wellness innovation into the fabric of home design has exploded.
Other examples of this shift towards in-house wellness are the rise of ‘Anti-inflammatory living’, with requests such as specially designed boxes to avoid spreading radiation from phone charging, sourcing local materials, and avoiding the use of plastic fibre carpets or glues. Radicals are even going as far as replacing the once-essential whiskey cabinet with a tea cellar!
One of the most critical yet fundamental aspects of optimal health is getting a good nights sleep. As such, couples are looking for more comfortable ways to share a bed with their partner. Commodities such as varying temperatures on either side of the bed and spare sleeping areas are increasingly popular. As are relaxing amenities such as infra-red saunas and high-tech gadgets like The Mirror—an integrated digital fitness tool.
As food trends such as ‘veganism’, ‘raw foods’, and ‘only organic’ increase in popularity, there is a growing interest in people having a comprehensive understanding of precisely what they are putting into their bodies. Food preparation has become an integral part of the dining experience, the chef’s performance art as much a visual feast as the food itself. And in places like Hong Kong, where extravagant spaces are unattainable, apartment buildings are witnessing a trend of rooftop herb and vegetable gardens and professional kitchens within the building’s clubhouse.
Companies like 1508, one of London’s smartest interior design companies, suggests that the wealthy are better adapting to the Work-From-Home life by transforming less-visited spaces such as home cinemas into offices. Their expertise has allowed them to manage interior designs for large houses worldwide. One notable project on their radar is the Old War Office in Whitehall, London. The landmark building hasn’t been touched since 1906 but will soon be converted into 85 luxury apartments and a five-star hotel.
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