The activities in the home inform how we occupy and utilize the space. When we review the Holistic Home Aspect of Activities, we have to be mindful of their compatibility. Without paying attention to this, we may end up housing incompatible activities in the same space.
Below we explore how these mismatched activities work against each other, and against the space itself. As we examine the home holistically, we also evaluate which Aspects they have in common, and which ones are in conflict with each other.
Bedroom and Work Area
• Common Aspect – Sound When space is limited, we may feel compelled to introduce a work area or a desk in the bedroom. The one compatible aspect those two have in common is that they are quiet activities. However, the incompatible aspects far outweigh the common sound aspect.
• Incompatible Aspects – Light / Color Sleeping and working sit on opposite ends of the spectrum as activities, one is about resting and winding down, the other is about focusing and concentrating. Combining the two in one room can work against a restful bedroom, and against a productive work area. The two activities call for different light levels and different colors, dim and warm for winding down at night, bright and energizing for staying focused during the day.
Living Room and TV Area
• Common Aspect – Furniture These two activities may share the same type of furniture – comfortable, cozy and relaxing. However, they vary significantly when it comes to space layout and community.
•Incompatible Aspects – Space Layout / Community One of these activities is social, fostering conversation and connection, while the other favors quiet, side-by-side viewing. In front of the TV, we are "alone" together. The layout that supports community in a living area is centrally oriented, encouraging eye contact and conversation, while a TV area favors one side of the room, with seating arranged side-by-side. When the two are combined in one layout, the space usually ends up diminishing the community aspect. Housing them separately, when possible, tends to work better.
Play Area and Study Area
• Common Aspect – Light Both areas benefit from brightness and lightness to feel energetic, active, and upbeat. However, movement, patterns, and textures sit at opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to spatial requirements, and combining them in one room can make the space harder to use well.
• Incompatible Aspects – Movement / Patterns and Textures The play area is active, encouraging movement and needing enough open space for children to move freely, while the study area is sedentary and fixed in place. Patterns and textures associated with play tend to be bold and visually busy, supporting a sense of freedom and stimulation. In a study area, the same busy patterns compete with the visual calm that supports focus.
Yoga and Meditation Area
• Common Aspects – Movement / Spirituality Both activities relate to Movement and Spirituality, and they often get grouped together. However, they call for different spatial conditions to work well.
• Incompatible Aspects – Spaciousness / Sound The proportions of the space, and the sound conditions each activity needs, are in conflict. The yoga or exercise area is dynamic and benefits from a larger space, with room for unimpeded movement and good airflow. The meditation area supports solitude and inward focus, and benefits from a smaller, cozy, and quiet space.
The main takeaway is that the activities in the home inform how we occupy and utilize the space, and incompatible activities can work against how well that space actually functions. Thoughtfully examining their compatibility, in conjunction with all Aspects of the Holistic Home, helps each space genuinely support the activities it holds.
To better understand the activities in the home answer the following questions:
What activities do I/we prioritize in the home? What activities do I/we wish we could do at home? Which activities help me/us stay active and engaged? Which activities do I perform that require the highest effort and concentration? Which activities aid in unwinding and relaxation? Which activities do I/we like to do in solitude? Which activities do I/we like to do in a group setting? How do I/we like to play and consider recreation in the home?