Even more homely

I live alone in a one-bedroom flat.

It's a lovely flat, and I am lucky to have access to the communal gardens, and to be close to the woods.

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In what ways has the coronavirus pandemic changed the way you use your home?

The biggest change is that I am at home all the time.

Normally, I travel a lot for work, and am rarely home for more than two weeks at a time. Now my suitcase has been in the cupboard for over two months, and I've no idea when it'll come out again.

How do you feel about your home? How have these feelings changed?

I'm really appreciating it – it's a lovely flat that I've had decorated over the last year, and now I am able to be in it everyday and enjoy it, and also make it even more homely.

Some of my newly-decorated walls, flowers

How does staying at home affect your relationships?

God, I miss my friends, and I miss physical contact!

Like everyone else, I do a lot of stuff on Zoom, work, yoga classes and friend/family catch ups, but it really isn't the same.

In the last week or so, I've started going on socially-distant walks with friends.

What do you appreciate most about your home? What do you find frustrating?

I love the location, and I am also really appreciating all of the decorating work I had done in the last year. It's quiet and close to the woods.

There's not much I find frustrating at all about it – the kitchen is small, but that's about it.

How has lockdown changed your habits or routines at home?

As I say, I am now at home all the time, without travelling, or going anywhere really – apart from a daily walk and regular bike rides.

I have more time for myself and for cooking, and I bought a tv so I don't have to watch films on my laptop, and a bicycle – haven't ridden for years – and it's nice to enjoy relatively quiet London roads.

How is your sense of home affected by your neighbours or those living nearby?

I live in a block of flats and am quite friendly with some of my neighbours. The Thursday clap has become a nice way to feel part of a community with the people in the other flats and in the street beyond.

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