Do you have a bespoke ‘dirty zone’? | Emma Beddington

The latest trend in home design, according to the Washington Post, is the creation of a "dirty zone" in your living space. This concept has already caught my attention, as I have implemented this idea by designating various areas in my home as dirty zones. Each main entrance boasts its own dirty zone, and I even have one strategically placed outside the back door, right where an unidentified animal had left its mark.

Now, these dirty zones are not limited to just entryways. The fridge drawers, which often contain various leftovers, including windfall apples that I intended to cook but ended up liquefying, qualify as dirty zones. There's also a dirty zone near the washing machine and within it, due to the accumulation of mildew. Additionally, there's a festering compost bin that I've been too hesitant to address since the heatwave, as well as the cupboard under the stairs, which we prefer not to discuss.

While some may find this approach chic, I must admit I don't quite see it that way. The Washington Post actually emphasizes the importance of confining life's messy aspects to carefully delineated and hidden areas. This can include storage benches, monogrammed totes, or even a "mud room" specifically designed for storing coats, shoes, skis, lacrosse sticks, and dog-washing sinks. I imagine that in some regions, such as the United Kingdom, a boot room might be used to describe a similar space.

Interestingly, a 2021 study conducted in the Netherlands found that individuals who engaged in household chores in chaotic environments experienced higher levels of the stress marker salivary alpha-amylase. As I navigate through my own home, I can't help but wonder what's lingering in my mouth after stepping on piles of filthy shoes and rushing to answer the door.