IN Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall Spring 2016 | Page 29

SPECIAL SECTION: HOME IMPROVEMENT

And it’s not just meats that can benefit from grilling. Bell peppers,
onions, zucchini and tons of other vegetables take on a wonderful
flavor when tossed lightly with olive oil, wrapped in foil and cooked
on a grill.
With an outdoor kitchen, grilling is not just for summer either.
With a covering for rainy days and outdoor heating available, it can be
used virtually year round. Although just a simple oven and grill can
change the way you live, a sink with running water and an added fridge
can really make cooking outdoors convenient.
For entertaining, the outdoor kitchen offers a way that you can
spend time with your guests while preparing the meal. There’s also an
entire line of in-ground sound equipment and specially made outdoor
TVs for entertaining. The televisions are completely waterproof and
three times as bright as a normal TV, so they can be viewed even in
strong direct sunlight.
IT’S ALL FUN AND GAMES
If your family always seems to be darting about in different
directions, perhaps a game room might entice them to spend a bit
more time at the old homestead.
A ping-pong table is a great way to get some exercise on rainy days
and evenings, and a Wii will also get your family off the couch for a
workout. If you’ve always thought you didn’t have the space for a pool
table, it may be easier to fit than you think. Tables come in 7, 8, 8.5
and 9-ft. options. Visit EasyPoolTutor.com for loads of information on
the equipment that’s right for you and tips on shooting pool.
Above all, your game room should reflect who you are. It can be fun
and funky or classy and elegant. It’s all up to you!

dedicated workspace. Even a closet can be transformed into a
workspace with the right planning, and the whole office can be put
away at day’s end by simply closing the closet door.
If you have even less space to work with, try a wall-mounted desk
that can be extended when in use and can collapse flush with the wall
when it’s not. Cubby holes built into the interior wall area can also
provide places for storage in a tight space. A creative builder can help
you make the most of your available space.
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HOME SWEET OFFICE
Are you one of those lucky individuals able to work from home?
The world just seems like a nicer place when you’re dressed in your
pajamas, doesn’t it? But work is still work. You need a place that’s
organized, designed well, and in which you feel comfortable. Chances
are, you may also need a degree of privacy to do your best work.
One of the most overlooked factors in productivity is lighting.
Many studies demonstrate that natural lighting is best whenever
possible, and results in more productivity among workers and a more
positive attitude toward the work itself. Lighting can have a profound
effect on your mood and can even influence your hormones. A good
overview of this subject is provided by Andrew Jensen, a business
growth, efficiency and marketing consultant, at AndrewJensen.net.
If placing your home office in an area with windows is not
possible, try the soft lighting of a lamp instead and try to avoid harsh
fluorescents. Adding a silk plant or two, along with a picture of the
outdoors, will help to transform a windowless area into a more
inviting space. Warm colors such as reds, yellows and orange will also
help warm up an otherwise dark office area such as a basement.
Next, you’ll want to design your workspace with cabinetry where
office supplies and files can be tucked neatly out of sight. Shelving that
is custom-designed for the way you work can transform even a tiny
space into an efficient work area. Having cabinets and shelves that are
suited to your exact purpose will eliminate a great deal of frustration
and overwhelming feelings of disorganization. A designer and expert
carpenter can help you get the most from your workspace.
Just because you don’t have an entire room in your house to
dedicate to your home office doesn’t mean that you can’t have a
Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall | Spring 2016 | icmags.com 27