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.
If your office is not separated from the rest of your home and
building a wall is not an option, there are still attractive ways to define
your workspace. For example, tall wooden shutters can be linked
together with hinges and painted to any color to create a private area.
Though not soundproof, they can create an intimate atmosphere of
privacy when needed for oneself or seeing clients. Tall silk plants, such
as a series of ficus trees, can also be used to divide the space.
Don’t skimp on your office chair! It’s likely a place where you
will be sitting for several hours every single day. Make sure that it’s
comfortable and provides plenty of lumbar support, in addition to
being an attractive addition to your office. Visit Spine-Health.com for
some helpful suggestions on choosing the right chair that will work
best for you.
THE GREAT ESCAPE –
YOUR BATHROOM
Though your bathroom may not spring to mind as the place to hold
your next cocktail party, with the right accoutrements, your bath can
be a great place to hang out and enjoy life. And if you live with family
members, it may be the only place in your house where you can truly
be alone for a bit.
Besides just being a place to “get ready” to meet the day, it’s also
a relaxing space to recharge your batteries after a long week at work.
Hydrotherapy is one of the best ways to relieve stress and help tired,
overworked muscles. With tons of specialized showerheads, you can
have everything from the sprinkle of a gentle rain to an invigorating
massage to bring your body back to center. And a nice relaxing bath in
a soaker tub can make the world go away for a while.
Does all of this sound like a fantasy? Maybe not. According to
designer Mary Laipple, Director of the Kitchen and Bath Design
Studio at 84 Lumber, you may be able to make updates to your bath
for less than you might expect.
“If a homeowner is just updating and not moving plumbing, heating
ducts and electricity, the makeover can start at around $10,000,” says
Laipple. And the choices for today’s bath are incredibly enticing.
Laipple says that many homeowners are opting for larger showers that
will not only get you clean, but can also bathe you in LED lighting that
changes colors to suit your mood. You can also enjoy your favorite
music in the shower to either calm you down after a stressful day, or
pep you up for the daily routine.
Vanities and bath cabinetry have also arrived in the 21st century.
Vanities are no longer empty-shell cabinets that open to a cavernous
interior with little customization. Current options for drawers and
cabinets include specialized areas for storing your blow dryer neatly
away and stackable storage options for makeup. And while you’re
standing in front of that vanity applying your makeup, you can watch
TV in the mirror! New technology allows your favorite TV program
to be projected onto the mirror, so you can keep up with the latest
baseball scores or check the weather before going out.
Slate and marble tile are always elegant options for bathrooms, but
one of the latest trends in baths are porcelain tiles that mimic wood.
These tiles come in sizes up to 48” and can be laid to look like natural
Continued on next page >
Canon-Mac | Spring 2016 | icmags.com 27