SPECIAL SECTION HOME IMPROVEMENT 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 you can ’ t have a dedicated workspace . Even a closet can be transformed 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 wallmounted desk that can be extended when in use and collapsed flush with the wall when it ’ s not . Cubby holes built into the interior wall area can provide places for storage in a tight space . A creative builder can help you make the most of your available space .
If your work area 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 space . For example , tall wooden shutters can be linked together with hinges and painted any color to create a private area . Though not soundproof , this 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 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 .
BATHROOM BEAUTY
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
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FIVE HOT TRENDS IN HARDWOOD FLOORING
More than ever , homeowners are appreciating the added value that hardwood floors bring to a home .
Here ’ s a look at five top flooring trends that will help if you can ’ t see the wood for the trees .
Made in America “ There ’ s a growing demand for American-produced hardwoods ,” says Michael Martin , President and CEO of the National Wood Flooring Association . “ It ’ s part of the general trend toward locally sourced materials of all kinds in the U . S .” Consumer concerns about sustainability , quality , safety and environmental factors are more easily addressed when a hardwood is domestically grown and milled . Plus , the U . S . offers an unrivaled range of readily available species suitable for flooring .
Stains and Finishes Gray is a classic “ neutral ” that ’ s never truly out of fashion . It ’ s currently one of the most popular colors — ranging from pale smoke to deep charcoal — showing up in hardwood flooring . “ Whether light or dark , gray stains bring out any wood ’ s natural grain and texture ,” says New York interior designer Laura Bohn . “ Grays are versatile and timeless , quiet and soothing colors that recede into the background without losing personality or becoming faceless . They work in any style décor , yet always look modern .”
Species For several years , the trend was toward woods like hickory , but recently white oak has moved to the front . Along with abundance , durability and reasonable cost , white oak offers aesthetic advantages . Many of the popular gray-brown shades look especially sophisticated applied to white oak .
The Wider , The Better It ’ s all about wide , wider , widest . Planks of up to 7 inches in width are considered normal now . Traditional strip flooring still remains popular , but wide-plank is the market leader . Wider floorboards can make a space look larger and more modern . The floor can be treated like a canvas : ebonized for a sleek , dark look ; light-stained for an urban vibe ; distressed for a rustic effect — the possibilities are endless .
Popular Patterns One way to set your home interior apart is by tapping into the trend for herringbone and chevron pattern hardwood floors , which show up increasingly in decorating magazines . Since installing herringbone floors is a time- and labor-intensive process , they ’ re more common in high-end projects . Still , if you can afford to splurge , these floors are a gorgeous addition to any room .
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