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.
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!
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.
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 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.
Continued on page 23 >
CARLYNTON-MONTOUR
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SPRING 2020
21