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 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.
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 sprin