HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE
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.
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.
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CHARTIERS VALLEY ❘
SPRING 2020
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