SPECIAL SECTION : HOME & GARDEN RENOVATION GUIDE
yard will benefit greatly by incorporating segmental retaining walls constructed from concrete masonry . Using concrete not only provides the best value for the investment , but also delivers superior design flexibility and aesthetic appeal to any landscape .
• When planting flowers , go with annuals . To have a continuous sense of color throughout your yard , plant annual flowers alongside your favorite perennials . Research and lay out creative flower combinations that make use of both kinds of flowers for lasting beauty .
• Think year-round . One of the biggest mistakes a homeowner can make is only providing one or two seasons ’ worth of eyecatching landscaping . Plan for having plentiful trees and shrubs during the springtime , fall foliage during autumn months , and good , visually interesting plant life in the winter , such as holly shrubs or bayberry bushes .
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 for a home office doesn ’ t mean 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 collapsed 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 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 , they can create an intimate atmosphere of privacy when needed for yourself or for 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 .
Decked Out
One way to add living space to your home is the addition of an
Home Sweet Office outdoor deck or patio . Having a great outdoor space is like adding an extra room to your house . It can be enjoyed by the whole
Are you one of those lucky individuals able to work from family or experienced in quiet solitude as a retreat to the zen of home ? The world just seems like a nicer place when you ’ re outdoor living . dressed in your pajamas , doesn ’ t it ? But work is still work . You If you like to entertain , then an outdoor space is a must . Guests need a place that ’ s organized , designed well , and in which you feel can spill out onto the patio , extending your home to allow more comfortable . Chances are , you may also need a degree of privacy freedom for guests to mingle both inside and out . to do your best work . Though the words “ patio ” and “ deck ” are often used
One of the most overlooked factors in productivity is lighting . interchangeably , there is a difference . A patio is generally
Many studies demonstrate that natural lighting is best whenever constructed of stone pavers , tile or a simple concrete foundation possible , and results in more productivity among workers and a that sits squarely on the ground . Decks are usually made of wood , more positive attitude toward the work itself . Lighting can have PVC ( also called vinyl ) or composite , which has wood content a profound effect on your mood and can even influence your that has been encapsulated in a PVC wrap . Decks can either be hormones . A good overview of this subject is provided by Andrew ground level or elevated . When considering which option is best
Jensen , a business growth , efficiency and marketing consultant , at for you , you ’ ll want to look at the costs and which one works well andrewjensen . net . with the style of your home . The good news is that regardless
If placing your home office in an area with windows is not of the option you choose , you ’ ll get a positive return on your possible , try the soft lighting of a lamp instead , and try to avoid investment — somewhere between 30 and 75 percent . harsh fluorescents . Adding a silk plant or two , along with a picture For a wood frame house , wooden , composite or PVC decks can of the outdoors , will help transform a windowless area into a match the trim of the home . Since wood can be painted , a wooden more inviting space . Warm colors like reds , yellows and orange deck offers the most color options , however it will also require will also help warm up an otherwise dark office area such as a frequent repainting . Both PVC and composite decks are available basement . in a wide range of earth tones to match your home ’ s style . Experts
Next , you ’ ll want to design your workspace with cabinetry say there are cost differences , but PVC and composite decks where office supplies and files can be tucked neatly out of sight . require less maintenance in the long run .
Shelving that is custom designed for the way you work can transform even a tiny space into an efficient work area . Having
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