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 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.
If a homeowner is just updating and not moving plumbing,
heating ducts and electricity, the makeover can start at around
$10,000. The choices for today’s bath are incredibly enticing.
Many homeowners are opting for larger showers that will not only
get you clean, but can also bathe you in LED lighting that changes
colors to suit your mood. You can also enjoy your favorite music
in the shower to either calm you down after a stressful day, or pep
you up for the daily routine.
Vanities and bath cabinetry have also arrived in the 21st
century. Vanities are no longer empty-shell cabinets that open to
a cavernous interior with little customization. Current options for
drawers and cabinets include specialized areas for storing your
blow dryer neatly away and stackable storage options for makeup.
And while you’re standing in front of that vanity applying your
makeup, you can watch TV in the mirror! New technology allows
your favorite TV program to be projected onto the mirror, so you
can keep up with the latest baseball scores or check the weather
before going out.
Slate and marble tile are always elegant options for bathrooms,
but one of the latest trends in baths are porcelain tiles that mimic
wood. These tiles come in sizes up to 48” and can be laid to look
like natural woodgrain, without the worry of water damage. The
woodgrain appearance really warms up the bathroom.
And speaking of warm – your toilet can be warm too.
Homeowners can opt for a “throne” with a retractable base that
comes out and heats your feet as well as the seat of the toilet. And
new touchless flushing helps prevent the spread of germs among
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