Vince Lorenzi, owner
of Lorenzi Home Design
Center, explains that
there are cost differences,
but feels that PVC and
composite decks require less
maintenance in the long run.
He says wooden decks
will run about $2 to $3
per square foot. These
are attractive, but they do
require more maintenance
and will have to be resealed
every few years to give them
maximum life.
Both PVC and composite
decks will run an average
of $8 to $9 per square foot.
They will require power-
washing for cleaning, with
frequency depending on location. If the deck is adjacent to trees and
shrubbery, leaves and pollen will settle on the frame so washing is
required to keep it looking sharp.
If your home is made of stone, you may opt for a patio that is a
continuation of the stone look, but this also works well with a wood
frame or brick home. Patios work best in yards that are level, while
a deck can be placed pretty much anywhere, including a hilly or
uneven lawn.
According to Marci Buckiso of The Fireplace and Patioplace, a
local expert in furnishing outdoor living spaces, homeowners are
especially keen to add fire features to their outdoor area, which
function as a gathering point for both family and guests. Traditional
wood-burning fireplaces not only add physical warmth and beauty,
but emotional warmth as well.
Contemporary homeowners are opting for very modern linear
gas fireplaces, with smooth, clean lines to mirror the style of their
home.
“For those homeowners who don’t have the space for a traditional
fireplace, fire pits make a great feature, creating a beautiful flame that
glows through crystal rock,” says Buckiso. And they’re available in
three different heights, with a lower coffee-table height, dining table
and bar height. The homeowner also has the option of selecting
wood- or gas-burning fire pits.
IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME
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. A good overview of this subject is provided by
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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
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 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 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 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.
BATHROOM BEAUTY
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.