For entertaining, the outdoor kitchen offers a way that you
can spend time with your guests while preparing the meal.
There’s also an entire line of in-ground sound equipment and
specially made outdoor TVs for entertaining. The televisions are
completely waterproof and three times as bright as a normal TV,
so they can be viewed even in strong direct sunlight.
IT’S ALL FUN AND GAMES
If your family always seems to be darting about in different
directions, perhaps a game room might entice them to spend a bit
more time at the old homestead.
A ping-pong table is a great way to get some exercise on rainy
days and evenings, and a Wii will also get your family off the
couch for a workout. If you’ve always thought you didn’t have the
space for a pool table, it may be easier to fit than you think. Tables
come in 7, 8, 8.5 and 9-ft. options.
Above all, your game room should reflect who you are. It can be
fun and funky or classy and elegant. It’s all up to you!
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.
A Choice Granite and Marble LLC Company
Bring this ad in for 10% off
One-stop shop for your next
home renovation project!
A current
issue
of this
magazine
is also
available
online.
icmags.com
Come in and work with our design team.
Hundreds of granite slabs on site to choose from.
More than 10 quartz brands to select from.
Six cabinetry lines available,
from stock to custom.
Several tile distributors for
flooring and wall accent options.
P: 412.821.3900
www.ChoiceGraniteandMarble.com
803 Geyer Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Monday thru Friday 9-5
Saturdays 9-1
Continued on next page >
KEYSTONE OAKS
❘
SPRING 2020
21