SPECIAL SECTION HOME IMPROVEMENT
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.
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.
Does all of this sound like a fantasy? Maybe not. According to
designer Mary Laipple, Director of the Kitchen and Bath Design
Studio at 84 Lumber, you may be able to make updates to your
bath for less than you might expect.
“If a homeowner is just updating and not moving plumbing,
heating ducts and electricity, the makeover can start at around
$10,000,” says Laipple. And the choices for today’s bath are
incredibly enticing. She notes that 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
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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. Laipple says 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 your family, along with a bidet, which ensures a much
cleaner experience.
You spend so much time in your bathroom every day you owe
it to yourself to make it a more enjoyable place. And, according to
HGTV.com, bath remodels often offer a return on investment of
more than 100%!
KITCHEN MAKEOVER
Whether your cooking style is Chicken Cordon Bleu, or just
some great Pad Thai take-out from the corner restaurant, you
need a place to prepare your meals that’s fun, organized and feels
like home.
Even in today’s hectic lifestyle, you’ll probably spend a
significant amount of time each day in your kitchen.
Though it’s a significant investment to update your kitchen,
it’s a worthwhile endeavor from both a personal standpoint and
a financial one. And, like bathrooms, HGTV.com estimates that
a kitchen remodel can offer returns that are upwards of 100% on
the resale of your house.
According to Jamie Varner, owner of Varner Remodeling, most
kitchen remodels start around $25,000, and on average will range
up to about $50,000.
You can give your kitchen a whole new look in any style from
ultra-contemporary to French country in this price range. Your
designer and builder can assist you with computer-aided design
(CAD) to help you envision your dream.
Some new trends in the kitchen include spacious farm sinks
that offer tons of space for food prep. Clean, white subway tile
can match virtually any décor, making it a popular choice for
backsplashes. Recycled glass tiles can be found in any color for a
look that’s great for your kitchen and great for the environment as
well. Varner says that mosaic tiles are frequently used and can be
laid in customized patterns for a uniquely personal look.
Although cherry wood cabinets are popular, he’s seeing an
increase in white cabinets. Cherry will give your kitchen a warm
feel, while white cabinets will brighten the space and have a clean
appearance.
As for flooring, Varner notes, “You can’t go wrong with natural
stone,” adding that travertine is extremely popular right now.
After the stone is sealed, it’s an easy-care option for homeowners
and offers a lot of longevity.
It’s not just about the look you want to achieve in your kitchen,
it’s also about the way it makes you, your family and your friends
feel when you’re there. ■