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. Visit EasyPoolTutor.com for loads
of information on the equipment that’s right for
you and tips on shooting pool.
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.
A good overview of this subject is provided by Andrew
Jensen, a business growth, efficiency and marketing consultant, at
AndrewJensen.net.
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.
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.
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