SPECIAL SECTION HOME IMPROVEMENT
• Wood treatments: Aligning with the need for connecting
back to nature, earthen treatments, like wood and stone, are
allowing homeowners to reconnect with their roots. Organic
materials are also making their way into home decor.
• Metallics: Brass is the “new and now” metallic. Gone are
the days of rose gold and slowly fading out of the spotlight is
copper. Silver metallics remain a favorite to many, both for
accent pieces and hardware.
• Intense paint colors: Deep hues are trending in 2018,
bringing pops of color to all rooms of the house. While too
much of a good thing can make it feel like it’s midnight in the
middle of the day, use deeper colors for a dramatic accent wall
or as a modern backsplash.
Home Office Space Ideas
An uptick in self-employment and flexible workplace settings
are allowing home offices to become one of the most-used areas
in the house. But dedicating an entire room to an office may not
always be doable. Be creative when designing a home office and
look for underutilized spaces. Clear out space in a finished attic
for a desk, chair and some added lighting. Better yet, shut the
door for some real quiet time. No attic space? Dedicate a wall in
the basement as a workspace by adding a small area rug under
a desk to warm up the room. Be sure to schedule laundry at a
different time to avoid distractions. If all else fails, a niche in the
family room can be a dedicated space to get work done. With the
right accents and furniture, any area can make the perfect home
office.
• Less is more: It’s impossible to have a clear mind with a
cluttered workspace. Keep home offices simple to avoid the
desire to keep unnecessary papers and books piled on top of a
desk. Create a home for everything on your desk. Set aside a
space for writing utensils, notebooks, and hardware that is neat
and tidy. A filing cabinet is best to organize papers and store
supplies.
• Multipurpose surfaces and furniture: Finding multipurpose
furniture for small office spaces is key for optimal use of space.
Mobile furniture makes packing up after a long day of work
a breeze. Use wall space as storage, with desks that fold back
into a wall mount. Avoid purchasing furniture that looks like
it would be found in an office. If you’re utilizing a room for
several different purposes, shop around for furniture that
complements the look of the entire room.
Home trends are shaping up to add comfort and value to
homes. Focus on accenting natural features both inside and
outside. Smart homes look to be the future, but these innovative
technologies will bring a new dynamic to homeownership, with
challenges of maintaining security being top of mind. Find a
balance in your home-decorating style by adding features that
bring out the very best in you and your family. Whether it’s a pop
of color in your kitchen, or a fantastic feature in your backyard,
make your home your own this year. ■
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SPRING 2018
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