IN North Allegheny Spring 2019 | Page 42

House Washing 412-583-4704 40 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE ❘ icmags.com 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 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