HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE
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.
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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. 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
that 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.
THE GREAT ESCAPE –
YOUR BATHROOM
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.
If a homeowner is just updating and not moving plumbing,
heating ducts and electricity, the makeover can start at around
$10,000. The choices for today’s bath are incredibly enticing.
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.