SPECIAL SECTION HOME IMPROVEMENT
LIGHTEN UP
Have you been wondering if there ’ s a way you can cut your energy bills while helping to contribute to a greener environment ? Though Pennsylvania may not immediately spring to mind as a sunny locale , solar power is readily available and already being used in hundreds of area homes successfully .
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 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 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 , this 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 spinehealth . 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
Think of it like this : If there were a river flowing by your house and you only had a five-gallon bucket to collect the water , you would only be able to use five gallons . But if you had 20 five-gallon buckets , you could have all the water you needed . Solar energy functions in a similar way . If you live in an area that does not get a lot of sun , by adding more solar panels you can collect more sun .
According to lead designer Ian Smith of Energy Independent Solutions , the Pittsburgh area is able to produce about 80 % of the solar power that Miami , Florida , does ! There are also attractive options for installing the panels , such as all-black panels and solar shingle products that blend the panels in with your roof . Solar awnings can be installed on a pergola or carport . And with flat roofs , the panels are generally not visible at all . There are also ground-mounted systems that are separate from your home .
Smith adds that the initial cost for an average-size home of 2,000 sq . ft . might range from about $ 15,000 to $ 25,000 , which is recouped over a few years . Some areas may also offer incentives or tax benefits for switching to solar .
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PENN HILLS ❘ SPRING 2022 23