Special Section : Home & Garden Renovation Guide
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 for a 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 yourself or for 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 .
Dream Decks
One way to add living space to your home is the addition of an outdoor deck or patio . Having a great outdoor space is like adding an extra room to your house . It can be enjoyed by the whole family or experienced in quiet solitude as a retreat to the zen of outdoor living .
If you like to entertain , then an outdoor space is a must . Guests can spill out onto the patio , extending your home to allow more freedom for guests to mingle both inside and out .
Though the words “ patio ” and “ deck ” are often used interchangeably , there is a difference . A patio is generally constructed of stone pavers , tile or a simple concrete foundation that sits squarely on the ground . Decks are usually made of wood , PVC ( also called vinyl ) or composite , which has wood content that has been encapsulated in a PVC wrap . Decks can either be ground level or elevated . When considering which option is best for you , you ’ ll want to look at the costs and which one works well with the style of your home . The good news is that regardless of the option you choose , you ’ ll get a positive return on your investment — somewhere between 30 and 75 percent .
For a wood frame house , wooden , composite or PVC decks can match the trim of the home . Since wood can be painted , a wooden deck offers the most color options , however it will also require frequent repainting . Both PVC and composite decks are available in a wide range of earth tones to match your home ’ s style . Experts say there are cost differences , but PVC and composite decks require less maintenance in the long run .
The costs of materials for a deck have risen dramatically over the past few years , running anywhere between $ 15 and $ 35 per square foot depending on the type of material . Wooden decks are attractive , but they do require more maintenance and will have to be resealed every few years to give them maximum life . Both PVC and composite decks require significantly less work but aren ’ t entirely hassle-free . You should be sure to power-wash
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