also an entire line of in-ground sound equipment and
specially made 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.
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
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SOUTH FAYETTE
❘
SPRING 2020
29