• Utilize retaining walls . If you are planning on protecting the fragile landscaping work around your home , it ’ s imperative to construct a strong retaining wall . Erosionprone areas in your yard will benefit greatly by incorporating segmental retaining walls constructed from concrete masonry . Using concrete not only provides the best value for the investment , but also delivers superior design flexibility and aesthetic appeal to any landscape .
• When planting flowers , go with annuals . To have a continuous sense of color throughout your yard , plant annual flowers alongside your favorite perennials . Research and lay out creative flower combinations that make use of both kinds of flowers for lasting beauty .
• Think year-round . One of the biggest mistakes a homeowner can make is only providing one or two seasons ’ worth of eye-catching landscaping . Plan for having plentiful trees and shrubs during the springtime , fall foliage during autumn months , and good , visually interesting plant life in the winter , such as holly shrubs or bayberry bushes .
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 . 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 like 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 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 .
HOUSE & GARAGE
CLEANOUT
DUMPSTER RENTALS
724-949-0301 JUNKJOEYS . com
COMMERCIAL CLEANUP
Scan Here
Continued on page 25 >
SOUTH FAYETTE ❘ SPRING 2024 23