SPECIAL SECTION HOME IMPROVEMENT
with their roots. Organic materials are also making their way
into home decor.
• Metallics: Brass is the “new and now” metallic. Gone are
the days of rose gold and slowly fading out of the spotlight is
copper. Silver metallics remain a favorite to many, both for
accent pieces and hardware.
• Intense paint colors: Deep hues are trending in 2018,
bringing pops of color to all rooms of the house. While too
much of a good thing can make it feel like it’s midnight in the
middle of the day, use deeper colors for a dramatic accent wall
or as a modern backsplash.
Home Office Space Ideas
An uptick in self-employment and flexible workplace settings
are allowing home offices to become one of the most-used areas
in the house. But dedicating an entire room to an office may not
always be doable. Be creative when designing a home office and
look for underutilized spaces. Clear out space in a finished attic
for a desk, chair and some added lighting. Better yet, shut the
door for some real quiet time. No attic space? Dedicate a wall in
the basement as a workspace by adding a small area rug under
a desk to warm up the room. Be sure to schedule laundry at a
different time to avoid distractions. If all else fails, a niche in the
family room can be a dedicated space to get work done. With the
right accents and furniture, any area can make the perfect home
office.
• Less is more: It’s impossible to have a clear mind with a
cluttered workspace. Keep home offices simple to avoid the
desire to keep unnecessary papers and books piled on top of
a desk. Create a home for everything on your desk. Set aside
a space for writing utensils, notebooks, and hardware that is
neat and tidy. A filing cabinet is best to organize papers and
store supplies.
• Multipurpose surfaces and furniture: Finding
multipurpose furniture for small office spaces is key for
optimal use of space. Mobile furniture makes packing up
after a long day of work a breeze. Use wall space as storage,
with desks that fold back into a wall mount. Avoid purchasing
furniture that looks like it would be found in an office. If
you’re utilizing a room for several different purposes, shop
around for furniture that complements the look of the entire
room.
Home trends are shaping up to add comfort and value to
homes. Focus on accenting natural features both inside and
outside. Smart homes look to be the future, but these innovative
technologies will bring a new dynamic to homeownership,
with challenges of maintaining security being top of mind. Find
a balance in your home-decorating style by adding features
that bring out the very best in you and your family. Whether
it’s a pop of color in your kitchen, or a fantastic feature in your
backyard, make your home your own this year. ■
WEST ALLEGHENY
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SP R I NG 2018
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