HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE
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 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 office 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 workspace. For example, tall wooden shutters
can be linked together with hinges and painted to any color to
create a private area. Though not soundproof, they 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
that it’s comfortable and provides plenty of lumbar support,
in addition to being an attractive addition to your office. Visit
Spine-Health.com for some helpful suggestions on choosing
the right chair that will work best for you.
THE GREAT ESCAPE – YOUR BATHROOM
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
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WEST ALLEGHENY
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SPRING 2020
27