SPECIAL SECTION: HOME IMPROVEMENT
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 if you live
with family members, it may be the only place in your house where
you can truly be alone for a bit.
Besides just being a place to “get ready” to meet the day, it’s also
a relaxing space to recharge your batteries after a long week at work.
Hydrotherapy is one of the best ways to relieve stress and help
tired, overworked muscles. With tons of specialized showerheads,
you can have everything from the sprinkle of a gentle rain to an
invigorating massage to bring your body back to center. And a
nice relaxing bath in a soaker tub can make the world go away for a
while.
Does all of this sound like a fantasy? Maybe not. According to
designer Mary Laipple, Director of the Kitchen and Bath Design
Studio at 84 Lumber, you may be able to make updates to your
bath for less than you might expect.
“If a homeowner is just updating and not moving plumbing,
heating ducts and electricity, the makeover can start at around
$10,000,” says Laipple. And the choices for today’s bath are
incredibly enticing. Laipple says that many homeowners are opting
for larger showers that will not only get you clean, but can also
bathe you in LED lighting that changes colors to suit your mood.
You can also enjoy your favorite music in the shower to either calm
you down after a stressful day, or pep you up for the daily routine.
Vanities and bath cabinetry have also arrived in the 21st
century. Vanities are no longer empty-shell cabinets that open to
a cavernous interior with little customization. Current options for
drawers and cabinets include specialized areas for storing your
blo rG'