SPECIAL SECTION HOME IMPROVEMENT
work best in yards that are level, while a deck can be placed pretty
much anywhere, including a hilly or uneven lawn.
According to Marci Buckiso of The Fireplace and Patioplace,
a local expert in furnishing outdoor living spaces, homeowners
are especially keen to add fire features to their outdoor area,
which function as a gathering point for both family and guests.
Traditional wood-burning fireplaces not only add physical
warmth and beauty, but emotional warmth as well.
Contemporary homeowners are opting for very modern linear
gas fireplaces, with smooth, clean lines to mirror the style of their
home.
“For those homeowners who don’t have the space for a
traditional fireplace, fire pits make a great feature, creating a
beautiful flame that glows through crystal rock,” says Buckiso.
And they’re available in three different heights, with a lower
coffee-table height, dining table and bar height. The homeowner
also has the option of selecting wood- or gas-burning fire pits.
OUTDOOR KITCHEN SPLENDOR
When the summer heats up, the prospect of slow-cooking
a roast or searing some ribs is just not as appealing when you
know it’s going to heat up your house and drive up your air-
conditioning bill. Take a tip from our pioneer ancestors who
baked their bread and cooked their meats outdoors in the
summer to maintain a cool house. This simple idea can really
help keep your home cool during the dog days of summer, while
saving you money on energy costs.
With an outdoor oven and grill, barbeques can be a
spontaneous dinner idea, rather than a major event that must
be planned days in advance. The grilling process gives steaks,
chicken, fish and pork a wonderful smoked flavor, while reducing
the overall fat content.
And it’s not just meats that can benefit from grilling. Bell
peppers, onions, zucchini and tons of other vegetables take on a
wonderful flavor when tossed lightly with olive oil, wrapped in
foil and cooked on a grill.
With an outdoor kitchen, grilling is not just for summer either.
With a covering for rainy days and outdoor heating available, it
can be used virtually year-round. Although just a simple oven and
grill can change the way you live, a sink with running water and
an added fridge can really make cooking outdoors convenient.
For entertaining, the outdoor kitchen offers a way to spend
time with your guests while preparing the meal. There’s also an
entire line of in-ground sound equipment and specially made
outdoor TVs. The televisions are completely waterproof and
three times as bright as a normal TV, so they can be viewed even
in strong direct sunlight.
IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME
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 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 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 collapsed 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 work area 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 space. For example, tall wooden shutters can be
linked together with hinges and painted 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.
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WEST MIFFLIN
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SPRING 2019
23