The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/879797
The Press-Dispatch Fall Home Improvement Wednesday, September 27, 2017 E-13 (StatePoint) The old 9 -to-5 isn't what it used to be. As more com- panies embrace telecommuting, a growing number of employees are finding that even in the profession- al realm, there's no place like home. Here's how to set up a home office for success. • Commission floor plans. It's a good idea to have plans drawn up by an architect. Knowing your exact square footage has tax-savings impli- cations: If your home office is your principal workplace, you may qual- ify for a home office tax deduction (for what the IRS calls "business use of your home") based on the overall area of that space. Plus, an architect may be able to see beyond walls to find potential spatial configurations you might not have considered. • Define your workspace. Work- ing from home may be an escape from the monotony of cubicle land, but it's still important to define your workspace. If it's not possible to turn an existing room into your of- fice, consider using an uncluttered portion of your basement, attic or ga- rage. A tax deduction applies only to space used exclusively as a home of- fice, so simply putting a desk in your living room doesn't make you eligi- ble, nor will it prevent distractions. • Get comfortable. Don't just gr- ab an extra dining room chair. Chair designs have improved thanks to er- gonomic research over the last half century. Choose one that will keep your posture vertical and your mind sharp. • Get lit. Ideally, your home office will have at least one window, but al- so invest in a swing-arm desk lamp to provide ample illumination for con- centrated tasks. • Clear clutter. Avoid toppling stacks of documents and make the recycling bin your new best friend. A small filing cabinet should be able to hold all your records, and many home furnishings can be repurposed if a filing cabinet feels too corporate. • Grow something. Not only are there health benefits associated with keeping plants indoors, they'll be there when you need to take a break. A little gentle pruning can prove meditative, and can be a good way to refocus. • Keep a schedule. Online news- feeds and day-to-day housework can be distracting. Approach working at home with the same level of profes- sionalism you'd bring to an office set- ting. Display a clock and wall calen- dar for visual reminders of deadlines. • Communicate. Responding promptly to emails and calls lets co-workers know that you're reli- able. Substitute face-to-face time with FaceTime (or another video- enabled communication service). Thanks to such technology, you can share space with co-workers a con- tinent away. • Take breaks. Anyone familiar with water cooler chatter knows that offices are highly social. That's an as- pect of your day that can feel like it's missing. So step outside every few hours; wave to your neighbor or walk to a coffee shop. By adopting a few design strate- gies and organizational habits, you can get your best work done from your home office. OPTIMIZE your home office Downsiz- ing with regard to living space is a trend that has long been associat- ed with empty nesters and senior citizens. As children move out and start families of their own, many home- owners decide to downsize to less expensive, more manageable properties. But downsizing is not just for seniors anymore. According to a 2017 sur- vey from the popular re- al estate website Trulia, among homeowners cur- rently living in homes larg- er than 2,000 square feet, more would choose a small- er home than a larger one if they decided to move this year (60.6 percent to 39.4 percent). Homeowners who decid- ed to downsize or those who purchased a small proper- ty to begin with may need a few pointers to make the most of their limited space. • Reconsider your furni- ture. Furniture can make rooms feel cozy, cramped or spacious. For homeowners with limited space in their homes, furniture that also can be used as storage can save space without sacrific- ing comfort. For the bed- room, choose a storage bed if the quarters are cramped and it's difficult to find space for two dressers. Such beds also can be used to store bed linens if closet space is lim- ited. Purchase storage otto- mans and/or end tables with storage beneath to make liv- ing areas feel less cramped. • Discard some items. Homeowners who are down- sizing from large homes may need to part with some of their furniture to make their transition to smaller homes go more smooth- ly. For example, homeown- ers may need to get by with just one bedroom night- stand and may even need to replace their existing night- stands with something more compact. Discarding living room end tables and down- sizing to a smaller coffee ta- ble also can help homeown- ers make smaller common areas more welcoming and less cluttered. • Put paint to work. Paint is another way to make the most of a limited space. Painting certain pieces of furniture the same color as the wall can make the fur- niture blend in and feel less imposing. The result is a room that feels calm and open, even if there is less space to move around than homeowners might have grown accustomed to in their larger homes. • Keep surfaces free of clutter. Surfaces such as dining tables, coffee ta- bles and kitchen counters tend to accumulate clutter. While such clutter might not feel overwhelming in a large home, in small spaces crowded surfaces can make it feel as though the walls are closing in. Make an ef- fort to keep surfaces free of clutter, resolving to discard or put items away each night before going to bed. Many people wish they could live in homes with- out as much square footage as their existing homes. For those who have down- sized, there are many ways to make the most of less liv- ing space. Make the most of limited SPACE Homeowners are discovering that archi- tectural accents can go a long way toward improving both the look and value of their homes. When renovating a space, the term "millwork" may be mentioned by designers and contractors. While it might be a mystery to some, millwork can give rooms unique looks. Millwork refers to items traditionally made from raw lumber in a sawmill. Examples of millwork include crown molding, base trims, door frames, window casings, chair rails, and paneling. Cabinets may also classify as mill- work. Used for both decoration and to increase the functionality of buildings, millwork comes in various types. Generally, millwork is fabri- cated in two ways. Stock millwork tends to be mass-produced commercial items. These low- cost items are interchangeable and may be widely available at retailers, including home improvement centers. Custom millwork is a product that is custom designed and produced for individuals and special building projects. Sometimes referred to as "architectural mill- work," these pieces may be more ornate and made-to-order. Homeowners who want to match a focal point of a home or an existing style often turn to custom millwork. Between the 15th and 18th centuries, or- nate millwork was largely reserved for roy- alty or the very wealthy. Skilled carpenters would hand carve each piece, taking weeks to finish most projects. Eventually, millwork became more commonplace. Distinguishing one property from another today could mean turning back to the more distinctive designs of the past. Homeowners looking for ways to enhance their properties can embrace millwork to achieve a luxury feel without a sizable in- vestment. The first step is to choose millwork that will coordinate with the era and style of a home's existing decor. Ornate millwork in an overly modern house may seem out of place. The millwork should match the architectur- al theme of the home. Although some do-it-yourselfers can suc- cessfully install prefabricated millwork, for custom designs and a truly seamless look, it is important to have millwork professionally Millwork can add appeal and a classic feel See CLASSIC on page 14 EXPERTS HOME COMFORT CENTER 650 Division Road, Jasper Next to Jasper Engines & Transmissions 812-482-2246 OPEN: Mon., Tues., Thurs. 9-5:30; Wed. & Fri. 9-7; Sat. 9-3 SHOP OUR WEBSITE www.englertshomecomfortcenter.com GREAT SAVINGS & EXPERT INSTALLATION! Your Home Improvement APPLIANCES FURNITURE FLOOR COVERING PLUS: BEDDING & ACCESSORIES HEATING & COOLING FREE FINANCING for qualified buyers. See store for details!