Although it is not a web site you would normally turn to for home improvement tips, Shape.com has a great article about creating a healthy home office. Here are the tips summarized:
Soothing colors - Use muted tones instead of bright colors and don't use white.
Ergonomic workstation
Fully adjustable seating
A footrest
Hands-free headset
Heavy duty paper shredder
Natural elments - Put in potted plants and fresh flowers
A calming foundation - Meaning, one of those tabletop water fountains
Proper lighting - The computer screen should be brighter than the overhead light.
One planner/calendar Read detailed explantions of each point at Shape.com. Also, you may want to check out some relevant home office articles on our site: Creating "Creating Your Home Office Plan" as well as one showing you how to make your home office more energy-efficient called "The Green Office."
Has the government ever given anything away? It’s not possible as they are not a nonprofit. Let me explain this in simple terms. While they may print money, spend money, loan money to banks or, in this case, send a check to tax filers, it is all secured with tax “revenue” or future tax revenues collected from either you, your neighbors, your business or your neighbor's business. Money does not grow on trees. If it did, inflation would be infinite and U.S. currency would be worthless. The U.S. government is sending you a check drawn on the future revenues it will collect. Unless you die (a taxable event) before the government sends its personal collection agency (the IRS) to make good on the “loan” it’s sending you, prepare to pay them back with interest.
Case Handyman and Remodeling Services, LLC, the nation’s largest full service remodeling organization, announced 8 emerging home improvement trends for 2008. Here they are:
1. Attic transformations 2. Skylights 3. Soaking tubs 4. The walk-in closet suite 5. Faux stone 6. Creating home offices 7. Living green, particularly in the kitchen 8. Basements
Are you planning on making your home trendy this year?
I definitely have space challenges in my home—office vs. guest room is an ongoing debate. So, when a friend e-mailed this entry, I took notice. Imagine a computer desk that can convert to a bed with a simple pivot. Euro Flyingbeds offers a host of Murphy-bed-like solutions for the home, including the computer-desk bed shown here. I like the idea of keeping my desk in place but having space for a guest. Granted, with the computer desk model I can only accommodate one guest as it is only offered as a single. But, other options have doubles or queens for the asking. So, I may be rethinking my remodeling plans and doubling up on space. Prices for the computer bed start at just over $2,000, with Formica and wood finishes available, and shipping to boot. Custom options, sofa conversions, and armoire Murphy beds are just some of their offerings. For those of us with space challenges, a return to the hide-away is a timely idea.
