This blog will cover interior design much more extensively, including design ideas, current interior trends and design news. Think of it as a huge addition to this web site, which will still be updated regularly with information on current trends.
When a new product is offered designer's minds immediately start turning over imagining how the material might be used, and what effect it will have on the feel of the home. Where do our design team draw their inspiration from?
Posted: 29 July 2009 by Metricon Homes
Whether you are sick of the daily commute, want to have more flexibility to be closer to your kids or are looking to set up a business from home, the right workspace is a must.
Many Metricon home designs feature space that is perfect for a ready–made office. The study or extra sitting room is often located just inside the front door and adjacent to the garage entrance. This gives you the opportunity to keep your “working” life separate from home activities and ensures that any business visitors don’t necessarily move into other areas of your home.
If you are working from home permanently or have the occasional day in your home office instead of going to work, it is important to make it as functional and appealing as possible.
Apply the four Cs – comfort, communication, clutter and commitment.
Comfort
Make sure you have a good desk and a great chair that provides a comfortable and ergonomic position for you to sit for prolonged periods.
Consider your lighting requirements, particularly if you will be using a computer screen. This may be a combination of overhead lighting and floor lamps. You may also wish to include a chair for visitors.
Communication
If you have incorporated smart wiring in your home, you should be able to access the internet from almost any room in your home.
If you don’t have internet access in your designated home office, don’t despair.
Investigate wireless options. This applies equally to a phone line. If you don’t have phone outlets in your office, look into a cordless phone with multiple wireless handsets. These work beautifully over a significant distance and often incorporate extra features such as answering machines and intercoms.
Clutter
The answer to clutter is having adequate storage. Choose storage units for your office that are sleek and functional. Rather than having all your computer hardware on display, such as printers or broadband modems, consider setting them up in a stylish cupboard. Wall units offer a myriad of solutions for manuals, files, supplies, stationery and reference materials.
Choose some funky storage boxes and magazine holders that look great on open shelves and pull the look together by choosing a colour scheme that works with your paint and floor coverings.
Commitment
It takes discipline to avoid the many distractions that can stop you from working productively at home. Try to make a transition from “home” to “office”. An example of this could be taking the kids to school – you leave “home” but come back to the “office”. Some people actually jump in their cars and drive around the block before returning to “start work”.
Commit to regular office hours. If this is your primary place of work, consider installing a separate phone line, so that if it rings “after hours” you can screen the call or use an answering machine.
Having a distinct workspace not only helps you avoid distraction but can also assist you when it comes to tax time and you look to claim any appropriate deductions for your home office.
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