Office Decor Tips

Is your home office attractive or a MESS? Would you welcome clients in or do you prefer to meet at coffee shops rather than letting them into your home? Here’s some help.

Home Office Feng Shui Guidelines
Some of the most important feng shui office evaluation techniques are covered in this article.

Home Office Decor Ideas
There are many things to consider with home office decor and organization.

Home Office Decor
Your home office decor and furniture are important, how to choose what works best for your space.

Home Office Decor Ideas

Need some home office decor ideas?  Doesn’t everyone!?

When running a home office getting organized and creating a great decor are usually the furthest thing from our thoughts since there is always so much work to be done.  Here are some ideas.

Home Offices for Success and Achievement
By Melissa Galt

With telecommuting becoming more popular, and work hours always longer, even one to two days a week at home now requires the establishment of a productive niche, if not a room for career success.

Whether you have an extra room to devote, a basement you can remodel and outfit, or you are remodeling an unused closet for that office space, there are some important considerations you’ll want to make.

When you truly have a dedicated home office niche, well designed for productivity you will earn more, get more done in less time, and look forward to it. Call in a professional if you don’t know where to start!

Get organized, Get storage!

Do take stock of how much storage you need and what type. This is necessary for both old records and current records. While we’d love to live in a paperless world, it seems there is more and more, instead of less and less. It has to be effectively stored for easy access and preservation. A damp basement subject to mold isn’t going to work well. Cruising through a place like the Container Store or at least Office Depot and Target will give you some fresh ideas on how best to create a system personalized and customized for your business. This may also be a good time to call in an organizer for a first hand look at your storage needs by an expert.

Create a dedicated work surface!

No it isn’t practical to think you can work on the coffee table or dining table and have it all either put away (ha!ha!) or shoved aside in time for dinner or kids to watch TV. You need a dedicated space, separate and private, that you can close off. This can be another room, a closet transformed, or even an office armoire, but you need the privacy. Remember every time you move your stuff something gets misplaced and since we already spend about 2 years of our lives standing in line and looking for keys, can you afford to lose more time?

Have the right equipment!

Make a list of the equipment you need and what you use the most. While it is easy to buy a four-in-one-machine, that isn’t effective if you need it doing more than one function simultaneously. Also, up front consider your electrical demands. Do you need additional outlets? Do you need dedicated phone lines?? Sure many folks can just pull out a laptop and go for it, but others of us need a bit more. While computers can now fax, email, voice transcribe, and much more, if you aren’t familiar with all of this and it is reinventing the wheel to consider learning it, come up with other means. At the risk of sounding antiquated, I still have a hard copy fax, I don’t scan much and it saves time. All this equipment also takes space, don’t forget!

Know that ergonomics matters!

Working out of a breakfast chair or off a stool is not generally comfortable. If you aren’t comfortable you aren’t as productive. Get a good chair, on a five star base if you need it (most of us do!). A high back is generally more ergonomic than a low back, and arms count.

Light to get it all done!

You wouldn’t go to a professional office and work by flashlight, so don’t do it at home! Overhead lighting is often harsh and glaring and creates eyestrain. The best is a combination of overhead, whether recessed or flush mounted (a central ceiling fixture), and task lighting. Task lighting can be a halogen desk lamp with a 2-way bulb. It is focused on the task at hand. The right lighting will truly make you enjoy the space more, and look forward to getting it done.

Establish your identity!

This is particularly significant if you have clients coming to your home office. It should represent your career field and showcase your accomplishments. This could be framed articles you have written or been written about you. It also typically entails diplomas and awards. (You spent a lot of time, effort and often money earning these, show them off.) If you want to incorporate artwork, it should reflect your field. Graphs and charts, or even a map with pins indicating business locations is appropriate. This also reinforces your credibility and reputation as much for you as for others.

Ready for clients!

Do you have to entertain clients in your home office? If so, it needs to look professional. That means a separate room with seating for clients as well as your desk and support pieces. It can be a residential feeling, perhaps a Country French writing desk, or a contemporary glass top on a stainless base with appropriate seating. It does need to emphasize business, and not look like house leftovers. Be sure you have an extra table if needed to spread out presentations or sales materials. The floor is not a good resort!

© 2005 Melissa Galt

Melissa Galt, Lifestyle Designer, Speaker, & Author, is the owner of Melissa Galt, Inc., a full service interior design firm based in Atlanta. She has been decorating clients’ homes all over the Southeast for more than a decade, making their interior visions come true. She speaks to audiences nationally , on how to use design as the catalyst for “creating the life you’ve always dreamed of”. Melissa is the creator of Design Destinations, a free monthly guide to designing your signature life. To sign up for her FREE monthly newsletter, visit http://www.melissagalt.com/

Home Office Feng Shui Guidelines

Does your home office feng shui help or hurt your productivity?

Feng Shui Office

Things to take into account at the time to look for feng shui office harmony.

At the time to look for feng shui office harmony, there are many important things to consider and to use in order to achieve your search for harmony goal. Through this article we will provide you with some of the most important feng shui office evaluation techniques.

The main thing to have into account, according not only to feng shui office tips but to feng shui in general, is the energy flow within the place. This energy, called chi, should be able to flow freely through your office in order to allow you think without disturbances.

A next important aspect to consider in your feng shui office evaluation is the position your desk is placed. Your desk should allow you to sit facing the door and with your back pointing at a wall. You should be able to easily see if someone enters the office as well as have a wall as a protection.

Although your desk should allow you to easily see the door, it should not be placed directly across to it. Feng shui office knowledge points that a desk placed directly across the door allows all the energy flow go directly to you. And another important thing to have into account about your desk position is that it should not be facing a wall since the wall would act as an obstacle.

Feng shui office indications also teach that the area that is right directly in front of where you sit at your desk should be clear and without objects disturbing you. This space should allow your energy to flow freely without obstacles, in order for you to easily achieve your projects and goals.

Another important feng shui office tip is that office machines and other objects should never be at the center of the room. Objects in general and specially machines are an obstacle for the flow of energy which ideally should be able to travel freely within the room.

Entryway Decor

Is your entryway a bit bland?  Need to create a luxurious place where you can welcome guests into your home?  Here are some entryway decor ideas to help:

Awe-Inspiring Entryways – Secret of Luxury

By Harri Aalto

Be it a grand ballroom, a get-away cabin in the mountains for entertaining, or one’s personal residence, having an entryway atmosphere that surrounds one with both elegance and serenity makes a statement of luxury.

One catches their breath from the impact of entering an evocative, masterfully designed area which wraps one in a visual presence of both peace and safety. Prior stresses melt in the warmth and beauty.

Every entryway, foyer or rotunda possesses a significant, unique individuality. The entryways with the highest intrinsic value feature floors of natural stone, like marble, onyx, or granite – and even in-laid semi-precious stones. A master designer can create a unique medallion for insertion in the entryway floor. This medallion, a large emblem or medal that might be circular, oval or even square, can reflect the homeowner’s personality and could represent a family crest or a favorite architectural style. The medallion becomes the focal point of the entryway and the foundation for all interior design in the area.

Matching marble or other natural stone borders can be designed to surround the outer portions of the entryway floor, or even be placed on the walls, to graciously lead one on into other areas of the home. Because natural stone comes in thousands of color variations, the designer is never limited in expression.

In the case of commercial sites such as airports, theme parks, restaurants, or in institutional settings such as universities, government buildings, or museums, the medallion might be the logo of the local sport team or represent an historical happening unique to that area. It can represent a point of pride, an attraction that customers remember and bring visitors to see.

Public areas need entryways and floors that are durable and that can withstand dirt, snow and mud, along with the impact of high heels and other potentially damaging items. Fortunately, marble and natural stones are truly capable of handling all that befalls them. Plus, they are quite stain resistant.

A marble and natural stone medallion in an entryway is stunning and was once seen only in cathedrals built centuries ago. Now, due to the precision of waterjet technology, a master craftsman can design an intricate pattern consisting of thousands of pieces of fine marble, granite, onyx and semi-precious gems and have them cut to perfection. The assembling of these pieces reflects another artistic skill, as this assembling is done meticulously by hand and thus also requires a unique craftsman.

Those who love luxury cherish a grand entryway that reflects true artistic expression and inspires both peace and joy.

Harri Aalto is cofounder and Creative Director of Creative Edge Master Shop, a leader in the architectural design community. He designs all of the company’s products, including lobbies and entryway medallions.

Fall Front Door Decor & Porch Ideas

Fall brings cooler weather, less sun and lots of brilliant colors. Don’t let fall get you down, use some fall front door decor and porch ideas to create a great atmosphere and welcoming home.

Decorating The Porch For Fall

By Dee Marie

With the fall season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to be looking for those special decorating accents to bring the fall theme into your outdoor room. Don’t worry that you do not have enough room to decorate, even very small porch spaces can benefit from the addition of a few fall themed accessories. You can even just decorate your front door with a wreath made of a variety of fall leaves or dried corn to give a special seasonal touch.

When putting together a fall theme, start with a focus on color. Look for fall themed colors like shades of oranges, yellows, reds, and earth tones. Choose accessories in the pumpkin shades of orange and look for items and colors that mirror the colors of the changing leaves. Fall decorating does not have to be only Halloween themes either. Hay bales, collections of apples, gourds, dried corn or even dried twigs can make a festive fall display.

Check out your dollar store for inexpensive fall decor. You can find lots of great fall themed wreaths, hanging pots, colored planters, and fall colored silk leaves and stems. Arrange them in vases or planters for a great looking display. To get more ideas to spark your creativity, visit your local craft stores and browse their displays.

Use natural elements from nature. Go for a walk and gather pinecones and a variety of branches to design your own wreaths and centerpieces. Try to add a variety of textures and heights to make the display more interesting. Mix and match items to create more interesting designs.

Get more mileage out of your current accessories by placing your fall items on top of them. For example, put your plants on the ground and place small pumpkins on the plant stands. Use pumpkins to line your front porch steps or even your fence.

With just a few themed items you can bring a fall theme to your decor. Have fun with your decorating!

Dee Marie is a freelance writer who enjoys decorating. Please visit http://www.porch32.com for more ideas on porch swings and rockers.

Front Door Decor

How does your front door look?

Why not welcome your guests before they even get inside with some great front door decor. Wreaths, garland, flowers and decorations will spice up your front door and make guest feel like you’re inviting them in.

Year Round Decorating Ideas For The Front Door

By Dee Marie

The front door of your home is the first thing that visitors will see. You can make a good impression on your guests and visitors by adding some special decorative touches to this area. These decor accents do not have to be elaborate or expensive. Many times just one or two specially selected pieces will go a long way. By decorating the front doorway area you can lend a nice touch to your home, and make your guests feel especially welcomed. Here are some ideas for making the most of your decorating area with ideas to give special pizzaz to your front door.

Hang door garland. This can be in any theme and will cover a large amount of space on the front door. Make sure you choose something that will be relatively weather resistant, and will not fade easily. A garland of fall colored leaves would make a wonderful autumn design. For Christmas, holly or poinsettias could be used to make a similar garland.

Display a large wreath or other floral display with the use of an over-the-door wreath hanger. Try making your own wreath out of natural materials like pine cones. This can be easily accomplished by using a glue gun and adding some decorative floral picks. I usually make my own Christmas wreath by using a pre-made wreath shape, and adding Christmas floral picks or handmade bows. I purchase these inexpensively from the Dollar Store.

Add a door knob hanger. This could be as elaborate as a handmade, one-of-a-kind piece, or as simple as a colored ribbon with bells attached. For seasonal themes, a strand of dried corn or even small fall leaves would make a nice hanger. Snowman and poinsettias would be fun ideas for Christmas or Winter.

Seasonal door decorations are a fun way to decorate the front door. For autumn you could use a fall themed wreath with apples, fall leaves, even tiny pumpkins. Thanksgiving ideas include the cornucopia or dried corn. For the past couple of years, I have used a heavy wrapping paper to “wrap” my front door to look like a present. I usually use a bright red foil paper, then add a handmade wreath.

Dee Marie is a successful freelance writer who enjoys decorating. To get more ideas for a front door decoration or for more unique decor accessories, please visit http://www.DKTShopping.com

Hall Entry Tree Bench

Want to get your front foyer or hall under control? Clutter seems to gather in the front door area and without a system to take control of it you’ll be wading through a mess. Try using a hall entry tree bench to use to organize your coats, hats, shoes and more.
Hall Tree Bench: Contemporary Ways to Organize your Foyer

By Jennifer Akre

If you’re wondering what to do to get all that clutter that winds up right by your front door under control, consider adding a hall tree bench to your foyer. This attractive piece of furniture can provide functionality and style, and can clean up the most traveled area of your home.

A hall tree bench will provide a place to hang coats and hats, a spot to sit down while removing dirty shoes and, if it’s equipped with a storage unit, a place to store everything from umbrellas to backpacks. You’ll find numerous ways to use this piece of furniture in your foyer.

Hall tree benches have been around forever, and you can probably find an antique one if you scour antique malls and flea markets. However, many of these antique hall tree benches are high on style but not so high on functionality. Many have no real storage, other than hooks for hanging coats. A new hall tree bench can be just as beautiful, and is far more likely to be equipped with the storage that your family requires.

You can find a hall tree bench in every imaginable style and finish. Oak is the wood that was most traditionally used for these types of benches, but today, many simpler styles are fashioned from pine. More elaborate and elegant hall tree benches are made from cherry or mahogany. Many have small mirrors attached which, in addition to being a pretty feature, also gives you the chance to take one last look at your hair and lipstick as you go out the door!

Be sure to check out the many different styles available in a hall tree bench for your foyer. No matter what your décor, there’s one out there for you. You’ll be sure to find a hall tree bench that provides the storage you need with the style you love.

Jennifer Akre, owner of numerous furniture websites, makes it easy to find handy Hall Tree Benches and Outdoor Benches . Learn how to decorate your patio and home in style by clicking the following link: http://www.SimplyBenches.com.

Entryway Ideas: Benches

When looking for entryway ideas and decor, a bench is going to be a must.  You have some style and finishes to choose from.  Create a great look with a practical use by using an entryway bench.

Entryway Benches – Why They’re a Must Have in Every Home
By Jennifer Akre

One of the easiest ways to leave a lasting, warm impression on first-time visitors to your home and to make those visitors feel welcome is to place an entryway bench just inside your main entryway. Not only do entryway benches create a warm and inviting atmosphere, they are also very beautiful and are practical pieces of furniture as well.

By incorporating the use of entryway benches into your entry hall you can offer visitors a comfortable place to sit while they are removing their winter layers of clothing or offer them a convenient storage space to keep their coats, hats and gloves. No more will you have to hunt throughout the rooms of your home or in spare closets for coats and hats that have been carelessly strewn about when you have a gorgeous entryway bench in which to store them.

And there are so many styles and finishes associated with entryway benches that you are sure to find that perfect bench to coordinate with your existing décor, whether your style is eclectic, country or formal. You can choose from popular styles such as Western, Cottage and Antique, just to name a few.

Take for instance the French Country hall bench manufactured by Powell. This beautiful entryway bench is constructed in the French Country design and features a weathered “linen” finish and a warm French Maple finished bench top. The bench flips up to reveal a storage chest and the back panel is adorned with a mirror and hooks which is perfect for hanging your favorite hat or scarf.

If you prefer something a little simpler in design, perhaps the Cottage Hall Bench, also crafted by Powell, would be more to your taste. This simple hall bench features a shutter back panel and open slat side panels with a “Black Sand through Terra Cotta Weathered Finish.” An added bonus with this beautiful entryway bench is the hidden storage under the bench seats.

If you like antiques and a more classic look, you will love the Antique Entryway Bench – Hall Tree. Available in both antique and cherry finishes, this gorgeous bench is exquisitely designed using sturdy wood and wood veneers.

You can even choose from upholstered hall benches like the Nostalgic Oak Cedar Hall Bench. This bench features a fully upholstered seat in a floral design and a self-rising storage tray. You can also customize upholstered hall benches by covering them with your own needlepoint or family heirloom fabrics.

And adding an entryway bench to your hall is very affordable. With benches ranging in price from $150 to $600, you are sure to find the bench that will perfectly match your personality, decorating style and budget. Just keep in mind that you do not need a grand or overstated bench to make your entryway truly spectacular. Even a simply designed wrought iron entryway bench will bring that added design element and feeling of warmth to the space in which you welcome your guests and give them the first glance into your home.

Jennifer Akre is a successful business owner of numerous furniture websites such as http://www.SimplyBenches.com. Her websites offer product and information about entryway bench, various garden bench designs and other furniture and decor for your home and patio.

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