There’s a lot of advice going around at the moment given this topic is so relevant – so this week we want to share some of the more personal lessons and tips we’ve learnt as seasoned ‘work-from-home/digital nomads’ for the past 5 years.

We’ll continue to provide bite-size pieces of information you can action over the next few weeks without feeling too overwhelmed, especially if you’re on a budget to setup.

Working from home: Tips from those in the know

Tips from Kylie:

1. Employ some furry friends

If you have pets, invite them into your workspace at home.   It’s been proven that pets have physiological benefits and can fulfil emotional needs in the workplace, so take full advantage of this when you’re working from home.  Designbx regularly features my 2 fur babies – Humphrey the Chocolate Lab and Sophie the Black Lab.  I often have them in my office with me – they keep my feet warm, they’re great listeners and they don’t talk back.  Humphrey is well behaved, but Sophie is a regular bin-chicken and always going through my rubbish….just as well I love her.

2. Step away from the kitchen table

Speaking from experience, I think this is the biggest mistake I made and a trap lots of people fall into. I worked from the kitchen table for 18 months too long – out of convenience but also because the thought of cleaning out my office (aka – the junk room) was too overwhelming.

The problem with working from my kitchen/dining living space, apart from the fact I annoyed everyone else who wanted to use it, is that I never really felt like I left work.   I couldn’t shut off.  It was always in sight, that computer monitor at the end of the table staring me down.  With my home office setup, I can shut the door and I’m done for the day.  Most importantly, it also meant I could style my office with some great home décor online purchases.

Tips from Kerena:

1. A picture is worth 1000 words

It can be easy to start feeling isolated or lonely as a result of working from home.  A trick I use to keep me in good company all day as well as keeping the creative juices flowing, is an inspiration wall at my desk.  There are no ends to what I put on my wall – photos of friends and family, inspirational quotes, cards and messages, inspiring design images, style and home décor.  Basically, anything that brings light to my day consequently making me feel a lot lighter.

2. Music to my ears

I’m not a fan of the sound of silence – an absolute must for my happy workplace is music.  I have Spotify running all day long.  Depending on what I have my head into will depend on the genre.  Some of my favourite playlists are:

Morning Motivation – A great way to get the brain ticking in the morning. https://open.spotify.com/user/spotify/playlist/37i9dQZF1DXc5e2bJhV6pu?si=L_ZUrn_1SQWWo_JEIdZlYw

Acoustic Chill – I use this when I’m working on design projects and need to be creative. https://open.spotify.com/user/spotify/playlist/37i9dQZF1DWYGZAMYFDM8S?si=e1EygI1PSfulv8x_2h9bYw

Kingswood – a band I recently saw.  It evokes happy memories so I stay positive throughout. https://open.spotify.com/artist/4zOw0E0NA7B4lIYyc3XNt5?si=oXMlYdOWSBeZizeC7dQgqQ

Feel-Good Indie Rock – more towards the end of my day when I need a boost in productivity https://open.spotify.com/user/spotify/playlist/37i9dQZF1DX2sUQwD7tbmL?si=7KW_Y_muRm6Njg6sqFF_XQ

We’ll be back soon with some more of our work hacks. Be kind to yourself and get some sun where you can.

Kylie and Kerena x

The post Avoid feeling lonely when working from home – part one appeared first on Designbx.

Cue Designbx! Just because you’re feeling rushed to get your sleeping arrangements sorted, it doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice on quality, function or the aesthetic of your space to squeeze everyone in.
One of the key items we are always asked about is sofa beds. Because they range so vastly in price, size and quality, cleverly integrating them into your homes layout is the key in choosing the right one.

With Designbx’s Refresh package at $199 per room, we can help you plan for those extra guests by taking the pain out of some of the guessing work. Or, if you decide you want to finally finish off any of those “too hard basket” rooms that might just need some minor TLC, like artworks or soft furnishings, this package has you covered!
We know most of our clients are run off their feet at this time of year and in the lead up to Christmas, so why not take advantage of our exclusive trade discounts just in time for the holiday season with our complimentary Personal Shopper as a part of your package.

Below are 7 of our faves under $2,000, and why we think they’re winners:

The Civic Ottoman from Oz Design

A versatile Ottoman is the perfect seating addition for almost any room. The Civic Ottoman will also transform into a comfy double bed and is available in a range of different colour and fabric options.

The Agnes Ottoman Sofabed from Oz Design
We all forget about the popular trundle bed for the kids room – but this fun Ottoman which also converts to a single bed will double as practical seating in the reading nook when not being used as a bed.

The Vermont Sofa bed from Matt Blatt
This retro fold-down sofa bed can be set up in under a minute! Less clunkier than the traditional sofa bed, the arms act as a great pillow rest and style isn’t compromised with this funky every-day sofa.

The Rovia Sofa bed from Matt Blatt

An armless sofa is a great option if you are space-poor. It’s also a great design solution for awkward nooks or under a window bay as a window seat. The lush velvet fabric is also durable – this great piece can go anywhere!

The Reisel Sofabed from Matt Blatt
This brings back a few memories of the futon era! Still such a great design for a more casual or low ceiling rooms. A playful design that’s also great in TV rooms.

The Bayview Chaise sofa bed from Zanui

With this brilliantly designed Sofa, you can actually gain three beds from one sofa! Great for the kids lounge or play area with a durable synthetic fabric.

The Kent sofa bed from Oz Design

Luxury, comfort and a queen size mattress!! This is for one of those special guests. An array of colours and fabrics available to match your homes style, the Kent provides a beautiful everyday sofa option converting to a beautiful bed.

The post Top 7 Sofa beds – Time to get ready for those extra guests! appeared first on Designbx.

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Make a game out of it

It doesn’t matter how old you are, cleaning is never fun for anyone.  Turn cleaning into a game of musical chairs, with each person assigned to a different space or room in the house and given five minutes to clean and tidy as much as they can. Before you know it, within 15-20 minutes the whole house can be cleaned and tidied depending on the level of mess. Try playing it with your untidy partner, pump their favourite tunes and set a timer as you sweep through the apartment on a rainy day or lazy afternoon. Not only does it keep the house clean, but it encourages everyone to maintain the place, as 5 minute rooms can get quite competitive!

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Less is more

The trick with untidy people is to eliminate the amount they can make a mess with. Think about hoarders who create piles of clutter. Those with minimalist interior design styles have little to no opportunity to create havoc and clutter in a space. As new items are added and reach the point you’d consider ‘clutter’, force the house into spring cleaning mode. Rid your interiors of any unnecessary items and clear out spaces like the living room, chest of drawers, bathroom cabinets and kitchen bench. Clutter gives the illusion of a fuller space, and mess makers see this as a perfect excuse to add to it. Forcing people to cull their belongings should hopefully create less temptation in the future.

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Have a place for everything

If there isn’t an established position for each belonging, how can people be expected to put things back in place? Items that float around are usually the ones that are left on tables and benches. Buying storage baskets, cabinets and drawer organisers will encourage the mess makers to put it back where they found it. Negotiate with the untidy person to find a solution that works for them. Labelling and colour coding works brilliantly for little kids, as well as adults who need some extra direction. Try adding little coloured dots to items such as personal products, and assign them to a matching coloured basket in the bathroom. If the situation is particularly challenging, create a ‘last warning basket’ and add anything that hasn’t been put back. After two days, if it’s not claimed, it goes in the bin – no exceptions!

Designbx client Corinna uses these tables which are also storage tubs – the perfect storage solution for any playroom in Corinna’s Coastal Transformation!

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Chore charts

Everyone needs a bit of guidance, and those who love to organise love charts! If you live in a share house or with a large family, combating mess requires military precision. As a team, figure out essential chores that need to be done daily, weekly and fortnightly to keep the palace fit for royalty. On a whiteboard, draw up a simple chart that lists duties to be completed, and assign people in turn to complete them. House meetings can be called if things are going pear-shaped, and use the power to name and shame! For the untidy folk there’s nowhere to hide, as they can only be responsible for the task they have been assigned to.

With these space saving ideas your home will enjoy a Cinderella-style transformation in no time. With a light push (or a heavier shove!) your housemates and family can assist you to keep the castle clean. Experiment with each option and embrace the ones that get the most cooperation while keeping the atmosphere in your home light and fun.

If you need help with styling or designing an organised home, we are here to help!  

The post Living with untidy people appeared first on Designbx.

But renovation can also be a very costly enterprise. The average cost of a full-home renovation project can run close to $200,000. Not everyone has that kind of cash to splash, particularly for a home you’re trying to sell.

The good news is that you can add serious value to your home without even picking up a hammer.

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If you want to boost your home’s value but don’t want to break the bank, there are some remarkably simple ways to get started.

1. Work on your kerb appeal

First impressions are incredibly important. A 2012 Texas Tech University study found that good kerb appeal could boost a home’s value by 17%.

Start by putting yourself in a potential buyer’s shoes. As you approach your home from the street, what are your impressions? Is the landscaping tidy and inviting, and does it showcase the front of your home or just serve to obscure it? Does the front of the home itself look appealing?

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Good kerb appeal can add measurable value to your home, while poor kerb appeal can scare potential buyers away before they even set foot inside. A fresh coat of paint, some new door hardware and a bit of landscaping won’t set you back much, but they’ll have a serious impact on your home’s saleability.

2. Tidy things up

No matter how nicely constructed your home may be, a dirty house will make a poor impression on potential buyers. Think back to your renting days and the dreaded end-of-lease inspections. That’s the standard of cleanliness you want to strive for.

Even the neatest amongst us can overlook a few nooks and crannies when we’re cleaning. If you’re hosting an open home, it’s worth paying the money to have your house cleaned professionally. You may not notice a few bits of grime, but a potential buyer might.

3. Get rid of the clutter

This may sound a little redundant after the previous tip, but de-cluttering is about more than general cleanliness. It’s about creating an open, flowing space for potential buyers.

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Have a look at the layout of your home and the way you have your furniture arranged. Is it hard to navigate through the rooms? Do they feel cramped and claustrophobic? You want buyers to be able to walk through your home with ease, and for the rooms to feel open and spacious. Getting rid of or rearranging some pieces of furniture can greatly improve the flow of your home, and a few well-placed mirrors can make rooms feel larger than they are.

4. Keep it light

Make sure your home looks bright and open. Open up the shades and shutters to let in as much natural light as you can. If you don’t get a lot of natural light, consider opting for some brighter bulbs in your fixtures to give the illusion of more natural light.

Keeping your home light goes beyond just your windows and fixtures, though. It also includes your design choices. The goal in showing your home is to create an environment that potential buyers can picture themselves in. Choosing more neutral colours will better allow buyers to imagine their own furniture and belongings in the home.

5. Make it cosy

Add the finishing touches with some accessories. These little details make your home warm and inviting. Small touches like coffee table books, artwork, flowers or candles can make your house feel like a home.

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This article is written by Adam Smith, Home Loans Editor at Finder.

The post 5 ways to add value without renovating appeared first on Designbx.

Well, you may love us or hate us for spilling the beans on this, but we’ve discovered some completely covetable tech gadgets that will have you questioning how you ever lived without them.

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Who could forget that hilarious scene from the classic 90s comedy, Clueless, when Cher invites her new (and unbeknownst to her, gay) crush over to her house for a romantic night in? She has the perfect makeup, “baked” bread, and a lighting plan to die for.

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More than 20 years later, most of us still have Cher-level lighting goals and fortunately for us, now they’re completely attainable. Enter the Phillips Hue bulbs. These things are amazing and, wait for it…completely controllable from your smart phone. No expensive dimmers or electricians required.

“Lighting is one of the most important parts of a well-designed home but it is not usually the first thing on a homeowner’s To-Do list,” says Designbx interior designer Elise Finnerty.

“I love that you can customise your lighting from your mobile or smart device. No
more installing dimmers and lighting controls because it can all be done wirelessly with these smart bulbs.

“You can set your lights to turn on and off from anywhere in the world. Play with tone, contrast, white light and a spectrum of colour to create your ideal lighting mood,” adds Finnerty.

There you have it. Go forth. Get your lighting game on.

That’s a TV?!
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Interior designers and binge watchers everywhere can rejoice. We finally have a solution to the age-old conundrum: how to prevent the television being the most dominant feature in a room (even if it is the real reason we spend so much time there. Shhh.)

Bless their hearts, other electronic companies have tried to solve the problem before but none have hit the mark the way Samsung has with The Frame. Instead of going black like traditional televisions, The Frame uses sensor technology to turn on art when someone is in the room and turns it off to save energy once it senses the room is empty.

“Samsung is releasing a real masterpiece,” says Designbx interior designer, Kylie Monteleone. “The Frame is unlike any other conventional television and offers exciting design and artful features alike.

“The ‘Invisible Connection’ and ‘No-Gap wall mount’ makes it a breeze to integrate the TV in most areas of the home. It also transforms into a customisable digital art display with over 100 art pieces to choose from, displaying the most suitable design and or colour for your space.”

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Does anyone else shudder at the memory of the old days when even the most basic devices couldn’t talk to each other? My computer’s incessant “problem communicating with the printer” back in 2006 still haunts me. But fret no more friends. Google Home is here and it…means… business…!

Powered by Google Assistant, you can ask it questions and get an immediate response (and not the Hey, Siri kind either). According to its website, Google Home connects seamlessly with smart devices like Chromecast, Nest and Philips Hue, so you can use your voice to set the perfect temperature or turn down the lights.

“You can Ask it questions and tell it to do things,” Finnerty explains. “And with support for multiple users, it can distinguish your voice from others in your home, making it easy for the device to switch between each family member for a truly personalised experience.”

“You can play music, control the TV, turn the lights on or off, set alarms and ask about the weather or your trip to work.”

“It’s a great addition to your home because it helps to simplify our busy lifestyles. It integrates all of your smart devices and you simply operate anything connected by saying “Hey, Google”. You can even personalise the colour of the speaker to suit your home. Less juggling and more time enjoying your life.”

Although Google Home is not currently available for purchase in Australia yet, it can be purchased and shipped from the US, and is fully functional here.

Which futuristic creature comfort will you choose?

Remember to always consider your lifestyle when selecting your mod cons. It’s easy to get excited about the technology and the obvious cool factor, but which one will be of lasting value? For the less organised among us, Google Home may be a godsend, while people who have mastered the art of scheduling may have time to appreciate The Frame. Either way, get used to this wonderful technological decadence. We predict every home will eventually feature these gadgets.
Now check out 5 gadgets to get you through the working week!

The post New Home Tech Gadgets You Didn’t Know You Needed Until Now – You’re Welcome! appeared first on Designbx.

Monday calls for a helping hand. The feeling of a Monday is a shared familiarity amongst those with early wake-up calls. Alarm clocks simply don’t suffice anymore. As our lethargy grows, we rely on caffeine and anything else that makes the Monday morning wake-up bearable.

Designer Oliver Sha has created the IQ Alarm, with the tag line “wake up smarter”. Defying the ordinary conventions of t he alarm clock, the IQ Alarm features a sleek design with a revolutionary touchscreen interface, oozing elegance and style. Appearances aside, it’s how you navigate the alarm clock that impresses us the most.

The IQ Alarm can only be snoozed if you answer an IQ-related question. Your wake up call will sound, and keep sounding until you put your mind to use. For those thinking they can cheat the design, forget it. “Don’t don’t even think about pressing the power button or removing the battery,” Oliver warns.“The power button needs to be pressed and held for 30 seconds and the battery is designed to be tedious to remove.” It’s the alarm clock we’re going to love to hate.

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Tuesday calls for organisational maintenance. Organisation helps us set a routine and feel regimented; a small sense of accomplishment within our busy work week. One of the downsides to our reliance on technology is an abundance of cords and wires, disrupting our clean space.

A step towards detoxing your space fits investing in the Morphie Juice Pack Wireless Battery Case by Apple. While complete wireless charging is a few years away, Apple have taken steps towards meeting consumer demands by introducing a charging pad. Say no more to replacing faulty charging cords, as this gadget simply involves placing the phone onto the sleek, non-intrusive pad which can sit tucked away in the bedside table drawer or neatly on top.Image Reference

Wednesday. Hump day. Halfway through your working week. This day calls for a little pick-me-up. The Amazon Echo will serve as your personal helper, assisting you via voice control. With 360 degree omni-directional audio, the Amazon Echo will let you rock out to your favourite jams shamelessly anywhere in your home.

Don’t be fooled, however; it’s more than just a wireless speaker. The Amazon Echo is able to answer your questions and seek out information online to relay it back to you using the Alexa Voice Service. It’s also compatible with devices already in the home such as lights, fans, garage doors and sprinklers, to name a few. Let Alexa ease your mid-week blues by being at your beck and call.

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It’s the last chance to get your life in order before the weekend. Your work week is almost over. Abiding by the organisational theme, what better way to prepare for the weekend than to do a quick clean? Understandably, energy levels are low, as is the ol’ motivation, but fear not. Technology to the rescue, once more. The iRobot Roomba 880 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner will relieve the burden of tending to your floors.

It’s as simple as turning it on and letting it work its cleaning magic. Allow its sensors to navigate the nooks and crannies of your home, without having to lift a finger. It’s small size and non-intrusive design allows it to make its way around your home without obstructing you. The built-in system allows the vacuum cleaner to comprehensively and thoroughly clean each room before moving onto the next.Image Reference

Friday is here, folks! Arguably the best day of the week. Now it’s time to match the best day of the week with the best tech gadget I’ve sourced. It’s oddly satisfying and intriguing. The Duo Home AI Computer presents itself as a mirror, before stunning its viewers with its intellectual skills.

It’s fully voice-operated and responsive, with the capability to source answers, news, videos and music via the Internet. 27 inches of sleek luxuriousness which sits subtly on any wall of your choice. Its responsiveness to voice commands is incredibly appealing, as is its simple and elegant interface.

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Designbx has a professional commercial interior design team that can assist with creating the perfect office space for customers and your team. 

Now check out new home tech gadgets you need now!

The post 5 tech gadgets to get you through your working week appeared first on Designbx.

 We prescribe to the “an office in a box” approach. Working in the digital era should allow you to use a fashionable box, basket, or leather bag as your portable office. If you can’t fit your necessities in a single storage item then it’s time to streamline your business and become more digital-focused. Less is more in every way!

2. Creature comforts

Busy professionals spend a lot of time on the job, so it’s essential for your office to be comfortable. Design your space to fit your creature habits. If you work best standing, look to source ergonomic standing desks. If you love doing inspired work in a relaxed environment, add oversized beanbags and casual seating to your space to get those creative juices flowing. 

3. Light bulb moments

Lighting is a fundamental design element for any work space, and variety is often key.  Depending on your profession, light requirements can vary. Programmers prefer darker spaces to ease the strain on eyes, where as designers prefer more natural light to view true colours. If you’re relying on ceiling lights as your primary source, add freestanding lamps, desk lights and pendants as focal lighting. The great thing is you can really play with scale, colour and texture here to add some wow factor to the office.

4. Bring the outdoors in

There’s nothing like indoor plants to bring an office to life. The benefits are not only visually striking but offer natural purification for your space and bring a sense of home to the commercial interior design world.  If lighting is poor and your budget is entry-level then look at artificial plants. The quality is hard to fault these days. You could opt to create a ‘live wall’ effect, or hang an array of ferns from the ceiling to create a little jungle fever!

5. Business projections

Most offices have big walls that they struggle to decorate or are unable to cover due to leasing restrictions.  A great way to add wow factor is the use of projectors. You can source some amazing wireless projectors from office supply shops and project beautifully designed and branded images onto your walls. The great thing is you can change the imagery as often as you like (you may have a weekly theme) and these devices can move with you, adopting to any surroundings.   

6. Give your brand a soundtrack

Don’t underestimate the effect of audio. Interior design is about tapping into all the senses. Some offices feel lifeless as there’s no positive noise, especially at a reception or entry area. Look to play music that gives your internal team and clients a sense of your brand’s personality.

7. The fragrance of success

While we’re on the subject of senses, don’t neglect smell.  An office space can be visually stunning but if the air quality doesn’t reflect productivity and creativity, the office can be effected. In Japan the Takasago Corporation carried out research into how smells affect the accuracy of typists. It found “54% made fewer errors when they could smell lemon, 33% fewer with jasmine, and 20% fewer with lavender,” reports Jon Card in the UK Guardian newspaper.

Pop a few vaporisers around the office in secluded areas and place them on timers to start early so people arriving are greeted with a fresh, invigorating smelling office. Time them to come on throughout the day to keep the spirits high!

Shop our new office look

Coastal Office
Time to take action? The Designbx Team are ready to help

The post Tips for Home and Office spaces appeared first on Designbx.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, one in twelve Australians works from home, but that figure will skyrocket over the next few years. There’s also a legion of artists and entrepreneurs who finish the daily grind only to go home and work on pet projects.

“Keep an ABW (activity base working) approach at home. A healthy way to detach from work when not scene “

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Our ambitions are expanding as our spaces shrink, so it’s never been more important to have a comfortable, productive work environment. But anyone who’s worked from home knows that doing it successfully isn’t simply a matter of finding a flat surface and a comfy chair. Thankfully any room in your home can have a dual identity and become a brilliant space for creation and focus, or you may decide to style a room specifically for your career. It’s all a matter of smart planning and clever design.

“Built in bookcases behind the dining table reverts from functional office to personality filled dining room with a clear of the table”

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“Making a space specific to your work space doesn’t need to be large, just considerate to your style and functional needs”

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Take storage for instance. Most people living in the city or suburbs already have challenges when it comes to space. It seems daunting but the answer may be as simple as stacked baskets, boxes or crates that keep your surfaces clutter-free and guarantee your work is safe. But consider measurements, textures and colours to make sure that stack in the corner is a feature, not an eyesore.

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Few of us have the luxury of having a dedicated room for an office. How do we meet the challenge of creating a room with a double identity, and which room do you choose? The good news is any room can seamlessly make a daily transition from its primary function to makeshift office, or coexist happily. The Industrial styling of your living room may be the natural site for architectural inspiration, or your Boho Chic bedroom’s exotic vibrance may energise a graphic designer.

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Your workspace could be a great excuse to add a library or study to a larger living area, not only complimenting the room but aesthetically improving it. A floating desk can create a more sociable environment and improve productivity by including friends, partners or the kids. Rather than feel isolated as you work, feel integrated. Be honest about the usefulness of each room.

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A formal dining area may be used rarely, especially in modern households where schedules clash. There’s no need to completely eliminate its original function or remove furniture. Just redesign the space to make it lively and inspirational. Simply swapping an elegant style like Scandi for Modern Eclectic’s vitality may transform a rarely used space into one that looks and feels productive.

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Probably the most positive example of adding a workspace is a collaborative area designed to be a hub of work activity for everyone in the home. It’s a case of ‘if you can’t beat them, join them’. Just make sure everyone’s catered for, including practical seating for kids and adults. Sometimes a soft and attractive partition can be all it takes to separate your work life from home life.

“A space for all”

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In a home with Coastal design, dropdown blinds may be the perfect touch, or perhaps your divider can be more subtle, simply telling the rest of the family that the space is dedicated to work without dramatically splitting the area. Storage shelves are a good example, keeping the room open and letting the light in. Freestanding room dividers are an easy fix but don’t ruin your interiors by adding a feature that clashes with your style. Make sure you consider finishes.

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It’s always possible to achieve pleasing, practical design. For instance, if your room is French Accent, stay ‘on theme’ with careful attention to detail and textures. Most importantly, it’s incredibly important to feel comfortable as you work, so your office, like the rest of your home, needs to be truly you. Consistency is key and that includes materials and lighting that create a seamless flow from one space to the next. As our work and private lives become more integrated, it’s increasingly important to think of your home office as a truly integrated space that inspires you and reflects your personality.

  “Room to be you”

Designbx  “Home offices for every lifestyle“ www.designbx.com

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