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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Pendant lights are an elegant way to achieve an enjoyable decorative experience. This lighting should be the focal point and fit properly into the space in terms of shape, size and style. Pendant lights come in a wide variety of designs, elegantly hanging above a kitchen table or taking center stage in the dining room. Check out our favourite samples and some useful tips for you.

Kitchen

Pendants in the kitchen area are mood-setters. Consider a pendant with a light diffuser, or use semi-opaque bulbs. Pendants should hang 12-20 inches below an 8-foot ceiling. For each additional foot of ceiling height, add 3 inches. For example, for a 9-foot ceiling, the pendant should hang 15-23 inches below. Pendants should be hung over work surfaces at a height that doesn’t block views across the kitchen.

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Dining Room

A dining room pendant lighting gives atmosphere. The light should flatter the décor and make the best of it. It will take center stage and it must be updated and beautiful. It’s the perfect opportunity be bold and dare with colour and shape.

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Living Room

Pendant lights can make a room feel cozy, romantic or energetic with the twist or hit of a switch. The main light, should be set in such a way as not to create too much shadow. Use more than one pendant to divide the light and enhance a pleasant atmosphere.

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Home office

With more and more people opting to work from home nowadays, there are a few integral things to consider when creating the layout – including your pendant lighting options. Hung from the ceiling, they can provide light just where you want it: on the desk and your paperwork, not on your screen.

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30th October 2015 | The Designbx Team | Interiors- Pendant Perfection

The post Home lighting: Pendant Perfection appeared first on Designbx.