PAGE 2 PROPERTY TODAY, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2010 The Sheffield Telegraph Property Guide on line at www.propertytoday.co.uk
PROPERTYINTERIORS
I
F you've ever found yourself standing in the
middle of a chaotic kitchen, desperately
trying to keep noisy children quiet while
simultaneously taking a business telephone call,
then you're probably a home worker.
Those toiling in offices may enviously day-
dream of a life without commuting, office poli-
tics, power dressing and the effort of looking
bright on Monday mornings.
Those working from home know that while
there are bonuses � from a better work-life bal-
ance to staying in pyjamas until the afternoon
school run � life away from the water cooler and
the office gossip may not be without its difficul-
ties.
If your office is somewhat mobile, perhaps
located at one end of the kitchen table and con-
stantly being moved to make way for meals, it
can be a recipe for chaos.
Alternatively, gazing at a `work station'in one
corner of a bedroom can make it difficult men-
tally to switch off and sleep peacefully � and
competing for space with the clutter in the spare
room also does nothing for the stress levels.
"The key to a successful and functional work
area in your home is to take a little time and care
planning it to ensure it fits your needs," says
Simon Glanville, managing director of storage
specialists STORE.
"Even if it's a small space, if you pay attention
to the layout and tailor it to meet your needs, you
can make all the difference."
He advises taking a hard look at all your
living space so you pick exactly the right spot
for a work space.
"You might find you don't actually need to
take over one room and could instead effectively
use a landing or an under-stairs space.
"Even constantly packing work away can be
made easier by using colour-coded boxes and
files. That way there'll be some order and every-
thing won't be in an exasperating muddle when
you get them out again."
You're the boss, so choose a home office style
that makes going to work a pleasure...
OFFICE SUITE
CORPORATE spaces are usually characterised
by drab desks and grey walls but there's defi-
nitely no need to replicate that at home.
Instead opt for a tailored workstation and
matching storage units in wood effect finishes,
or perhaps one painted to your colour choice.
A well-equipped area gives an instant first
impression of organisation and professionalism,
which is particularly important if you have busi-
ness meetings at home and need to impress.
Get the look: specialist companies will fit out a
room but if that's too costly, you could pick up
some impressive kit on the high street.
B&Q's California furniture in light oak
veneer includes a corner or straight desk, �150,
and a tall shelf unit, �105. Bear in mind, you'll
need to be handy with a screwdriver as it's sup-
plied flat pack.
Marks & Spencer's Sonoma Light furniture
collection, in either a dark or light oak finish, is
particularly elegant. Desk �499, display shelv-
ing also �499, and an executive style Brown
Leather office chair, �199.
Tip: a common mistake is to try to squeeze your
office into too little space. Architects recommend
that the area should be at least 10 feet by 10 feet.
If you haven't got the luxury of that space,
ensure there's sufficient room for the equipment
you use regularly and build units `up'rather than
`around'� use wallmounted shelves or overhead
cupboards.
DESK TO IMPRESS
WHEN Jeff Bezos launched Amazon in his
garage he revamped old doors into desks � a
nifty money-saving idea which you can steal.
Use trestles or cupboards as supports on either
end. But if your budget can stretch a little fur-
ther, a beautiful desk as a piece of stand-alone
furniture enhances any room.
Get the look: you couldn't fail to feel like a top
dog if you were seated at one of Lombok's
desks. This company, famed for its Eastern-style
range, has an excellent selection and its classic
teak and mahogany Directors desk, �1,095, is
one of its stars.
If you're only indulging in a little light work,
paying bills and sending letters, Oka's white
painted antique style Oslo desk, �585, could be
just the ticket.
You'll feel you've got a promotion (to a
design aficionado) if you choose the sleek
Embrace desk, �2,100 from STORE. It's avail-
able in a choice of richly-grained woods includ-
ing cherry, walnut or oak and has distinctive
curved sides and slim drawers.
Tip: test out a desk before buying. Sit at it and
have a list with you of all the files or work clut-
ter you use so you can assess whether it has
enough drawers or surface space. If you're
The stylish way to
By GABRIELLE FAGAN
Director's desk, �,1095, in teak or mahogany, from Lombok
estate agents
Baldersons page 76
Belvoir page 5
Bloor & Co pages 8-9
Blundells pages 11-23/40-41
Brownill Vickers page 36
Crapper & Haigh page 37
Eadon Lockwood & Riddle pages 24-25/42
Fairways pages 9/36
Haybrook pages 50/54-61
Henry Spencer & Sons page 36
Hunters page 71
Letwise page 47
Lewis Wadsworth pages 48-49
Mark Jenkinson & Sons page 10
Mike Jolly pages 38-39
Move & Save page 4
Property Shop pages 46/81
Reeds Rains pages 28-32/43
Saxton Mee pages 44-45/64-69
Spencers pages 35/63
W H Brown pages 26-27/47
Whitehorne pages 77-79
Winkworth pages 72-75
Your Move pages 6-7
Property Classified page 83
ADVERTISING DEADLINES
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Email your property enquiries to: enquiries.property@sheffieldnewspapers.co.uk
SHEFFIELD PROPERTY GUIDE
1 YORK STREET, SHEFFIELD, S1 1PU
TEL: 0114 252 1333/252 1332
FAX; 0114 252 1377
www.adfast.co.uk
supplements
Property for Rent pages 35-50
New Homes pages 33-34/51-52

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