Episode 77 – Survival Tips for Working at Home

1. INTRO – WOW these are unprecedented times we are in right now with CO-VID 19 ruling our world. We thought that since the vast majority of people around the world are sequestered in their homes now would be the perfect time for us to lend a helping hand – virtually that is.  If you are looking around your home and feeling the need to improve your surroundings, we’ve got lots of tips for you today. 

a. SPONSORED BY  - Before we dig in, we want to let you know that this Episode of Inside Design with Kandrac & Kole is sponsored by our favorite lighting company Currey & Company.  We highly recommend you go to their website https://curreyandcompany.com and checkout their lighting, furniture, mirrors, accessories and upholstery. 

With spring upon us definitely check out their Outdoor collection – they have a series of outdoor benches that are super cool and unique including some concrete benches that look beautiful in a garden.

Currey & Company is a “to the trade only” company so if you are not a designer, you can either find the product pricing via google or contact your local designer. If you are designer, this is a must account to have open. 

2. Let’s Paint

Your home and you probably have some time, so why not do some painting?  Seriously, there’s nothing like a fresh coat of paint to brighten up your surroundings and give your home décor a quick boost.  A few of our no fail favorite colors: 

    1. Whites: 

      1. SW 7005 Pure White

      2. SW 7008 Alabaster 

      3. SW 7566 Westhighland White 

    2. Not white but super pretty (great for ceilings or slight contrast on trim)

      1. SW7631 City Loft 

      2. SW9166 Drift of Mist 

      3. SW7014 Eider White 

    1. Paint your mantle surround! 

      1. SW 7018 Dovetail 

      2. SW 7674 Peppercorn 

      3. SW 9173 Shitake 

    2. Paint your powder room

      1. SW7244 Naval 

      2. SW6990 Caviar 

      3. SW6447 Arugula 

3.Upgrade Your Lighting

One thing we see in almost every home we visit is inadequate lighting. While you are 

home trying to work, read, play games, etc. now is the time to upgrade your lighting. 

A few tips: 

1. Bedside lamps and most table lamps should be between 30-34” tall. 

2. Also look for the highest wattage possible – the cheaper lamps will be 60 watt or less which is not good enough for reading. 

3. We prefer 3-way lamps or lamps with built in dimmers. 

4. Some great sites to go onto

  • Curreyandcompany.com

  • Build.com

  • Shadesoflight.com

  • Rejuvenation.com

  • Lampsplus.com

  • Circalighting.com

4.Our Favorite Home Office Essentials to Work Remote:

If you didn’t have a home office before COVID-19 we bet you are trying to put one together now! Organization is key! A few essentials for us: 

  • A 2nd monitor -  Working for a laptop is great but nothing beats having a 2nd large monitor.  If you haven’t tried it, it’s a must. I have a 27” monitor and love it. LG and Dell are the go to’s. 

  • Good lighting - LED task lighting but preferably natural light. 

  • A comfortable, ergonomic chair.  If this is a temporary office, look at Ikea. If this is a permanent solution, check out the Steelcase Think Chair. 

  • Consider a standing desk. 

  • Sleek supply organization – paper clips, stickies, stapler, pens – Check out Twist Offie Partners (https://www.twistop.com), See Jane Work  (https://seejanework.com), Homegoods or Target 

  • A multi-function laser printer – Capabilities to copy, scan, email, print in color – don’t worry about faxing. 

  • Something pretty to look at – art (Chairish, Minted), a pretty plant, essential oil diffuser, pretty candle 

  • Fast Internet – Go for 50 megabits or higher. 

5.Declutter and Free Your Brain 

  • Here is your mantra: If you haven’t looked at it, thought about it or used it in over a year it goes!! OR  a 2nd mantra - If it is not beautiful, is not useful and does not brings you joy – it goes!  Get prepared before you dig in - 

    1. Trash bags

    2. Clear storage bins

    3. Big sharpies for labeling and/or label maker

    4. Fresh new files – pendaflex, manila – whatever you use 

6.Get Outside – Upgrade Your Patio 

  1. Some of our favorite sources: 

    1. Summer Classics

    2. Selamat 

    3. Frontgate

    4. Costco

    5. Mainly Baskets  

 
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Joann KandracComment