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:
Whites:
SW 7005 Pure White
SW 7008 Alabaster
SW 7566 Westhighland White
Not white but super pretty (great for ceilings or slight contrast on trim)
SW7631 City Loft
SW9166 Drift of Mist
SW7014 Eider White
Paint your mantle surround!
SW 7018 Dovetail
SW 7674 Peppercorn
SW 9173 Shitake
Paint your powder room
SW7244 Naval
SW6990 Caviar
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 -
Trash bags
Clear storage bins
Big sharpies for labeling and/or label maker
Fresh new files – pendaflex, manila – whatever you use
6.Get Outside – Upgrade Your Patio
Some of our favorite sources:
Summer Classics
Selamat
Frontgate
Costco
Mainly Baskets