MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY NOOK AND CRANNY
As people spend more time in their houses, the boundaries between home, work, and leisure are blurred more than ever, which can impact mood and productivity. No matter where you live — a single- family suburban home or a one-bedroom apartment — you want to squeeze as much function as you can in an existing space. These tactics will help you get the most out of your abode. Fold it away. One of the first steps in creating more space is to utilize multifunctional furniture. These are pieces that can fold and free up floor space when they’re not in use, or they can even transform into another piece of useful furniture.
Instead of using a free-standing desk, you can go with a fold-away desk that disappears into your wall or can easily be hidden in a storage area or under the bed. There are also tables that transform and expand when needed. You can look into using a bed that folds into the wall, as they come with built-in storage options to keep extra bedding, clothes, shoes, and other space-hogging items. Consider combining rooms. If you have an open-floor plan, combining rooms is a great way to make the most of the existing space. Combining rooms like the dining room and kitchen is ideal for social gatherings in one area where no one is cut off from the crowd while
cooking. Another combination is a bedroom closet and office. A few shelves and a chair can morph a closet into a great office workplace, and you can even tuck it behind a curtain when it’s not in use. You can also use this technique in an empty corner of a room. When it comes to creating a multifunctional area, it’s not about dividing the room in half. Instead, it’s about allocating your space according to how you’re actually going to use it. You can really use every nook and cranny of your home to your advantage, and it’ll give you plenty of room for more activities.
CLIENT SUCCESS STORY: BILLY POTTER
When I was growing up, I was fascinated by George Plimpton. A New York aristocrat and literary journalist, Plimpton wrote witty accounts of his various madcap attempts to slip into other people’s high-profile careers. He’d often appear on “The Tonight Show” when Johnny Carson was at the helm. He tried several stints as a “professional” athlete. As a boxer, he had his nose bloodied by Archie Moore at Stillman’s Gym in 1959. As a pitcher, he became exhausted and couldn’t finish an exhibition against 16 stars from the National and American leagues (though he got Willie Mays to pop up). And as a “professional” third-string quarterback, he lost roughly 30 yards during a scrimmage with the Detroit Lions in 1963. He also tried his hand at tennis, had a brief stint as goaltender for the Boston
Bruins, was a temporary percussionist with the New York Philharmonic, and performed as a trapeze artist in a circus. He believed writers needed to immerse themselves in what they were covering, not just observe. We have clients from diverse backgrounds, employment, and interests. I love learning about different jobs and hobbies they’ve had. As for their jobs, I feel it’s sometimes like watching “Dirty Jobs” and thinking “I had no idea that’s how that work gets done!” I admire people good at their work, whatever it is. The hobbies also vary: competitive cyclists, custom hot rods, race car drivers and transporters. Our client, Billy Potter, a heavy equipment operator and commercial driver by trade, also is a maker of custom knives. He
began making knives in 1995 and still does. He has his own YouTube channel and his work has been featured in Knife Magazine, a periodical for collectors, knifemakers, and other enthusiasts. Billy was injured last year driving for Del Monte when his semi hit a huge pothole as he came over a bridge. As his back pain persisted and his restrictions became permanent, it was too difficult to drive big rigs any longer, so he retired and settled his claim. His wife is from Thailand, so after the settlement was paid, they sold their home in Dublin, crated their belongings, and moved to Bangkok! He says it’s cheaper to live there, they’re near her family, and the knife business can be done anywhere he is!
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