IN Millcreek Spring 2018 | Page 55

SPECIAL SECTION HOME IMPROVEMENT favorite to many, both for accent pieces and hardware. • Intense paint colors: Deep hues are trending in 2018, bringing pops of color to all rooms of the house. While too much of a good thing can make it feel like it’s midnight in the middle of the day, use deeper colors for a dramatic accent wall or as a modern backsplash. Home Office Space Ideas An uptick in self-employment and flexible workplace settings are allowing home offices to become one of the most- used areas in the house. But dedicating an entire room to an office may not always be doable. Be creative when designing a home office and look for underutilized spaces. Clear out space in a finished attic for a desk, chair and some added lighting. Better yet, shut the door for some real quiet time. No attic space? Dedicate a wall in the basement as a workspace by adding a small area rug under a desk to warm up the room. Be sure to schedule laundry at a different time to avoid distractions. If all else fails, a niche in the family room can be a dedicated space to get work done. With the right accents and furniture, any area can make the perfect home office. • Less is more: It’s impossible to have a clear mind with a cluttered workspace. Keep home offices simple to avoid the desire to keep unnecessary papers Continued on next page > MILLCREEK ❘ SPRING 2018 53