It’s no secret many successful empires have had humble beginnings at a home office or kitchen counter.
But when business ramps up it’s important to make sure the environment you work from is conducive to productivity.
Natural light and fresh air are two elements you can control to improve the atmosphere and reduce energy consumption when working from home according to The Blind Factory Director Brett Thomas.
“The major difference between those who work at home or go to an office is the energy consumption and lack of natural light and air.
“When you work from home, you have the opportunity to enjoy bright, fresh and natural lighting with fresh air.
“It’s a matter of making the right choices to maximise what you have available and reduce reliance on expensive artificial lighting, heating and cooling,” said Brett.
Cross ventilation throughout the home can be achieved with the innovative use of plantation shutters to open up internal walls.
“We’re installing lots plantation shutters within internal walls, which are fantastic for air flow, privacy, noise control and supervision of children.
“You can be in your study and with the benefit of plantation shutters, still hear and see the main living zones, while the door can still be shut for privacy.
“And if the phone rings, the shutter can be easily and quickly closed for silence,” he said.
Brett added that home owners were also installing plantation shutters in hallways and on second storey internal walls to help boost natural light throughout the home and reduce reliance on artificial lighting.
Finding the right balance between light and privacy can be a concern in the home office area but Brett said a combination of blinds solved the problem.
“We install lots of sheer blinds, matched with block out roller blinds. The combination gives the room absolute privacy while still allowing natural light to flood into the room.
“It’s natural to walk into a room and turn on the lights, but if you can maximise natural light, there’s no reason to waste money.
“While there is something to be said for bright, crisp lights and a sense of professionalism, natural lighting and air are enviable factors of corporate office dwellers, so if you have the opportunity to use them to your advantage why wouldn’t you?,” he said.
Brett also added that window coverings provide fantastic insulation and can help keep warm air in throughout winter and cool air in throughout summer.
“Not having good window coverings is literally throwing money out the window.
“They will help reduce electricity bills and your impact on the environment, which makes them a great investment – particularly if you do work from home and your house is occupied throughout the day and night,” he said.
The most popular window cover choices for home owners at the moment are block out, sheer or translucent roller blinds, which are available in a huge range of colours. To make the most of light and privacy in an average study using quality blinds, it should cost between $500 – $1000.
The Blind Factory are a leading supplier of made to measure and made to last, quality roller, venetian and roman blinds, shutters and awnings.