Climb to the top of this house and you’ll find yourself in a combination den, furniture and study with a spectacular view on three sides. You’ll feel as though you were alone in a remote aerie, but the cozy fireplace and warm wood trim lend an intimate atmosphere. Recessed lighting in the coffered redwood ceiling adds a warm glow, while two spotlights accent the tilled heart. Storage on either side of the fireplace holds stereo speakers, firewood, and books. Architect: Churchill – Zlatunich –Lorimer.

Tower den is mini gallery

Perched on top of the house, this den contains a gallery of artifact from around the world. You can relax on the couch, watch TV, select a book from the nearby library wall, or just contemplate the art mounted on the grass cloth covered wall. Strategically placed track spotlight illuminate the art objects. The lower den has access to a deck for a tree house effect. Architect: Ellmore / Titus.

Step down to the library lounge

Centered in the sunken library, the comfy bolster bed couch invites you to settle in for a good read. Vivid red pillows contrast with paneling, bookshelves and ceiling beams. The couch faces a large, antique furniture and white wall used for projecting slides. Architect: A. Quincy Jones.

Book Bridge spans room

Beside a full height wall of books this small combination study and guest room has a bookshelf bridge the width of the room. Attached to the ceiling joist the bridge is sturdy enough to hold a double row of books. Architect: George Cody.

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Organization is the one aspect of any study area or home office that everyone agrees is crucial. The size of your work area influences the general layout, as does the number of activities you intend to pursue. You may want more than one work surface: one for reading and writing, and one for typing. Placed at right angles and possibly at different levels (lower for typing) they can make an efficient work area. The general principle for organizing any study area is to arrange your equipment and supplies in the order of use. Throughout this chapter you’ll find excellent ideas for efficient organization .

Just a word about home offices: tax laws have changed recently. It is not easy to claim a home office as a tax deduction.

Bookshelves soar to ceiling

Part of an extensive family retreat this library features an antique desk positioned like a command post in front of bookshelves. Besides a desk lamp, the area is lighted y a skylight and sliding glass doors; spotlight focus on art objects. This all is the result of a planned home improvement.

A Den is a post from: Home Improvement

Lighting should be easy on the eyes. For good reading light, place the light source behind the reader so light comes from over the shoulder. Soft general light should be part of the scheme; too-otherwise the glare from a single reading light makes your eyes weary. If your den has display shelves or contains special wall hangings or art, use spotlights or wall washers to show them off. Strip lighting in shelves or mini-track systems in bookcases could have a place in den decor they’re unobtrusive and can add to the quite mood.

Brown seems to be the classic color for a den, but you could be bold and decorate in whatever color relaxes you. If you decide to use the brown leather-and-wood look, consider using green plants as color accents.

All the dens shown here have the requisite mellow atmosphere. The two dens on the opposite page are tower rooms, isolated above the entire house. Your den doesn’t have to be entirely cut off from the household, though quiet and privacy are important.

Cozy but sophisticated

Looking down from a loft, you see how much can be paced into a tiny area without losing the illusion of uncluttered spaciousness. Besides a fireplace, there are a stereo system, TV, storage for books, and invitingly comfortable seating. Bright throw pillows and matching chair cushion perk up the warm wood tones. Architect: Ernst Meisner.

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If your cozy nest is to be used for readings don’t forget to plan for lighting. An adjustable wall mounted spotlight is a good choice. Position the fixture so the light falls from over your shoulder. Otherwise it may shine in your eyes or throw shadows on your book.

As a final touch of comport, include enough fluffy throw pillows to bolster your back or to nestle info for a snooze.

Loft nest

Perched high a top wall, loft holds one person and one plant. You have to climb up a sturdy ladder to view the many built in feature that feather this nest-like retreat: stereo in headboard, bookshelf along side mattress, TV and storage in wall at end of loft.

Design: David Smith

Under the stairs

Often washed space, the area under the stairs is usually too sloping to hold much furniture. But with a lows built in platform covered with cushions and plenty of pillows.  It becomes a splendid little seating area. Architect: Roderick T. Freebairn Smith.

For people and cats

Designed as a single system, this unit provides a snug lounging niche for people and an observation platform for cats. A protruding shelf works as a table. The low storage compartment an wall mounted boxes, hold books and assorted objects.

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The Environmental Protection Agency also found that toxins like pesticides used in gardens and to clean your home can accumulate on surfaces within your home, most easily in carpeting. This kind of thing is not only unhealthy for you but very dangerous for your children and pets. Too high a concentration of these toxins can cause sickness and also leads to allergies in adults. When you use natural wood flooring in your home you are also eliminating off-gassing. This is the release of toxins by synthetic materials that can be very dangerous to all in your home. Off-gassing has been known to make people and pets chronically sick.

Hardwood flooring is also a good environmental choice. Wood is a naturally renewable resource and part of the cycle of life. Overall hardwood floors are the best choice for your home, your family, and even the planet. They also add to the value of your home more than just about any other type of floor covering. You can’t go wrong with natural hardwood flooring for you and yours.

Hardwood Floors For Healthy Living is a post from: Home Improvement