Design a Productive Workspace with a Family Home Office
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BY C A R R I E M C C O N K E Y, C A R R I E M C C O N K E Y.C O M
HE N YOU were growing up, where did you study? Perhaps in your bedroom, on the couch, or sitting at the dining room table. What about your work today? Once again, you may be searching for a place to concentrate. With organized storage in a family home office you can give yourself - and your brood - a productive area to learn, work, and bond. Here are a few ideas: Create Workstations That Work Design multiple work areas to fit your family members with space-saving organized storage. Use shelves to separate desk spaces and give each person plenty of elbow room. Add cabinetry “lockers” to hold backpacks, school supplies, and electronics and slatwall with hooks and containers to house pencils, pens, scissors, rulers, and more. And don’t forget pull-out desk surfaces for more room to create. Design a Multi-Purpose Island A center island with stools fits the bill when working on large school projects and can also serve as a “conference table” for family pow-wows. On nights and weekends, the area can transform into a relaxing craft space or handy gift-wrapping surface. Custommeasured cabinets and shelves keep the area clutter-free, and
a power strip will keep the current flowing. Build a Nook for More Than Books A cozy bench seat with built-in bookcases will give family members a quiet place to land whether reading, attending virtual meetings, or simply journaling. To aid in concentration, choose relaxing hues from a wide range of storage component finishes, and add LED lights to reduce eyestrain day or night. This school year, invest in a productive family home office that will cut down on clutter and increase inspiration. The design team at Closets by McKenry can help you maximize every inch of your space and every dollar in your budget. We’re not a national franchise, so your money will stay local to support the economy. Call today, and keep your loved ones from searching around the house for a place to work. Your home’s value - and everyone’s quality of life - will receive an A+!
Closets by McKenry 201 Center Park Drive, #1070 Knoxville, TN 37922 865.249.6382 ClosetsByMcKenry.com
Volunteers: Crafting Beauty from Generosity at Random Acts of Flowers
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ACH WEEK, an exceptional group “These flowers would end up in the The transformative power of these floral arrangements extends far beyond their of volunteers gathers in our workshop, trash, but we get to recycle them physical beauty. For recipients, receiving armed with creativity and compassion, and pass them on, and it’s just a bouquet is about more than just flowers to infuse fresh life into floral donations from our local partners. Generously provided by such a wonderful, beautiful cycle.” - it’s a tangible expression of care and support during challenging times. Whether it’s local grocery stores, florists, event planners, a patient in a hospital room, a resident in a and individuals, a new batch of flowers and nursing home, or a veteran in a rehabilitation vases arrives almost daily. Once destined for center, these bouquets brighten their day disposal, these blooms now find purpose in and lift their spirits. the skilled hands of our dedicated volunteers. “I love flowers,” said Ellen Anderson, a RAF These 400+ individuals are the unsung volunteer of five years. “Getting to use my heroes of Random Acts of Flowers Knoxville, creativity is wonderful, but the real reason I generously donating their time and talent to collect, arrange, and deliver these floral gifts to local healthcare volunteer is the mission. It’s the sense that there are hundreds of people every week who are getting a lift from what we do. These facilities. As they work, the volunteers pour their love and positive flowers would end up in the trash, but we get to recycle them and energy into every bouquet they create. Their dedication goes pass them on, and it’s just such a wonderful, beautiful cycle.” Random Acts of Flowers Knoxville is grateful for the dedicabeyond arranging flowers; it’s about creating moments of beauty and connection for those who receive them. Each bouquet tion and passion of our volunteers who breathe life into each becomes a symbol of hope - a reminder that kindness can bloom bouquet. Their commitment to spreading joy and kindness exemplifies the spirit of our organization and serves as a beacon of even in the most unexpected places. “The workshop is like a beehive of happiness - each week, hope for all those we touch. To learn more about Random Acts of Flowers Knoxville and every day,” said Debbie Fettig, Program Manager at RAF. “Getting to see all our volunteers making bouquets and making friends - how you can support our mission, please call us at 865-633it’s just a joyous time. I love flowers, and I love making people 9082, email us at info@RAFKnoxville.org, or visit our website at RAFKnoxville.org. happy, and that’s what our mission is all about.”
10 EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE August 2024