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A well-designed office makes working from home happier

FinnDesigner
22 Apr 2020
Design
desk, home office, home office ideas, office design, work space, working from home

As so many of us work at home right now because of the unfortunate circumstances, a dedicated home working space is important. It can be a specific home office room, combination of guest room and home office, or a dedicated space in another room. Either way, now is the time to give some thought to how to make that space support the person who works there.

De-clutter your space while strategically positioning storage, like a file cabinet under a desk.

There are many aspects to consider when taking the steps to start making the best use of the space. Some steps are common sense, yet also associated with Feng Shui disciplines.

As we have heard so many times, literally clean the space and clear the clutter. Eliminate items that are no longer needed, are broken and cannot be fixed, or are no longer purposeful or bring joy in your life. These can be old papers, books, accessories, clothing — anything that we keep in our spaces. A stuffed and unorganized office will clutter the mind and distract from focusing and productivity. Clearing the space will make room and welcome new ideas and opportunities.

If the work space is a separate room, try closing the door to cut down on distractions from the rest of the home.

Consider making room for furry friends in your work space.
Consider making room for furry friends in your work space.

Is there enough storage in your space for some files (if paper files are still used) and other products you need? A movable file storage unit can be easily located in various spaces, perhaps under your desk. It can be utilized as additional desk space for a project or to store paper goods and other office supplies.

Proper illumination and ergonomics are important. Additional lighting can be added with table lamps. Try bright LED bulbs with low heat output.

The desk chair should be adjustable and give good support for sitting for long hours in front of a computer.

If possible, use an adjustable stand for the monitor so it can be lifted, offering the option of working while standing. Also, there are devices for under the desk that can either massage your feet or keep legs active by pedaling. The correct position and soft support for wrists are crucial to avoid aches and pains and future issues.

In addition to books and manuals, bookcases can hold magazines, catalogs, folders, files, pictures, art, quotes, meaningful mementos and some accessories. The space can be enhanced further by bringing in a water fountain, essential oil diffuser, and a bed for a furry friend. Plants also add life and color, helping increase productivity and purify the air.

Standing while you work can alleviate stress on your body.
Changing how you work can make computer time easier on your body. A device to elevate the keyboard (at left) lets you can stand while you work.
A cozy seating area gives you a chance to work from a different, comfortable position.
A cozy seating area gives you a chance to work from a different, comfortable position.
A fountain personalizes your office and gives it a relaxing atmosphere.
A fountain personalizes your office and gives it a relaxing atmosphere.

If there’s space for separate seating for reading a book or watching a webinar, that’s ideal and can be more comfortable than sitting on an office chair all day. In a guest room/office, that comfy piece can be a functional sleeper sofa. They are great space savers, practical and beautiful.

Further, if the space (or even just a desk) is planned according to Feng Shui principles, which bring in the idea of compass directions and more, it can additionally support the person working there.

A work space is personal to its user and should be comfortable, effective, practical, safe, inviting, inspiring and visually pleasing for the person using it. The place where you work from home can be as welcoming as your home itself.

Need some ideas on how to make your work space work for you? Get in touch.

A bookcase can hold more than books. Include items that add beauty and make you happy.
A bookcase can hold more than books. Include items that add beauty and make you happy.

As home becomes a haven, we can design and build safely and remotely

FinnDesigner
08 Apr 2020
Design
bathroom, remote design, renovation, safety

Home has never been more important to us than it is right now. It’s the center of our lives, a safe haven, even a remote workplace. It’s what we need to sustain us through dark times and help us flourish in the better times to come.

You might be thinking now about ways to make your home better – safer, smarter, more beautiful. Finn Design can work remotely to help you think through your ideas and create a design plan.

Riitta Ylonen is a state-licensed interior designer, Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist and certified Feng Shui consultant. She has expertise in virtually all aspects of interior design. She will discuss the work with you and take a design from the space planning stage to completion of the project. She prepares scaled floor plans, elevations, electrical plans, and cabinetry drawings. This planning stage is crucial for renovation, new construction and any commercial projects.

If you’re looking for a smaller-scale transformation, she also designs and makes custom furniture, bedding, window treatments, window shades and upholstered pieces, such as sofas and ottomans. Check out our shop for examples.

Her husband, Juha, a master woodworker and cabinetmaker, builds pieces remotely before installation. In other words, there’s a lot we can do for you while you’re waiting for the world to start turning again.

If you’d like to know more, please call us at 321-956-2011 or fill out our form and tell us what you need.

We wish you all the best and hope you stay safe and healthy. As we sew masks for the anti-virus effort, we’re looking to the future. Here’s to better times ahead.

Fresh bathroom design

Below is a video showing a recent bathroom transformation. The design employs principles of CAPS – Riitta is a Certified Aging in Place specialist, creating safe spaces for all ages that you can enjoy now and in the future.

Patio project offers relaxing living space and premium outdoor kitchen

FinnDesigner
01 Nov 2019
Design
grilling, outdoor kitchen, outdoors, porch

What were the clients looking for in this outdoor patio project?

The new addition to the house was to expand the small, existing screened-in patio. This space was more for the man of the house, who enjoys grilling and relaxing outdoors. The previous space wasn’t adequate for comfortably entertaining and, most importantly, for grilling! The new space is complete with a full kitchen, including prep, cooking and cleaning areas, along with living space.

However, we always design for everyone by bringing in feminine and masculine features to create balance to please both homeowners.

The outcome ended up being a delightful surprise for the husband, who trusted his wife and the designer team to do the planning and selections and monitor the work progress.

How is designing for outdoors different from designing for indoors?

For designing outdoors, the materials and finishes must endure climate effects from moisture and humidity to sun exposure. The cabinetry, fabrics, furniture and cushions are specifically designed for outdoor use.

Beautiful materials and lighting add to the functionality and charm of the space.

How did you ensure the outdoor kitchen was functional and safe?

As a specialist in safety, that is always on my mind. The floor is covered with non-slip pavers. There are easy-to-clean granite countertops and a recycled glass backsplash. A wall was built behind the grilling area instead of using the screening material that was in the original plans.

There is plenty of lighting controlled by groupings, designed for individual functional areas or used all at once, if so desired. Also, for mood and safety, there are toe-kick and under-bar counter lights.

The steps from the house to the outdoor space were designed and made deep enough to allow plenty of landing area when entering into the new space. The cabinetry sits on a concrete platform for excess water to run out and not get trapped.

Hoods add to the safety of the outdoor cooking space designed by Finn Design Inc.

What are some of your favorite materials and features in this project?

I love the custom-made wide slat Spanish cedar cabinet doors, panels and drawer fronts. Other elements I like are the ample lighting and a beautiful granite and recycled-glass mosaic backsplash that reflects light and just works so well with stainless steel and other materials in the space. Other great features are the large stainless-steel hoods with lighting; natural stone bar front and column fronts; industrial-style light fixtures, fans and drapery rods; crown molding; and simple drapery panels as a backdrop.

LED ribbon accent lights under cabinets and under the bar counter, hidden with the row of glass tiles, create an enchanting glow. Different conversation areas and comfortable seating provide a great flow overall and pure comfort that just invite one to relax.

A fire table and comfortable seating make this an appealing, relaxing living area.

What advice would you give someone who wants to transform their outdoor or semi-outdoor space?

Hire a designer at the beginning of the project, before plans are made or a contractor is hired. The designer may change the plans, sometimes a great deal, while allowing for and respecting the client’s wishes and desires for the space. A designer has the know-how to see potential problems before they become problems if involved from the start of the project and will help you create a beautiful, safe and practical space.

See more photos in our OUTDOORS gallery in the PORTFOLIO

It’s important to plan for Aging in Place in your lifetime home

FinnDesigner
16 Jun 2018
Aging in Place
accessibility, aging in place, CAPS

Italian-inspired master bath by Finn Design has features that are beautiful as well as practical.


I was writing in my journal this morning on the quiet beach, accompanied only by the waves crashing on the shore and a lonely dolphin circling sluggishly next to the bridge-like reflection the sun created on the water. I reflected back to the past few months, filled with many interesting and diverse projects, from creative designing and planning, weekend job site visits, meetings, installations and a challenging but gratifying faux finish project, to studying, taking classes and becoming a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) in the midst of it all.

I find it surprising that CAPS and Aging-in-Place are not widely recognized by many people I have met at different events, even though it’s an inevitable and important issue. There’s nothing more evident than change in all levels of our lives, all around us. There’s no stopping of time moving on. We are all part of this cycle, admit it or not. AIP, or aging-in-place, affects all of us, regardless of age.

Many of us dream of owning a home or a house at one point of our lives. It is usually the biggest monetary investment of a lifetime. First it may be a smaller starter home. Then perhaps a bigger one for growing a family and raising children. After children have grown and moved out, it may be time to downsize.

There are people who decide that the home they are in will be their forever home, but staying in one place for a lifetime requires planning. Some people may develop a chronic or progressive condition that may require modifications to their environment. An accident or traumatic experience may require altering a home or a space. As a Florida-licensed interior designer and Aging-in-Place Specialist, I aim to make sure the home and surroundings are safe, secure, accessible, easy to use and comfortable without sacrificing its beauty, regardless of the individual’s needs.

A Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) can be an invaluable asset when planning for your future needs. The ideal time to design for the future is when building a new home or addition or when planning for a renovation. Adaptable planning will allow space modifications later without major work or cost. However, older homes may require more structural changes to achieve the desired results. The cost of modifications to allow a person to stay in their home in familiar surroundings is likely way more reasonable than relocating to another establishment.

You want your home to grow with you, and I want to help. Contact us to learn more.

— Riitta Ylonen, Finn Design

Good Feng Shui takes a turn in February

FinnDesigner
02 Feb 2018
Feng Shui
cleaning, feng shui, new year

I haven’t been very active in writing the blog for a while. However, as a Feng Shui practitioner, I feel that it is important to address at least some issues relevant to the changes occurring starting February 4, 2018, the end of Yin and start of Yang season in the solar calendar.

A good, thorough spring cleaning and clutter elimination should be completed by now. (I scrubbed my floors already in December of last year.)

One of the most important Feng Shui locations is the entrance to a home or a business. That is where the Chi, energy or life force enters the premises. The front door needs to be in a good repair and operate smoothly. The entrance, inside and out, needs to be clean, easily accessible and clutter-free to allow and welcome the new energies and opportunities to arrive.

In my example, the front entrance is facing North. Starting on February 4, 2017, it was fine to activate and energize the North section (associated with water, career and opportunities) with moving water such as a fountain, images of water, fish, sea beans, shells, dark colored accessories and other items associated with and supporting the water element as shown in the first picture. I had added soft light and Chinese coins for further protection and activation, as well as bells on the door handle.

The scenery for this year starting on February 4, 2018, is quite different for the same North direction (and other areas as well, as each compass direction has meaning). This time, the North side of a building is to be kept quiet and not energized. The bubbly fountain, and other water-associated décor items and energizing lights, as well as the bells from the door, are moved to more appropriate locations for the upcoming 12 months. This time, it is important to add metal to dissipate the effects of the challenging star 5, which is located in North this year (2018). It is actually advisable to enter and exit at another location in a building if possible. It could be a back door or side garage door if that is available. There are additional Feng Shui cures that are beneficial in diminishing the possible negative effects of the star 5.

For this year, the entrance in the second picture is furnished with a metal etagere with a display of all-metal accessories.

To find out how to use Feng Shui to improve your life, read more about our consultations.

Feng Shui gives spring cleaning new meaning

FinnDesigner
13 Jan 2017
Feng Shui
cleaning, clutter, feng shui, spring cleaning

Are you ready for a new beginning in your space and your life? Finn Design’s Feng Shui expert Riitta Ylonen says it’s not too early to prepare for the clean start of spring.

BedroomSoon we’ll see the end of the Winter Yin season and the start of the Spring Yang season. As we are heading to the end of the exhausted winter (yin) energy cycle and approaching the new spring (yang) cycle, which is February 3 this year, it’s very important to clear, clean and remove old energies, Ylonen says. Then you’ll be able to welcome new energy for the start of the Chinese calendar’s Year of the Fire Rooster.

A good spring cleaning is a must in all our spaces and offices. Part of the cleaning should include eliminating items that are broken and can’t be fixed or that you haven’t gotten fixed. Also, it’s time to let go of anything unused or not liked, or things that no longer serve you, including relationships that cannot be mended. Stagnant and/or negative energy, as well as vibrant and positive energy, have an effect on how our lives are going.

Each of us has a personal element(s) and life situations that can be affected, elevated or balanced with the help of Feng Shui. Through consultation, Riitta Ylonen can help you use Feng Shui to enhance your environment and surroundings in your home, office or any space to support your intentions, goals and success for the rest of the year.

For more information or to schedule an analysis and/or consultation (remote or on-site, locally), visit Finn Design’s Feng Shui page or contact us.

A bathroom transformation solves issues with practical, beautiful results

FinnDesigner
05 Aug 2016
Design
bathroom, design, redesign, renovation, space planning

Before and after

Here at Melbourne’s Finn Design, we seem to be doing bathroom renovations and updates quite often. In this example, the “before” picture shows the original 16-year-old master bathroom vanity with inadequate and ineffectively located lighting, above overly sized cabinets without functionality, and with a cultured marble vanity top. Another challenge posed by the original layout was that the back mirror wall was angled on the right, and the right sink was too close to the wall. There wasn’t enough elbow room, and the person facing the mirror in that location had a distorted view, because the mirror was cut in 45 degrees to follow the back wall.

Aug2016pulloutOriginally, our repeat client requested only an update to the cabinets, vanity top and plumbing fixtures. However, as often happens when creativity takes over, we came up with three different options, from a modest change to the most functional. Our client chose the third option, with side wall cabinets balancing the back wall angle. These cabinets – with storage, adjustable shelves and electrical outlets inside – now provide functionality for both users. For the left side, we integrated the space and power source for the attached, adjustable magnifying makeup/grooming mirror.

Lighting now is provided from above and from the sides, with the option to control them separately or together.

The vanity itself has a pull-out mechanism on the left, with containers for neatly organized toiletries and supplies. The rest of the cabinets have adjustable shelves and a wide bank of drawers.

The wood is cherry with a light stain to coordinate with the existing tile and color scheme, which we didn’t want to change. The chosen zodiac quartz vanity top also complements the existing surroundings, with ease of maintenance. We also installed a towel warmer, along with designer grab bars for support and safety in the walk-in shower and water closet.

This transformation shows that a practical re-design also can be beautiful.

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Finn Design Inc.

Riitta Ylonen, Interior Designer,
Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist
and Certified Feng Shui Consultant

NCIDQ, CAPS, FL.lic. ID4662, IB26000828

321-956-2011


email us      CALL NOW

Juha Ylonen, woodwork, cabinetry, furniture and skateboards

3185 New York Ave., Suite 10
Melbourne, FL 32934
By appointment

321-258-1884



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