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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

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.

Design for accessibility: Beautiful spaces at any age

FinnDesigner
27 Jun 2016
Design
accessibility, accessible, ada, aging, design

Italian-inspired master bath by Finn Design

An Italian-inspired master bath by Finn Design has beautiful features designed for long-term accessibility.

Did you know that licensed interior designers have studied and are tested on codes for safety, health and well-being of the occupants of buildings, as well as requirements for accessibility in ADA (the Americans for Disability Act)?

As people age or something happens in their life that changes the requirements for their environment, they may need to renovate and/or move or downsize from their current residence. For example, each time Melbourne’s Finn Design creates a bathroom design, whether new construction, redesign or renovation, licensed interior designer Riitta Ylonen takes into account all the ways the company can make the space more accessible, safer and user-friendly — in addition to satisfying the aesthetic requirements of the clients for years to come.

    Some design elements we recommend for each shower are:

  • A built-in or folding seat
  • Nice grab bars for safety and support
  • Eliminating the shower curb if possible as in universal design
  • Non-slippery shower floor materials such as smaller tile or mosaic
  • At least one hand-held shower on a slide
  • Integrated niche or niches for shampoos, etc.
  • Adequate lighting and ventilation

Those practical features are in addition to pleasing color schemes, accessories and tile designs. Glass shower enclosures can be ordered with an optional shield to make them easier to keep clean.

Finn Design does full-service interior design, space planning, redesign, custom cabinetry, furniture design and creation, custom upholstery, and transformation of any space.

Riitta Ylonen takes projects from planning to execution with a meticulous attention to detail. She designs custom cabinetry that is beautifully hand-built by her husband, Juha, for residential and commercial spaces.

See more of Finn Design’s award-winning work, or call 321-956-2011.

Beach color, modern styles trending

FinnDesigner
27 Jun 2016
Design
beach, colors, design

Beachy colors have a soothing effect in this room by Finn Design.

Beachy colors have a soothing effect in this room by Finn Design.

Beachy colors and modern style are hot in interior design in 2016, according to Finn Design’s Riitta Ylonen.

Soft pink and light serene blue are trendy hues for 2016, says Riitta, a state licensed interior designer and certified Feng Shui consultant with the Melbourne firm. Deeper blues and beachy turquoises are also popping in color schemes this year. Rich beach tones and happy red work well with the still popular neutrals, such as gray and taupe browns. Sunny yellow and vibrant fresh green also play a role.

Riitta recommends that people use colors that make them comfortable. Trendy colors make great accents if they aren’t used as principal colors.

When it comes to style, chrome and metallics remain strong, now mixed with gold and clear lucite in accent pieces and furniture. Transitional, modern classic style in furnishings and overall design themes is still prevalent.

Retro furniture pieces continue to gain in popularity, Riitta says. These are often combined with fresh, bright contemporary fabrics and prints.

Finn Design offers a number of services that may be helpful to you and your customers, including full-service interior design, space planning, redesign, custom cabinetry, furniture design and creation, custom upholstery, and transformation of your space.

Riitta Ylonen can take your project from planning to execution with a meticulous attention to detail. She designs custom cabinetry that is beautifully hand-built by her husband, Juha, for residential and commercial spaces. See more of Finn Design’s award-winning work, or call 321-956-2011.

It’s never too late to start spring cleaning

FinnDesigner
27 Jun 2016
Design
cleaning, clutter, design, feng shui, space planning

110714finnweb23It’s time to start spring cleaning if you haven’t started it already. Finn Design’s Riitta Ylonen is a state licensed interior designer and certified Feng Shui consultant, and she has tips to help you make the most of your space and give yourself a fresh start this season.

In Feng Shui, it’s important to eliminate clutter to give room for new energy to enter. It’s good to start by removing items that no longer serve you. If there is no meaning or use for them, get rid of them. Also, Riitta says, broken items should be fixed or eliminated.

Start from one closet or a cabinet. Clean, reorganize and remove items that gather and hold stagnant energy. From there, it’s good to do a thorough cleaning in the whole room or space. By doing so, the old energy is cleared out, and the new fresh energy has room to step in to invigorate the space to be livelier and more energetic. This kind of thorough spring cleaning will have a direct effect on your well-being.

Finn Design offers a number of services that may be helpful to you and your customers, including full-service interior design, space planning, redesign, renovation, and custom cabinetry.

Riitta Ylonen can take your project from planning to execution with a meticulous attention to detail. Her husband, Juha, designs and builds beautiful custom cabinetry for residential and commercial spaces. Their multiple-award-winning company can make your property look spectacular before or after a sale or for long-term enjoyment.

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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