
How to make your home office work for you
In home office design, everyone's needs are different. Some like their desk to face the window, others find this distracting. Not everyone is comfortable with a door behind them. Who knows what may creep up behind you as you work? Some like to surround themselves with a comforting mess of books and papers; others need everything to be tided away.
'I've designed home offices for couples,' Kenny says. 'Both working from home, but in different businesses. Sometimes one of them is neat and the other needs to spread themselves. I'd go bananas!' Kenny is married to a joiner, Tadgh Kenny of Chisel and Plane. They collaborate successfully on projects, from separate office spaces.
Most home workers prefer a room of their own, with a door they can shut against the world. This isn't always possible. Where space is tight, or the home office is located in a multi-functional room, Kenny recommends a 'cloffice' – an office in a closet. This is a new name for an old concept.
The Victorian bureau desk had a slanting lid that shut the worktop from view. The modern cloffice is more likely to be wall-mounted with a pull-out desk below shelving. Off-the-peg cloffices are available but are not yet widespread.
The Matheo Oak Hideaway Cabinet Desk (€955.99) from La Redoute is elegantly styled but tricky to acquire in Ireland. The best option is to order from the UK website for delivery to an address in Northern Ireland.
In all of this, ergonomics is the elephant in the room. 'Ergonomics are so important,' Kenny says. 'Even when people think they're getting it right, they're probably not.' The problem is that human beings did not evolve to work on computers for 8 hours a day.
Our heavy heads – on average between 4.5 and 5 kg in weight – are designed to be in alignment with the spine. When this balance changes, even by a small degree, it puts pressure on the neck. 'A lot of people use laptops. They either have their set-up right for the arms or right for the eyes, but not for both.' A separate screen and keyboard can help a lot.
Seating is another issue. Sitting too much is bad for your health, yet most office jobs require it. Ikea's sit-stand desks range from the Segrare (€90), operated with a manual crank handle, to the electrically-powered Mittzon (€435). Saddle stools or chairs, as used by dentists and hairdressers, are reportedly better for the back than standard office chairs.
'I've ordered one for my own office,' Kenny says. 'You can find them in hairdresser suppliers and the design is quite minimalist.' The FRNIAMC adjustable saddle chair has won awards (from around €100 on Amazon).
A home office from the Dublin-based joinery company, Custom Made, costs between €4,500 to €8,000, depending on size and complexity, with an average spend of €6,000. 'Most clients want a peaceful, uncluttered space to help them focus,' says in-house designer, Vanessa Manta. 'They want plenty of storage without making the room feel busy. When that's the case, I tend to recommend floating shelves, open shelving, or storage under the desk to keep things light and functional.'
The trend is for bright colours with oak or walnut elements and integrated lighting, either LED strips or downlights. 'Shaker-style doors with small knobs or handleless fronts are the most popular,' Manta says. Most of her clients are hybrid workers. 'This definitely influences their home office needs. They need enough worktop space to accommodate a multi-monitor setup and a printer. The space needs to be practical for regular use, but not necessarily set up like a full-time commercial office.'
While some integrate a desk into the living room by combining it with the TV unit, the overwhelming preference is for a separate, dedicated room.
No home office, however well designed, will remain uncluttered in a messy home. 'If you struggle with accumulation of stuff, it tends to flow into every area of your life,' says decluttering coach Suzy Kell.
Decluttering is a state of mind, rather than a particular project, but working from home brings its own challenges. 'A cluttered desk brings a feeling of chaos. It's distracting and makes it hard to concentrate.'
Kell's solution is simple: 'Get rid of anything that's obviously rubbish and anything that has an obvious home.' Once the books have been restored to the bookshelf and the pens to their resident mug, tackle the anomalies. Unlidded Tupperware containers can bring order to a drawer.
'I like to have a one-step put-away,' she explains. 'Small items of stationery can simply be dropped into place. It helps if they have an obvious place to land. If you have a tech drawer, wind up the cables and fasten them with a rubber band so they don't turn into a crazy spaghetti of cables.'
Paperwork can still be a problem. 'With paperwork comes the fear of throwing something important away,' Kell explains. 'Some of my older clients feel they need to keep a record of everything. This can lead to piles of unprocessed papers and packed filing cabinets. In extreme cases, I've seen rooms full of shopping bags filled with papers.'
The fear of discarding important paperwork is legitimate. Many people have died intestate because their Last Will and Testament went out with the recycling. 'If you think a document may be important, check it at source. Call the bank or the solicitor. If in doubt, keep a scanned copy.'
Once the accumulation of clutter has been dealt with, a regular tidy-up routine will stop it from getting out of hand. 'A 30-second clean-up at the end of the day is a good habit,' Kell says. 'It's easier to start a new day with a clean desk.'
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The Irish Sun
12 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Dark underbelly of UK's new City of Culture plagued by soaring unemployment, ‘spiced-up' druggies & ‘roaming XL Bullies'
CLOSED shops litter the ailing high street and "spiced up" junkies stumble around like zombies or openly inject drugs in dingy doorways. Bradford - this year's UK City of Culture - has a dark underbelly of high unemployment, petty crime and illegal substance abuse. 19 A man slouches on a bench in Bradford city centre, apparently heavily intoxicated Credit: NB PRESS LTD 19 Two large Bully type dogs are walked across a road without leads Credit: NB PRESS LTD 19 Student Vanessa Soydere, 18, came to the city from Turkey 13 years ago and hopes to find work there after she qualifies Credit: NB PRESS LTD It comes after The Sun laid bare the UK's unemployment capitals, with the Labour government telling thousands of Brits: those who can work should get a job. In May, the West Yorkshire city had 26,070 people claiming unemployment benefits, a rise on not only this time last year but also the previous month. Outside of London, it's only behind Birmingham (10.6%) and Luton (7.7%) for joblessness stats. Known as the "wool capital of the world" in its Victorian boom era, it's had a sad fall from grace. Locals complain that jobs are hard to find as high street stores, banks, and pubs close. JOB CENTRE Former ventilation fitter Timmy worked on the Broadway Shopping Mall opposite the Jobcentre before he was sent to prison and lost his livelihood. 'I've gone to the Jobcentre today because I've just got out of jail and want to get back to work,' he told The Sun. 'I'm normally self-employed, I'm a skilled air conditioning ventilation fitter, but it's looking to be pretty hard finding work in Bradford at the moment. Most read in The Sun The UK's top 10 unemployment hotspots This data, compiled by the ONS, shows the percentage of people in the Claimant Count for unitary and local authorities in the UK. The Claimant Count refers to the number of people claiming unemployment-related benefits, primarily Jobseeker's Allowance and Universal Credit, who are required to seek work. Birmingham (10.6%) Newham (8.5%) Barking and Dagenham (8.5%) Haringey (8.2) Brent (8.2%) Enfield (7.8%) Luton (7.7%) Bradford (7.5%) Hackney (7.5%) Waltham Forest (7.4%) Lewisham (7.3%) Wolverhampton (7.3%) Ealing (7.2%) Sandwell (7.2%) Tower Hamlets (7.2%) Oldham 7.0 % Croydon (6.9%) Slough (6.6%) Redbridge (6.5%) Lambeth (6.5%) 'Most of my work would be away from the city anyway. I've got all my tickets, fork-lift licence, driving licence, wagon driving licence, etc. 'I'm obviously looking for work but it is not easy. 'Them lot in the Jobcentre are offering jobs on basic wages in factories and stuff, but I'm skilled and I have a trade.' More than 1 MILLION migrants are claiming Universal Credit in Britain – with majority unemployed Unemployment in Bradford represents a 7.5 per cent rate, according to the latest figures. That is an increase of 230 claimants compared to the previous month and 420 compared to May 2024. The UK unemployment rate for people aged 16+ was 4.7 per cent in March-May 2025, according to the Office for National Statistics. Darley Street Market A recent boon for Bradford is the state-of-the art Darley Street Market, which opened its doors last weekend. The new market was buzzing with vendors and customers alike during The Sun's visit, and it had a vibrant atmosphere. It also has provided work for many Bradfordians, including Demi-Leigh Turner, 24, who is delighted to be behind the counter at Jake's Bakehouse in the market having been unemployed prior to its opening. 'It's brilliant to be working there and we are really busy,' said Demi-Leigh. 'It has been hard work, there is a lot of footfall at the market, but I'm loving it. 19 The new Darley Street Market opened this month Credit: NB PRESS LTD 19 Demi Leigh Turner works at the market and praised the opportunities there Credit: NB PRESS LTD 19 There a multiple vacant business premises in the city centre Credit: NB PRESS LTD 'This is a real success story for Bradford. Everybody in there is happy.' However, just outside the market on a street bench on Darley Street was a "spiced-up" man in a drugged-up stupor, making an upsetting and unnerving sight for shoppers and parents with young children. Up the road, towards the old Oastler Shopping Centre and Market, which is now shuttered up due to the new relocation, there are down-and-outs hanging around. Two scruffy and skeletal men were wandering the streets, roll-up in hand and accompanied by a pair of XL bully-type dogs, off their leash. Another seemingly homeless guy was trying to flog a TV to passers-by. Bradford as City of Culture 2025 Bradford was named the UK City of Culture for 2025 due to its rich cultural heritage, diverse communities and innovative spirit. The designation was given by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. It means the West Yorkshire city gains access to funding to improve its infrastructure and arts facilities, and will continue to host events until the end of the year. Bradford won their bid in May 2022, beating County Durham, Southampton and Wrexham County Borough. More than a million people have engaged with the city's Culture projects so far this year, according to organisers. Its outdoor opening ceremony featured a performance by magician Stephen Frayne. The UK City of Culture programme began in 2013. Approaching our reporter with the screen in his arms, he asked for £10 for the goods. Beggers linger at traffic lights on busy junctions intimidating waiting motorists into handing over cash. And junkies openly take drugs in dingy shop doorways and litter-strewn alleyways before crashing out on benches or seeking out another store to shoplift. On Kirkgate, a once bustling shopping street, numerous loafers were hanging about swigging booze from cans and shouting at each other. One man had emptied the industrial bin beside the British Heart Foundation charity store and was messily rummaging through its contents. 19 A group of people drink alcohol Credit: NB PRESS LTD 19 Locals say the alcohol and drug problem in the city centre is getting worse Credit: NB PRESS LTD 19 Locals say they can't find work with businesses closing down Credit: NB PRESS LTD A charity shop volunteer said:'He doesn't care if he is making a mess. He is often doing this to look for things to sell on to buy drugs. 'He is very aggressive on some days. 'As soon as we put the bins out he is at them. He's after the coat hangers, they might fetch him a few quid." There was a distinct absence of any police officers patrolling the city centre. Cops raid large cannabis farm in landmark building By Mark Lister POLICE found a large cannabis farm at a landmark Bradford city centre building over the weekend. West Yorkshire Police were called to reports of a burglary at Sunwin House on Sunday. On arrival, a large cannabis farm was found. A 36-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of producing a controlled drug of class B, remains in police custody. Enquiries remain ongoing at the scene. Police attention has been focused on the side of the building, near Goit Side, with several force vehicles and an extensive cordon in place. A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: "A 36-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of producing a controlled drug of class B, he remains in police custody at this time. "Police were called to reports of a burglary on Sunbridge Road. "On arrival, officers located a large cannabis farm. Enquiries remain ongoing at the scene." Sunwin House dates back to the 1930s, when it was constructed as a Co-operative emporium. More recently, it was used as a TJ Hughes department store and awarded a Grade II listing for its architectural significance. Since TJ Hughes shut its doors 15 years ago, the building has been mainly empty. But some locals still like the place. Former squaddie Jonny James, 32, was born and bred in Bradford and described living there as 'bloody brilliant'. 'I can't work at the moment though, due to my disability ,' he says brandishing his badly scarred left arm which he damaged in a car crash. 'Before the accident I was in the Army, Royal Artillery. I'm on the sick now though. 'I don't mind living in Bradford, it has its good and bad sides, like a lot of places. 19 The shutdown Wilko store is among the major franchises having left the city Credit: NB PRESS LTD 19 A man searches through litter from a large industrial bin Credit: NB PRESS LTD 19 Many residents say the city is rundown and there are few jobs to be had Credit: NB PRESS LTD 'I love the place because of the people.' Student Madison Kirby, 16, said: "There are not many opportunities for employment in the city centre as all the shops are shutting down. 'There are too many people and not enough jobs in Bradford.' Another student Vanessa Soydere, 18, came to the city from Turkey 13 years ago. 'I hope to find work in Bradford when I have finished my studies,' she said. 'Coming from Turkey to Bradford was obviously a bit different, but I've got used to it now. Read more on the Irish Sun 'There are obviously some things that go on which are not nice and you do see some sights.' The Sun has approached 19 Bradford is this year's city of culture, meaning it has access to extra funding to improve infrastructure Credit: NB PRESS LTD 19 A beggar approaches motorists at traffic lights Credit: NB PRESS LTD 19 Student Madison Kirby, 16, said there are not many opportunities for employment in the city centre as all the shops are shutting down Credit: NB PRESS LTD 19 Parts of the city centre are very rundown Credit: NB PRESS LTD 19 Former squaddie Jonny James, 32, was born and bred in Bradford but is currently unable to work due to disability Credit: NB PRESS LTD 19 Former ventilation fitter Timmy Firth has just come out of prison and is looking for work Credit: NB PRESS LTD 19 Bradford won its bid to become this year's city of culture following a competitive bidding campaign in 2022 Credit: NB PRESS LTD


Irish Post
4 days ago
- Irish Post
Ikea launches Irish expansion plans with Waterford opening
IKEA has launched its plans to expand across Ireland with the opening of a new store in Waterford. The Swedish homeware chain officially opened its seventh plan and order point store Tramore Road Business Park this month. The new site is IKEA's largest store outside Dublin and introduces an enhanced version of the retailer's Plan and Order Point experience, which marks a first for IKEA in Ireland. The store was formally opened by Mayor of Waterford, Cllr. Séamus Ryan, Minister Mary Butler (Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach), and Minister John Cummins (Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage) (Pic: David Clynch) 'IKEA Ireland's newest location is designed to offer unparalleled convenience and choice,' the firm explains. 'While retaining its core focus on bespoke kitchen, wardrobe, and living room storage planning, the Waterford Plan and Order Point uniquely features 100 IKEA products available for immediate purchase, including popular accessories like KALLAX units and RÅSKOG trolleys, allowing customers to walk away with items on the same day,' they added. 'Additionally, the store provides a convenient Click & Collect service for any IKEA item ordered online, and serves as an in-store returns location. For efficiency, this new location operates on a cashless basis, accepting card and digital payments only.' Waterford Mayor Séamus Ryan was among those who attended the opening, alongside Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Department of Health Minister Mary Butler, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage John Cummins and local councillors. Jayne Owen Gauld, Market Manager at IKEA Ireland said they were 'absolutely thrilled' to officially open their new store. 'This represents a pivotal moment in our mission to make IKEA more accessible and convenient for everyone across Ireland,' she explained. 'Waterford is a truly vibrant city, and we are confident that this new format, with its dedicated planning expertise, immediate product availability, and seamless Click & Collect service, will perfectly cater to the needs of this wonderful community and the entire Southeast,' she added. 'We are excited to become a valuable and active member of the Waterford community.' Waterford Mayor, Cllr Ryan also welcomed the opening. "Today marks the beginning of IKEA'S expansive plans across Ireland and we are delighted that Waterford is the location that has been chosen for the largest Ikea store outside of Dublin,' he said. 'As a city committed to innovation and sustainable growth, we are pleased to see IKEA bringing their global reputation for accessible and modern living solutions to Waterford. 'We wish IKEA Waterford every success in the months and years ahead. I have no doubt this new Plan and Order Point will be well used by the citizens of Waterford." Minister Butler said the new opening is a 'huge vote of confidence in the economic robustness of Waterford City and the South East region'. See More: IKEA, Ireland, Waterford


The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Huge blow to iconic UK seaside resort as nation's oldest pier dating back 160 years goes up for sale ‘with heavy heart'
THE family that owns a historic pier in a major seaside town has put it up for sale. Blackpool's Grade II-listed North Pier is the oldest in England and was first opened in 1863. 2 The North Pier is up for sale after making a £2.3million turnover last year Credit: MEN Media The Sedgwick family bought the landmark in 2011 and also own the town's other two piers. Directors for Northern Victorian Pier Ltd said the decision was "made with a heavy heart", and that they have "chosen to focus [their] attention on the wider portfolio, including Central and South Piers". Estate agents Avison Young revealed the turnover last year was £2.3million and they are now looking for "sensible offers". The Victorian promenade measures around 1,410ft out from the shore and is made from cast iron and wood. read more on blackpool It's older than the famous Blackpool tower and includes a theatre, amusement arcade, electric train and variety of eateries. It currently employs ten full-time, three part-time and around 40 seasonal staff. This comes after Blackpool's Pleasure Beach had added a £25 fee for non-riders. For those wanting to go on the rides, an adult ticket on the day is now £50, or £30 online if paid in advance. Most read in Travel But it's the fixed fee for anyone not planning to go on rides that has received the most backlash. The non-rider ticket of £25 has been designed to offer guests greater 'flexibility when planning their day out.' Included in the price is £5 worth of 'Pleasure Beach Pounds' to put towards food, discounted show tickets and attractions like the Chinese Puzzle Maze. But it still hasn't sat well with visitors, one wrote on Facebook : "Wow £25 to walk around only, I'll stick to the pier thanks." Another added: "Overpriced, £10 per non rider would have got far more people through the gates." Some even went as far as to call it a "con" and called the whole thing "daylight robbery". The likes of Alton Towers , Thorpe Park , , and all have general admission fees for all. These range from £27.50-£68 - all of which are more expensive than Blackpool Pleasure Beach's non-rider fee. Blackpool Pleasure Beach is home to 10 rollercoasters, five 'dark' (indoor) rides, five water rides and 12 The attraction also has a number of shows and events throughout the year, including late night riding and It first opened in 1896, and is still popular today. It was recently named as the number one destination to take kids to during the summer holidays, based on its reviews. 2 Blackpool North pier opened in the 18th century Credit: MEN Media