Nov 22, 2014 3 min read

Q. I am setting up a home office in a corner of our living room. (We don’t use this room much except when we have friends over for dinner.) I work mainly from my laptop and spend many hours doing research and keyboarding. Have you any tips on how to make it practical and stylish? – Sandra

A. Your first priority is to create a work space that is comfortable and allows you to work on your laptop without causing fatigue and injury. We have all jumped on the computer bandwagon, spending hours bent over either working or playing, checking Facebook and Twitter.

Keeping connected with business associates and also family and friends has become a real addiction. The challenge is to maintain the necessary ties without suffering from the effects of sitting too long in a position that compromises our posture. Backaches, headaches and repetitive stress syndrome are all too common, and in severe cases cause prolonged time off from work and suffering. So, begin by setting yourself up with the right desk, chair and light.

As a researcher, you will quickly find plenty of information on the Internet pertaining to products that are specifically designed to set you up in the best position. Working on your lap is not good. I discovered a new company called Uncaged Ergonomics, www.uncagedergonomics.com. It produces laptop stands that sit on your desk and can be raised and tilted to your specifications, and desk risers, stands that extend high enough for you to work standing up.

(This is a good thing.) There are foot rests, monitor risers and keyboard trays. The most innovative solution is the Wobble Stool.

These stools were designed for the sit-to-stand world and were created to keep you moving during your work day. You can adjust the height to suit your favorite work position. The rocking (wobbling) motion allows you to move from task to task by calling your muscles into play. The stools are very portable and can also be used as barstools, around the kitchen for prepping food and eating – anywhere you need good support.

As far as style goes, you’ll find that your friends will want to check out your new work station. If you would like to block off your work space, make or buy a room screen that can be decorated on one side to complement your living-room decor, and painted on the work side in a color that energizes you.

Q. Why do they make hall closets so small? Have you any solutions for where to put the coats and other outerwear that anyone living in a four-seasons climate needs? I have two kids, and the hall is always a mess, especially in the winter. – Rebecca

A. This is such a common problem. I agree it doesn’t make sense. A friend of mine recently moved and came up with a solution that’s brilliant. There was a large closet in the living room, so that’s where the coats go. She then turned the narrow hall closet into a linen cupboard. She removed the hanging bar, added four shelves and now has a place for towels, sheets and tablecloths. The top shelf is perfect for sleeping bags, and under the bottom shelf there is room for milk crates to hold bike helmets and other sports gear and boots.

Now the trick is to get the kids to walk that extra few yards to hang up their coats.

Please email your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.