Photo by Afshin T2Y on Unsplash

Working from home has many advantages. Fewer stops at Esso, less distracting chats over the water cooler, and the ability to chuck a load of laundry into the washer during your lunch break.

One of the downsides? You need to properly outfit your space with quality furniture, lighting, and network needs. Here are five things to consider when designing the perfect remote working space.

1. Lighting—Your eyes will thank you

You probably recall from Balaklava’s last blog called “How Improper Lighting Is Affecting Your Health in Ways You Didn’t Even Realize” that appropriate illumination is essential for good health. It’s also critical when it comes to creating optimal working conditions. Functional lighting means increased focus, fewer headaches, and increased productivity.

Care to guess what the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) claims are the most common workplace lighting issues?

•  Insufficient or poorly distributed lighting. Do you find yourself squinting or suffering from dry eyes?
• Glare. If you need a set of office aviators to get the job done, there’s a problem.
•  Improper contrast. Your work area should be brighter than the surrounding office areas.
• Flicker. Loose bulbs, overloaded circuits, old wiring or incompatible dimmer switches can cause irritating flashes. You want to avoid this—unless you’re aiming for the Studio 54 vibe, of course.

2. A stable network—Your patience will thank you

When it comes to your network, your business needs reliability and uninterrupted connectivity. No one wants their network buffering just as you’re about to present year-end figures or Zoom with a key client. Bufferbloat (say that fast ten times) is not as fun as it sounds. Rather, it’s what happens when software spikes during uploads or downloads. Balaklava can help ensure that the dreaded Bufferbloat doesn’t happen in your home office space.

Photo by Zac Gudakov on Unsplash.

Running shoes have Nike.  Flying discs have Frisbee. Tissues have Kleenex.

In the world of window coverings, that distinction is taken by, yes, you guessed it from the title: Hunter Douglas. Founded in 1919, the publicly listed company began in Germany before loading up 150 railroad cars and relocating to the Netherlands in 1933. Since then, the Sonnenberg family has grown their brand, and it now operates in more than 100 countries around the globe.

Maybe you’re thinking, Wait, before you tell me about Hunter Douglas, why do I even need window treatments? Good question.

Drapes, shades, and blinds not only help you save money, but they reduce noise, add style and beauty, and enable you to look across the lawn without burning out your retinas. There are tonnes of plusses. For instance, they:

• Protect your furniture, flooring, and art from fading and cracking. “Even furnishings need sunblock."
• Stop neighbours and nosy squirrels from watching you get into your bathrobe.
• Keep your home cool. Or warm. According to the Department of Energy, a house can lose up to 30% of its cooling and heating energy through windows alone.
• Help you get better sleep with room-darkening alternatives.

Why Hunter Douglas?

You may already know the company is referred to as the “Ferrari’s of window coverings” and that their claim, Shades like no other ™, is not merely lip service.

For a little over a year now, Balaklava Technology Simplified has called 20 Creighton Road in Walkerton home. Now, we’re ready for you to be part of the big reveal. Here are 3 reasons to spend part of your Maundy Thursday in Walkerton at Balaklava Technology Simplified’s Grand Opening. Plus, be one of the first 30 to arrive and you’ll get extra-special swag.

1) Curiosity Killed the Cat

Curiosity may have killed the cat, but for humans, it can be a very good, mind-expanding trait. Research shows that curious folks tend to be happy folks. Why not aim for “higher levels of positive emotions, lower levels of anxiety, more satisfaction with life, and greater psychological well-being”? As Balaklava’s building evolved, you watched excavators dig, foundations poured, and trusses set in place. Now you get a chance to see the finished product!

“We’ve come a long way,” remarks Owner and President Mark Pinder.  “We outgrew our Mildmay space, we were out of parking, office and warehouse space. We’d love for you to tour our new 4,500-square-foot facility. Including the meeting and conference rooms in our high-tech Business Center.”

Go ahead and give in. Head to Balaklava’s Grand Opening on April 17 between 2:00 and 8:00 pm. Need another reason?

Embrace complete convenience with advanced window treatments!

We all seek ways to simplify and enhance our daily lives. Smart home devices have emerged as a solution to streamline household tasks and create a more comfortable living environment, and smart shades stand apart from the crowd as a leading solution. 

These intelligent window coverings offer a host of benefits that go beyond traditional blinds or curtains. Keep reading to explore the world of smart shades and how they make life more convenient for Cambridge, Ontario, residents like you!