RANGE REVIEW: OUTDOOR LIVING WORKING AL DESKO: T Set the space
One of the biggest challenges when working from home is separating your work and home zones. Ensuring you have different areas for getting work
done and unwinding is
incredibly important, and this is no different outdoors. To get the balance right, pick your spot in the garden or on your balcony, taking noise levels, shade, and the background into account. While you might want to open your spreadsheets on a sun lounger or take zoom calls in a paddling pool, sometimes it isn’t the best setting for work. However, if you are that person who works with their feet
he easing of lockdown rules has given us all a small taste of freedom as we look to get outside after months
of being indoors. So, if you’re getting bored of your makeshift home office and find your eyes wandering to the window, now is the time to add a touch of nature to your WFH set up. As the Met Office is predicting glorious sun and a mini-heatwave for the UK, the design team at Essential Living (
www.essentialliving.co.uk) has pulled together their top tips and tricks for working al desko.
up in a comfy chair, a laptop tray cushion is a handy accessory to have for working and eating remotely. Once you have the location locked
down, set yourself up with desk space and a suitable chair. This can be on your garden table but make sure your chair has adequate support, as 70% of brits have reported aches and pains due to their WFH setup. Another quick way to change your space is with dividers or plants. Trellis is an affordable and versatile option and can transform parts of your garden into the perfect nook to crack on with work. If gardening isn’t your forte, a
great accessory to have is a laptop sunshade ideal for providing shade over the top of your laptop no matter where you sit!
Prepare for unpredictable British weather While we all bask in the glorious sun it’s easy to forget the spring surprises that UK weather often has in store. April sunshine can quickly turn to showers or chilly starts so it’s best to be prepared for all climates. If the outlook is sunny, you’ll want to make sure you are fully protected from its rays. The first step is always a good SPF, but anti-glare screens for your laptop are a must, along with a sturdy parasol or outdoor umbrella
HOW TO TAKE THE HOME OFFICE OUTDOORS
As warmer weather sweeps in, more brits are looking to take their work outside. Whilst working outdoors not only gives your brain a boost, increasing focus and productivity but also has health benefits and of course, helps you top up that tan!
that person on a meeting dropping in and out of calls. Wi-Fi boosters are a great way to make your signal stretch that little bit further and keep you powering through while enjoying the fresh air. There are plenty of options on the market ranging from £25 - £100+, so something to suit all budgets. Before purchasing, it’s always good to check the reviews to make sure they will be suitable.
- which can come in handy if the weather takes a sudden turn! As the predicted May heatwave draws in soon, you’ll want to make sure you have plenty to keep you hydrated. If you don’t already have a good quality water bottle, now is the time to get one. An insulated bottle will keep your drinks cool but choose one with a screw lid, to protect your tech from any outdoor spills. For those frosty mornings, a patio heater can keep you cosy until the sun makes an appearance and serves as a great investment for late-night socialising when work is over.
Getting connected If working from home has taught us anything, it’s that no one wants to be
Electricity is essential but comes with hazards in outdoor use. It’s always best to consult a professional if you’re looking to create new power outlets outdoors or in garden sheds, but running power from inside your house using an extension cord is also an option. Keep your cables tidy to avoid trips and make sure any extension cords are away from water and fully unwound before powering up.
Another challenge when working in the great outdoors is noise. You never know when your neighbour fancies mowing their lawn or throwing a BBQ, thankfully noise- cancelling headphones can keep you in the zone without starting a neighbourly dispute. If you are working from a MacBook, Apple AirPods are extremely comfortable and help you tune into zoom calls or listen to music with ease.
A SHED EVOLUTION: FROM FLAT PACK TO FULLY FUNCTIONAL IN UNDER TWO HOURS
As more of us invest in our homes and gardens and look for more innovative options, there has been a shed evolution by Keter, the leading UK outdoor storage company.
Made with durable evotech composite material, the 6x4 Darwin shed offers the traditional look and feel of wood but does not rot or fade and there is no need to re-paint or treat it every year. It’s also lockable to keep outdoor items fully protected. Just an occasional light wash is required to keep it looking like new. What truly makes this a garden must-have is how convenient Darwin is. A buyer can pick it up at retailers nationwide, the box fits in most family cars, and it can be assembled in under two hours. No expert skills or special tools
18 DIY WEEK MAY 2021
needed, just a drill, screwdriver and stepladder are enough to go from flat pack to fully functional. Darwin has been designed with double wall panels for greater strength and rigidity, with a window to let in natural light and ventilation ducts to prevent any unpleasant smells. Also included as standard is a heavy-duty floor panel to stop garden pests or rainwater sneaking and leaking in. Kerry Murfin, European Marketing Director
at Keter, comments: “The Darwin takes the traditional garden shed to the next level, which is why we decided to name it just that: the Darwin, an evolution in outdoor storage. The Darwin keeps the traditional look that everyone associates with a shed, but without the hassle of yearly maintenance. It will give homeowners
peace of mind that they can protect their tools and equipment and get their garden clutter free to create amazing spaces, season after season.” Currently available in both a classic shade of brown and a driftwood grey, Darwin complements any garden or outdoor space. With a 15-year warranty, homeowners have peace of mind that it’s durable and reliable and can withstand extreme weather conditions. • For more information, please visit:
www.keter.com
www.diyweek.net
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