Home office solutions

Home office solutions

Whether in a kitchen corner, hallway or separate room, your home office deserves some attention.

The Work-Space Innovations chapter of “Store It! Where to Put All the Things You Need to Keep” (Filipacchi Publishing; $17.95) by Mervyn Kaufman and the editors of PointClickHome.com offers practical approaches to working and living at home.

Included are tips for dealing with multipurpose arrangements, such as hallways, closets and basements.

Shredder safety

The sound of a shredder tearing through paper is sure to intrigue your toddler.

Fellowes PS-79Ci shredder, with SafeSense technology — featuring an electronic sensor that surrounds the shredder’s paper opening and shuts down the machine immediately when it comes into contact with the energy field created by humans or large pets — can reduce the risk of injury.

Available at Office Depot and Office Max stores and online, the shredder is $199. For more information, visit fellowes.com.

Wallpaper is back

Not that it went anywhere, but wallpaper is back.

Nonwoven wallcoverings, according to the Wallcoverings Association, are eco-friendly, vinyl-free and breathable.

Sticking to walls like magnets but easily repositionable, they don’t expand or contract and are tear-resistant.

Tug at a corner, and a full sheet comes down.

Patterns, colors, textures and styles abound.

Timeless options

You can’t go wrong with an imposing clock — or a cluster of mirrors if you want to lay low on the family photos.

The Crate & Barrel and CB2 catalogs have a selection of these timeless wall-decor pieces in a range of styles and prices. Both options are not only classic alternatives to wall art, but also are functional and eye-catching.

Check crateandbarrel.com and cb2.com for ideas.

Perennial care

Nancy J. Ondra paints a realistic picture of perennial gardening.

“Gorgeous perennial gardens don’t just happen,” she writes in the introduction to her new book, “The Perennial Care Manual.” “Behind every bloom-filled border is a grubby, sweaty gardener with muddy knees, chipped fingernails and sore muscles — and a big smile, too.”

Nevertheless, Ondra seeks to reduce the effort by helping people choose plants that will require the least fuss, and she thoroughly explains the tasks involved in starting and maintaining a perennial garden. Her book covers all basics while devoting a good portion to specifics about individual plants.

“The Perennial Care Manual” sells for $24.95 in paperback and $34.95 in hardcover.

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