How to Prepare Your First Home Office for Success

Working from home has increased over the last few years. Many people are increasingly setting up home offices and acquiring furniture to work at home. The office furniture market in the U.S. is expected to reach a staggering value of $14.3 billion by 2025. There are a few tips that you can use when setting up your first home office to start your work on a high note. Read on to learn how to prepare your first home office for success.

Select a Location

Selecting a suitable location is vital for preparing your first home office for success. It can be an actual office or an empty room in your home. If you are buying property to set up a home office, buy one with many rooms. In 2020, 33% of home buyers were first-time buyers. Nevertheless, not every person has enough free space at home. If this is the case, you have to be creative in selecting the right location. It would help if you took a lot of time and consideration locating your home office location because you will be spending a lot of time there. The location should be quiet, free of distractions, and adequately ventilated.

Purchase Furniture

Never underestimate the importance of comfortable furniture when preparing your first home office for success. Ergonomic furniture is on sale at affordable prices. An ergonomic office setting with a good office chair and desk will increase comfort, prevent pain caused by straining and increase productivity. You can incorporate a standing desk in your home office to enable you to alternate between a sitting and standing position when working at home. You can also get a cushion for extra padding.

Create Storage Space

Be sure to create enough storage space for everything you need while working. If your home office is small, consider installing shelves on your walls or using tiered desk shelves. Acquire furniture with in-built storage spaces. It would be best to purchase all-on-one office appliances to save space. You can also use whiteboards for brainstorming and recording notes to cut down the use of papers. Having enough storage space in your home office will increase organization, comfort, and efficiency.

Declutter

Cluttered spaces have negative effects on productivity. Therefore, you need to declutter your home by getting rid of items you don't need. You can store the unwanted items in another room or advertise them for sale. Divide your items into groups for easy access when you need them. Use cabinets, pen holders, and files to organize your things. An attractive and organized home office without clutter will significantly boost your mood and productivity.

Create Purpose

Research shows that using your home office for non-work activities can hamper productivity in the long run. You should dedicate your home office to work alone; otherwise, your home business can fail, and getting a new job is time-consuming. Job seekers spend about 11 hours every week searching for a suitable job. To promote success, ensure your home office is dedicated to working alone. Family members, pets, and other distraction sources like television that can affect focus and productivity should be kept out of the office. Dividing your professional space from your personal space will enable you to stay professional at all times.

Decorate

You don't want a plain office that only has a desk, chair, and some storage units. Decorate your home office to increase the ambiance. You can use various decoration materials to add a final touch to your home office, including family photos, customized lighting, paintings, and other home office decor. Having a beautifully decorated home office will help you relax and contribute to your physical and mental health while working in your home office all day.

Using these tips will help you set up your first home office for success. Contact a professional if you need help to prepare your first home office.

A Look At The Top 10 Sales In New York City In 2021

The real estate market in New York City has had a year to remember. After a very turbulent 2020, which included an all-out shutdown of the market for a stretch, the real estate sector roared back to life in 2021, and during some months, was operating at or near record levels

And with the year almost over, real estate analytics firm UrbanDigs dug through its data to create a rundown of the top ten residential sales closings in both Manhattan and Brooklyn year-to-date (between January 1 and December 9). 

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Homes You Have To See Before The New Year

Looking for a new place to live or just curious about what's on the market? Check out our favorite homes you have to see to believe. 

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15 Sailors WayRed Bank, NJ

An exciting new listing hitting the market in the exclusive Red Bank NJ, for $11M. The home is truly amazing and is very close to Jon Bon Jovi's estate as well.

This waterfront chateau is custom-built with the finest materials and bespoke craftsmanship, and is unmatched by even the most respected homebuilders. From its unrivaled position on the banks of the picturesque Navesink River, this lushly landscaped 3.5 acre property boasts over 300 feet of private shoreline complete with a 150 ft Brazilian hardwood dock and boat lift.

Optimally situated at the end of a prestigious cul-de-sac, the winding stone drive from the gated entry leads to a grandiose, paver stone courtyard with four-car garage and porte cochere. Inside, nearly every room basks in southern exposure and riverfront views.

The 6,000+ square feet garden level, designed as a Parisian hideaway, includes a movie theater, gym, indoor spa, sauna, a pub-style bar and wine cellar.

The estate is listed with Kristin Ehrgott and Maria Kingston.

Credit: Stefano Ukma

137 West 25th Street Apartment #Studio/2

The commercially-zoned triplex studio owned by Grammy award-winning photographer and visual designer Phil Marco is coming to market in Chelsea for $3.5M. In addition to his photography, Phil created several iconic moments in motion pictures working with Martin Scorsese on films like in “The Color of Money,” “The Aviator,” and “Casino,” to name a few. Phil has won many awards for his work, including numerous Cannes Lions, Cleo's, and a Grammy Award for his print work on the legendary “Tommy the Who” Album. Phil’s work is represented in The Museum of Modern Art, The Museum of the Moving Image and The George Eastman Museum of Photography. He and his wife are retiring to the North Fork where Phil will continue his creative work.

Located in the historic New York Public Library stacks building at 137 West 25th Street with its own entrance and a two-door loading dock from the street, the Triplex Studio has 16 foot ceilings, a mezzanine overlooking the main space, and a full basement with workshop.  Here is a more complete description of the property:

Studio #2 hosts endless usage possibilities. Located in The New York Public Library Stacks Building, which was formerly used as the West 25th street branch and is now been converted to commercial condos. Located in the popular Flower District of Chelsea and just west of the Flatiron/Nomad. This triplex ground floor loft, has an upstairs office, full basement, private entrance from the street and also includes its own two door garage entrance for loading or access of oversized items. In history Studio #2 had its own curb cut, which a professional would need to research any interest in its history.

Studio #2 most recently has been used by legendary videography Phil Marco Studio and provides an amazing opportunity for a similar business that requires privacy, high ceilings, lots of sq footage and multiple spaces. The main studio space hosts 16ft concrete beamed ceilings, traditional loft wood flooring and has the ability to be opened up even more. The office upstairs over looks 25th street and has an oversized wall of plate glass windows which span 12'x5'. An upstairs landing area offers an assistants work space and a large conference/lounge area, which is paired with an interior balcony that overlooks the main studio space.

Listed by Mike Lubin and Justin Stolarczyk of Brown Harris Stevens.

Credit: Anastassios Mentis

32 West 20th Street, 11th Floor, Loft

Welcome to a true Flatiron pre-war loft which for four decades served as an art studio for Emily Mason, the renowned American Abstract Expressionist painter and printmaker. Mason is lauded for her bold and vibrant contributions to the Abstract Expressionist and color field painting traditions. The tremendous benefits of the space, for her artistic needs, were that it is well-lighted, spacious, and airy. As the building was originally designed for light manufacturing, the reuse of the space as an artist's studio was straightforward.

Featuring high ceilings, large windows and open spaces, this iconic Flatiron loft is a perfectly preserved artist's studio poised for reinterpretation.

A keyed elevator arrives to the loft's private vestibule, which opens to the expansive full floor apartment. 12-foot ceilings, an array of large arched windows, diffused skylights, historic columns and hard wood floors are some of the features which grace this welcoming and airy floor-through unit. The approximately 4,000 square feet of space allows for a multitude of layouts depending on your lifestyle. Natural light streams into this cornice level apartment from 23 exposures facing north, east, south, and sky.

32 West 20th Street is a Neo-Renaissance style building constructed in 1908 by architect and original owner Frederick C. Zobel. This pre-war co-op is located in the Ladies' Mile Historic District, in the heart of what is now commonly called, "The Flatiron District." The building was converted to Cooperative residential ownership in 1978 from commercial usage. The originally tenants were businesses oriented to provide and often create merchandise for "Ladies' Mile," once New York's most prestigious shopping district.

A First Look Inside The Leyton's Duplex Penthouse

The first look inside The Leyton’s $16,500,000 Duplex Penthouse, has just been revealed which includes interiors by the renowned Frampton Co.

Features of the home include a voluminous double-height Great Room with 20’ ceilings, which opens onto an entertaining terrace overlooking Central Park. A private elevator leads guests to an expansive roof deck complete with outdoor kitchen and unobstructed views of the Park, the River, and the glittering skyline.

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Our Favorite Listings For The Week: A Look Inside Bethenny Frankel's Luxe SoHo Loft

Looking for a new place to live or just curious about what's on the market? Check out our favorite homes you should make an appointment for this week. 

Have a listing you think should be featured? Submit your open house or contact us to tell us more! And be sure to view our new Listings Calendar


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Our Favorite Open Houses This Weekend

Looking for a new place to live or just curious about what's on the market? Check out our favorite homes you should make an appointment for this weekend. 

Have a listing you think should be featured? Submit your open house or contact us to tell us more!

West Village

WHERE: 130 Jane Street #1/2C

COST: $2,995,000

WHEN: Sunday, December 5th, 11:30 AM- 12PM

Description: Chic designer style draws you into the lower level of this pristine, move-in-ready home to discover an expansive indoor-outdoor layout made for entertaining. Wide-plank oak floors run beneath tall ceilings dotted with recessed and designer lighting, while exposed brick, custom wallcoverings, original columns and beams add drama and charm. The open kitchen welcomes your culinary skill with sleek cabinetry, quartz countertops and Franke fixtures. Stainless steel appliances by Bosch and Fisher & Paykel include a vented cooktop, oven, microwave drawer, and dishwasher. Enjoy casual meals and conversation at the wide breakfast bar, or step into the large living room to warm yourself by the concrete wood-burning fireplace. Outside, the gorgeous patio invites al fresco dining alongside reclaimed wood and stacked stone details. A powder room and coat closet complete this well-planned level.

Three spacious bedrooms are placed on the upper lever for optimal peace and privacy. Ascend the stunning floating staircase to discover the tranquil primary suite, featuring a ceiling fan, two huge windows, and an en suite marble bathroom with a Duravit hanging commode, a Kohler DTV shower with rain and regular showerheads and body sprays, plus a smart connectivity steam shower system. Two secondary bedrooms share an equally well-appointed bathroom. 

Bedroom : 3

Bathroom: 2.5

Flatiron

WHERE30 East 21st Street, PH

COST: $4.995,000

WHEN: Saturday, December 11th. by appointment only.

Description: Featured in Architectural Digest, this penthouse apartment is a haven of beaming sunlight with it's sloping double-height wall of glass, capturing the breathtaking historic skyscrapers around Madison Square Park.

The ideal spot for entertaining, this is the epitome of contemporary living with a generous dining room, which flows right into the living through a gorgeous archway. From the living room, you can walk directly on to the private terrace which is quite generous in size. A windowed kitchen, two brand new renovated full bathrooms and ample light throughout the bedrooms, make this a true oasis in the heart of NYC.

Bedroom : 2

Bathroom: 2

Roosevelt Island

WHERE: 625 Main Street #1930

COST: $1,360,000

WHEN: Sunday, December 12 from 12:00pm-3:00pm

Description: Westview, a 360-unit riverfront residential cooperative on Roosevelt Island offers an opportunity to purchase on the New York City waterfront. Following an extensive renovation, the 19-story building is poised to become a coveted new address offering modern residences on Roosevelt Island – New York City’s best-kept secret. This newly renovated development offers generously sized simplex and duplex apartments ranging from studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans with stunning city and waterfront views.

Residence 1930 is an expansive, Eastern facing quiet sun-filled three-bedroom, two-bathroom unit complete with a large open kitchen fully equipped with Quartzite countertops, marble backsplash, Viking appliances, and a breakfast bar. This turnkey home also features an in-unit washer dryer, marble and porcelain bathrooms, hardwood oak flooring, generous built-in closets, and oversized insulated sliding windows, all for your move-in ready convenience.

The units at Westview have been completely reimagined, offering wide-plank hardwood floors, custom cabinetry, marble bathrooms, built-in closets, and Viking kitchen appliances. The building also offers a robust amenity suite – which will undergo significant renovations later this year – including a fitness center, indoor pool, lounge, and great lawn. Westview also offers a full-time doorman, two laundry rooms, bike room, high-speed internet, and package room.

Bedroom : 3

Bathroom: 2

Sky-High Entertaining for the Holiday Season

With the holiday season officially underway, I wanted to share a fun and timely round-up of new luxury buildings that offer exceptional dining and entertaining spaces. Holiday entertaining is no easy task and while hosting the party has its benefits (hello never having to leave your home), there are some major drawbacks - namely the pre- and post-event cleanup. 

Fortunately, some of today’s developers are integrating the ultimate solution into their sought-after condominiums: high design dining and entertainment spaces outfitted with top-of-the-line catering kitchens. Available for private parties and reservations, these amenity spaces retain the comfort and ease of remaining in one’s building, without the added stress and hassle of hosting guests in your actual home. Below are some of today’s most luxurious buildings and their dining and entertainment amenity spaces.

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Douglas Elliman Launches The Riverview in Hudson Square

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Our Favorite Listings For The Week

Looking for a new place to live or just curious about what's on the market? Check out our favorite homes you should make an appointment for this week. 

Have a listing you think should be featured? Submit your open house or contact us to tell us more! And be sure to view our new Listings Calendar


Penthouse 15 is an exquisite full floor, four-bedroom, 4.5 bathroom residence designed by renowned architect Deborah Berke Partners. Spanning approximately 3,645 square feet and 855 square feet of outdoor space with expansive city and river views. This generously scaled residence features direct elevator access, 11 foot ceilings, oversized casement windows, custom moldings, 8 foot doorways and white oak flooring. The luxurious closed chef’s kitchen boasts high-gloss lacquer painted Italian cabinetry complemented by hand-selected Italian Arabescato Cervaiole marble slabs and a gracious kitchen island for entertaining. Upper cabinet doors feature a unique woven metal mesh panel and beveled trim, adding a refined pattern to the kitchen composition. The kitchen is completed with sophisticated appliances by Gaggenau.

The generous master bedroom suite features an expansive private terrace with views of the East River and Midtown skyline, large walk-in closet, and an en-suite master bathroom with hand selected Arabescato Cervaiole marble, fluted mirrored glass panels, and a custom Italian vanity and Waterworks Henry collection fixtures in polished nickel. The master bathroom also features a 6 foot deep soaking tub, walk-in shower, private water closet, and radiant heated floors.


Era, a 20-story condominium building located at 251 West 91st Street on Manhattan’s Upper West Side has released Penthouse B, an exquisite residence designed by ODA. Era’s Penthouse B is a four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home offering 3,059 square feet of interior and 1,079 square feet of exterior living space. The residence is on the market for $12 million and is listed by Reuveni Real Estate. Era is being developed by Adam America Real Estate and Northlink Capital and is anticipated to be completed by spring of 2022.

In a bold return to pre-war layouts, Era’s Penthouse B offers defined, independent spaces separated formally by corridors and foyers. Enter through a spacious foyer with white oak herringbone floors into a grand living/dining room situated on the Southeast corner with views of the midtown skyline and Hudson River. The space is surrounded with large windows and includes 11’ ceilings and a grand fireplace clad in Crema Delicato Marble. The separate kitchen has large windows facing south and cabinetry by Aster Cucine lined in walnut, with a matte white lacquer finish. The Gaggenau appliances include a refrigerator, freezer, wine cooler, dishwasher, espresso machine, gas cooktop, wall oven, speed oven, steam oven, warming drawer and vented hood. Countertops are Crema Delicato Marble with a mosaic marble backsplash. The fixtures are by Water Works in polished nickel. 

The primary suite is located on the Northeast corner with views of the Upper East Side skyline and George Washington Bridge. This suite includes 2 spacious closets and a windowed 5 fixture bath clad in Calacatta Gold Marble, with oval soaking tub, double sinks set in a marble vanity top and shower stall with 2 rain shower heads. The radiant heated floor is laid in a mosaic marble pattern.  

One of the secondary bedrooms has an en-suite bath of Namibia White marble floor in a herringbone pattern. The other two secondary bedrooms share a 4-fixture bathroom with double sinks set in a marble vanity top with white oak cabinetry below. All of the fixtures are by Water Works in polished nickel. The powder room has Calacatta Gold Marble with a sink and vanity top carved out of rich Michaelangelo marble. 3 extra hall closets provide for ample storage. The Bosch washer and dryer is located in a separate closet. A gracious staircase leads to the 1,079-square-foot private rooftop terrace on the Southeast corner with stunning midtown skyline and Hudson River views. 


Credit: Evan Joseph

In the heart of stylish NoMad, Madison House offers unsurpassed panoramic views of New York City, where every residence has a corner window and 11-foot ceilings or higher. With architecture by Handel and interiors by Gachot, these homes start 150 feet in the air and soar to over 800 feet. Extraordinary views are forever in style.

This 1,674 square foot two-bedroom, two and a half-bath residence opens into an elegant entry foyer, leading to a living and dining room encased with 10-foot tall windows with South, East and West views. Gachot-designed custom rift-cut cabinetry accentuates the open kitchen, with a honed Calacatta Borghini marble waterfall island and backsplash. Gaggenau appliances including a cooktop, combi-steam oven, convection double oven, refrigerator, and wine refrigerator outfit the kitchen. White oak 5-inch plank floors and 9-foot solid walnut doors are featured throughout the residence.

A private vestibule with a gracious walk-in-closet separates the living area from the master bedroom suite, creating a sense of privacy. The bathroom offers honed Bianco Dolomiti marble on the walls as well as floors, with a custom Gachot-designed vanity and mirror. Platinum matte Dornbracht fixtures accentuate the vanity, Kaldewei tubs and Durivit toilet. A striking powder room with honed Calacatta Nuevo and Absolute black marble walls complemented by a Gachot-designed custom vanity with Dornbracht fixtures is situated thoughtfully off the entry foyer.

Madison House offers a double-height attended lobby and 30,000 square feet of amenities. These include a spa with 75-foot lap pool, cold plunge, hot tub, steam room, sauna, and treatment room. A 2nd floor 2,800 square foot roof garden. 5th floor double height Gachot-designed private lounge and bar, 14-seat private dining room with a demonstration and catering kitchen, conference room, card room and reading room. State-of-the-art exercise room, separate yoga room, and 6th floor sports lounge with a golf simulator, billiards table and children’s playroom. One-to four bedroom residences in the heart of the stylish NoMad design district.


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Our Favorite Open Houses This Weekend

Looking for a new place to live or just curious about what's on the market? Check out our favorite homes you should make an appointment for this weekend. 

Have a listing you think should be featured? Submit your open house or contact us to tell us more!

West Village

WHERE: Apartment 1/2B at 130 Jane Street

COST: $3,095,000

WHEN: Sunday, December 5th, 11:30 AM- 12PM

Description: Be the first to enjoy this pristine two bedroom plus home office perfectly executed! This chic and elegant duplex offers a loft-like living/dining space adorned with an open kitchen plan with top of the line appliances, cement counters and breakfast bar that seats four comfortably! Exposed brick and beams compliment the design throughout! South-facing patio with a teak deck is awaiting your landscaper's eye!

The inspiring stairs and burnt steel banister leads you upstairs to two bedrooms and a home office which can easily double as a guest bedroom. The primary bedroom faces south enjoying a large walk-in closet. The clever, en suite spa-like bathroom features sophisticated finishes, a double vanity and pocket doors. The other bedroom is generous in size with ample closets throughout. Central air/heat, white oak floors, and Bosch washer/dryer plus the garden patio complete this amazing home!

Represented by Louise Phillips Forbes, Brown Harris Stevens

Bedroom : 2

Bathroom: 2

Greenwich Village

WHERE35 East 10th Street #5G

COST: $549,000

WHEN: Sunday, December 5th, 12 PM- 3 PM

Description: With outdoor space and an amazing location in the heart of Greenwich Village, this home provides the ultimate sanctuary for buyers seeking a tranquil backdrop from the New York City hustle. Recently remodeled, this unit features: high ceilings, ample storage, and an open kitchen with new appliances, wood floors, backsplash, custom closet doors with large, north-facing windows and very large balcony space.

Bedroom : 0

Bathroom: 1

Upper East Side

WHERE: 218 East 75th Street MAISONETTE-W

COST: $1,175,000

WHEN: Sunday, December 5th, 1 PM- 2 PM

Description: Once Andy Warhol’s studio and residence. Bring your own contractor and create your dream home or commercial space.

Maisonette West, currently a Commercial space and can be easily converted to a residential unit. The unit features over 2,000 square feet of indoor living and a beautiful charming private garden. An amazing duplex condominium, an oasis in the heart of the Upper East Side.

Bedroom : 3

Bathroom: 2

Marking Its Eighth Year at Art Basel Miami Beach, Douglas Elliman Development Marketing Returns

Annabella Pardo

For the eighth year, Douglas Elliman Development Marketing returns to Art Basel Miami Beach as Show Partner to fête the confluence of art, design and real estate.

53 West 53 NY Photo by @douglaselliman

As Show Partner of Art Basel Miami Beach, the firm will showcase its bespoke collection of exceptional properties within the Collectors Lounge, exclusively reserved for Art Basel’s VIP guests.

Elliman will highlight its exclusive international partnership with Knight Frank Residential, together representing an $87 billion portfolio of the most prestigious residential new developments around the world.

The Brooklyn Tower, Photo by @douglaselliman

“Synergies in art, design and real estate continue to elevate global property offerings and it is a privilege to return to Art Basel Miami Beach ​to showcase our unparalleled portfolio of luxury developments,” said Susan de França, President and CEO of Douglas Elliman Development Marketing. “These exceptional homes with stunning interiors and architecture by renowned designers such as Jean-Louis Deniot and Thierry Despont, are designed for the most discerning clientele.”

Five Park Miami Beach, Photo by @douglaselliman

For the 2021 fair, Douglas Elliman’s lounge has been furnished by Molteni, a leading Italian designer furniture company for 80 years. Presenting projects in New York, Los Angeles, South Florida, Texas and Barcelona, the gallery will unveil a custom designed hanging floral installation with at least 2,500 fresh-cut peonies creating an ethereal and enchanting ambiance that also provides the ultimate social photo moment.

The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria, Photo by @douglaselliman

Elliman magazine, Douglas Elliman’s luxury lifestyle and real estate publication, will debut its eighth annual Art issue. Rich in content, stories will include “Art Basel Miami Beach Returns,” “Digital Art is

Having a Moment,” “Miami Welcomes the It Crowd” and “The Arsenale in Miami’s Art District.” The cover will spotlight a breathtaking Hollywood home located at 1461 Rising Glen Road.

ALINA Residences Boca Raton, Photo by @douglaselliman

“We are thrilled to be returning to Art Basel Miami Beach to present our global portfolio and Elliman magazine,” said Scott Durkin, CEO of Douglas Elliman. “In this special Art issue, we are celebrating the art of home within our nationwide markets including New York City, Long Island, the Hamptons, Westchester, Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, Texas, Colorado and California.”

Antares Barcelona, Photo by @douglaselliman

Art Basel Miami Beach takes place December 2nd to December 4th at the Miami Beach Convention Center located at 1901 Convention Center Drive in Miami Beach, Florida. 254 of the world’s leading international modern and contemporary art galleries will present the highest quality of artworks across all media, from painting and sculpture to photography and digital works.

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Spa Amenities That Make A Residence In New York And Miami

Did you know that the number of Americans visiting spas in the US dropped by 35% from 2019 to 2020? Consumers are now expecting residential amenities such as fitness centers, saunas, treatment rooms and pools when touring potential homes.

During this stressful and unpredictable time – with mandates changing by the day – it’s important to unwind within the comfort of your own home. We have rounded up developments in New York City and across the country that feature some of the most in-demand spa amenities, see below!

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