OTSMAGAZINE

With the rise of the Internet, working from home has become a thing quite common. The benefits of working from a home office are huge: you are basically your own boss, you are the one who decides how you arrange your office and you create your own desired working atmosphere. The downsides to this type of work are pretty much the same, only planning and arranging-related. In order to come up with a proper home office you should take this article into consideration.

Choose a Room for Your Home Office

If having a spare room, fit to suit your office needs is basically where your idea of working at home came from, well, you can move on to the next paragraph. This, however, is seldom the case – usually, people struggle with finding some space to get their work done.
Although working from the desk you generally use your computer for leisure might seem like a good idea, try to avoid this – staying at the same room for both your work and free time can have a negative psychological impact on you, which is why you’ll want to keep the two separate.
Depending on your profession, home office requirements can vary; despite this, in most cases, an unused attic or laundry room can do the trick – with a bit of rearranging and planning, you can have your home office in no-time. Keep in mind, though, that keeping it uncluttered goes without saying.
Pro tip: you don’t want to store all your work-related paraphernalia on your work desk – instead, think corner shelves, hanging shelves, or storing the items bellow your table, without compromising your leg room.

Home Office Tips

In order to properly organize your office at home, take these tips under consideration:

Lighting

Nothing is detrimental for your productivity more than providing proper lighting – go with weak lights and your work will turn depressive and your eyesight compromised; go with lighting to strong and your home office will turn bleak and tedious. The most natural way to provide proper light for your work (aside from large enough windows for your home office) is getting quality LED lights.

Air

There is more to air than mere temperature. Although getting a quality air conditioning system is a key factor in remaining comfortable inside your home office, make sure you’ve gotten a proper air purifier. The smells within a small room shouldn’t be too strong and should be adjustable in accordance with the season.

Chair

A great chair will go a long way in creating a productive office space. Beside the fact that an uncomfortable chair might cause you back pain further down the line, it will definitely dwindle your productivity. A quality, comfy chair from Winc.com.au is definitely an investment to go for.

Wall color

If the “office baige” is your thing, by all means, go for it. This, however, probably isn’t the case, so opt for productive colors, such as orange, red, blue, lime green, etc,

Even though you get the benefit of taking matters in your own hands in your home office, sometimes you’re better off following advice. The tips we’ve outlined will benefit your productivity and make your work time at home more enjoyable and efficient.

Have you been thinking about redesigning your apartment and adding a breath of fresh air to its style? If your answer is yes, then these amazing trends are just what you need. They will definitely help you find inspiration and turn your average-looking home into your own little sanctuary. Let the redecoration project begin!

Greenery is in focus

Interior designers have always appreciated all the beauties of nature and found ways to match them with their home interior design. So, if you want to follow in their footsteps, you can start by incorporating several potted plants that you can hang around your living room. Moreover, you can always go a step further and invest in a chic vertical garden that will definitely bring new life into the space and sweep all your guests off their feet. Additionally, you can take a more indirect approach and opt for colourful floral sofa pillows or curtains that will evoke that serene natural atmosphere and tie the whole room together. Finally, a green accent wall can be a great solution as well, especially since this colour has been shown to have a positive effect on our mood and can really boost one’s productivity.

Coastal look craze

The coastal look has become a true craze among designers, and only because you don’t live by the sea, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go for it. By incorporating all these amazing shades like navy blue and coral, you’ll manage to create a relaxed atmosphere in your home that will soothe all your senses. Furthermore, remember that accessories can often make or break a room’s design, so be careful when choosing your accent pieces. Instead of overcrowding your shelves with too many of them, select a few of your favourites like a nice shell lamp or a vintage vase and turn them into the focal point of the room. This way, you’ll successfully break the monotony and further enhance this beach-house style without making it look too kitsch.

Modern house appliances are a must

Even though some interior designers can’t imagine their home without greenery, it doesn’t mean that they don’t invest in state-of-the-art technology as well. On the contrary, they always find the time to search for quality appliances online and select those that will suit their needs perfectly and also fit their kitchen design like something from luxury Viking range. Owing to a rich offer nowadays, everyone can find the right solution for their home if they take a step-by-step approach and think everything through carefully. For instance, when buying a refrigerator, aside from ensuring that it has a long warranty and that you like its design, you also need to decide on its size and whether you need one with an internet connection or not. Finally, not only will these appliances make your life much easier, but they will also contribute to that contemporary feel of the place by creating a perfect contrast between modern and rustic elements.

Brighten it up!

There is nothing worse than spending time in a poorly lit room completely devoid of natural light. Therefore, it’s not surprising that top designers have started incorporating huge glass panels into their projects. After all, not only has natural light been shown to have a positive impact on both our mental and physical health, but it can also help us reduce our electricity bills significantly. In addition to that, sunrays will definitely highlight the beauty of your home decor and accentuate its uniqueness even further. Of course, you can’t only rely on daylight, so you should remember to install enough light fixtures and replace the outdated ones. On top of that, installing dimmer switches would be a nice touch as well since they will allow you to adjust the brightness according to the occasion and your mood. You just need to opt for LED bulbs because of their cost-effective quality.

Private home layouts

Last but not least, open floor plans have been a true craze for quite some time now, but it seems that their popularity will begin to fade away soon. Designers have started putting an emphasis on more private home layouts since they have acknowledged certain downsides of open plan living areas, like noise, the smells spreading from the kitchen area after cooking and the lack of privacy. Of course, keep in mind that we are all different and that you should see for yourself what kind of layout will make you feel the most comfortable. After all, some people value their privacy above anything else, while others can appreciate the simplicity and transparency of an open floor plan.

As you can see, there are quite a few amazing trends coming out this year. You just need to discover your favourites and find an innovative way to incorporate them into your home design. Don’t be afraid to show off your creative side and good luck!

Our favorite time of the year has officially started and there's no better excuse for updating your summer wardrobe. Every girl deserves to be spoiled with some fresh clothing items or hot pieces of jewelry that will make her outfit pop. We singled out a few summer essentials you might find interesting to splurge on.

Contrasting color outfits

Remember that awesome orange and pink dress that Beyonce wore in her 'Crazy in Love' video ages ago? Well, guess what? The color block trend is making a comeback and Sasha won't be the only one looking fierce this season. If you choose a one-piece swimsuit in the previously mentioned color combo, you have ensured your beach goddess title. Also, contrasting maxi dresses would be an ideal choice for an afternoon city stroll. Summertime is perfect for these playful fashion staples and whoever said you can't pull off these looks should be on your block list, for sure.

White strappy shoes

Classics are eternal and white heels are here to prove it. White is everywhere, from flats to heels, and you could wear any outfit combined with these shoes. Lewit strap sandals with a scooped topline and a towering would be a perfect addition to your shoe collection.

Wide leg Palazzo pants

There should be a law against women who don’t own one of these awesome pants because they slay all the way. Apart from being incredibly flattering to the figure, they give you that extra classy look and can be worn with blazers or tops only. The choice is all yours.

Matrix-inspired frames

Keanu Reeves must be proud to see his signature shades taking center stage this year. Skinny, narrow and totally unflattering, these sunglasses made an impact on celebs such as Elsa Hosk, Rihanna and Kourtney Kardashian. Also, round and octagonal Ray-Ban lenses are timeless, and every fashion-savvy lady can confirm that. But, sunnies should be more than just a fashion statement and we need to protect our eyes from the sun. If you want some stylish designer sunglasses, the Eye Concepts shops offer a wide variety of different brands and shapes. They also provide professional eye care services and you can be sure that your eyes are shielded with style.

Off-shoulder everything

Off-shoulder dresses and tops are everywhere and we don't mind since we are madly in love with them. For the girls who enjoy flaunting their girly and feminine side, these are mandatory for the summer. There are plenty of fabrics and patterns you can choose from, but if you want to steal the spotlight, then opt for a silky, red off-shoulder polka dot top and enjoy your diva status

Bow down to these cuties!

Linen, pointed-toe flats with a big bow at the front are huge in the fashion world and everyone went mad over them. Who wouldn't fall for the amazingly stylish and comfortable summer slippers? Whatever color you choose, be sure they can match any outfit. And if you can't decide, buy them all since they are very affordable

Dreamy cover-ups

The kimono is definitely the cardigan's long-lost fashion-savvier twin, and you don't have to be a Geisha to wear one. Who needs love when a super trendy kimono can warm you up during chilly summer nights? Embroidered kimonos with loose sleeves and fringe embellishments are a major trend alert and they are ideal for the boho chic lovers. Match them with your favorite pair of high-waisted shorts, along with the crop tops and basic tees for the ultimate street style. Also, silky, maxi floral kimonos are a must-have staple this season and for a killer night out outfit, combine them with strappy heels and a denim skirt.

Fashion is all about playing games, so let go of your fears, find your favorite picks and indulge yourself big time.

OTSMAGAZINE CONTRIBUTOR BIO

Scarlet Gratton

Scarlet is a passionate writer and regular contributor at ripped.me interested in fashion, lifestyle, and health. She loves traveling, you could say that she is a real travel addict, especially when she has a chance to visit some exotic destinations. She would tell you that inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places.

source

Long nights, warm weather, light breeze, and a certain carefree feeling in the air – summer is truly the ideal time for a romantic date. Planning an outfit for a summer date is, on the other hand, often a daunting task, as bringing some creativeness and fullness to your look with layering is nearly impossible.

Simplicity and comfort is the best combination, so here are some of the top outfit ideas for a romantic summer date night you are bound to love:

1. Creative styling

source

High summertime temperatures are the perfect excuse for more casual, revealing outfits. So, why not give your look a little-unexpected twist? Don’t let the cute designer swimwear you invested in this season go to waste by only showing it off at the beach, incorporate it into your date night outfit instead. An intricately designed one-piece goes perfectly with a pair of breezy summer pants, while a supportive bikini top pairs well with a silk slip skirt or high-waisted trousers. The best thing about adding swimwear to your outfit is that it gives you room to accessorize however you want. Whether you opt for a pair of sneakers for a more casual look or cute high-heeled sandals for something more elegant, you are definitely going to stun your hot date with this outfit.

2. Classic with a twist

source

We all have a staple button-down and a pair of perfectly fitting jeans in our closet as our go-to outfit for almost any occasion, but we rarely think about adding some creativity to this overworn look. While a simple French tuck is a safe bet, why not try unbuttoning your shirt and tying it at the front for a sexier summer look? A nice lace bra barely peeking through is a great touch, paired with some minimalistic jewellery, as not to overpower the look. If you are feeling bold, though, you can also choose a pair of brightly-colored heels to give your outfit an unexpected flare. These tiny details truly transform a classic outfit into something more fashionable and more interesting.

3. Romantic look

source

Sometimes you just want to go all out with that perfect romantic look, and what better way to do that than by wearing a floral summer dress? If you’re feeling confident, opt for a deep v-neck mini dress for that bold, dramatic look. If that is not your forte, then an elegant well-fitting midi dress is the perfect option for you. Either way, try to stick to neutral shoes and accessories when wearing printed or brightly-coloured outfits. Don’t distract the eye and overpower the look with too many prints and colours; let the dress speak for itself.

4. Street-style chic

source

Street style outfits are possibly the best way to find inspiration for a casual, yet put-together, modern look, which is a great option for a date night out. As street style is often dominated by neutral colours, the best place to start would be a pair of white denim shorts and a striped or printed black and white t-shirt. Put on a well-tailored lightweight blazer to make the look less casual and more date-appropriate. Opt for a black pair of flats and your favourite staple handbag and you’re ready to go. Just don’t forget to top the look off with some delicate jewellery, like a statement watch and layered rings and necklaces.

5. Casual elegance

source

A simple outfit that radiates elegance is one of the best date night choices you can go for. A basic tank top paired with wide pants or a midi skirt is always a safe bet. You don’t have to wear heels if you are not feeling up to it; this look goes perfectly with a pair of leather slides or chic mules. Finish it off with some statement earrings or a statement necklace and you are bound to dazzle your date with this beautifully elegant look.

OTSMAGAZINE CONTRIBUTOR BIO

Sophia Smith is beauty and style blogger, an eco-lifestyle lover, graphic designer and a DIY enthusiast. Design plays a huge role in her personal expression. Sophia writes mostly about fashion-related topics in her articles. She has contributed to a number of publications including: Viva Glam Magazine, Whytt Magazine, Just Haves, How to Simplify and Carousel.

You can find out more about her writing by following her on: Facebook Twitter Google +

Have you ever found yourself looking at an interior design magazine and wondering how the people do that? What are you doing wrong? Well, truth to be told, those people probably studied for years to get where they are, and they have an exquisite sense of aesthetic. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t fake it till you make it. There are some ideas to steal from the pros and some tricks of the trade to show you how to think like one, at least until you style your home. Here are some of them to help you get started.

Study the space you have

If you have been living in the same home for years, you have probably gotten comfortable in it, and it is difficult to see it with fresh eyes. Designers are used to decorating spaces they see for the first time, and while this is not possible for you, you can try to pretend as if you are starting with a clean slate. You do have the advantage of past experiences, so you can know what doesn’t function well in your home. Always have the function of the space in mind and try to picture it without furniture, accessories and current arrangement.

The way a room is used will tell you what you need to know

An interior designer won’t know how you are using some rooms unless you share your experience. But you know that you sometimes read in the bedroom, or that your kids play in the living room, and you need to be able to see them from the kitchen. The number of members of the family and the frequency of entertaining guests will determine how many seats you need in the living room.

Decide on the style and let it guide you

Designers often think in styles, and while they have enough experience to bend the rules, you can find it very helpful to follow the guidelines of a particular interior design approach. Explore Pinterest for the popular design styles, such as Scandinavian, Mid-century modern, bohemian, and Mediterranean. See which one you like the most and explore and apply its defining characteristics.

Find your inspiration

Besides the décor styles, inspiration can be found anywhere, especially when it comes to colors, patterns, and textures you will use in your home. Your wardrobe can be a true goldmine in this sense, and your favorite pieces can reveal a good starting point for your décor. Adding rustic barn doors can produce a warm and homey feeling that can be incorporated in both modern and traditional design.

Observe on different levels

A designer looks at the space as a whole, but that whole is composed of different levels which include floors, middle ground, walls, and ceilings – all of them are essential to the overall appearance. Treating the walls with artwork but leaving the floors plain is a wrong move. The floors deserve useful and decorative floor rugs, just as much the bookshelves deserve books. All of these aspects together enrich the space with various textures, including shiny and matte finishes, velvet, silk, wool, and faux fur – depending on your taste.

It’s all about the scale

So you want a large overstuffed sofa? Well, sorry to be the one to tell you, but sometimes a piece like that poses an unnecessary burden for the room. You need to know how to choose the pieces that fit the scale of the room. In other words, small furniture pieces belong in compact spaces, while grandiose units fit into large apartments.

The rule of three

Some rules are meant to be broken, but the rule of three is meant to be obeyed. Interior designers think in odd numbers because they provide more visual interest than even numbers. Symmetry produces dull spaces, while arrangements in odd numbers make the décor more energized and vibrant. This goes for everything from color palettes (three colors are better than two), to accessory display.

Observe as an outsider

Once you are done planning or even done decorating, take a step back and try to look at your home as an outsider. Ask yourself have you accomplished what you’ve wanted in the first place. Take a few photos to see the rooms differently. Is there anything missing? Is it functional enough? Stylish enough? Does it reflect your personality? Try to answer all of these questions and fix the problems (if there are any) straight away.
You don’t have to go to interior design school to know what is good for your home. You just need to analyze what you should do and what you want to do, soak in a few worthy lessons and start working.

OTSMAGAZINE CONTRIBUTOR BIO

TRACEY CLAYTON

Tracey Clayton is a full time mom of three girls. She's passionate about traveling, fashion and healthy living. Her motto is: “Live the life you love, love the life you live.” Find her on Facebook. Site: HighStyleLife

MEET ROWAN SUMMERS

Photo By - Gabe Araujo New York

Rowan Summers is a successful male model and also the founder of his own agency [Synergy Scouting & Management], He is Dynamic, self-motivated, disciplined, spontaneous, professional, ambitious and a determined person who likes to read, socialize, sing, swim and exercise amongst others.

He is a Qualified Biochemist/Chemist who expanded into the modeling industry as he discovered a strong passion within.

Photo By- Atlanta and New York Based Photographer - Jameal Monte

Tell Us more about yourself and your personal Background.

I grew up in a Country Southwest of Africa called Namibia. My great grandfather from my mother’s side was an English man that started the Summers generation in Namibia and my great grandfather from my father’s side was a pure African man. I was raised by my mother as my father passed away when I was 10 years old. I come from a big family having many cousins, aunts, uncles etc. I finished high school when I was 17 years old, then went on to manage a DVD shop that was established by my mother. Three years later taking a bad economy and online availability of movies into consideration, the business closed down. During the decline of the business 2nd year in, I went to University to study a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Chemistry. Four years later I graduated and went to work in the beer industry as a Lab Technologist and six months later in the fishing industry as a Lab Supervisor. After working for more than a year in science, I decided to take a risk and left to India to model with Sujal Associates. I returned to Namibia three months later and took a job as a lab supervisor again in the meat industry. Worked there for 6 months then took another risk and left for Cape Town to model and act with Topco Models for 5 months. Returned to Namibia and went on to work in the tourism industry this time focusing on working more with international people. 9 months later, I left for a job in Manzanillo, Mexico on a resort which then took me to Atlanta and New York where I signed with Wilson Model Management. After New York, I came to Mexico City and signed with Deluxe Models which is where I am currently.

Photo By- New York Based Photographer Gabe Araujo

How did you first get into modeling? And how long have you been modeling?

I booked a fashion show in my home city that was hosted by a Namibian London based designer. After 5 months of little jobs here and there in my country, I decided to pursue the career internationally which led me to India. I have been modelling now for over 3 years.

Rowan Summers Featured On The Summer Personality Cover Issue of Cool Korea Magazine (@coolkoreamag)

What do you enjoy most about your career?

The places, opportunities, and people it introduces me to. I can say without a doubt with respect to these principles that it has been life-changing.

What’s your most memorable shoot?

I have two- Shooting an editorial for Coolamerica in New York and shooting in the streets of New York with photographer Gabe Araujo.

Photo By - Gabe Araujo.

What are the pros of being a model?

The fact that when you are suitable to work in a market, headache expenses like accommodation, plane ticket, and pocket money is advanced by agencies making it easier for you to go and work in another country. Having huge opportunities available/ exposed to you.

Photo By- Marnus Meyer

What’s the biggest misconception about the male modeling industry?

A lot of people think that the healthy defined shapes of male models is mainly due to good genes but in truth, we actually work very hard on our body and diets in order to maintain this good shape and appearance. It requires a lot of discipline, perseverance, and focus.

What are your other passions outside of modeling?

I love science (Chemistry and mathematics), cooking, socializing, acting, singing and running a business.

Photo By- Atlanta and New York Based Photographer - Jameal Monte

What are some of your best tips for someone who wants to break into the modeling world?

Prepare yourself mentally and physically to be able to handle living in another country for periods longer than 3 months at a time and when starting out the best thing to do is to take good polaroids and accurate measurements and send them to the closest agencies and then take it from there. You could also send your material to a mother agency (does not necessarily have to be close to you) and they can help you as well.

Any upcoming projects you are working on?

Right now, I am fully focussing on my modelling and acting career here in Mexico City and later this year I will be heading back to New York or Europe.

What are your future goals, dreams, and plans?

I dream to have my own business (which I currently have but at this moment still getting all the right tools in place to launch it professionally) and financially establishing myself in huge influential and powerful cities all over the world doing what I love as a career and not just chasing money. I also believe strongly in establishing good relationships with people I meet all over the world and strengthening my family ties as well.