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A kitchen remodel light…Kitchen makeover “effect” for less than $1,000

CHICAGO, GURNEE, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

Most astute homeowners know that a kitchen remodel is the one home improvement project that comes close to paying for itself at resale. It’s also one of the more expensive home improvement projects you can undertake. There are, however, some modest improvements homeowners can make for less than $1,000 that can make a kitchen look brand new.

“There are some people who spend high five figures on kitchen remodels and the results are amazing,” said Jeremy Vest, owner of DirectBuy of DuPage County. “Yet if your budget isn’t quite that big, smaller improvements can also create a significant upgrade without a major dent in your bank account.”

Vest recommends the following:

  • Adding a backsplash – Whether it’s a bright color or interesting pattern, a backsplash can transform the feel and style of a kitchen. For the average kitchen, that could mean purchasing as little as 20 square feet of tile.
  • Replace fixtures – Replacing your current drab fixtures with glass or ceramic knobs or pulls can add elegance and style to your kitchen. The best part? These are fairly easy to install on your own and you can do it in less than an hour.
  • Kitchen sink – The sink is more of a focal point in the kitchen than you think. Replacing a worn faucet head with a shiny new head polishes off a kitchen with new sophistication. It’s not too difficult to find an entry level faucet in a variety of styles for under $150.
  • Flooring – While most may consider this an expensive undertaking, refinishing a hardwood floor can be completed in less than two days at a reasonable cost through sanding and refinishing. Likewise, if you have tile or ceramic, professionally cleaning and sealing is affordable and can bring an old floor back to life.
  • Changing lighting fixtures – A lighting fixture can transform a kitchen and there is no end to the options and price points for a new chandelier, sconce or fixture. Please consult an electrician if you have no experience with wiring lights.

“As a rule, kitchens seem to draw a crowd and, consequently, show wear and tear a little sooner than most homeowners would like,” said Vest. “By undertaking one or more of these improvements you can capture the effect of remodel without the cost.”

About DirectBuy Club

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality. The DirectBuy Clubs serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 145 locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting http://www.directbuy.com. 

Locations of the DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 North Avondale Ste. 110, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 High Grove Lane Ste. 124, Naperville, IL; DirectBuy of Northern Illinois, 3900 Washington Street, Gurnee, IL; and DirectBuy of Tinley Park, 18400 S. 76th Avenue Ste. B, Tinley Park, IL.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

A kitchen remodel light…Kitchen makeover “effect” for less than $1,000Read More

Tips for selecting an energy-efficient refrigerator

ORLANDO, FLORIDA…

While it’s the objective of most homeowners to run a greener household, the other kind of green—dollars—often dictates how much you can commit. When selecting household appliances like a refrigerator, however, homeowners should consider the potential energy savings more so than the sticker price.

“At this stage of the game, consumers know they should be selecting an Energy Star product, but beyond that, it’s back to how much it costs rather than how much you can save,” said Brian Cohen, owner of DirectBuy of Orlando. “By doing a little research and examining your needs, you can save some green and be green.”

Cohen recommends:

  • Shopping for Energy Star-rated refrigerators that exceed the government’s minimum requirements.
  • Reviewing energy guides supplied by the U.S. government that compare kilowatt-hour usage and estimated yearly energy costs associated with refrigerators. Energy guides are available online.
  • Buying a refrigerator with a highly efficient compressor and good insulation. Poor compression or insulation can allow cool air to escape, which will raise energy costs.
  • Selecting a refrigerator that enables you to choose the exact temperature you desire for both the refrigerator and freezer.
  • Choosing freezer-on-top models that have an energy saver switch, which allows you to deactivate the anti-sweat function. This lowers moisture content, a feature that’s only necessary when humidity is high.
  • Purchasing the smallest refrigerator that will comfortably meet your needs (smaller refrigerators consume less energy than their larger counterparts will because they have to less space to cool).
  • Considering separate refrigerator and freezer units. This will increase the food-storage capabilities of both units and decrease the radiant loss from one compartment to the next (the amount of cold-air “leakage” from the freezer into the refrigerator that occurs with refrigerator/freezer combinations).

“Selecting an energy-efficient refrigerator reminds me of the old expression ‘don’t work harder, work smarter,’” said Cohen. “While it’s an important first step to select an Energy Star-rated refrigerator, doing your due diligence can really make a dent in your monthly energy costs.”

The leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, DirectBuy Club offers manufacturer-direct pricing on products ranging from energy-efficient refrigerators to televisions to kitchen cabinets, all from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy Club also offers design, delivery, and installation services. Conveniently located at 502 Sunport Lane, Suite 400, in Orlando, DirectBuy of Orlando offers consumers a comfortable, welcoming setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy Club membership, visit directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy Club

For more than 39 years, DirectBuy Club has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories, and much, much more. With more than 150 locations in North America, DirectBuy Club offers its members access to more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy Club’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting directbuy.com or directbuycares.com.

Tips for selecting an energy-efficient refrigeratorRead More

Away from home or home alone, burglar-proof your house for the holidays

ORLANDO, FLORIDA…

Think of holiday burglars and many hearken back to the bungling thieves in the movie Home Alone. It’s safe to say that most burglars are a bit smarter than the ones tormented by MacCaulay Culkin. As the leading home improvement and furnishing club, DirectBuy of Orlando has some helpful tips on protecting your home for this holiday season and beyond.

“Gifts under the tree and additional vehicles in the driveway belonging to guests—some perhaps from out-of-state—present added incentive for thieves,” said Brian Cohen, owner of DirectBuy of Orlando. “There’s even more opportunity if you happen to go away for the holidays. By following some simple steps, you can safeguard your home against potential break-ins.”

Some hints to ensure a safe, happy holiday season include:

  • Purchase an alarm system and advertise that fact on your exterior windows and doors.
  • Secure your doors and windows at all times, particularly at night.
  • Keep your window shades drawn, particularly near your Christmas tree. Gifts visible from street level provide huge temptation to thieves who may consider smashing the window to grab your packages.
  • Headed out of town for the holidays? Utilize lighting timers for both interior and exterior lights to ensure it appears to outsiders that someone is still at home.
  • After Christmas Day, don’t pile up empty gift boxes on the street for the garbage man, which simply informs burglars of the expensive gifts awaiting them inside your home.
  • Keep your homeowners insurance policy up-to-date.  

“Unfortunately, we don’t all possess the guile of Home Alone’s Kevin McCallister. It’s probably better and safer that way,” said Cohen. “By taking the above precautions, you can provide enough of a deterrent so that thieves leave your home alone.”

DirectBuy offers alarm systems and other items needed to protect your home during the holidays, all at direct insider prices. In addition, each DirectBuy club employs product specialists and designers who can help members select the system that works best for their home.

Conveniently located at 502 Sunport Lane, Suite 400, in Orlando, DirectBuy of Orlando offers consumers a comfortable, welcoming setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy Club membership, visit directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy Club

For more than 39 years, DirectBuy Club has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories, and much, much more. With more than 150 locations in North America, DirectBuy Club offers its members access to more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy Club’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting directbuy.com or directbuycares.com.

Away from home or home alone, burglar-proof your house for the holidaysRead More

Testing, 1-2-3, testing… Home intercom systems provide security and entertainment.

CHICAGO, GURNEE, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

It’s difficult to think of an intercom system without conjuring up images of your old apartment and buzzing friends up. Yet a current trend with homeowners is to have an intercom system installed within the home. This not only gives homeowners a convenient way to communicate to household members in other rooms or on other floors but an added safety and security measure.

“Intercom systems can give you ears and, with some systems, eyes, as to what’s going on in your house,” said Jeremy Vest, owner of DirectBuy of DuPage County. “That can be valuable to parents with little ones or if there is an elderly member of the household who has trouble getting around.”

While an intercom system does enhance household communication, it can also provide an added layer of security for your home—both inside your house and outside. And with wireless options available, an intercom system can be relatively easy to install without being obtrusive.

One other perk to today’s intercom systems is that it gives you the option to play and project your favorite music throughout the house and even on your patio. Today’s intercom systems and speakers can rival most stereos.

“When you think of an intercom, it’s difficult not to think of it as a punch line in a sitcom, like Two and a Half  Men or, for those willing to admit being old enough remember, Carlton the Doorman from Rhoda, the Mary Tyler Moor Show spinoff,” said Vest. “An intercom system can be very useful in communicating with others, tightening up your security, and being a fun way to enjoy your favorite music.”

In addition to intercom systems, DirectBuy Club offers home furnishings and merchandise as well as items for home improvement projects to help all homeowners create their dream homes— at direct insider prices. DirectBuy also employs product specialists and designers, so if you need some assistance in selecting products or taking on a home improvement project, you have seasoned professionals at your service.

For more information on DirectBuy Club, please visit www.directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy Club

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality. The DirectBuy Clubs serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 150 locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting http://www.directbuy.com. 

Locations of the DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 North Avondale Ste. 110, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 High Grove Lane Ste. 124, Naperville, IL; DirectBuy of Northern Illinois, 3900 Washington Street, Gurnee, IL; and DirectBuy of Tinley Park, 18400 S. 76th Avenue Ste. B, Tinley Park, IL.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

Testing, 1-2-3, testing… Home intercom systems provide security and entertainment.Read More

Kids play at DirectBuy…DirectBuy of Orlando offers “play” area for parents and kids.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA…

By purchasing directly from the manufacturer, DirectBuy Club members can not only save a lot of money, but enjoy the process as well. And while it can be a lot of fun to pick out your new kitchen, the new floors for your bathroom, it also requires your full attention—a luxury members with children don’t always have. That’s why DirectBuy of Orlando, the leading members-only home improvement and home furnishings club with direct insider prices, developed a “Kids Zone” area in their club so parents can focus on the task at hand and kids can enjoy the DirectBuy experience, too.

Though not a supervised area, the Kids Zone features a number of things to keep school-age children occupied and entertained, including books, puzzles, and games. The Kids Zone also includes a flat screen television so children can watch movies or play games.  

“Let’s face it, most kids would rather go to the dentist than watch their parents shop for their next home improvement project. By the same token, it’s difficult for members with children to get the most out of the experience and do the research they need to do if they’re concerned about the kids getting fidgety,” said Brian Cohen, owner of DirectBuy of Orlando. “The Kids Zone gives children of DirectBuy members a place to play games, watch TV, or even make new friends with other members’ kids while the grown-ups have their ‘fun.’”

Creating fun things to do for children is nothing new for DirectBuy. DirectBuy Clubs across North America regularly donate equipment to youth organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, YMCAs and children’s hospitals.

“As members of the Orlando business community, we have an even greater incentive to make this a one-of-a-kind, unique shopping experience because many of the members are our friends, neighbors, even relatives,” said Cohen. “Making the DirectBuy Club experience fun for children as well as the grownups is an extension of that philosophy.”

DirectBuy Clubs offer members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring, and accessories by purchasing directly from the manufacturer. In addition, DirectBuy boasts a team of designers to help members with their purchases and gives them access to a roster of local, hand-selected contractors to expedite those projects.

Since 1971, DirectBuy Club has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. Conveniently located at 502 Sunport Lane, Suite 400, in Orlando, DirectBuy of Orlando offers consumers a comfortable, welcoming setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy Club membership, visit directbuy.com.

About DirectBuy Club

For more than 39 years, DirectBuy Club has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories, and much, much more. With more than 150 locations in North America, DirectBuy Club offers its members access to more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy Club’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting directbuy.com or directbuycares.com.

Kids play at DirectBuy…DirectBuy of Orlando offers “play” area for parents and kids.Read More

How size can matter less…Secrets for decorating smaller rooms.

CHICAGO, GURNEE, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

How often have you heard the expression “doing more with less”? In a sluggish real estate market, many homeowners are staying in their current homes by necessity rather than upgrading to a larger home with more space. This places the challenge on the homeowner to make a smaller room look and function like a bigger space.

“When we think of making a smaller room work better, much of the focus is on throwing stuff out and organizing,” said Dave Kushner, owner of DirectBuy of Northern Illinois. “From a design and décor point of view, there are things homeowners and apartment residents can do to make a smaller space function and feel bigger.”

Kushner recommends the following:

Space planning – Creating a focal point in the room can keep visitors’ eyes from wandering and visually sizing up the entire room. Painting one wall a darker hue than the others accomplishes this quite nicely.

  • Mirrors – Consider mirroring the length of an entire wall to add depth and dimension to a room.
  • Lighting – If you can avoid it, do not use any hanging fixtures for lighting. These tend to accentuate lower ceilings. Track lighting is versatile and keeps the area above your furniture sight-line free.
  • Storage – In a smaller room, you need to be as efficient as possible with your storage. Make sure all the pieces of furniture you select for your smaller room have storage options (e.g. an electronics console with drawers, storage ottoman, etc.). Avoid open bookcases, which add to the cluttered, closed in feeling if they are full.
  • Décor – Remember, less is more. Select accessories that mean something to you and then think about removing one or two of those.
  • Flooring – If the square footage of the room is limited and it feels like the walls are closing in on you, the floor can be an ally. By sticking to neutral colors for the floor surface and then accentuating with a bold rug, you bring the focus of the room down to the surface.

“While everybody would like more space, decorating a smaller room does force you to do one thing that’s beneficial no matter what the size of your home—reduce clutter,” said Kushner. “By following just one or two of these guidelines, you can create a more livable space and, perhaps more importantly, make it feel more livable.”

About DirectBuy Club

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality. The DirectBuy Clubs serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 150 locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting http://www.directbuy.com. 

Locations of the DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 North Avondale Ste. 110, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 High Grove Lane Ste. 124, Naperville, IL; DirectBuy of Northern Illinois, 3900 Washington Street, Gurnee, IL; and DirectBuy of Tinley Park, 18400 S. 76th Avenue Ste. B, Tinley Park, IL.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

How size can matter less…Secrets for decorating smaller rooms.Read More

Your bathroom as the new living room

ORLANDO, FL…

In the modern home, our bathrooms have transformed from a room of necessity to one of luxury – a place where we can rinse away the stresses of the day and relax in peaceful tranquility. The popularity of bathroom remodeling has followed this shift toward lavishness in a variety of ways.

Homeowners have added hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms and other features to create more of a home spa where they can unwind at the end of a long day.  According to DirectBuy of Orlando, the leading home improvement and furnishings club, that trend has led homeowners to take a closer look at the design of their new “living room.”

“It’s quite natural that when you spend more time in a room, you’re going to want it to be pleasing to the eye and functional—even if that room is the bathroom,” said Brian Cohen, owner of DirectBuy of Orlando. “When you’re talking about creating a bathroom/home spa, that’s even more important. That’s why homeowners should take a step back and consider their options when planning a dream bathroom.”

When it comes to creating their dream bathroom, most homeowners want features they’ve seen in their favorite hotels while vacationing or on home improvement shows. Those can include:

  • A separate tub and enlarged shower area, as opposed to a shower stall, with enough space so there’s no need for a shower curtain.
  • Drawer space in the sink vanities, even as part of the bathtub; reducing clutter-driven anxiety.
  • Warm, neutral colors and earth tones to create a calming, natural atmosphere; utilizing stones like granite and bamboo can foster this effect.
  • Plenty of natural lighting, if possible; halogen bulbs are another alternative that can help to create a soft lighting effect.
  • Radiant, heated floors.
  • Multiple body sprayers for the shower or rain showerheads, which as the name indicates, simulate rain.
  • A steam bath within the shower area to save space.
  • Drying area within the shower space
  • Separate room or partition for the commode.

The cost of creating your “dream bathroom” can vary, ranging anywhere from $15,000 for the cost-conscious to $50,000 or more. While either end of that spectrum might seem exorbitant depending on your budget, bathroom renovations have slowly crept up on kitchen renovations as the home improvement most likely to recoup costs at resale. In fact, Remodeling magazine’s 2009-10 report suggests major bathroom remodels will recoup 71 percent of the costs, to 72.1 percent major kitchen remodels.

“While most people don’t create their dream bathroom for their home’s next owner, it certainly is a nice extra to know it can dramatically improve the value of the entire home,” adds Cohen.

DirectBuy offers everything you need for your dream bathroom—hot tub, showers, flooring, vanities, etc.—at wholesale prices direct from the manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. In addition, DirectBuy also employs product specialists and designers, so if you’re stuck for ideas, you have professionals at your service who can create the look that works best for you and your family.

Since 1971, DirectBuy Club has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. Conveniently located at 502 Sunport Lane, Suite 400, in Orlando, DirectBuy of Orlando offers consumers a comfortable, welcoming setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy Club membership, visit directbuy.com.

About DirectBuy Club

For more than 39 years, DirectBuy Club has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories, and much, much more. With more than 150 locations in North America, DirectBuy Club offers its members access to more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy Club’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting directbuy.com or directbuycares.com.

Your bathroom as the new living roomRead More

When your first name is “mud,” there’s always room for improvement… Creating more room in your mudroom.

CHICAGO, GURNEE, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

By the name alone, the mudroom has low self-esteem. After all, the moniker suggests it’s okay to get it dirty. Still, if you want your mudroom to be more efficient, or if you want to create a mudroom, there are some basic guidelines to follow.

“The mudroom was designed as a way to keep wet and/or dirty shoes and clothes out of other parts of the house. Yet it doesn’t take much for the clutter in a mudroom to get out of control so that it becomes an obstacle on your way in and out of the house,” said Dave Kushner, owner of DirectBuy of Northern Illinois. “By incorporating a few organizational ideas and using some ‘user-friendly’ materials, your mudroom can be a cleaner operation.”

For starters, Kushner suggests the following:

  • Flooring – By definition, mudrooms are prone to dirt and that means wear and tear. For material, you will probably want to install something durable like textured rubber, or ceramic or unpolished stone tile. No matter what you select, a darker color will aid in camouflaging dirt. An outdoor doormat made of rubble or bristle and an indoor mat made of a water-absorbing material can minimize the dirt that gets tracked into the house.
  • Walls – Vinyl wallpaper or high-gloss paint are viable options for walls that will no doubt need to be wiped down frequently. You may also want to consider vinyl cove as a low-maintenance, economical choice for baseboard—particularly since the mudroom is likely to need a good mopping from time to time.
  • Coat storage – You can go the route of hooks or take it a step further with cubbies for the kids’ coats. If you go with hooks, make sure to hang them at child’s height. Have a little fun with this and assign everybody their own hook/cubby and label it.
  • Waterproof area – For inclement weather, you’ll want a waterproof area for wet items like hats, gloves, scarves, etc. A drip tray/scraper topped by a removable grate can be invaluable for wet shoes. You can also create a makeshift drying rack out of an accordion-style wine rack.
  • Seating/storage – A good bench is an essential part of a mudroom. Make sure the bench is off to the side and doesn’t obstruct any doorways. The space under the bench can be used for storing shoes. Better yet, a built-in bench or window seat, hinged at the top, can help keep clutter under wraps.

“A lot of older homes, and some newer ones, were built without mudrooms. If you don’t have one, you should really designate a transitional area where people enter the house as your mudroom,” said Kushner. “Not only does it provide a storage space for bulky coats and boots, but it saves the wear and tear on the rugs and floor inside your home and makes the upkeep of your home more manageable.”

About DirectBuy Club

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality. The DirectBuy Clubs serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 150 locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting http://www.directbuy.com. 

Locations of the DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 North Avondale Ste. 110, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 High Grove Lane Ste. 124, Naperville, IL; DirectBuy of Northern Illinois, 3900 Washington Street, Gurnee, IL; and DirectBuy of Tinley Park, 18400 S. 76th Avenue Ste. B, Tinley Park, IL.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

When your first name is “mud,” there’s always room for improvement… Creating more room in your mudroom.Read More

How to make “top shelf” office space out of your closet.

ORLANDO, FL…

In the corporate world, if they ask you to move your office to the closet, it’s probably not a good sign for your long-term future with the company; however if you find yourself working from home, converting a closet into a home office can be an effective and economical use of space. DirectBuy of Orlando, the leading home improvement and furnishings club, has some helpful tips on converting a closet into a functional home office.

“Whether you work out of your home or not, nearly everyone has some semblance of office space in their home,” said Brian Cohen, owner of DirectBuy of Orlando. “By converting the closet in the guest room or in the basement, you can maintain that room’s primary function while giving yourself or other family members more than adequate office space.”

So, how do you convert a closet into functional office space? For starters, clear everything out of the closet, including clothes, rods, and shelves. Next, take precise measurements of the space, making note of wiring and lighting. Depending on your particular space and what’s available, you may also need to consider the following:

  • Installing an electrical outlet within the closet if none are nearby. Make sure you install enough to accommodate a computer, lighting, a printer, and other office necessities.
  • Installing a jack for either an Ethernet or DSL line to connect to the Internet. If possible, and to save yourself installation costs, it may be more affordable to buy a wireless router and purchase a laptop with a wireless card.
  • Painting the closet walls will make it seem more like a room and less like a closet. Lighter colors can make your workspace seem bigger than it is.
  • Installing shelves that will function as a desktop that’s the width of the closet and long and deep enough to give you space to either write or work at your computer. You may also want to consider installing additional shelves for storage purposes.
  • Purchasing small file cabinets on wheels for storage underneath your work area.

“One of the downsides to working at home is you essentially never leave the office,” said Cohen. “By converting your closet, you can literally close the door on work for the day. You can even put a lock on it for added security and to remove the temptation to work during off hours.”

DirectBuy offers nearly everything you need for your home office—at wholesale prices direct from manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. In addition, DirectBuy also employs product specialists and designers if your home improvement project is a bit more than you want to take on or you don’t have the time.

Since 1971, DirectBuy Club has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. Conveniently located at 502 Sunport Lane, Suite 400, in Orlando, DirectBuy of Orlando offers consumers a comfortable, welcoming setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy Club membership, visit directbuy.com.

About DirectBuy Club

For more than 39 years, DirectBuy Club has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories, and much, much more. With more than 150 locations in North America, DirectBuy Club offers its members access to more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy Club’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting directbuy.com or directbuycares.com.

How to make “top shelf” office space out of your closet.Read More