The home improvement chain is partnering with the Guild Education to launch “Track to the Trades,” a program offering employees financial assistance for trade skill certification. Eligible part- and full-time employees can receive up to $2,500 to complete certifications for skills such as carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and appliance repair. This will be upfront tuition funding as opposed to a tuition reimbursement plan. Employees will not only receive the tuition funding to learn a new trade but also get academic coaching and placement opportunities for full-time pre-apprenticeships in Lowe's contractor network. Participants in these pre-apprenticeships will receive enrollment assistance as well as a field mentor. This announcement comes at a time when there is not only a shortage of labor in the skilled trade industry but also an increasing demand for experienced construction and infrastructure workers. Based off a recent report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Lowe's predicts a skilled trades gap of more than a half million construction-related jobs by 2026. With the “Track to the Trades” program, Lowe's aims not only to provide its employees with new career opportunities but also to attempt to bridge that workforce gap. “Track to the Trades” will debut on March 1 in four pilot cities: Charlotte, North Carolina; Denver, Colorado; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Richmond, Virginia. The program will be expanded nationwide by the end of 2018. Kaitlyn Blount is a junior staff writer at The Penny Hoarder. This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.
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At Polymath Park, visitors can spend a night staying in the architect's homes In western Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands, it's hard for a home to really stand out. Arguably the country's most famous residential design, Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, along with another nearby Wright design, Kentuck Knob, can be seen in the same day after a short drive through mountain ridges and maple trees. But for fans taking a pilgrimage to see Wright's masterpiece, another local site offers a more all-encompassing architectural experience. At Polymath Park in nearby Acme, visitors can not only see and tour the architect's work, but spend a night in one of four homes either designed by the him or influenced by his work. It's a bit of a Wrightian theme park, and according to the owners, a way for visitors to reconnect with nature as the architect intended. “For me, it was never about financial gain,” says Thomas Papinchak, who owns and runs the park with his wife, Heather. “This was about keeping it for future generations. We saw a way for the public to experience architecture in a different way.” The 125-acre resort, once meant to be a community of Usonian homes, now contains two designs by Wright apprentice Peter Berndtson, as well as two relocated Wright homes, the Duncan House (originally from Lisle, Illinois) and the Lindholm house, which, after being disassembled in Minnesota and moved halfway across the country, is nearly finished with reconstruction and expected to open for guests later this year. So-named by the previous owner who sold to the Papinchak's, Polymath Park was initially designed to be a Usonian community, a reference to a Wrightian style of architecture meant to be more affordable and accessible. In the '60s, the Balter and Blum families, industrialists from Pittsburgh, wanted to design summer homes in the country, something with “Wrightian flair” like the Kaufmann's nearby Fallingwater. They purchased property a short drive from the city with views of the Chestnut Ridge Mountains. Since Wright passed away in 1959, the families decided to go with the next best things and hire Berndtson, a former Taliesin apprentice. He would design homes for both families, as well as a larger, unrealized scheme for a Usonian-style development for the property called TreeTops and Mountain Circle. Papinchak says the layout of the two homes, with low profiles and backyards that open up to the surroundings trees, gave the families what they wanted, showcasing the Wrightian philosophy of embracing nature, as well as signature Wright touches, such as his Cherokee red paint and stone fireplaces. The original owners never took up Berndtson's proposal or developed anything beyond their own homes, using the property as a summer retreat until selling it in the mid-'80s. In 2000, the Papinchaks moved to a home a half-mile away from the Berndtson buildings. Thomas, who owned a construction company, appreciated Berndtson's designs, and when the previous owner began looking for a buyer he could trust to respect and maintain the properties, offered him the chance to buy. He decided to invest and help preserve the homes. At one, point, he even considered creating a Wright-influenced suburb on the property, in homage to Berndtson. But plans changed. In 2005, Papinchak saw an article in the paper about plans to move a Wright home in Illinois, threatened with teardown, to nearby Johnstown, Pennsylvania. After inquiring with the buyers, who eventually ran out of money to finish the project, he eventually decided to buy them out and take over the task of preserving the Duncan House, a wide, horizontal home with yellow siding built in 1957. Along with a four-man crew, he relocated and rebuilt the home in Pennsylvania, piece by piece. The Papinchaks opened Polymath Park in 2007, with their original home near the park turned into a restaurant for guests. The entire family helped run the park, including the Papinchak's two daughters. Early on, the resort fought for attention, “literally a cluster of homes in the woods” looking for guests. But renewed appreciation for Wright's work over the last decade has led more and more visitors to seek out a chance to spend a night in one of his homes, an opportunity only available at a handful of properties. Rates currently run from $299 a night for the Balter and Blum homes to $399 ($425 on weekends) to stay in the Duncan House, with proceeds going towards the Usonian Preservation Corporation, a non-profit set up by the park to preserve and protect the homes. Early guest reaction was very positive. “People kept the house better than we would, cleaning things we wouldn't,” says Papinchak. “It was impressive how much respect they had for the property.” Recently, Papinchak added to his Wright collection, transporting the Lindholm House from Cloquet, Minnesota, to Polymath Park. Designed for the same family that commissioned Wright's famous gas station, the 2,300-square-foot home near Duluth, known as Mantyla (“house among the pines”) was transported in 2016 as part of a “last-ditch” preservation effort. “It was a microsurgery, taking the house apart piece by piece,” he says. “We took it apart piece by piece, numbered everything, put it in containers, and shipped it here.” When the Lindholm house reopens this summer for guest stays, the Polymath Park owners hope the new site will, despite the lack of original context for the home, offer the same experience provided by the rest of the resort. The Papichaks hope their respect for Wright's designs, as well as the park's no-wifi policy, can help more people forge a connection with architecture and the landscape. “It's more personal,” he says “It's my wife and I making it come alive.”
If you've seen a desk…well, you've only seen a desk because no two are the same. Every desk is different and every design and style brings to the table a bunch of elements that are unique to it. Obviously, there are both pros and cons to consider in each case but it seems that wall-mounted desks tip the scales in their favor with their wonderful versatility, simplicity and practicality. One of the best things about a wall-mounted desk is the fact that its height is not fixed. The desk can be installed at any height and this allows it to be adjusted to suit every user's needs, proportions and work style. Some models, like this rustic-industrial one from Amazon, are suited not only for the workspace but also for spaces like kitchens, bars, living and dining areas and even bedrooms. The Prepac wall-mounted desk even includes some really practical storage space. It has side compartments with removable shelves which are great for speakers and other electronic devices and accessories as well as for books and other items. It can be mounted at any height as well as in a variety of spaces, settings and decors. Some designs, like that of the Haotian wall-mounted desk, can be really versatile and that allows them to serve as a variety of other furniture pieces such as a bedside table or a console for example. It's easy to picture this simple and stylish piece in just about any room of the house. Its surface can be a workspace or a storage and display area and the three compartments underneath only make the design better. It may seem small and simple but this is actually a really practical desk, whether you're working on a computer, on your laptop or with papers. The hidden compartment at the back is practical for cable management purposes and the three open compartments at the front can be used in all sorts of practical ways. whether you need to store books, documents, electronic devices or personal items. Available on Amazon. Another really cool thing about wall-mounted desks is the fact that they can be very compact and that allows them to be integrated in all sorts of spaces. For instance, you could have one in the bedroom or even in the living room without interfering with the space's main function and without taking up any floor space. In fact, designs like that of the Dover desk are perfect for tiny spaces and small apartments. And speaking of versatile and space-efficient designs, check out this cool fold-out desk which has a mirror as a front when in its compact form. When it opens up it reveals a small but practical desk and also a few storage compartments for things like books, pencils and other small items. Found on Amazon. Great for small apartments and small spaces in general, this drop-down secretary desk takes up very little space and can even be closed to become even more compact when the work surface is not needed. Like any other wall-mounted desk, it can be installed at any height and can be useful in a variety of spaces and for a variety of functions. It's a cool desk with plenty of potential in a small shell.
If you're looking for a stylish and space-efficient alternative to the usual chunky desk, have a look at the Pill. This is a sort of cabinet/ desk/ bar which can change function instantly based on how you wish to use it. Its rounded form gives it a chic and sophisticated appearance. Fold down the upper half to reveal a work surface and storage area for things like a laptop, files, books and other items. The desk comes equipped with sockets and can be customized with built-in LED lights if desired. The problem with having a desk at home is that you only use it occasionally and you probably don't need a separate room just for that. In such cases, a narrow desk or one which you can fold down or conceal somehow when you're not using it can turn out to be very practical from several points of view. The FJU desk is a really great example. Briccola-ge is a wall-mounted desk which makes great use of corner spaces. These are usually dead spaces, often ignored and left empty and with no purpose. This desk fits perfectly in the corner and can be used as a work surface but also as a console or a makeup vanity. There are a lot of situations when a wall-mounted desk can turn out to be the best option, not just when you're trying to save space in a small apartment but also when you're looking for a practical design, whether it's for kids or adults. Speaking of kids and desks, check out the Clever console and its friendly and adjustable nature, always ready to please. Another cool thing about a desk which you can mount to a wall is the fact that it can be used as a standing desk. This is definitely an option to consider, especially if you're only using the desk occasionally and for relatively short periods of time. Obviously you can also sit whenever you feel the need to so keep a stool nearby. Usually when you have a desk you also need some sort of storage, whether it's for your devices, documents, books or just your everyday personal items. Some wall-mounted desks have shelves or storage compartments underneath the work surface and that's not always the most comfortable placement. Others, like the Kaari desk, are designed more like shelving units. Meet Segreto, a compact and stylish wall-mounted desk which reinvents the classic secretary desk. It's a much smaller and more flexible version of the original concept, adapted to a modern world where information is stored on tiny devices and where intricate locks are no longer required. This triangular unit can be suspended at any height and as its bottom section opens up a series of shelves and drawers is revealed, exposing all its secrets. For some desks, minimalism is key. One such example is Nubo. It's small and very simple, free of any unnecessary desk accessories and very versatile and suitable for pretty much any kind of space. It has a lovely design with rounded corners and a cloud-like shape. Use it as a secondary desk or as a functional accessory for any space that you have in mind. Brenta is yet another space-saving desk which you can install on walls in pretty much any type of room. Its design is quirky and cute, featuring an outer frame made of solid oak and a fold-down door made of painted MFC board which opens up to reveal a back panel made of bent steel. Modularity is important in many types of situations, being a characteristic of most modern and contemporary interior designs. That makes units like the Cube highly desirable. There are two main versions of this unit, each available in several different modules. The most appealing element in all versions remains the foldable worktop that disappears into the cupboard without a trace. Meet the Mamba…not the snake but the desk inspired by its undulating and flexible form. This minimalist piece of furniture perfectly combined form and function into a design that seems to perfectly blend with the wall, as if it's a part of it. Whether you use it as a desk, as a console table or as a shelf, the Mamba will always look exquisite thanks to its organic and continuous form. Because of its small size and compact design, the Flatbox can be installed just about anywhere there's a bit of room on a wall. This means you don't have to plan a room's layout around this feature and you can just treat as an accessory. It's great as a standing desk or as a workstation in the children's room and it comes in two versions. Given how simple and small the Float desk is you could easily think of it as being nothing more than a shelf, great for displaying things on, or as a console able to complete a hallway or entryway without taking up any floor space. Of course, if you want to take full advantage of it you can use it as a laptop station or as a writing desk. You wouldn't tell it's a desk just by looking at it. After all, the desk is only a part of this cool shelving unit. The Helix is a ladder-inspired unit, a sort of bookcase where the lower shelf is in fact a desk. It has to be mounted onto the wall and its design is versatile and suitable for a variety of spaces and decors. It's even possible to have several of these modules placed side by side to create a larger installation. A cool detail about wall-mounted desks is the fact that they don't have legs and that allows them to appear lightweight and to keep the room looking open and airy. Add to that the freedom of choosing the perfect height at which to install the desk as well as a stylish design like this one and you get a product that's pretty close to perfect. With the Prepac Floating Desk you can easily turn any unused corner of your home into a practical workspace which can be your own mini office. The desk is optimized to fit perfectly in corners and installation is easy. Once it's in place, all. that's left to do is customize it with your choice of accessories and then enjoy it. Although it's true that wall-mounted desks as a category are very practical and often compact, not all are equally functional or user-friendly. Spacebox, for example, stands out from other wall-mounted desks through the fact that its six storage compartments remain visible at all times and are not obstructed or hidden not even when the desk is closed (in this case when it drops down) This is Norberg, a really chic and simple drop-leaf table which can function as a desk in certain settings but which is equally practical as a breakfast table, bar or just an extra storage surface in the dining room or living area. When it folds down you still have a shelf which is quite nice. With so many different options and designs to choose from, there's a desk for everyone and you simply have to take your time so you can find the right one for you and for your needs. The Studio Floating Desk's design might appeal to those searching for a desk that's compact, wall-mounted and with a decent amount of storage shelves and compartments. The simple, clean but also soft and elegant lines of this Floating Oak Desk allow it to blend looks with function in the most harmonious way. Like most similar products, it gets to complement and complete a space without making it seem smaller or cluttered. It's all in the details. If you're the type of person who doesn't stand too much in one place you might find it impractical to have a desk that's fixed to a wall, one which you can't move around. Don't be too quick to give up on the idea of wall-mounted desk. Check out Deskview. It's designed to mount on any flat and non-porous surface which meant you can install it on a window, a wall or even a piece of furniture. It may not look like much but this floating desk is pretty quirky. It has this cool industrial-style support frame made of pipes and fittings and the surface is made of solid walnut with a stylish live edge design. It's so simple and yet it's so full of character. {found on etsy}. It's a lamp….no, it's a nightstand….or is it a desk? Actually, it's all of these things. Lampe Gras is a multifunctional accessory with wonderful potential. Put it in the bedroom, the living room, the hallway and basically any other space you think could use it. It's clever, it's simple and it's small enough to fit in even the tiniest home. This wall-mounted desk opens up and turns into a work surface and once you're done using it you can just close it and it takes up even less space. Moreover, when closed the desk has an artistic appearance and can act as a wall decoration. {found on tuttobene}.
Mamba Light designed by Victor Vasilev is one of the most delicate and sleek desks ever. In fact, it's not even a desk per se but a simple shelf which can act as a desk but which can also remain a simple display surface for books, decorations and all sorts of other things. Just look at this elegant little desk…isn't it graceful? Its design is based on a classic created back in 1948 which was one of the world's first wall-mounted systems that impressed with its light structure and great modularity. The Royal System is still as impressive as ever and you can see why. The casual manner in which this desk leans against the wall is quite remarkable. The coolest thing about it, however, is its ability to be independent and to become a freestanding furniture piece which can be placed anywhere in the room. To do that you just need to attach a third supporting leg. The 36e8 Desk by Lago was designed for children's rooms but is also suitable for offices and studies thanks to its versatility and simplicity. The desk is also lightweight and slender and it easily mounts on walls and can be paired with all sorts of other modules, shelves and units. The Modern Scrittoio by Porro was conceived for contemporary living spaces and you can definitely tell that by its minimalist appearance. It's basically a writing surface with a drawer. It's wall-mounted on a panel and it's a functional and aesthetic solution for anyone who needs an occasional work area but doesn't want the desk to steal the attention from other furniture pieces. You're reading Modern Wall-Mounted Desk Designs With Flair And Personality , originally posted on Homedit. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Homedit on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest. |
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January 2019
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