As I began writing this Editor’s Page from my Vintage-1990 home office, I suddenly found myself longing for many of the newest products spotlighted in this issue’s home office feature. Modular work stations, flexible wall systems, hidden CD-storage compartments, and master control panels are just some of the innovative products being devised for the growing home office population who are forgoing long distance commutes, formal business attire, and water-cooler gossip for a more relaxed and often more productive working environment.
Although my home office does not house any of the more modern and technologically advanced products shown here, there is one innovation it can lay claim to. It is a room unto itself. While most home offices were once included solely as an afterthought, carved out of dens or kitchens or basements where a small table housing a PC plugged into a centrally-located electrical outlet was quite enough, my house was purchased with the mindset that one room would be deliberately sacrificed for a home office. Current research shows that home offices are becoming self-sustaining, independent rooms on their own, especially for women who “want to have it all,” both career and family. Women are leaving the traditional corporate world to work from home at twice the rate as men, and are starting 70 percent of all home-based businesses. The demand for customized design options for the home office is therefore increasing, and furniture, lighting, and accessories manufacturers are beginning to respond.
Lighting manufacturers are responding to consumers’ needs in other rooms of the home as well, as exemplified through this issue’s High Point Market preview. The spring market is giving rise to a new crop of lighting designs sprouting an elaborate array of styles, shapes, and detailing unlike ever before. The uniqueness of many of these pieces is exemplified in the profile of one lighting designer, Paul Grüer, whose design ideas are inspired by the magical and mystical allure of the city of New Orleans’ cozy French Quarter. Paul’s collection will be making its debut at High Point, but you can see a preview of some of his unusual and unique designs on the pages that follow.
One of the most unusual design techniques implemented in today’s homes emanates from the ancient beliefs of Feng Shui. Becoming increasingly popular, these principles show how the placement of furnishings, the effects of lighting, and the inclusion of certain colors and materials are believed to enhance balance and harmony throughout a home. For the home office, as our report reveals, it provides a specific set of recommendations, some of which I was surprised to find existent in my own office. Located at the front of my house and upstairs, where positive energies are said to flow best, my office also houses a window which faces front (also positive), and the desk is properly positioned opposite my office door, enabling me to feel, as indicated, “in command.” These components, plus the addition of a red object anywhere in the room, are believed to promote the health, wealth, and overall success of the person who works in its environment. Contrarily, placing anything blue in the back center portion of an office supposedly detracts from success. Since there are many more non-believers than believers in Feng Shui design, I am not about to discard my comfortable blue desk chair for a bright new red one but, come to think of it, perhaps painting the door red is just the right touch this home office needs.
Enjoy the issue!
Editor's Page 
