The statistics are staggering:
▪ Around 20 million Americans are working from home.
▪ By the end of 2011, 30% of the U.S.
▪ 47% of Baby Boomers (ages 50 to 64) regularly visit and use online social media - that is an 88% increase over 2010.
▪ Baby Boomers are becoming the driving force behind the use of information technology.
▪ The number of people age 55 and older using facebook jumped from 1 million in 2009 to 10 million in 2010!
▪ Globally, over 5 billion people have active mobile phones.
▪ e-Reader ownership doubled between November 2010 and May 2011.
▪ Online educational opportunties for kids are now recognized as a superior option by the U.S. Department of Education. And, 1 in 6 higher education students are enrolled online.
We are embracing technology seemingly at the speed of light because it makes our business of life easier, and keeps us connected to friends, family, and the world. In spite of all the demographics and the options offered by the pocket-size portability of technology - we still need one thing - a great place to work.
Homework, hobbies, earning a living, play, financial management, home schooling, family budgeting, recreation, or relaxation - the business of being a family is no longer “hard-wired.” We can go to work anywhere, including outdoors, but we still want and need a designated workspace.
In a recent American Institute of Architects survey, the top residential upgrades are home offices, then energy efficiency, mudrooms, and outdoor living areas. AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker observes, “...home offices have become the new home theaters. Homeowners are placing a far greater priority on specialty rooms that get the most use, as well as incorporating outdoor living elements within their lifestyles.”
Creative home workspace options need to be highly functional, seamless, versatile, durable, and look good. For those larger-scale office and school supply needs like surfaces, seating, and storage, from traditional offices to unconventional spaces, Amish Originals Furniture Co. is a natural resource.