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Does Your Small Business Need an Office Makeover?
DELRAY BEACH, Fla. -- If you are like most workingprofessionals, it's probably been months since you've seen the top of yourdesk, you're overwhelmed with assignments and don't have the time to giveyour office a new look.Office Depot, one of the world's largest resellers of officeproducts, and Christopher Lowell, Emmy Award-winning designer, author andTV personality are coming to the rescue -- with the launch of their Office Makeover Contest.The contest, which runs through June 30, asks small businesses with one to 19 employees to send in pictures and an essay explaining why their business is in most need of a makeover. Entry forms are available at Office Depot retail stores nationwide as well as online (see below). "A dull and cluttered work environment can not only lead to inefficient business operations, but lost opportunities," said Chuck Rubin, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer for Office Depot. "Bytaking advantage of our relationship with Christopher Lowell, we can helpone business transform their space into a more productive and invitingworkplace, while providing an atmosphere that will enable more success.""A makeover is a great way to start fresh and bring new energy to a small office space," Lowell noted. "Having a comfortable work environment is essential because of how much time is spent on a daily basis. The best part is that the same techniques that people use to update their homes can easily be translated into the office." The grand prize winner of the contest will receive an in-person consultation with Lowell, select furniture and accessories from the Christopher Lowell Collection, a Hewlett-Packard notebook computer, all-in-one printer and digital camera and $10,000 cash, Rubin said.Five runners up will receive an Office Depot gift basket of accessories from the Christopher Lowell Collection, an autographed book by Christopher Lowell and office supplies.The Lowell-Office Depot partnership marks the first time an office supply retailer has teamed with an award-winning designer to develop a furniture and accessories line, Rubin noted. From desks, credenzas and chairs to accessories, lamps, clocks and even plants, the collection is based on four distinct yet complementary themes:Town, Country, City and Shore. All of the pieces are interchangeable, and the new line is sold exclusively through Office Depot retail stores nationwide and through Office Depot's catalogs and e-commerce site.No purchase is necessary. Entrants must be employed by the company represented in the entry and the company must be a small business with one to 19 employees.Lowell offers a few tips for sprucing up your office:Paint it. The cheapest way to theme a dull space is with rich wall color. This will help disguise the dimensions of your office; where the eye will go to the furnishings rather than the size of the room.Hang 'em high. If you can't add molding or architectural embellishments to your home office space, use over-scaled picture frames to create the illusion of architecture and substance to a charm-less environment. Create a Mood. If you're looking for a more intimate feeling in home or office, turn off the cold overhead fluorescents and try our coordinating floor and desk lamps. They'll add style while focusing pools of light where you want them.Make an Island. For space and flexibility, try floating your desk in the center of the room with two of our great guest chairs opposite your chair. This leaves the walls free for storage and artwork.Pamper Yourself. Don't be afraid to add touches that will help you and your guest feel inspired. An aroma therapy candle here, a sound machine there or even soft background music can create a welcoming ambiance while still being appropriate in the work place.Office Depot, founded in 1986, posts annual sales of more than $12 billion, conducts business in 23 countries and employs nearly 50,000 worldwide. Visit Christopher Lowell: www.christopherlowell.comGet official rules and an entry form for the Office Depot makeover contest: www.officedepot.com/links/officemakeover"