Lori’s Renovation Realities: What Happens If You Don’t Preplan

Planning a home renovation project can create an extremely stressful environment particularly when it comes to setting a budget.  Knowing what you want and need in advance is the key to a successful home design project and planning ahead will undoubtedly save you time and money – making sure you don’t make expensive mistakes or waste time. Without pre-planning disasters can occur. Whether you’re gutting your kitchen or adding on on new master bedroom suite, I’d like to share a quick  tip with you. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KuBcyr2Q_o[/youtube]   Stay Inspired!       Please leave your questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2011 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

What’s Hot – Home Design Trends

Summer is behind us and we’re officially into “Fall” mode, and for many of us the thought of getting our homes “holiday ready” is slowly becoming a reality. Finding fresh design inspirations for fall 2011 and adding some warmth to your home is as easy as ever – particularly when the runways, magazines, newspapers and television shows keep us abreast as to what’s hot and what’s not from one year to the next. Here are just a few of the home design trends that have been making their mark recently. I feel most of these trends have the staying power and are on the verge of becoming the new lifestyle standard. What’s Hot!

Architect: Amy Gardner: Gardner/Mohr Architects

Investing in Your Home:  Yes the economy remains unpredictable but more and more homeowners are finally “ready” to enhance their quality of life at home. “Nesting” is here to stay and re-thinking the way we really want to live is now a reality.  Implementing high quality sustainable, recycled and renewable materials and products into our homes – is an investment worth making and will withstand the test of time.  It’s smarter, healthier and greener!

 

Photo via: Leslie Goodwin Photography

Multi-Functional Spaces: Maximizing every inch of space – within the existing footprint – and providing creative and integrated storage solutions throughout your entire home is more important now than ever. Less clutter and greater organization will contain your “stuff” and still allow your home to feel more spacious, uncluttered and inviting.

Photo via:  Neuhaus Design Architecture, P.C.

Re-Interpretation of Design Styles: From coast to coast the design showrooms are displaying a distinct softening and refinement of the modern interior with a departure from the harsher lines and minimalist trends of the past few years.  Introducing a mixture of many design genres into your room creates an immediate personality and lifestyle – something many design savvy homeowners are craving these days.  With fewer rules than ever before, re-interpreting the past and blending it with the new creates a more authentic and personal interior design style.  Infusing character which has evolved over time – creates that “Timeless” interior.

Photo via: LUX Design Inc.

The New “It” Color: Each season the color forecasters share the new colors of the moment.  This fall it’s the color – purple!  It defines elegance and refined luxury at the same time represents royalty (and who doesn’t NEED to feel regal from time to time!) This spiritual color also works beautifully with various shades of grey, cream, yellows, rich woods and metallics. Contact us at Interior Makeovers Inc. 310-788-0990 to discuss your home design visions. Stay Inspired!       Please leave your questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2011 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.        

How to Survive Your Home Renovation

If you want to start your renovation off on the right foot and set the tone for the next several months or more, then consider a few of these surefire ways to win over your design team, and make your renovation experience a great one. In this video I give you some tips on how to not only survive a renovation but maybe even enjoy it! 🙂 Have fun! [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCVwwBgSxlQ[/youtube] Stay Inspired!       Please leave your questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2011 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.  

Lori’s Renovation Realities: DIY Gone Awry

You aways hear that if you DIY you’ll save a lot of M-O-N-E-Y. But the reality is that DIY projects typically take 3 to 4 times longer than a highly trained contractor to do the job – and eventually 20% of ambitious home re-modelers will need to call for some professional back up – not just to complete the work, but repair the damage that the homeowners themselves have caused. 

So before you pick up a hammer do some DIY homework to learn what you’re truly able to tackle on your own! In this video I give you some very important advice on DIY – doing it yourself. Would love to hear about some of your own projects! [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fzn2tYyJ8F0[/youtube]   Stay Inspired!       Please leave your questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2011 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

Lori’s Renovation Realities: Removing A Wall? Expect The Unexpected!

Take it from me, YOU JUST NEVER KNOW what you’re going to find. So be PREPARED and be FLEXIBLE! [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fr_XMM6uwE[/youtube] Stay Inspired!       Please leave your questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2011 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.  

My Interview With Freshome

Freshome is a fabulous online interior design and architecture magazine for design savvy enthusiasts. It spans the design world from furnishings, interiors and architectural properties from across the globe. The inspiration here is endless.  
 
Thank You Freshome! I am very honored to be featured here today.
Click here to check it out!
  Stay Inspired!       Please leave your questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2011 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.  

Creating A “Wow Factor”

Creating a “Wow Factor” in any space is all about the unexpected –regardless of budget. It’s about creating an energy that embodies you as you enter a room.  Something that will raise an eyebrow or provoke an approving smile – that will set your home apart from the rest. It can be as simple as maximizing a spectacular view, painting your ceiling a deeper color than your walls, using reclaimed doors from a salvage yard as a headboard, or introducing a bright and colorful contemporary piece of art in a traditional space.  Just one special detail can create a huge impact and give you the “wow” you’re looking for. Interior Architecture:

Photo via Eldorado Stone

This is my favorite talking point in design. Integrating fixed details like, arches, niches, columns, ceiling details or interesting surface materials into the architecture of the home, instantly transforms a boring space and provides an eye-popping framework for the rest of the décor within. These days the size of the room is foreshadowed by the well-appointed space – and higher quality finishes speak volumes! Dramatic Walls:

Photo via Elle Decor

Designer Liza Bruce’s Moroccan bathroom is based on an eight-pointed star theme.  What is so impactful in this space is the traditional Islamic mirrored wall design.  The dramatic texture, color, pattern and reflection create that immediate wow factor.  Grab some inspiration from this concept and create some drama with mirrors and moldings on a wall in your home. Eye-popping Area Rugs:

Photo via Elle Decor

A boldly striped rug provides an ideal foundation and anchor for this room, as it gives instant “oomph” to this monochromatic space. The eye-catching rug tends to unify all the classic elements within – and gives it the spirit and vitality it needs to create that “Wow Factor”. Elegant Light Fixture:

Photo via Lori Gilder                      Interior Makeovers Inc.

For instant sophistication and sparkle introduce the unexpected and add a crystal chandelier into your kitchen. It works brilliantly within a classic kitchen style and becomes the true focal point. Nothing says wow like shimmery crystal! Salvage and Reinvention:

Photo via Lori Gilder                          Interior Makeovers Inc.

  Using an exotic Indian screen creates a visually striking headboard in this master bedroom. This very distinctive design element integrates beautifully within this eclectic bedroom retreat. What are some of your ideas in creating your “Wow Factor” at home?  Stay Inspired!       Please leave your questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2011 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

Which Home Renovations Will Give you the biggest ROI?

If you want to spend your money wisely and make your renovation dollars work the best for you, having a home renovation strategy could potentially save you thousands. Determining how much to spend on those home improvement projects—or at least which ones will provide you with the greatest ROI—will require a little research on your part.

To really take a sneak peak into the renovation market, I highly recommend checking out Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value report. It’s a fabulous resource where homeowners can compare national and regional averages for about 33 home remodeling and renovation projects in about 80 cities.

It provides you with a description of the average projects in your area of the country, which allows you to gauge where your project falls within your neck of the woods and what kind of ROI you could expect.

Stay informed about what buyers in your area are looking for is key to any renovation.

In this video I explain how you get the biggest ROI on your renovations. This is always a concern with many of my clients. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9Sq2oWUSPQ[/youtube]   Stay Inspired!       Please leave your questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2011 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

Lori’s Renovation Realities : Estimating the Time

I am back again with your renovation reality check. This is a very important if not THE most important reality you need to be very aware of. Estimating the right time to your project. Watch 🙂 [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDhjWHeFo2o[/youtube]   Stay Inspired!       Please leave your questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2011 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

A Fun & Exciting Day of Shooting

“Lori’s Renovation Realites Take 2!”   As some of you know, last month I launched a fun new v-log series “Lori’s Renovation Realities” along with other videos, where I share some great insights and invaluable tips within the home renovation and interior design world.  Hopefully you’ve have had the chance to view some of them. Just yesterday we shot several new video segments and thanks to my amazing team at MadCapper Studios they made my experience a great one and I know the finished product will be amazing.  We had a lot of laughs while shooting the lighthearted Renovation Realities and being in front of the camera is an energy rush to say the least. So now I have question for you. Do you have a story you’d like to share? I’d love to hear from you and learn about your renovation and design realities!  So I invite you visit my blog where you can leave a comment and share your “funny”  (or not so funny) stories with me – good, bad or ugly! Looking forward to hearing from you! Stay Inspired!       Please leave your questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2011 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.