Lori’s Renovation Realites : Take a Vacation

Posted on Categories Development, Lori Gilder, Remodeling, Renovations2 Comments on Lori’s Renovation Realites : Take a Vacation
Today I thought I would premiere a new video series I am calling “Lori’s Renovation Realities.”  This series will give you valuable tips and inside information when renovating and re-designing your home.  Who out there would like to avoid the REAL reno disasters? Well then take it from me and watch!  Would love to know what you think? …..and stay tuned for more of Lori’s Renovation Realities…. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59BJI8GceLc[/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.  

Fine Art – Set Design & “Entourage”

Posted on Categories Architectural Interior Design, Development, Lori Gilder
The first episode of Final Season of what’s been one of my favorite shows over the years – “Entourage” finally aired last night. I’m not sure if you have to live in LA to appreciate it’s “Only in Hollywood” story lines, but I do confess that I really get a kick out of following these boys weave their way through the spectacular locations and set pieces that Los Angeles has to offer. But tonight I’ll be watching the show for an entirely different reason. My friend and artist Stanley Silver’s contemporary and abstract style art will be predominantly scattered throughout E’s offices this season!  His artwork captured the attention of the production designer as well as the cast and crew of the hit HBO show. Stanley Silver’s pieces feature an Homage to Les Paul, Easy Rider and Yankee Stadium to name a few.  So be on the lookout for these spectacular pieces of American popular culture hanging on the walls of E’s office throughout the final season!

Homage to Les Paul

 Easy Rider

 Yankee Stadium

Growing up in Hollywood, Stanley interprets his vision of musicians, celebrities, athletes and American landmarks through his use of watercolor and oils – bringing these iconic figures to life in a very unique and unconventional way. Silver’s art has been exhibited in prominent galleries and museums throughout the United States and is collected by the most distinguished Sports Legends and Hollywood’s elite.  His work has also been selected as the “official art” for many prestigious sporting events including the Major League Baseball World Series and All-Star Game as well as the New York Marathon. Enjoy more of Stanley Silver’s artwork at www.stanleysilver.com. 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 Do You Create a Mood with the Paint You Choose?

Posted on Categories Architectural Interior Design, Lori Gilder, Remodeling, Renovations4 Comments on How Do You Create a Mood with the Paint You Choose?

When selecting paint colors for your home its imperative to know which mood you are trying to achieve, how you intend to use the space and more importantly which colors you really love.

Here is my debut on video where I provide some insights into the mood provoking colors and the energies they emit.   [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OL2cLVKGLSc&feature=channel_video_title[/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.

Veranda Presents “ The HOUSE of WINDSOR”

Posted on Categories Architectural Interior Design, Lori Gilder, Remodeling
A few days ago I had the opportunity to participate in a private behind-the-scenes tour of a most spectacular new home – led by Veranda’s Features Editor Linda Sherbert. Nestled deep in Mandeville Canyon in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, is “Lifestyle Architect” Windsor Smith’s 8,300 square-foot Federal Style showhouse.  This magnificent newly constructed equestrian estate designed and spearheaded by Windsor, exudes an east coast vibe with west coast design sensibilities – with the most spectacular results. The floor plan, spatial relationships and architectural details alone will inspire any designer, architect or homeowner. Now couple that with spaces decorated by some of LA’s hottest designers like Martyn Lawrence-Bullard (the screening room), Richard Shapiro (the great room), Peter Dunham (guest bedroom & study) and Kathryn M. Ireland (the stable – where she’s actually included a photo of herself as a child sitting on her horse – authenticity at it’s finest) and you have the ultimate in design collaboration! The House of Windsor is open through July 17 to the public. I highly recommend you visit – it’s a must see! Full coverage of this heartfelt project will be released in the October Issue of Veranda so for now I’ll only tease you with a few images.

Photo via Veranda                       Entry Hall Design by Windsor Smith

Photo via Veranda                            Kitchen Design by Windsor Smith

Photo via Veranda          Master Dressing Room Design Candace Barnes

Photo via Veranda                       Lady’s Study Design Peter Dunham

Photo via Veranda      Screening Room Design Martyn Lawrence Bullard

 

Photo via Veranda                    Stable Design Kathryn M. Ireland

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.

Bringing That Beach Style Home

Posted on Categories Uncategorized5 Comments on Bringing That Beach Style Home

Beach style living gives you the luxury of living more casually but with great sophistication and style.  So if you’ve just returned from a beach vacation and you want to bring that coastal vibe home with you, here are some design ideas to help give you the look you’re after.

Photo Via Coastal Living Image: Lisa Romerein

White tends to be the most used color in interior design. It’s extremely malleable, easily transitional and highly reflective creating a bright and cheery atmosphere even on the gloomiest days. Using white walls, ceilings, floors, moldings as the dominant color in a home might seem a like a recipe for disaster to some, but the reality is it enlarges small spaces at the same time acting as the ideal backdrop for making every day practical items pop like works of art.  The space feels lighter and airier.

Photo via Elle Decor   Meg Ryan’s Kitchen

·      Treat your ceiling to some volume if at all possible with exposed beams and truss work, or add some 8” tongue and groove paneling to your ceilings for some added volume and cottage atmosphere. 

Everyone loves the dark deep rich tones of wood floors over the past few years, but to achieve that lighter and brighter “beachy” environment consider going blonde. Sand your floorboards and refinish them in a myriad of ways by using natural linseed oils, white wax oils, lyes or white soaps to get the latest look. A lighter looking floor allows the wood’s character to show through, which tends to create a more rustic feel. Top it off with a natural area rug for added texture and comfort. Incorporating a host of organic materials such as bamboos, rattans and natural woods creates a sense of both casual and natural style of living.  

Photo via Coastal Living

Maximize your outdoor views whether it’s your pool, patio, deck or beach with bi-fold or sliding doors – that tuck easily away – to integrate the interior with the exterior and extend your interior living space to the outdoors.  Grab inspiration from your home’s natural environment – so when it comes time to select your color palette – let the natural environment beyond help guide your color inspiration.

       Use slipcovers on seating – and provide yourself with multiple sets in alternating fabrics and colors for the changing seasons.  Do the same with your accessories – shifting from spring/summer and fall/winter without ever leaving your vacation home.

 

Photo via Elle Decor

Photo Via Elle Decor

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.

Now We’re Cooking – An Experience In Louisville

Posted on Categories Development, Lori Gilder3 Comments on Now We’re Cooking – An Experience In Louisville
So I’ve been back from Kentucky for a few days now and took some time to “marinate” over my adventure and all the information collected from the GE Monogram Experience Center. Over twenty designers, architects and bloggers descended on THE 21C Hotel in Louisville Kentucky.

Hotel 21C Museum Hotel….Home of our dear friends the #RedPenguins

For the next three days we were ushered out to the GE Facility where we took part in product training sessions – and participated in an all out hands-on cooking frenzy!  What a highlight that was for me!

The #GEJUNE Dream Team.  A special group

Here we witnessed first hand how design, innovation and performance is truly the backbone of the GE Monogram Appliance Series.  The majority of our time was spent in the culinary studio, which housed 5 separate state-of-the-art kitchens – each one fitted with the GE Monogram Dual Fuel Professional Range, Advantium Oven and Induction Cooktop! From our southern breakfast on Day 1 to our “Iron Chef” competition on Day 3, we were boiling, baking, browning and sautéing all in an effort to learn and experience each appliance first hand.  This was all under the expert guidance of the very talented chefs Joe Castro and Brian Logsdon.

 

GE Monogram Dual Fuel Professional Range

Now we’re cooking with gas!  This very impressive Dual Fuel Pro Range is engineered for precision temperatures and even cooking. It’s a dream to cook with, full of bells and whistles and extremely user friendly.  I also found the LED lighting that washes over each control knob illuminates the graphics making it easy to read. Whether entertaining large or small crowds this range provides a professional performance for the serious at home chef!

GE Monogram Advantium Oven

Baking light and fluffy homemade biscuits in 10 minutes?  That was on the menu for our first southern breakfast. The Advantium oven baked them 4 times faster than a conventional oven and no preheating necessary!  It was particularly quick and easy to operate. The speedcooking technology combines halogen, ceramic, convection and microwave – cooks food in a fraction of the time – and bakes, broils and roasts with oven quality results.  Oh and as an added bonus for us working moms (and dads), the oven comes programmed with 175 recipes and you can add your own secret family recipes into the memory bank.  The best is the oven will determine the ideal cooking time for you.

GE Monogram Induction Cooktop

Cooking on an induction cooktop for me took some getting used to.  If you like to wiggle and jiggle ….your pan – like I do – and you wander off the element – it will automatically shut itself off.  The magnetic field only heats the metal surface that it’s touching. Yet this cooktop provides an outstanding level of control, convenience and design sophistication – along with great speed, efficiency and it’s easy to clean. I couldn’t think of a more amazing and highly talented group of people to share this experience with – so thank you GE for graciously hosting this event and providing us with such valuable information on the Monogram Series of appliances.

Team 1   The Iron Chef Winners                  Photo via Jonathan Legate

Team 2  (Our awesome group)                          Photo via Jb Bartkowiak

Aprons on and ready to cook!

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.

The Trick To Designing Timeless Interiors

Posted on Categories Architectural Interior Design2 Comments on The Trick To Designing Timeless Interiors
A few weeks ago I received a call from a favorite client eager to continue on with phase two of the re-design of their home.  When they purchased their McMansion from a builder thirteen years ago, they realized this property, located in an exclusive gated community, was big on space yet short on style. Never the less, they were willing to give it the TLC it deserved – over time. Our first project a couple years back was to take an unused and very overgrown exterior courtyard and transform that square footage to an interior Bar room. Today, this space is easily accessible from the kitchen, family room and dining room and has become the ideal space for entertaining friends and family.  It also doubles as a homework zone for the two children. The new phase of their design profile is to infuse some much needed character and warmth into their lack luster home – from the re-design of the family room, to a full gut renovation of the master bath – along with new furniture and finishes in the living room and master bedroom. The overall design criteria:  To incorporate a comfortable and classic style with a “Timeless Design” sensibility. So what makes an interior “Timeless”?
  • Creating a functional, inviting and comfortable living experience.
  • Investing in the integrity of your home by introducing architectural details and finishes – such as arches, beams, coffered ceilings and moldings for example.
  • Respecting the original architectural style and character of a home even when adding on or renovating.
  • Designing seamless transitions, which make it impossible to distinguish the old from the new.
  • Resisting trends, which tend to date a space and implementing natural and neutral surface materials such as hardwoods, stones and wools, which have greater longevity and withstand the test of time.
  • Implementing sensible design principles with a focus on comfort and practicality.
  • Combining traditional elements with a contemporary flair creating a classic and transitional design.
  • Purchasing quality pieces that get better with age – and are handed down through the generations.
  • Painting your canvas over time and only investing in what you really love!
 

Photo Via Veranda                             Designer: Barbara Barry

 

Designer David Hicks

  Here is some great “Timeless Design” advice from nine design icons featured in Adam Lewis’s Book “The Great Lady Decorators”. 1. “Every room has a mood or personality…and it is this that one desires to develop.” —Eleanor Brown 2. “Make the husband happy, and the job is done.” —Frances Elkins 3. “Believe in optimism and plenty of white paint.” —Elsie de Wolfe 4. “If you make a compromise — selecting something cheaper than what you really like — it compromises you, because you are never really happy with the result.” —Rose Cumming 5. “There is one fundamental fact about lighting: Where there is no light, there is no beauty.” —Ruby Ross Wood 6. “You can never achieve anything in a house unless you have things that have been passed down and you find a place for them for yourself.” —Sister Parish 7. “Crossing too many t’s and dotting too many i’s make a room look overdone and tiresome. One should create something that fires the imagination without overemphasis.” —Nancy Lancaster 8. “Love is essential to the decoration of a house….A room must say, ‘My love is here,’ or ‘My love has just left,’ or ‘I’m waiting for my love to arrive.'” —Madeleine Castaing 9. “Too often when we’re buying or building a house, we do not consider each room. We are carried away by one charming feature and are blind to details that will give us trouble later on.” —Dorothy Draper True timeless interiors only require small tweaks over the years to re-fresh and renew the space. Enjoy creating your timeless interior – it’s a labor of love. Stay Inspired!       I encourage you leave 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.

   

BlogFest2011 – Wrap Up

Posted on Categories Lori Gilder
From the ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair) and Tea with Barbara Barry – to breakfast with Architectural Digest Editor-in-Chief Margaret Russell and a behind the scenes tour of the Kravet/Lee Jofa Studio – days two and three of blogfest, proved to be as sensational as the first. Attending these inspirational presentations, fascinating tours and glamorous parties were all in a day’s “work” as we moved from one spectacular event to the next. Here are a few highlights from the last two days of my trip to New York and BlogFest 2011.   Day 2.

The 23rd Annual ICFF, with more than 500 Exhibitors from all over the world participated in this year’s show.  The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center provided the venue for this spectacular showcase of contemporary furniture, seating, carpet and flooring, lighting, outdoor furniture, wall surface coverings, textiles, kitchen and bath fixtures and many types of accessories.   And here are a few of my favorite finds:   I entered the Hall with a system in mind – to start at one end of the floor and weave my way through.  The first booth that immediately caught my eye was graypants.

  I was immediately drawn to these “scrap lights” for their elegant quality, simplicity in design, and variegated texture.  But what impressed me most was learning how innovative the designers/owners of the company are – and how they’ve taken “thinking outside the box” to an entirely new level.   Seth Grizzle and Jonathan Junker – both architects – design and fabricate these light fixtures from stacked rings of corrugated cardboard – scraps.  Now, businesses throughout Seattle provide them with leftover cardboard materials for their environmentally responsible lighting and furniture line.   Materials Inc. is a distributer of high quality and very unique architectural products such as veneers, panels and doors.

  E-Coco is a sustainably responsible product made directly from coconut shells.  Its organic characteristics provide a naturally warm ambiance to any wall surface. I’m in love with the texture and tone of this material.  

  This metal mesh material has endless possibilities and can be incorporated into any design project.  It’s structural strength, striking texture and reflective qualities provide a myriad of design options.   The afternoon highlight was Tea with Barbara Barry following her ethereal presentation of the “Indochine” collection she designed for Kravet.  She walked us through her Asian adventures and the inspiration that allowed her to conceptualize and create her very glamorous and elegant fabric collection.

Barbara Barry

 

The Kravet Showroom.

 

Presenting some of the Indochine fabrics in the Kravet Showroom.

  Day 3.   Our final day began with a quick breakfast at the Conde Nast offices, followed by a presentation from Architectural Digest Editor-in-Chief Margaret Russell.  She spoke about the celebrated magazine, its history and its evolution in print and online.

Margaret Russell sharing an inside look into Architectural Digest Magazine.

  I have a confession to make. The ultimate highlight for me over the 3-day design extravaganza was the very up close and personal – behind the scenes tour of the Kravet/LeeJofa Design Studio. There we were guided through the showroom where we witnessed the various phases necessary when designing and launching successful new fabric collections for Kravet, Lee Jofa and Brunschwig & Fils. It’s a fascinating process one which evolves over a period of time. From the inspiration that fuels the design concepts – to product development and the brilliance behind their merchandising magic, it’s obvious why Kravet is considered the industry leader in to-the-trade home furnishings.

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stay Inspired!

I encourage you leave 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.

 

Diary of BlogFest 2011 – Day One!

Posted on Categories Lori Gilder1 Comment on Diary of BlogFest 2011 – Day One!

Last week I was in New York City for BlogFest 2011 – what a whirlwind! This spectacular 3-day inaugural event hosted by Kravet Inc. and Lee Jofa, gathered the crème de la crème in the Lifestyle and Interior Design Blogging Communities.  Many of us, already connected through social media were now able to make a personal connection to the “avatars” and @handles we’ve come to know and love and engage in real face time! Forging these new alliances and lifelong friendships with such dynamic and inspirational people throughout the U.S and Canada was truly a highlight. There are so many specific events to share, but for starters – here is a brief overview of the first day. Diary of BlogFest 2011. Day 1: The kickoff Luncheon, hosted by House Beautiful, gave us all the perfect opportunity to mix, mingle, meet and greet each other and fuel ourselves for an exciting afternoon and evening that lay ahead.

Katie Rosenfeld of Katie Rosenfeld Interior Spaces Tamara Mathews Stephenson of Nest by Tamara, myself, Carrie Leskowitz of Carrie Leskowitz Interiors and Leslie Fine of Leslie Fine Interiors

With Leslie Carothers of The Kaleidoscope Partnership, Coryanne Ettiene of Housewife Bliss and Tamara Mathews Stephenson of Nest by Tamara

An afternoon of Q&A and conversation with the Editor-in-Chief of Town & Country Mark Rozzo, House Beautiful Newell Turner and Veranda Dara Caponigro.  Beth Greene, marketing VP for Kravet moderated the insightful discussion on the relationship between blogs and the print magazines. Come early evening we were whisked off to the ELLE DÉCOR Modern Life Concept House in West Chelsea, where we toured two luxury apartments designed by ten young “Designers To Watch”. Each space delivered a refreshing approach and modern design sensibility. The appointments were stunning with an overwhelming theme of warmth, style and comfort. Feast your eyes on just a few of my favorite images.

Living Room designed by San Francisco designer Elizabeth Martin featuring furniture from Calligaris

Separating the living space from the kitchen with a floor to ceiling mirror defined the spaces and provided additional natural light and visually enlarged the space.

Kitchen and Dining Area designed by Grant K. Gibson and Bosch Appliances

An exquisite guest bedroom designed by Sara Story reflects an Asian design sensibility. Born in Japan the designer infuses her love of the culture into this space with spectacular furnishings from The New Traditionalists.

The intricate wall designs hand painted in gold over Venetian plaster is truly spectacular.  This is a must see – as the images don’t really do it justice. Continue with your own private tour of the Concept House with ELLE DECOR Editor-in-Chief Michael Boodro . Day 1 ended with a fabulous cocktail party co-hosted by DesignTV ‘s Jonathan Legate and Amy Beth Cupp Dragoo and Joss & Main.

Jonathan Legate and Amy Beth Cupp Dragoo

Stay Inspired! I encourage you leave 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.

Heading To New York For BlogFest 2011

Posted on Categories Lori Gilder4 Comments on Heading To New York For BlogFest 2011

I’m gearing up for an incredible event in NYC next week.  I’ll be attending Blog Fest 2011 – a whirlwind tour of the New York City interior design scene, sponsored by Kravet and Lee Jofa, for Design Bloggers from across the U.S and Canada. From Monday through Wednesday we’ll be participating in:
  • Educational events hosted by the top interior design magazines
  • Cocktail parties hosted by A-list designers
  • Tours of the New York Design Center
  • Visit to the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF)
  • Discussions with Editors from Veranda, Elle Décor, New York Spaces and House Beautiful
  • Breakfast with the Editor-In-Chief of Architectural Digest
See what I mean? I’m also thrilled to re-connect with many of my Brizo friends that I met during fashion week back in February – and finally meet some new FB and Twitter friends face to face and name to name without an @ attached to them. So stay tuned for a lot of fun, excitement and inspirational moments coming out of Blog Fest 2011.  I can’t wait to share this New York design tour with you. So, until then, enjoy your weekend and …. Stay Inspired! I encourage you leave 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.