Finding Your Kitchen Style

Committing to a specific style of kitchen can be an overwhelming decision to some.  It’s not only an expression of your personal style it is also a reflection of the overall architecture and design of your home.  So when you begin the process of selecting the style of your kitchen, make sure it fits in seamlessly to its existing environment.  In other words – an old-world Tuscan style kitchen would stick out like a sore thumb in a sleek and streamlined contemporary home. Since the kitchen is the hub of all activity and tends to relate from one space to another it’s very important to consider how the kitchen materials, details, shapes and cabinet styles relates and transitions from one space to the next. Smaller kitchen spaces tend to call for cleaner lines and less detail and ornamentation in its design style – where a larger more spacious kitchen area could definitely tolerate more detail. I always advise my clients to research all the kitchen design magazines – on and offline – and to focus on the specific styles of kitchen cabinets, counter tops, backsplash materials, flooring and appliances that really speak to you.  Creating that inspiration file will serve as your starting point – in fact, you’ll begin to see your design style begin to emerge. So how do you know which kitchen style best suits the style of your home? Consider these guidelines when doing your research. Colonial Style Home:
  • Shaker, country or traditional style cabinetry – stained maple or painted wood kitchen cabinets in green, blue, cream or grays.
  • Keep the cabinetry design simple and avoid heavily decorated embellishments.
  • Wood floors, and fireplaces are characteristic of Colonial designs.
  • Natural countertop material such as soapstone, limestone (dense) and butcher block will lend some authenticity to the kitchen.
  • Simple backsplash tiles without patterns.

Colonial Style Kitchen

Classical Style Home:
  • Country and traditional style cabinetry – stained or painted woods of birch, maple and pine.
  • Rectilinear design and slight ornamentation keeping symmetry in mind.
  • Can be an unfitted kitchen with free-standing furniture, balanced by natural materials and warm neutral colors of cream, browns and greens.
  • Stone or wood floors were indicative of the classical style.
  • Wooden butcher-block counters are also indicative of this period.

Classical Style Kitchen

Arts and Crafts Style Home:
  • Stained or painted flat panel and bead board (inspired by the Shaker period) styled cabinet doors constructed of oak, maple and ash are characteristic of the period.
  • Introduce plain glass or colored glass to lighten up the darker stained cabinetry.
  • Stone materials with similar characteristics and tone to limestone or soapstone will lend credibility to the Arts and Crafts style.
  • Oak and slate flooring were typically used in these kitchens and are still perfect for today.
Arts and Crafts Style Kitchen
Mid Century Style Home:
  • This is where the fitted kitchen is at its best – with long runs of base and upper matching cabinetry with integrated appliances.
  • Can take the design a little retro incorporating either painted or wood slab doors and drawers.
  • Clean lines and simple ceramic tile or wood floors.
  • Backsplashes can be finished with clean machine cut tile, brick, stone or even stainless.
Mid-Century Style Kitchen
Contemporary Style Home:
  • Crisp clean and sleek rectilinear lines inhabit this kitchen.
  • Wood cabinetry either natural or stained a deep rich tone adds warmth and drama to the simple lines.
  • Woods, stainless steel, glass, and quartz countertops are characteristic of this style.
  • Typically cooler and more neutral tones but a jolt of color adds some added drama to the space.
  • Texture and interest is created by a combination of materials and surfaces.
Contemporary Style Kitchen
Whether you’re traditional or contemporary always pay attention to the integrity and the architectural style of your home – and borrow elements from a few of them to represent your kitchen style. 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. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

Mid-Century Homes In The Hollywood Hills

I had a meeting yesterday with a potential new client at her Mid-Century home in the Hollywood Hills.  This home, built in 1954 is quaint, charming and measures just under 1500 square feet.  Living there just shy of a year, the homeowner now has a keen sense of the changes she needs to make in order for this house to feel like her home. The ultimate goal here will be to work within the existing footprint to remodel and restore it – lighten it – and brighten it all in effort to reflect the homeowner’s creative and charming personality and design style – while maintaining the integrity of the home’s architectural style and history. Having the famous “Hollywood” sign in front of the house is a perfect setting and backdrop when nestling into the hills– wouldn’t you say?  In fact, you can see the sign as clear as day from the window in the guest bath.  (In all the years I’ve lived here in Los Angeles I had never been so close to the Hollywood sign…. I felt like all the other tourists – snapping away making sure I captured just the right shot). Classic Mid-Century homes have distinctive characteristics and are historically important in the evolution and history of architecture.
  • The style was very much influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright and his principles of organic architecture.
  • Exteriors evolved from more severe flat roofs to gradual roof pitches, with post and beam construction and many times glass walls.
  • Expansive windows allowed for a more direct relationship between the interior and exterior – and typically created a more casual and relaxed style of living.
  • The rear of the home became the family retreat and circulated around the pools, patios and barbeques.
  • Celebrated the open floor plan where living spaces flowed easily from ones space to another.  It was a departure from the more compartmentalized traditional homes and provided the homeowner with greater flexibility in determining the living/dining zones.
  • Mid-Century homes were typically smaller in scale and square footage.
These architectural gems are the perfect home for today’s downsizing trends. 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. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

New Looks For Fall 2010

For some of us the temperatures are still soaring into the triple digits and for others they are dropping almost overnight.  Autumn is my favorite season – one that I miss terribly living here in Southern California. Either way, fall is just around the corner for all of us, and each year it mentally prepares us for the upcoming holiday season where we gather to celebrate with our family and friends. If you’re thinking of hosting the holidays this year or just want to infuse some warmth and comfort into your interiors, here are a few of the must have fall design trends for your home this season. Furniture
  • Keep the lines and shape of your seating simple and invest in more sophisticated and timeless pieces. You never want your highest ticket items to look dated.
  • Add simple luxury to dining chairs by adding some piping or nail head trims to the upholstery to dress them up a bit.
  • Intermix a variety of furniture styles from different eras to create instant character.
  • As always – avoid over co-ordination and resist the urge to be too matchy-matchy.
Patterns
  • Introducing wall coverings in subtle or bold patterns will instantly add texture and detail to your walls, while transforming your space.
  • Neutral classic damask fabrics or papers – in taupes and charcoals work in both traditional and contemporary settings. Blend with muted stripes for a cohesive look.
  • Subtle stripes are an all time favorite and enhance any space beautifully, particularly when applied vertically creating a sense of volume.
  • If you’re brave enough use large scaled floral or geometric patterns in a more neutral color to make a statement for fall.  Just remember the larger the pattern the simpler the shape of the furniture and your accessories.
Colors
  • Linen, stone and grey are always favorite neutral wall colors. When choosing these hues, always include a variety of other natural textures, finishes and woods to create a sense of interest. Use a variety of lighter and darker neutral tones and add a splash of color to add that punch of fall drama.
  • Deep dark steel blue like Benjamin Moore’s Newburg Green HC-158 is a variation on the teal theme that was very popular in 2010. It has evolved into a deeper and more dramatic tone for fall.  Using this as a wall color in your den or living room will instantly change the ambiance providing an instant sense of luxury to your space.  This color looks spectacular with black, white, woods, mirrored surfaces.
  • Warm autumnal yellows like Farrow and Ball’s Sudbury Yellow #51 creates and very cozy and inviting space when paired with darker wood furniture and will look crisp and clean when contrasted with whites, and creams and neutrals.
Accessories
  • Choose some throw pillows in fall shades and eco friendly burlaps and sprinkle them throughout your living areas.
  • Wooden objects coupled with new antique brass accents (believe it or not) will provide you with a new sense of fall shimmer.
  • Toss some new damask and floral throws over your seating to infuse some new rich textiles into the mix – and to cozy up with in front of your roaring fire.
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. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

Decorating On A Budget

I have a question for you.  What goes through your mind when you’re flipping through those stunning high-end home design magazines?  Are you thinking: “Wow if I just had that budget I could live like a queen too!”  Or are you feeling: “If I only had that extra space then I could really show off my style!” Well, it’s easy to get the high-end designer look for a fraction of the cost.  You just need the right inspiration, a solid direction and know where to look. When it comes to making your house the home you’ve always wanted – consider Budget Decorating Online, your one-stop resource for all kinds of decorating projects on any budget. They have assembled a team of interior design pros to share their insider tips and trends to help guide you through your home design projects – at reasonable costs.  From learning how to avoid the biggest decorating blunders to making small spaces seem larger – these pros lead you down the path of least resistance, empowering you with everything you’ll need to finally live in the home you’ve only dreamed of. As a new online contributor to Budget Decorating Online, I suggest you grab your laptop and settle in with your morning coffee and check out this fabulous decorating resource. www.budgetdecoratingonline.com/about-us/ You’ll find accessible design ideas for all your home design projects.  So get started now – It’s all at your fingertips! 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. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

Add a Touch of Luxury to Your Bathroom

Even with the recent economic downturn, there are a wide range of TV shows on celebrity lifestyles and home improvements. People have maintained their taste for luxury even though budgets are a little tighter than they once were. There’s always a little wiggle room for a touch of luxury – and particularly in the bathroom where we ultimately decompress and attempt to escape the stresses and strains of the everyday world. If we can’t pamper ourselves in the bathroom with soft towels and luxurious linens then where can we? You don’t need to be rich and famous add a true touch of glamour to your bathroom and add some of that hotel luxury. Luxurious bathrooms these days can be spacious or quaint.  With some quick and easy upgrades why not add some of that hotel luxury to one of the most used rooms in your house. 1.  Mirrors. Replace your old standard mirror or medicine cabinet with a new wall-  mounted or recessed model.  Depending on the style of your existing bath, choose from traditionally framed units, wall mounted flexible chrome mirrors or simply install a full sized mirror from the top of your backsplash to the ceiling to brighten up your space. 2.  Shower Door or Curtain. Change out your old grungy shower curtain and replace it with a more sophisticated style – or a glass door.  If your shower door is outdated, consider introducing a cleaner less chunky version with a frameless glass enclosure. 3.  Heated Towel Racks. Pamper yourself by wrapping yourself in a warm and cozy towel as you step out of the bath or shower. One of the most desirable bathroom accessories on the market today is the heated towel rack.  These electric and hydronic radiator towel heaters improve the air quality and your health by maintaining a consistent temperature throughout your bathroom and minimize the moisture content – thereby keeping all dust mites and allergens at bay. 4.  Luxurious Towels and Linens. Luxurious towels are the ultimate indulgence that makes your bathroom an oasis.  Get the feeling and look of richness by cocooning in some Egyptian cotton towels.  Remember when choosing from the plethora of linens out there – the longer the loop the softer and more absorbent the towel.  Display them if possible stacked neatly in an open shelf or on top of the bathtub decking. 5.  Lighting and Accessories. Add some instant elegance and ambience to your bath by installing a pair of wall sconces flanking the mirrors over your vanity.  If you have a central or recessed fixture directly over the mirror, you’ll notice shadows will cast down on your face.  Installing these additional wall sconces will cast an even light over the entire space – and your face. 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. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

Designing With Mirrors

Sometimes the simplest changes can create the greatest impact in your home – and adding mirrors to your design scheme is one of them. I’m not just referring to wall hung mirrors – although they are always beautiful – but introducing strategically placed mirrored surfaces in your foyer, kitchen, bath, living room, dining room or bedroom.  Reflective surfaces brighten a space and create that extra layer of sparkle and texture, at the same time visually increasing a sense of space. Here are some stunning ideas for adding that spectacular look to your room. Foyer
  • Mirroring the adjacent wall to the entry with a large oversized frame will transform a dark and dingy foyer into a bright and spectacular space.
  • Or take it a step further and adhere some beveled-mirrored tiles to the entire wall with a beautiful glass chandelier suspended from above.
  • If large mirrors aren’t for you then consider a mirrored chest at the entry with your favorite piece of art above highlighted with a crystal or glass table lamp and finished with an exquisite arrangement of fresh flowers.
Kitchen
  • Add some instant light and reflection in your kitchen with a mirrored backsplash.  Do you have a killer view of the ocean or a spectacular English garden?  What better way than to highlight it and integrate the interior with the exterior for a panoramic view.
  • For added texture apply either glass or mirrored mosaic tiles to the backsplash and you’ll still achieve that shimmer and shine.
Bath
  • The use of multiple mirrored surfaces will open up a small space and create a sense of elegance and glamour. Consider mirroring the entire wall from the top of the countertop material all the way to the ceiling.  It will visually double the size of a smaller bathroom and reflect the natural light.
  • A mirror placed across from the bathroom window also adds depth to the room.
  • Reflective backsplashes also work and will create a similar effect or antique mirrored tiles.
Living Room
  • In a more traditional home apply mirrored sections on the walls in framed in molding and paneling for a crisp classic style – enhancing your furniture and creating a bright beautiful space.
  • For a more contemporary flair introduce a crisp and cool fireplace surround to double the glow of the fire when lit.
  • Or add some beveled mirrors or tiles with glass rosette insets for a more traditional style.
  • Free standing glass screens will definitely add some drama along with a mirror mounted over a mirrored surface to provide you with a greater sense of detail and depth.
Bedroom
  • Whether you have a built in closet or a French wardrobe, mirror your closet doors to not only expand the light and space but to also provide you a sense of elegance
  • Introduce mirrored nightstands by adding glamour to your storage.
Incorporating mirrors into your interior design plans is an easy way to add light, space and airiness to your room . For larger rooms, it adds a new dimension to the space. Play around with different mirror shapes and reflective surfaces.  I know you’ll find the perfect solution to spicing up the ambiance of every room in your house. 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. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

Coping With Construction – While Living Through Your Home Renovation Project

I was having a conversation the other day with a friend about the pros and cons of staying or leaving during the construction phase a home renovation project. Obviously it depends on the scope of your remodel, but the truth is if you’re planning on living at home during the entire renovation process, be prepared to make some serious life adjustments – and embrace your new (yet temporary) lifestyle! Here are a few things to consider: If  You Stay Pros
  • See progress and attend meetings easily.
  • Handle challenges quickly.
  • Avoid added cost in renting.
  • Minimal disruption of family routines.
  • Monitor security of property.
Cons
  • Putting up with noise, mess, and lack of privacy.
  • Need to manage stress of disruption and disorganization.
  • Project may take longer due to contractor needing to work around you.
  • Health concerns.
  • Quality of life temporarily compromised.
  • Relationships will be challenged.
  • Lack of space for family to live comfortably.
If  You Go Pros
  • Easier on contractor and sub trades to get work done.
  • Subcontractors can perform more efficiently without being scrutinized.
  • Don’t have to put up with construction mess and disruption of house.
  • Less stress, easier on relationships.
Cons
  • Not on site to oversee progress and problems.
  • Need to trust contractor.
  • Disorientation in relocating.
  • Financial burden if project takes longer than estimated.
Should you decide to stay – there is a lot you can do to survive – and thrive during this adventure—and even keep your sanity and relationships intact.
  • Be flexible.
  • Be patient.
  • Be realistic.
  • Be understanding.
Your home renovation may not be a walk in the park, but it’s very important to realize that your mental, emotional, and physical health is most important. It’s okay to keep your head in the clouds, but make sure your feet stay planted firmly on the ground. Your general contractor and subs are more than likely managing more than one job at a time, so you may not see him or his crew exactly when you expect to. Those  trades you expect to see on any given day—for whatever reason may not show up at all. Stuff happens! Schedules change! Delays are inevitable! That doesn’t mean you sit idly by and have them take advantage. After all, you hired the most reputable, competent, and reliable contractor out there – right? And contrary to public opinion, your extreme makeover won’t be completed in a week—like on TV! The unfortunate reality is—if the contractor says your project will take six months, be prepared—and double it! You may as well sit back, have a glass of wine, and try to enjoy the ride.  If you’re prepared mentally, emotionally, and physically then it’s easier to survive the demo and construction phases. These are just some ideas I’ve found over the years in this business that worked for my clients and I think will make your renovation experience more manageable. 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. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

Using Your Space – Big Ideas For Small Spaces

Small spaces can be big on style. You just need to know how to implement some tricks of the trade to give it that look of grandeur. Older homes can be loaded with detail and charm, but many tend to be quite compartmentalized – with one small room after another.  Creating that extra space doesn’t have to be that costly if you creatively repurpose and reconfigure some of those existing rooms to gain that extra square footage – where you really need it. Here are some great tips for living large in a small space. Space Planning.
  • Know how your room must function for you now and later.  The more flexible the space the greater the longevity of having it work for you through the years.
  • Plan traffic flow to increase convenience from room to room.
  • Have your spaces relate to each other by creating a sense of flow, visually and spatially.
  • Expand your room by creating an opening in a wall adjoining two spaces or add new and more expansive windows flooding the interior with natural light and inviting the outdoors in.
  • Recognize the circulation patterns within your small space and make sure you can move about without obstacles blocking you.
  • Circulate the traffic off to one side of your room – not through the space.
  • Use every inch of space have – don’t waste any!
Maximize Storage.
  • Use the storage beneath your stairs to build in a closet, shelving unit or bar area.
  • Add recessed shelving and niches anywhere you have ample wall space to do so – always keeping the architecture of your home in mind.  Built-in china cabinets in the dining room or a stone ledge over your pedestal sink in the main bath will provide added storage and surfaces for those tighter spaces.
  • Add window seats or banquettes nestled into the corners of your bedrooms, living rooms or kitchens with easily accessible drawers for storage.
  • Use an archway for additional book storage and build in additional shallow floating shelves for added detail and storage.
Add Detail and Character.
  • A small space doesn’t need to be a bland one!
  • Define it by introducing some architectural elements such as arches, columns, new moldings, wainscoting, and even chair rails to your walls – and beams or molding to your ceiling.
  • Adding crown moldings to your ceilings will add a greater sense of volume and depth to your space.
  • Mirrored wall panels framed with architectural moldings will provide a brighter and more expansive feel and create some sparkle.
  • It’s all about creating a warm and beautiful environment – no matter the size of the room.
Minimize and Categorize Accessories.
  • Purchase larger scaled, more substantial pieces to create a stronger impact in your cozy space rather than displaying dozens of little knickknacks.
  • To really highlight your favorites, gather similar pieces together and cluster them in odd numbers, e.g., sets of three or five, to create a collection.  Whether they are placed on side tables or in shelving or display cases, rotate your collections throughout the seasons.
  • To achieve a sense of balance, place the largest piece in the center and have the smaller ones radiate around it.
  • Re-frame all your family photos in similar finishes so the photos pop, rather than the frames.
Highlight With Lighting.
  • Overlapping pools of light can create drama and provide an amazing effect over the entire space.
  • Not only will decorative lamps and wall sconces add a decorative touch to a room, they can enhance the design and provide a sense of sophistication to the elements you’d like to highlight.
  • For general lighting in every room, I like to specify dimmers to control the mood and transform the space.
  • In built- in cabinetry and shelving, small halogen puck lights create a sense of drama and accent accessories.
  • Install your gorgeous dining room chandelier no more than 36” to 42” inches from the top of your table to the underside of the fixture.
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. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

How To Avoid Those Expensive Kitchen Mistakes

Whether you’re doing a major kitchen renovation or a moderate upgrade, planning a kitchen remodel can create an extremely stressful and challenging environment for everyone in the household.  So before you hire the contractor or pick up a hammer consider these valuable insider tips to help you make the best choices when tackling your kitchen re-design and avoid costly mistakes. Do Your Research.
  • Do your due diligence and educate yourself on what’s out there in the design world and marketplace. There are an endless array of cabinetry, countertops, backsplash, appliances and flooring materials on the market – so get to know what works best for you.
  • Grab some kitchen design magazines, and focus on the styles of kitchens and interiors you’re drawn to. It doesn’t matter if it’s a window style, a cabinet detail, or a paint color you’re in love with. Just tear out the pages and make notes indicating what you specifically love about it. Is it the 6-burner stainless steel stove, those gorgeous French doors, or the overall kitchen layout?
  • Create an inspiration file and use this as your starting point.  Once you know what you like you will be more decisive in the planning stage and that will save you time and money.
Resist The Latest Fads.
  • Fads in products and interior design don’t have the longevity of an established style – or even a new trend – which could have a long-term influence.
  • For example: the glossy photo of the turquoise French Oven that you fell madly in love should stay on the pages of the magazine.  Ask yourself: Will you still love that range in 10 years? A color like that will instantly date your kitchen – so opt for more timeless neutral colors and finishes.
  • Keep all the big-ticket items such as cabinetry, appliances and countertops more elegant and timeless – but dress up the backsplash for punch.  If it’s that green apple-tini color you’re craving, paint out a wall or two and install some accent pendant lamps over the island  to give your kitchen the color infusion you need.
Efficiency Is Key.
  • Design your kitchen for the way you really live and don’t sacrifice function for design. 
  • Of course your new kitchen should look spectacular but not at the expense of overall efficiency.  Make it a working kitchen.
  • Your kitchen layout should be top of your list of priorities and should be designed with precision planning and great attention to detail – making every inch count.
Don’t Do It Yourself.
  • I know, I know.  You always hear that if you DIY you’ll save a lot of M-O-N-E-Y. 
  • 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.
  • If your kitchen renovation is more than staining, re-facing or painting your existing cabinets (and you’re not that handy) then hire a professional to do the job.
Hire The Right Contractor.
  • I’d highly recommend you give serious thought to hiring a General Contractor (GC) when your kitchen projects are more complicated than simply refinishing or painting.
  • If your job involves tearing down walls, building new ones, or relocating and supplementing any plumbing and electrical systems, then you should definitely consider hiring a general contractor. While most general contractors do fabulous work and come highly recommended, I’ve found there are still a lot of unscrupulous characters out there! So be careful – get references and check out their work!   The last thing you want is to get ripped off by the very person you entrusted to deliver your ultimate dream kitchen.
  • Do your best to find the right contractor for you, so all the time and money you spend planning, budgeting, and designing your kitchen will be put into the right hands.
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. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

Distinctive Kitchen Solutions

I’m really thrilled to have one of my design projects featured as one of the “Best Looks For 2010” in the current fall issue of Distinctive Kitchen Solutions.  It’s a fabulous magazine full of inspirational ideas for your kitchen and bath remodeling projects. It’s so important to educate yourself on the materials, finishes, and appliances available to you whether you’re planning a full-blown kitchen remodel or a simple upgrade. Spend some time now thinking about what inspires you, what moves you, and what speaks to you? Do your research, grab some magazines and focus on the styles of homes and interiors you’re drawn to. It doesn’t matter if it’s a window style, a cabinet detail, or a paint color you’re in love with. Just tear out the pages and make notes indicating what you love about it. Be specific. Is it the 6-burner stainless steel stove, those gorgeous entry doors, or the overall kitchen layout? Distinctive Kitchen Solutions magazine will not only inspire you – it will help educate you so that you’ll make the best choices – before you buy. So grab your copy at the newsstands, Borders, Barnes & Nobles or your local supermarket and get started on planning your kitchen renovation today. 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. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.