What’s The Best Kitchen Layout For You?

Posted on Categories Architectural Interior Design, Renovations
The kitchen remains the most popular home renovation project. On average a kitchen remodel will yield a return on investment of 75 to 100 %.  So as you plan, begin by generating a design concept, one that fits the new or existing space and your family’s personality. Typically, most kitchen plans tend to be categorized into 5 basic layouts with a lot of creativity in between. 1.  Galley Kitchen. This kitchen layout is typically designed in homes where space is at a premium. It’s an efficient use of space and consists of two opposing walls with a floor area of approximately 3 ft. between countertops. A great way to maximize the space would be to open up one wall to the neighboring dining room or family room with a pony wall (stub wall) and introduce a cantilevered countertop with barstools on the other side. 2.  L-Shaped Kitchen The L-shaped kitchen is probably the most popular of kitchen designs for many reasons. This particular layout utilizes two adjacent walls and is best suited for the classic kitchen triangle. This kitchen design offers great flexibility when it comes to locating your workstations, and as a result makes prepping, cooking, and clean up a lot easier. Make sure to provide ample counter space between each appliance for work surfaces. 3.  U-Shaped Kitchen The U-shaped kitchen is the most efficient layout. This plan utilizes three walls and provides a great workflow by keeping within the classic kitchen work triangle. In other words, placing one major appliance per side allows the cook to move and work effortlessly between the sink, stove, and refrigerator. This configuration also allows you designate one side of the U as the eat-in bar area with bar stools on the opposite side, or in the best-case scenario, if space allows, perhaps you can introduce an island within the overall kitchen space. 4.  G-Shaped Kitchen The G–shaped kitchen plan is a similar to the U–shaped kitchen layout, with an additional peninsula or fourth wall of cabinetry. You need a larger space to accommodate this type of kitchen design. It ultimately provides more space for food preparation, additional state of the art appliances, and dining. It’s ideal for multiple cooks, but would function best by incorporating a second work triangle. This is easily achieved by simply adding a second sink (in the peninsula perhaps), and both cooks use the other appliances. 5.  Island Kitchen Islands work best in L-shaped or U–shaped kitchens that are typically open to another area. If you have the luxury of space, an island would be a welcome addition to any kitchen. This free-floating piece of furniture allows you to socialize with your guest while you’re cooking without feeling ostracized. An ideal island size ranges from 36”+ wide by 72 to 96”+ long. Allow for at least 42” from the edge of the counter to any adjacent work surface, and preferably another 42” for aisles and traffic. Islands can be designed at counter height (36”), table height (29”), or a combination of both. 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.

The Value Of Remodeling And Living Smart

Posted on Categories Remodeling
Last week was the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day.  Honestly it came and went without much fanfare – and I’m not sure why.  The green movement is here to stay and hopefully inspires all of us to realize that the choices we make inside our homes impact everything around us. We have a responsibility to our kids to set the example and encourage them to live a more environmentally responsible and healthful lifestyle. I’m making a concerted effort to live more responsibly and to design my projects more efficiently.  Building and designing green is really an exercise in sensibility – where newly built and renovated homes are designed to be more energy and water efficient, durable, longer lasting and healthy to live in due to high indoor air quality – free of radon moisture and mold. So if you are thinking about renovating, remodeling or retrofitting, which simple “green” improvements would add the most value to your home?
  • Kitchen remodels traditionally give you the best ROI in your home.  Sure you can renovate and repurpose existing space, but just replacing your old laminate countertops with a new recycled glass counter surface, or changing out that old cracked ceramic floor tile with a highly sustainable bamboo material, will instantly add value to your home and improve your air quality at the same time.
  • Bathroom upgrades typically run a close second to kitchen improvements and their return on investment.  By repainting with low or zero paints, re-grouting your tiles, or replacing all your old plumbing fixtures that conserve water will not only add value but save money as well.
  • Increasing your energy efficiency by improving the R-values in your attic insulation or basement and crawlspaces will help reduce your energy costs – which in turn improves the overall value of your home.
  • Adding solar panels or geothermal heat pumps are a costlier commitment than a traditional HVAC system – yet add high value to a home.  If nothing else schedule regular maintenance at least twice a year to ensure that your current system is operating efficiently.
  • Old single pane windows are a portal for allowing cold air in, and warm air out.  Replacing leaky windows with double paned ones will instantly improve your insulation and save energy.  But keep in mind, replacing the windows on an old historic home would actually decrease its value by changing the integrity of the structure.  In that scenario adding storm windows on the outside of those old single pane windows instantly improve your home’s insulation value.
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.

Happy Earth Day!

Posted on Categories Renovations
Today is Earth Day, and whether you’re ready to save the planet, or simply practice more eco-friendly habits it’s easier than ever to implement green and sustainable products into your home renovation projects. Here is just a small list of some great resources for you to research before you get started on your kitchen or bath remodel.  Educate yourself on all the available materials out there, as they will provide you with a greener home and a much healthier lifestyle. Counter Tops Bamboo is considered a very sustainable material since it reaches maturity within five years, and regenerates from its original root system – never needing replanting.  www.plyboo.com. Wood is a fabulous material for butcher-block counter tops and flooring. When these woods are locally grown, sustainable or FSC certified, they will rate quite highly.  www.craftart.com. Concrete countertops are increasingly popular in contemporary settings, and don’t off-gas.  They are considered greenest when locally fabricated and mixed with cement alternatives and recycled aggregates. www.vitrastone.com. Quartz surfaces like my favorite CaesarStone, is available in a plethora of gorgeous finishes and colors – is easily maintained, and has an endless life cycle.  www.caesarstone.com. They also manufacture a stunning recycled quartz collection. Flooring Hardwoods and Bamboos are a favorite choice for beautiful flooring solutions.  If the wood if FSC certified (Forest Stewardship Council), or reclaimed then that material is considered an environmentally responsible product. www.ecotimber.com, www.plyboo.com. Marmoleum or Linoleum tile is constructed of Linseed oil, jute, limestone and other components that collectively provide for an incredibly strong and durable product.  www.themarmoleumstore.com. Cork is not only sustainable and renewable (like bamboo), but is extremely soft and comfortable under foot.  www.novaflooring.com. Wool Carpeting is naturally stain resistant and highly durable without containing any chemical additives – just the natural oils in the sheep’s wool.  With regular maintenance it can last up to 50 years and is biodegradable once it’s discarded.  www.ecobydesign.com. Cabinetry Cabinetry can easily be refaced or repainted with low voc or zero voc paints – which is the greener alternative. www.benjaminmoore.com.   If however they no longer fit into your renovation plans then consider re-using them somewhere else or donate them to your local Habitat For Humanity Re-Store.  www.habitat.org/env/restore.aspx. FSC and sustainable woods that is formaldehyde free – and finished with a low voc sealant – is a green alternative to recycling your old cabinets.  An interesting alternative to wood is a veneered wheat board composite.  The straw fibers are combined with a formaldehyde free resin and then painted with low or zero voc paint. Solid core passage doors from www.masonite.com are also constructed of wheat straw and FSC-certified woods, is formaldehyde free and meets LEED guidelines. Finally for exquisitely designed and eco-chic furniture www.kingsroadhome.com creates beautiful environmentally sustainable pieces. 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.

7 Tips To Consider When Designing Your Ultimate Outdoor Escape

Posted on Categories Architectural Planning
Outdoor kitchens and living spaces are gaining in popularity particularly in parts of the country with more temperate climates.  Summer is just around the corner and if you love entertaining family and friends, what better way to make that happen, than by transforming your back yards, decks and patios into spectacular living spaces.  It instantly expands the architecture of your home and seamlessly connects you to the environment.  But consider these important tips before you get started. 1.  Codes and Restrictions Before you begin any construction in your new outdoor kitchen/living space, educate yourself on your local building and safety codes.  Are there any restrictions or provisions regarding the location and size of your kitchen? 2.  Scope of Your Outdoor Project Just like any home renovation project, knowing the extent of the work in advance will help save you time and money.  Whether a simple prefab barbeque unit suits your needs – or hiring that designer to conceive of your ultimate outdoor living space complete with plumbing and electrical, know your intensions in advance. 3.  Location, Location, Location The primary function of your new outdoor kitchen/living space is to make sure “you” the chef/host are part of the party!  To achieve this, orient the kitchen area toward the yard space and design a dining counter or bar area for guests to gather around you. 4.  Plumbing If you’re planning to incorporate a sink, dishwasher, or ice-maker in your new space, you will need to run water lines from the house out to your new kitchen.  If at all possible share the exterior wall of the kitchen where the plumbing already exists for a more cost effective scenario. 5.  Design Elements When conceiving of your new outdoor kitchen, always consider the aesthetics and ask yourself: Will the details and materials work with the existing architecture of the home?  How does it look from the inside looking out? 6.  Climatic Conditions In warmer temperatures, consider incorporating a beautiful trellis with vibrant bougainvillea or vines growing overhead.  It provides excellent added protection from the harsh summer sun and the rain.  In desert or tropical environments, take it a step further and install ceiling fans or misters to the trellis for additional comfort. In cooler climates introducing a natural low-lying fire pit or fireplace to that outdoor kitchen plan will help create a most tranquil, warm and sophisticated atmosphere to your outdoor living space.  For added warmth orient the design of your outdoor space to the south to maximize direct sun exposure. 7.  Material Selection Select materials that are best suited to your climatic conditions, and will withstand the test of time.  Slab countertops of granite, soapstone, concrete and stainless steel all hold up well to the elements.  Tiles work as well but the grout tends to crack over time and if not sealed properly could create problems down the road. 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.

Your Onsite Meeting Toolkit

Posted on Categories Architectural Interior Design
This summer as you’re in the throes of your home renovation project it’s a great idea to be as prepared as possible for all your pending meetings.  You need to put together your own Onsite Meeting Toolkit that organizes your various pieces of disorder into an orderly state. Some of the items you’ll want in your Onsite Meeting Toolkit are: A calendar or date book – Use your electronic calendar or paper one. Here you’ll schedule all activities and meetings involving you, the contractor, and any others on the renovation team. A camera – Use your cell phone or digital camera to record the renovation process during all phases of construction.  You’ll be glad you did as you look back over the process. A tape measure – You may want to verify some measurements as areas of the renovation are completed or materials arrive to be installed. A calculator – Changes happen, supplies are out of stock, decisions have to be made. You’ll need to do some recalculating if these things happen. A notebook or pad – Keep notes of meetings in whatever format works for you; your laptop, blackberry, ipad or even pen and paper will do the job. A copy of all documents – Have copies of permits, contracts, floor plans, wish list, supplies list, budget, notes from previous meetings, and any other forms you’ve generated. You can keep these in a binder. Samples of all materials – Keep all samples of what you’ve purchased in a bag in your car so that you are able to refer to them as they arrive to your job site.  Cross reference the order making sure the shipment arrived correlates with your samples. If you’re living on your property during the renovation, you might want to think through a few rules and guidelines in dealing with the dozens of workers filtering through your home on a daily basis—and let everyone know what they are. 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.

Your Retreat, Your Sanctuary, Your Home (Part2)

Posted on Categories Architectural Interior Design
Since we only have one chance to make a good first impression, it’s very important that the front entrance of your home be welcoming, open and exude positive energy – all in an effort to provide you with balance and harmony the minute you enter your home, Welcome to your sanctuary. This isn’t meant to be a lesson in Feng Shui, however incorporating some basic Feng Shui principles into the design of your entry, will direct the flow of good energy into your home and set the stage for what’s to come.  This 3000-year old Chinese discipline believes that all elements within the home – when appointed in a certain way –will create a well-balanced, healthy and prosperous life. So, welcome the good energy in and re-new your spirit by introducing some of these inviting elements into your main entry foyer.  It’s makes good design sense and supports a positive energy flow. A Clear Path. Clearly define a path to your door, which leads into your home.  Line the path with beautiful natural elements that will draw the energy in. The Front Door. The front door sets a tone for what lies inside.  Make sure it compliments your home’s architecture and if at all possible introduce some glass to allow in natural light.  Consider painting out your front entry door black or red.  A red door will naturally draw the positive energy into your home, and a black door will draw in wealth. Focal Point. Create a landing station or focal point somewhere in your foyer.  A console table with your favorite piece of art above will evoke a positive feeling every time you walk through the door.  Add some fresh flowers for that special touch. Storage. To maintain a calm atmosphere, remove any clutter and provide a closet to store coats, jackets, backpacks and anything else to keep your entry clean and well organized. Lighting. Beautiful wall sconces and garden lights lining the pathway will create a warm welcoming atmosphere leading into your home.  For interior lighting either recessed lighting on dimmers or a central fixture will provide flexibility in ambience.  Add a sophisticated table lamp on your entry console table to highlight that favorite piece of art. Sound and Reflection. The water element is not only soothing to hear, but attracts positive energy into your space.  Tabletop fountains with the sound of water trickling over the stones, soothes the soul and energizes the spirit.  A large mirror positioned on a wall perpendicular to the front door, will expand your space and reflect a neighboring room.  (Never place a mirror directly in front of entry door – as the good energy will be repelled back out). The main foyer not only welcomes you and your guests into your home, it also sends them off – back out to the world, so it’s important to provide a smooth transition from the exterior to the interior and vice versa.  Consider extending similar flooring material from the entry porch into the home, so why not paint the interior of the main entry door the same color as the exterior color. (Even if it’s not the same color as all the other doors). Setting your entry door apart from all others lets everyone know the direction they’re headed. 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.

Design Your Home With a Touch of Glass

Posted on Categories Architectural Interior Design
As an Architectural Interior Designer keeping abreast of the new trends, materials and products entering the marketplace, keeps me inspired on a daily basis. One of my favorite materials to incorporate into my designs is glass.  The reflective features of glass will expand your space, refract light, and blurs the line between your home and its natural environment. On large renovation projects, I love to expand the existing space by adding window-walled rooms.  Glass doors (French, retractable or pockets), floor to ceiling windows and skylights integrate the interior with the exterior, flood these spaces with natural light and heal the senses.  It immediately transforms a space and changes your relationship with the natural world. If you’re in the midst of redesigning your kitchen or bath, rather than specifying the usual “builder special” granite or stone countertops, why not combine function with beauty and design a unique and stunning glass countertop.  Like any other material, you can customize the piece to suit your needs by selecting the texture, color and finish and edging to provide you with a one of a kind art piece. Glass countertops are:
  • As durable as common natural stone.
  • Non-porous and impermeable, which makes it the most hygienic countertop material available for kitchens.
  • Are naturally heat resistant and can withstand high heat without cracking or scorching the material.
  • Stain proof.
  • When textured on the underside will camouflage fingerprints and any fine scratches.
  • Very simple to maintain and keep clean.
  • Can be lit at the edges to create a floating sensation and are spectacular in powder rooms.
If a glass countertop isn’t for you, consider introducing a glass backsplash in your kitchen or bath – available in tiles, sheets or custom panels.  And to complete your project install hand-blown art glass door knobs and pulls for that extra touch of glass. Set your home apart from the rest. 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.

Calculating How Much Paint to Buy

Posted on Categories Architectural Interior Design
Whether you’re painting the interior of your home yourself or hiring a professional to help, estimating how much paint to buy in advance will save you valuable time and money.  It’s an easy process involving 3rd grade math skills – which I’m sure many of you have brushed up on over the years while helping your kids with their homework. To find out how much paint you’ll need for your specific room, you first need to determine the overall square footage of the area you intend to paint – which can include everything from walls – ceilings – windows – doors and trims.

Paint Tips To Consider

  • Typically a gallon of paint will cover a surface area of 350 – 400 square feet. (Check the manufacturer’s recommendation on the label)
  • A standard size door occupies 20 square feet of space.
  • A single average sized window typically occupies approx.15 square feet and an average of 7.5 square feet of paint to cover the trims and sashes.
  • New drywall and unfinished materials will require a primer and at least one finished coat– as un-prepared surfaces are porous and will absorb most of the first coat.
  • To ensure a quality job always specify a primer plus two coats.
  • When painting over a dark color factor in two coats of paint.
  • Buy more paint than you think you’ll need.  It will help with dye lot consistency and leave you with extra material for those invariable touch ups.

How To Measure

  • Measure the length of all walls you intend to paint (from end to end) and multiply them by their overall height (from floor to ceiling) to determine the wall’s square footage.
  • Subtract the square footage of any doors and windows in the space from the room total.
  • Now that you’ve determined the paint-able wall surfaces, divide that wall area by 400 (the square foot coverage from each gallon) to determine the number of gallons you’ll need to paint your walls.
  • Remember to double the amount for two coats.
  • Do the same exercise for the ceiling (tip: your floor area is the same measurement as your ceiling area).
  • Measure the length of all trims, baseboards, coves and moldings in linear feet – and multiply it by .5 for a safe (6”) measurement of coverage. (Paint goes a long way here).
Now you just need to decide what finish, brand and color to buy.

Paint Finishes

Flat Finish.
  • Absorbs light and is very forgiving in hiding small wall imperfections.
  • Suitable for low traffic interior spaces.
  • Poor choice in kitchens, baths playrooms and children’s bedrooms as it doesn’t wipe down well.
Eggshell Finish.
  • Similar to matt with a slight sheen as it dries.
  • Great choice for interiors and washes down much better than flat.
  • Can show slight imperfections in the walls.
  • A better option for kids rooms.
Satin Finish.
  • Has a smooth shine and is very bright and reflective.
  • Wonderful in contemporary homes with perfect wall construction.
  • Shows every imperfection.
  • Works well for trims, baseboards and moldings.
Semi-Gloss Finish.
  • Quite glossy and are used mostly in kitchens, baths since they cleans very easily.
  • The higher the sheen the more wipe-able and durable the material.
  • Typically used on all trims, doors, baseboards and moldings.
Glossy Finish.
  • Used in high contemporary interiors and on modern cabinetry and furniture.
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.

What is Your Color Instinct

Posted on Categories Architectural Interior Design
Invigorate your outdated family room and energize your dreary bedroom with one of the new color trends of the season.  A fresh coat or two of paint can instantly change the mood and energy of a room. For the past few weeks we’ve been doing some remodeling around our house and have finally completed my tween daughter’s new bedroom.  In her mind, selecting the right paint color was the most important design element of her new space. Color speaks to all of us differently and instinctively evokes the many moods within us.  For my daughter – green  “shades of spring” is the color that resonates with her and creates a sense of harmony and balance in her life. When selecting paint colors for your home its imperative to know what mood you are trying to achieve, how you intend to use the space and more importantly what colors you really love. For thousands of years China, India and Egypt have studied the philosophies and relationships between color and energy – in order to strike a spiritual balance in their lives. So before you head down to the paint store, here is some insight into the mood provoking colors of the rainbow and the energies they emit. Red
  • Has a stimulating and exciting effect.
  • Is a warm and seductive color that exudes power and confidence.
  • Wonderful in elegant dining rooms and as bedroom accent colors.
Orange
  • Is an energizing and an invigorating warm color.
  • Evokes enthusiasm, self-confidence and creativity.
  • Use as accents pillows and accessories in living areas.
Yellow
  • Rejuvenates and stimulates your mind, body and soul.
  • Sparks imagination and innovation.
  • Epitomizes warmth and a sunny outlook to the future and is a perfect kitchen color.
Green
  • Creates a sense of balance and harmony.
  • A cool nurturing color that promotes healing and re-growth.
  • Beautiful for bedrooms and baths, which blends into the natural elements.
Blue
  • Represents communication, reliability, peace, tranquility and truth.
  • Is an expansive color and tends to visually enlarge a space.
  • Is a wonderful bedroom accent color – due to its calming effect.
Indigo/Violet
  • Color of spirituality and intuition.
  • Defines elegance and refined luxury.
  • Represents a sense of power and royalty.
  • Perfect color for studies, libraries and bedrooms.
  • Works beautifully with rich woods and metallics.
Naturals
  • Brown, gold and grey are easy on the mind’s eye and sooth the spirit.
  • Brown used in moderation inspires elegance and richness.
White and Black
  • White represents simplicity, cleanliness and vibrancy when in perfect balance.
  • Black is an absorbing color and is best used as a stabilizer and anchor.
Consider the mood and energy you want to create in your space when selecting your colors! 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.

HGTV’S 10 Window Treatment Trends

Posted on Categories Lori Gilder
Want to breath some new life into your home this spring? Visit HGTV.com where I share some of my favorite window treatment trends.  From Eco-Chic natural woven shades to the sophisticated and glamorous metallic fabrics – which window covering trends suit you best? Check It Out Here!! 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: “How to Avoid the 15 Most Common Decorating Mistakes” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.