You’ve been collecting photos, articles and all kinds of inspiration from magazines and websites for years. You’ve imagined, visualized and dreamed about your “ideal” home for as long as you can remember (and you have the files to prove it).
For years you’ve envisioned yourself curled up in front of your spectacular fireplace reading the current NY Times bestseller, inviting your family and friends over for that super bowl party, and kicking back and relaxing with your kids after a great summer barbeque.
Your family room is the second most popular space in the home after the kitchen – a multi-functional place where we’re anchored as a family – so isn’t it time to get your vision down on paper, call a contractor and make it happen in time for spring?
Here are 10 Great Design Tips and Guidelines To Help Get You Started.
- Open your family room to adjoining spaces so the room is visible from the kitchen and dining room, ultimately inviting everyone in.
- Define these open spaces by introducing some architectural elements such as arches, columns, and other details.
- If possible add floor-to-ceiling windows along the entire length of the exterior wall to introduce more natural light while maximizing your view.
- Increase the overall height of your space by introducing a vaulted ceiling Creating a sense of volume will instantly make your room feel more spacious.
- Plan your home entertainment system early on in the design phase to ensure that all electrical wiring and any integrated systems meet your needs.
- Create one major focal point within this space. Install your large screen plasma TV within the fireplace wall (if you have one).
- The furniture layout should be oriented toward the focal point of the space. Don’t be inclined to line up your furniture pieces up against the wall thinking it creates more space. It doesn’t.
- Custom design or purchase comfortable sofas, upholstered in durable, easy-to-clean and forgiving fabric. This informal and relaxing gathering space should function the way you really need it to.
- Be aware of traffic patterns when planning a furniture layout. The ability to walk through the room without navigating through a maze of furniture is key.
- Plan for your family room to have multiple light sources. The combination of general, task, and accent lighting (all on dimmers) creates drama and produces an amazing effect over the entire space.
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.
Wow! It’s the beginning of March already and spring is just around the corner. I can only imagine how eager you Easterners must be to leave those snow days behind.
Aren’t you ready to shake off those cobwebs, and grab on tightly to the first signs of spring?
Spring is a time for renewal, a time for recharging, and time to start planning your summer home renovation project. Whether it’s that gourmet kitchen and family room you’ve been dreaming about, the outdated master bathroom you’ve been putting off, or the new bedroom addition you desperately need, spring is for planning and summer is for building.
Walk around your house with paper in hand and start working on a list of improvements your home
needs and some others you
want. Factor in a budget for each and decide if you’ll need a general contractor to oversee your project or do you plan on taking on the role of a general contractor yourself?
Many DIY contractors feel they will save a considerable amount of cash by overseeing the entire project themselves. Truth be told, if this is your maiden voyage, your lack of experience and any errors you make along the way could realistically
only save you 10% to 15% of your overall construction costs.
If your job is small and only requires the organization of two or three different sub trades then it may pay to take on the job. Providing you have a solid relationship with a few of these specialists then this may be the best type of DIY contracting for you.
So you have to ask yourself:
Do I have what it takes to be my own general contractor? And more importantly, is it worth it?
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.
Let’s face it. That grand sweeping staircase from Gone With The Wind is an architectural detail that appeals to many, yet realized by few.
When you’re building, renovating or remodeling your home, redesigning your ordinary staircase and transforming it into the extraordinary – will not only create an architectural focal point – but will instantly transform your foyer into a spectacular showpiece.
In my last post we talked about the importance of determining the run and type of stair that bests suits for home. Whether you’re working with a
Straight Run, L-Shape, U-Shape, Spiral or Curve, here are some straight- forward tips and clever design ideas to keep in mind when styling your stairs:
- Strategy and Planning. – If your main staircase is situated in your foyer it MUST be welcoming and inviting. If space allows create a sense of graciousness by going beyond the minimum code requirements. Adding an extra foot or two in width to the stairs creates a more impressive reception.
- Create a Sense of Grandeur – Enlarge the bottom step of your staircase by making them wider than the ones above. Curve the entire step on each side and extend them beyond the newel posts always making sure that bottom stair faces into the space it occupies.
- Character and Personality – In many cases your staircase provides a first impression of your home and sets the stage for what’s to follow. So make sure its design is reflective of your home’s TRUE style. Inject your personality into the details.
- Customized Details – To infuse some artistic and architectural details customize your railings. Depending on your home’s architectural style, rather than utilizing a builders’ standard wooden spindle and handrail, why not introduce a mixture of materials like metals and woods or concrete and glass and turn a practical staircase into a unique design feature.
- Be Creative – If you’re short on storage space, utilize the wasted space beneath the stairs by either designing built-in bookshelves to house your favorite collection of periodicals, discreetly design drawers in the risers to store extra shoes and slippers, or sneak in a sleek powder room to accommodate the overflow of house guests.
I hope these images inspire you in some way.
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.
Whether you’re planning to renovate your two-story home, adding on a second floor or just revamping your main floor entrance/foyer, your staircase becomes the focal point and a main architectural feature of the space it occupies.
While planning the Brown’s renovation and addition, it becomes clear that the run, shape, style and details of the staircase, is incredibly important to the overall style of their home. While access to the second floor’s master suite is not accessible from the main entry – but off the children’s lounge – it will act as a focal point, invite us up to the master suite and highlight the space it occupies. The main objective here is to incorporate Liz’s storage needs beneath the stairs, and customize the design to reflect the true style of their home.
Before you begin styling your stairs you first need to determine the run or stair type that best fits into your floor plan. And ask yourself – how much space you have to work with?
Typically there are 5 Stair Types to consider when planning or renovating your home.
Which type fits your home best?
1. Straight Run Stair:
Straight run stairs are typically used in new home construction where space is at a premium and budget a consideration. There are no turns or landings on this stair type as the name implies.
2. L-Shaped Stair:
The L-shaped stair has a 90-degree turn at the landing. Depending on the space you’re working with, this shape could use long or short legs, and occupies about the same amount of space as a curved staircase. A variation of this type is the L-Shape with winders which when short on space takes the typical landing area and adds angled treads to ascend in a shorter run. (Make sure these winders comply with local building codes).
3. U-Shaped Stair:
Either a wide or narrow U-Shape can be designed for your space. As the stairs ascend, they switch back from the landing headed in the direction of the run below. This stair design is quite useful in tighter floor plans and can be stacked for multi-level structures.
4. Spiral Stair:
Everyone loves a spiral staircase – and at its best – it occupies a minimal amount of space. The treads radiate out from a center pole, with a curving center support and are often used as a secondary stair in a family home. If you’re space is limited, position the spiral in the corner of your room and reserve it for low-traffic areas. Since each tread is tapered, it makes climbing a bit tricky.
5. Curved stair:
The curved stair or winder can be contoured in multiple shapes, and ascends in a broader curve from level to level. It typically has a more open center diameter than the spiral stair. Therefore the treads are more generously dimensioned and proportioned qualifying it to serve as your home’s main staircase. This type of design is spectacular free standing on its own – or nestled in to a curved wall.
These are just a few of basics. Keep in mind that each and every one of these 5 stair types can be customized and modified to fit right into your home’s personality.
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.
Every February for the past several years I head out to the desert with my family to visit my parents who migrate down to Palm Springs from Canada for a month or two – to escape the harsh tundra freeze.
The weather was glorious and the setting even more spectacular for a long- weekend get-away and a visit to Palm Spring’s 10
th Annual Modernism Show.
Nestled in the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs is the hub of Mid-Century modern design and architecture and offers many well-preserved examples of elegant homes constructed during the ‘40s, 50’s and 60’s. So it makes sense for the City to host this event, and offers a week full of tours, lectures, screenings and the Modernism Show and sale.
Steven and I leave the kids with my parents, and head into town for a day to celebrate the modern culture, gather some design inspiration and transport ourselves back in time of the Rat Pack.
The Show features almost 80 exhibitors from across the U.S and Europe presenting some of the most refined and classic 20
th Century decorative and fine art pieces. Weaving in and out of the aisles, you can’t help but engage the dealer to learn of the history of each piece.
One of my favorite finds, was a one-of-a-kind spiral staircase where each shiny chrome sphere-shaped step is finished with its original red carpeting. It’s truly striking and in the right home would make for a most compelling focal point. The owners of the
www.offthewallantiques.com have a keen eye for spying the most unique treasures.
Taking a drive through the old neighborhoods of Palm Springs you’ll pass by the historic Kaufman House – a 1946 glass, steel and stone landmark designed and built by the architect Richard Neutra – THE quintessential Mid-Century classic. A restoration of the structure in the mid 1990’s spawned a renewed respect and interest in this Architectural style.
I realize this design style doesn’t appeal everyone, but should you have the opportunity to visit a Modernism show in your city – make the trip and at least enjoy the travel back in time.
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
In an article just released, according to Market Watch, consumer experts told audiences at the Las Vegas Home Builders Show that homeowners here in the U.S want smaller homes and are more than willing to downsize from the McMansions of the past few years. Today buyers are ready to be authentic – realizing how their families really live.
Because of the uncertain times in this country staying home and nesting has become a booming business. It’s important to find a sense of order from the chaos of the past years – and look to our homes to provide us with a sense of comfort, calm and contentment. A more casual approach to family living, entertaining and gathering is ranking high these days.
Here are the top 5 “Must-Have” features in both new and improved homes.
1. Large Kitchens, With an Island.
The kitchen is the heart of the home and takes on several roles throughout the course of the day. People love islands – it’s where we prepare meals, our families gather, homework is shared, emails are answered and our work is done. Kitchen islands provide the perfect surface for all these tasks and more. If you have the space, include an island in your kitchen plans. A great kitchen should yield a return on investment between 75 – 100%.
2. Energy Efficient Appliances, Insulation and Windows.
People want greener homes and product manufacturers are making it easier than ever for us to incorporate eco friendly materials appliances and windows into our lives. Whether your appliances need to be replaced or you’re purchasing for your new and improved home, Energy Star appliances lead the way. Double and triple pane windows in all shapes and sizes immediately save you money on heating and cooling costs throughout the year.
3. Home Office/Studies.
Homeowners are spending more time working from home, and with the homepreneur trend growing people are opting for an extra space dedicated solely to operating their home-based business. It seems that many folks would rather have a home office allocated and are willing to sacrifice a formal dining room if need be.
4. Main Floor Master Suite.
Access to the main floor is gaining in popularity. Empty nesters and others, who no longer want to tackle stairs, prefer to have the master bedroom and bath retreat on the main floor level of the home. Immediate access to a gorgeous deck or patio outdoors also creates added living space and provides a quaint corner for morning coffee.
5. Outdoor Living Space.
People want to spend more time outside and need a peaceful oasis to unwind. Outdoor living spaces naturally transition the interior to the exterior – instantly expanding your living space. Growing in popularity are wood-burning fireplaces, casual seating areas, hot tubs and outdoor kitchens – all of which add to the “vacation home” atmosphere – and it’s all in your back yard.
The remaining 5 “Must Haves” to incorporate into your home are:
6. Ceiling fans
7. Master suite soaker tubs
8. Stone/brick exteriors
9. Community landscaping
10. Two car garages
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
Brown Residence, Week 13
There’s no doubt when you’re in the midst of building, renovating or remodeling a new home, you will be deluged with decisions, immersed in the planning and design – and undoubtedly be overwhelmed with excitement.
Occasionally in the midst of all this mayhem, it can be easy to overlook some of the smaller details. However, compromising the overall safety of your family and your property is not one of those details you ever want to neglect.
What better time to consult with a home security specialist who will work with you, your design professional and contractor – to assess your family’s lifestyle – and complete a comprehensive security analysis of your property – that can easily and efficiently be integrated into your home plans.
Determining the right combination of security products and monitoring plans for your home can be way too confusing, anxiety producing and potentially very expensive. That’s why consulting with a highly trained and impartial security expert – to help guide you and steer you in the right direction for your particular security needs – is the perfect place to begin.
Here are just some questions to think about:
- How often are you or your husband out of town?
- Is your home located in a high-risk, high traffic or fire zone?
- Are you prepared for earthquakes and other natural disasters?
- How many doors and windows are in your home and property?
- How many levels is your home?
- Where are the children’s bedroom locations?
- Layout and flow of your floor plan.
Someone I know and trust is Don Beck of Sentinel Protection Services. His company will provide you with a clear, concise and personalized protection analysis of your home security needs and eliminate the confusion of dealing with multiple alarm and surveillance companies. Allow
www.sentinelprotection.com to prepare a unique home security analysis plan just for you.
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
I’m really thrilled to share something with all of you. A project of mine was recently featured in the January/ February 2010 “Before and After” Issue of
Spaces Magazine – an upscale home décor magazine published by the Daily News, here in Los Angeles.
Whether on television or in print, everyone loves to witness the magic of a good interior makeover – more specifically – those amazing
before and after images. So take a peek inside the (online) issue of Spaces Magazine
http://spacessocal.com/décor-and-designci-14241032 and grab some wonderful tips and inspiration from eight different designs that you can implement into
your next project.
I will also have some other exciting news to share with you in the upcoming weeks – so stay tuned!
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:
“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
Brown Residence, Week 13
If you’re building, renovating, adding on, or remodeling your home, you may want to take the time now to research if integrating a home automation system is right for you.
Whether you’re interested in implementing a complete lighting control system, a high-end audio/video system, a home theatre system, or a whole house integration system into your new home plans – it’s imperative that the technology integrate seamlessly with your design. Learn what’s available out there then determine how far you intend to go in the world of home technology.
If you’re ready to move forward and implement some of these technological advancements into your home – then I highly recommend consulting with a home technology integration specialist early on in the design development phase of your project.
Introducing this expert to your design team early on will be the difference between a good home renovation project and a great one. Many of these consultants have been trained in home construction, as well as specializing in home entertainment, low-voltage wiring, telecommunications, lighting and security.
It is typically much easier to plan for a successful integrated system
before construction begins since accessibility to the walls, ceilings, attics and crawl spaces may be utilized to conceal the inner workings of these systems.
These specialists analyze the preliminary floor plans and will design, program and install these systems into your home renovation plans as expertly and efficiently as possible. They determine the prime installation locations of low-voltage wiring, wall mounted control panels, and any note any structural changes that are project specific.
To learn more visit
www.dsientertainment.com.
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
When it comes to a renovated home – the truth be told – It’s all in the details! One of the most important details that dominate the interior and exterior of a home remodel is selecting the perfect windows. They define the architectural style on the exterior and provide character and beauty to the interior while keeping you connected to the outdoors.
Whether you’re replacing every window in your existing home or window shopping for your new addition, there are a vast array of types and sizes to suit your needs.
So while you’re planning your home renovation or addition make sure you do your research to learn which types and style works with your home’s architecture.
Here are just a few window styles and types:
1. Fixed Windows. These windows are non operational and are typically used for accent windows where light and views are maximized.
2. Double Hung Windows. This is the most classic and popular window style and is perfect for a traditional or period home. It consists of two sashes that move up and down. The bottom sash slides up, and an upper sash slides down – yet only half of the window can be open at one time.
3. Casement Windows. Another conventional window, casements are side mounted and hinged vertically to swing inward or more often outward. They are operated with a rotating crank and provide great ventilation. These windows can be customized for a more contemporary look while providing maximum view and ventilation.
4. Awning Windows. This window style is similar to the casements. The difference is they are top-hinged and tilt open at the bottom and provide partial ventilation.
5. Slider Windows. The sliders are set into top and bottom tracks and slide over one another like a sliding door. Only one half of the window may be opened at a time. This window is very cost effective, doesn’t encroach on an on to any deck or patio and fits in well with many home styles.
6. Bay/Bow Windows. These are three sided windows that project out from the exterior wall on an angle, and typically utilize casement or double hung window styles. On the exterior they fit in well with traditional and Victorian architecture – and instantly add character and charm to the interior.
7. Picture Window. This window style is very common in ranch-style homes. Typically a large center fixed window is flanked by two operational windows on each side – using either casements or double hung styles.
8. Garden Windows. These are wonderful to use in the kitchens or master baths, as they instantly add light and architectural interest to your space. They’re very similar to a bay window but are typically set at right angles and filter great natural light into the space.
9. Clerestory Windows. These windows are very common in Craftsman style homes. They consist of a series of narrow windows along the top of a wall, which are often elevated above an adjoining roofline.
10. Skylights. These are usually fixed windows framed into the roof providing added daylight into your space. I love to incorporate them into master baths and kitchens where they provide much more natural light and create an added sense of volume as well.
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
