5 Ways to Make Your Home – Dog Friendly

Posted on Categories Architectural Interior Design
For the 43 million of us who have dogs in our lives we understand that special bond that exists.  Studies have shown that living with pets directly relieves the daily stress and lowers the chances of heart attacks and strokes. Dogs are loyal, loving and provide us with a sense of protection. They are always excited to see us, never complain, and tolerate our shortcomings. But lets be honest.   Dogs are messy! Maintaining a clean and comfortable home without compromising style is important for a successful co-existence between you and your pet.  Combining your family’s needs along with your pooch’s – will provide you with a great sense of satisfaction and relief. So here are a few pet-friendly design and decorating tips to help simplify your life. 1.  Flooring.
  • Avoid carpeting if at all possible.  It’s a very unforgiving material to have underfoot when it comes to accidents and traipsing in dirt from the outside – not to mention the clumps of fur, hair and bacteria trapped from within.
  • If your dog has regular access to carpeted areas throughout your home have them professionally cleaned every 2 months.  If you insist on carpeting – introduce self-adhesive carpet tiles.  That way you can easily replace one soiled tile rather than an entire carpet.
  • Install easy-to-clean low maintenance materials such as ceramic tile, vinyl, stone, concrete or any hardwoods. Have your pup’s nails trimmed often to keep floor scratches to a minimum.
  • Don’t be afraid to introduce area rugs for warmth and character. Natural sisals and seagrass area rugs are very durable. Depending on the type, they can be easily cleaned and maintained.
2.  Upholstery.
  • Avoid both very light and very dark fabrics – as they tend to show every pet hair and stain known to man.  Warm neutrals and durable fabrics will be somewhat forgiving, and still lets you know when it’s time for a cleaning.
  • Some feel leather is a great upholstery solution.  It’s easily wipe-able and impervious to odors.  The flip side is, if your dog is a nester (like mine) you’ll invariably begin to see scratches and indentations on the cushions.
  • Slipcovers are a perfect solution for soft seating.  Not only will the washable fabric protect your favorite sofa – it will also provide you with an instant interior makeover while the covers are being laundered.
3.  Wall Finish.
  • Re-paint your walls with satin or eggshell paints and avoid flat entirely. Your dog may be prone to drooling and one shake after coming in from the rain will leave your flat finished wall, marked and full of stains.  Satin and eggshell finishes are wipe-able and much easier to clean. (Semi-gloss paint works also, yet shows every wall imperfection)
  • Infuse some instant character into your pets favorite spaces by introducing some wainscoting and molding approx. 42” up the wall. It will protect the wall from stains and dirt.  Paint the wainscoting with a semi-gloss, eggshell or satin finish for easy cleaning and the upper wall portion in a flat contrasting color.
  • Wood paneling, glass and mirrored walls are also easily maintained – not to mention beautiful design elements to implement into any home.
4.  Collectables.
  • Remove your priceless delicate collectables off the sofa back tables, end tables and any other low lying surface, where the swipe of a tail – large or small – will level your living space.
  • Place all these sentimental antique figurines in a special cabinet or shelving area – or in another room entirely – where Sparky isn’t allowed.
5.  Clean Up Corner.
  • This is THE ideal situation for those who have the layout and space.  It can be incorporated into a back hall area, mudroom or existing laundry space.
  • If possible provide a shower floor with a hand held showerhead, making those daily paw baths that much quicker, easier and cleaner!
  • Wall-mount some shelving units from your home improvement store and keep your dog’s food, leashes, toys and towels in one clean corner.
  • Have an absorbent dog mat and towels at the door for an immediate landing spot on those wet and miserable rainy days.

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

How To Make Selecting Windows “Pane” Free!

Posted on Categories Architectural Interior Design
Brown Residence, Week 12 I think it’s safe to say that the windows are the eyes to the soul of the home.  They tend to provide us with a glimpse of character on the exterior and a sense of personal style on the interior. When it comes to your home renovation, addition or remodel, selecting the type and style of windows will be one of the most important architectural details you’ll choose.  Take the time and choose your doors and windows wisely to ensure your new windows are integral to your existing structure. As we plan, revise and modify the Brown’s plans, I see a common thread in each and every project I design.  The proper placement, selection and style of doors and windows – are critical to the success of any home renovation and addition project. In Liz and Mark’s situation, the entire 2,000 square foot addition  (both first and second floors) is being designed and planned to enhance the immediate connection to their beautiful back yard. Implementing expansive floor to ceiling doors and windows – will not only provide immediate access to their new spectacular outdoor living area – but will also integrate a seamless transition from the interior to the exterior. When it comes to selecting the perfect new windows (and doors) for your home remodel and addition consider these tips:
  • Base your window choice on continuity.  Select the same style that exists throughout your home.  If it’s casements you have now then integrate the same style into your addition.  Don’t worry if they’re not an exact match.
  • Look for windows that are similar in size and proportion to your existing ones.  Positioning them in strategic locations may trick the eye into seeing something that’s been there all along.
  • If you’re renovating a period home, make sure you select a window style that is reminiscent of the time your house was built.  This may require more custom designs than stock items.
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

Should You Build Up or Bump Out?

Posted on Categories Development
So you need more space for your growing family – and you keep asking yourself – Should we build up or bump out? You have to look at this two ways.  If you’re unwilling to sacrifice any part of your front, side or rear yard – and you’re concerned about staying within your locally prescribed setback requirements – then your answer is to build up and add that second story.  If your property is generously sized and your current ranch style home lends itself to adding outward, then consider going in that direction. Either way, before you start the planning process, head down to your local building and safety department to research site requirements, zoning restrictions and any building codes, specific to your piece of property. Check with your contractor to determine if your footings, exterior walls, and interior supports can handle the extra weight – and if your foundation is adequate enough to support a second level. It will likely need to be re-enforced and additional footings added.  You may even need to obtain a geological assessment or soil sample to test your current soil conditions. It is critical for your new addition to work in seamlessly with the existing architecture of your home – with some modifications of course – distinguishing it from other homes in your neighborhood. Building a new home addition also provides you with a great opportunity to renovate and upgrade other areas of your house.  Why not update your old single pane windows, install a skylight, raise the kitchen ceilings or add that elegant stairway you’ve been dreaming of? Whether you’re planning a main floor addition or adding a second story, it’s the exact same process as building a new house – typically smaller in scale. 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

Does Bigger Mean Better?

Posted on Categories Architectural Interior Design
It’s important to realize that bigger doesn’t always mean better, particularly when it comes to increasing the square footage of your home. Adding only a few extra feet to your kitchen, master bath, or bedroom, if designed well, can provide you with exactly what you need and cost substantially less than a larger home addition. Keeping the exterior simple and rectangular in its design is far more cost effective than a more complicated structure that’s angled or curved in any way. If you need a little extra space in the living room, for example, consider projecting out a few feet from the exterior wall and create a quaint, cozy seating nook or sunroom. Creating more space can be tough on any budget. However, a great cost effective alternative is to borrow some extra space from neighboring rooms or infrequently used areas. Repurposing and reconfiguring existing space is more eco-friendly. Why not use a room you already have and turn your existing front porch into that charming entrance you’ve been longing for? If your kitchen is tight and compartmentalized and backs on to a butler’s pantry, mudroom, or oversized dining room, the more sensible solution would be to re-plan the kitchen by borrowing space from these adjacent rooms. When planning a mudroom, make it large enough to store outdoor equipment and outerwear, in addition to a washer, dryer, sink, and cabinets for storage.   If this doesn’t suit your family’s needs then consider the best of both worlds and “renov-add-on”.  (Renovate and add on)! 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

3 Money Saving Strategies That Will Save You Thousands On Your Home Renovation Instantly!

Posted on Categories Renovations
PLAN AHEAD
  • Avoid the guesswork down the road.
  • Use your time wisely, don’t panic or race against the clock.
  • Educate yourself- be methodical, truthful.
  • Assess your needs and evaluate the overall scope of your project – what do you need, what do you want?
  • Zero in on your wish list and need list.
  • Figuring it out as you go = costly mistakes later.
  • Determine your goal and nail down the scope of your project.
  • Ask yourself a litany of questions.
  • Gather your ideas – Educate yourself on materials, finishes and appliances available – source styles and
KEEP WITHIN YOUR EXITING FOOTPRINT
  • Reconfigure or repurpose existing space unless you’re just busting at the seams, then by all means add on.
  • Borrow space from neighboring rooms, closets, hallways.
  • Try to work around load bearing walls-don’t remove them
  • Consider a bump out or cantilevered window bench in the kitchen, thereby avoiding the need of a full foundation
  • In kitchens and baths if your original footprint continues to meet your family’s needs, then keep all plumbing and electrical in the same location.
  • Supplement electrical rather than move it by adding outlets along the backsplash and sides of the island.
  • If your kitchen’s work triangle functions well then keep the original locations of the appliances, fixtures and utilities. Moving plumbing can double the cost.
STICK WITH THE STANDARDS
  • When shopping and specifying doors and windows, stick with standard sizes. Stay away from custom. There are an endless selection of standardized products that could you could save double.
  • Select standard cabinet door styles and finishes without getting too fancy. Don’t include any bells and whistles in the interiors of cabinets if you don’t need to. (FYI drawers are costlier than doors so if it works, use fewer drawer fronts).
  • Kitchen appliances: There are more cost effective stainless steel appliances available now, competing with the higher end competitors – or you can always consider some sleek black and white appliances.
  • Bathroom fixtures: Choose white or almond. They’re typically less costly and look fresh and cleaner longer.
  • Faucets and fittings: The most reasonably priced faucets are shiny chrome. A high- end chrome faucet costs much less than a satin nickel version.
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

How To Find The Right Designer For Your Project

Posted on Categories Architectural Interior Design
Now that you know you need to hire a design professional for your home renovation project, there are a few things to consider and a lot of questions to ask yourself. You want to make sure you do your homework and select the right person for your job. But where do you look?
  1. Word-of-Mouth. Get references from people you know and trust. Family and friends who have been through the renovation or building process will be more than happy to share their experiences.
  2. Professional Associations. Check the professional association websites like the AIA www.aia.org. (American Institute of Architects) and ASID www.asid.org (American Society of Interior Designers). These websites will have links and portfolios of their members design work.
  3. Contractor References. If you have an existing relationship with a contractor, one you’ve perhaps worked with before, they may have some designers to recommend.  The benefit here is that they more than likely have worked with design professionals before and know how they operate.
  4. Websites. These days most residential design professionals have websites that showcase their talents, share their design philosophies and provide great client testimonials.  Look through their portfolio and see if their design style compliments yours.
  5. Drive The Neighborhood. Take a drive around your neighborhood on a Sunday afternoon and meander into open houses to see what others have done to their homes.  Notice the  exteriors and if there are houses you’re attracted to, ask the homeowner who worked on their home.
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

What’s Hot And What’s Not

Posted on Categories Architectural Interior Design
Staying home is a booming business – so why not update your favorite spaces with some fabulous, new and exciting home design trends? This is THE year to clear away the cobwebs, add some fun and excitement into your life – and infuse tons of personality into your home! So for you design savvy homeowners, here are some fresh ideas you can implement into your home – and enhance your quality of life – one project at a time.  You’ll be glad you did! What’s Hot!
  • Nature Inspired Design: Anything “green” goes!  There is a genuine respect and desire for materials and products that are re-purposed, re-used, re-claimed, re-cycled and sustainable – with colors that reflect the natural elements of the sand and sea, forests, trees and sky.
  • Handmade/Artisanal Furniture and Accessories: A return to one of a kind bespoke furnishings, customized to your specifications – where the product is predicated on the highest quality of craftsmanship – and will last for generations to come.
  • Traditional With A Twist: Juxtapose your formal furnishings with more natural and relaxed accent pieces.  The key is to mix up traditional furniture arrangements with casual pieces punched up with grace and style.
  • Going Global: The inspiration of exploration and adventure. Incorporating souvenirs from your worldly travels or grabbing some unique pieces at a weekend flea market instantly infuses your personality into your home.
  • Color Palette: Grey is the new beige.  Pair charcoal and slate gray with hot metallics like pewter and silver and brass – and blend them with luxurious lavenders, warm yellows and dramatic black and whites for a dramatic effect.
  • Bold Designs: Layering of fabrics, textures, colors and patterns!  Introduce some large scaled patterned wallpapers (which are hot again) into your space and create an instant focal point.  A little goes a long way.
What’s Not!
  • Granite Countertops: The “Builders’ Special”. This material has been on the scene for well over 20 years and it’s time to give it the proper burial. It’s old, predictable and extremely out-dated. Go for honed limestones, concretes, woods and even quartz surfaces.
  • Oversized Furniture: Bigger doesn’t mean better.  Machine made over scaled furniture dominated family rooms for years and often was just too massive for the space it occupied.  The matching furniture pieces resembled more of a furniture showroom than a family room – and lacked personality.  Stay away from the “matchy-matchy” syndrome.
  • Dark and Heavy Drapery: For some it was a statement of luxury, for others it was a way to create privacy and some drama.  In reality, the velvets, brocades and damasks adorned with chunky tassels and trims, belong in the high school theatre’s art department.  Privacy is important, but consider more natural materials with simple textures of woods, silks and linens.
  • Faux Anything: It goes for people and things – be true to yourself and don’t pretend to be something you’re not.  Unless you willing to use the “real” piece, don’t display a plastic antlered table lamp, or faux zebra area rug and expect it to have the impact you’re looking for.  Introduce something authentic with texture and pattern that reflects your taste and 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: “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

Why Should You Hire A Design Professional?

Posted on Categories Architectural Interior Design, Development2 Comments on Why Should You Hire A Design Professional?
You’re at a point right now where you’re seriously contemplating a home renovation project this summer.  You have a good idea of what you want, and now it’s time to take the necessary steps to turn your long awaited vision into a reality. Depending on the scope and size of your home renovation project, the right architect, interior designer, engineer or decorator can help navigate you through the decision making process and help solve problems creatively along the way.  They will undoubtedly save you time and money and eliminate all kinds of potential planning mistakes down the road. So what type of design professional do you need for your project? It helps if you have a grasp on the overall scope of your remodeling project. If you are planning on making any structural changes to your home by moving walls, planning a whole house renovation or building a new addition, that would require stamped construction drawings by an architect, designer or engineer. On smaller remodeling projects a designer can be hired to simply prepare floor plans and documents for permitting and for the contractor to build from.  In that case it’s a quick relationship and their involvement is minimal. Architectural designers are spatially oriented people who create complete interior and exterior environments while keeping their thumbs on current trends and building code requirements. 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

5 Easy Steps to A Stress Free Home Renovation Project

Posted on Categories Renovations
Now is the perfect time to start planning your summer home renovation project. Take the next several months to analyze, research and evaluate your current home to find out what you really want and need. This will eliminate costly mistakes and wasted time down the road. Whether it’s that gourmet kitchen you’ve been dreaming about, the outdated master bathroom you’ve been putting off, or the new bedroom addition you desperately need, winter is for planning and spring is for building. Following this five-step approach will take the stress and anxiety out of the home renovation process, at the same time saving you valuable time and money.
  1. Dream It! Assess Your Situation: Taking a realistic look at your current situation will make all the difference between a good home renovation project and a great one! What problems need to be solved? Walk through your home room by room and take great notes along the way. Inspiration File: Educate yourself on the materials, finishes and appliances that are available to you. Check out the design magazines and the plethora of home design shows to gather ideas that inspire you in some way. You’ll see a pattern beginning to emerge. Wish List: Creating your wish list will influence the overall concept and design that you ultimately want your home to reflect. Gathering all of this information will help you determine the overall scope of your project.
  2. Plan It! Budget and Financing: If you plan on staying in your home for ten years or more, then budget what you can to create the home of your dreams. Be realistic, as your lenders will let you know exactly how much you’re qualified to borrow. Professionals: Hiring the right design professionals will definitely save you valuable time and money, and eliminate any planning mistakes down the road. Pre-planning is undoubtedly the biggest money saver! The Contract: Once you’ve committed to a licensed contractor review the bid and contract line by line and make sure that the scope of your project is documented throughout. If you’re unclear on a item, ask for clarification.
  3. Design It! Floor Plan: Designing the floor plan is where you begin to see your dream take shape. Try to visualize this space three dimensionally. Details: Whatever your style, focusing on the details will set your space apart from the rest and will provide you with a true reflection of your personality. Shopping: Selecting the perfect materials, finishes, appliances and fixtures is what will infuse the detail and character into your project. Take your plans, samples and photos with you on every single shopping trip. You never know what you’ll find.
  4. Do It! Demolition: This is chaos at its best. If you want to release some deep seeded aggression now’s the time to grab a hammer and crow bar and help the demo crew. I highly recommend it! Construction: The most exciting phase of the renovation process. This is where you begin to see all the pieces of the puzzle come together. Attending weekly site meetings and following an agenda will keep your project running smoothly. Coping with Construction: Be realistic and plan for delays. It will reduce the level of stress and anxiety you could potentially feel. Be flexible.
  5. Live It!
    6. Punch List: Do a walk through with your contractor and list all the outstanding minor repairs and completions that still need to be done before your project is one hundred percent complete. Clean Up: Even if your stipulated a cleanup clause in your contract, hire your own cleaning crew to come in just before you move back in. Just remember though – it will take weeks for the dust to settle. Moving Back In: It’s all behind you and you’ve made it through the renovation process relatively unscathed. Now roll up your sleeves and put your personal signature on everything. Invite some family and friends over for that dinner party you’ve wanted to host – and start living the dream!
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

What is Your Interior Design Style?

Posted on Categories Architectural Interior Design, Lori Gilder1 Comment on What is Your Interior Design Style?
Did you know that each of us has a unique interior design style?  And that particular style directly reflects our personalities. Knowing your unique style before you begin your home renovation, addition or decorating project is all it takes to save you valuable time, money and stress down the road.  Arming yourself with this knowledge will provide every inch of your home with an underlying sense of cohesiveness. Where do you feel most at home? Country Casual: Your casual, relaxed and friendly personality is reflected in the warm and comfortable lived in look that you’ve created in your family home.  Whether your particular style of country is French, English or American rustic, you have a true connection to nature and the outside world.  You are drawn to all things natural, both in color and texture that embodies the overall philosophy of country living. You may find a variety of fabrics, leathers and hides intermixed throughout your home which look fantastic against bold splashes of color.  The fabrics you love range from brightly colored floral prints, stripes and plaids and are often combined with various leathers. Traditional Elegance: Your home exudes both tranquility and elegance all the while taking great pride in the understated look that you’ve pulled together.  Your furnishings brandish classic lines and restrained details, while complimenting the glossy white architectural trims and moldings throughout your home. You favor symmetry and balance, from your placement of furniture to the pairs of accessories you display.  Your love of subtle fabrics, textures and accessories create the overall warmth of your home and invite everyone in. You are drawn to the bold historic color tones such as caramel browns, golds, auburn reds, and creams. Eclectic Style: Your risk taking personality speaks loud and clear in your spirited design style.  You just love mixing furniture and details from multiple sources, creating globally inspired spaces.  Your inspiration is gathered from different design periods, but your planning is deliberate, as shared themes tend to tie all the elements together.  There’s a method to your madness as these elements somehow relate to each other either in pattern, texture, shape or color. You may have collected some of your most precious pieces and accessories while on exotic vacations from around the world, or just visiting your local flea markets and antique shops.  Your favorite colors white, cream, brown, taupe and black are quite neutral and act as an ideal backdrop to showcase some of your favorite rough fabrics and bold textiles and worn surfaces. Contemporary Cool: Your design style is nothing short of sleek and chic.  You enjoy the subtle sophistication and uncluttered atmosphere that is now your signature style.  Your overall space is the highlight rather than objects and things. The unadorned architectural details such as high ceilings, vast windows, exposed air ducts or the natural brick of the building is the primary focus of your home.  You adore the open spaces and the linear simplicity in all design.  In your world less is more and this is why you like to keep clutter to a minimum. When it comes to dressing your sleek suite, your wall colors remain neutral and act as the perfect back- drop, which offsets your simple yet elegant furniture and bold geometric accessories.  You love texture such as tile and stone, and are partial to natural fibers such as cotton, wool, linen, and silk.  All of these elements compliment the dark rich woods you’ll find scattered throughout your home. Transitional Chic: Your design style combines a little traditional with a contemporary flair.  The union of these two styles creates a classic and timeless design.  The focus here is on comfort and practicality while at the same time combining both a masculine and feminine vibe.  The blending of curves and straight lines in your furniture creates a great sense of balance. You love texture and are partial to leathers, ultra-suede’s and nubby chenille’s –anything soft to the touch.  A monochromatic color scheme is often punched up with the introduction of warm browns and chocolate wood tones.  You tend to keep accessories to a minimum yet love to display your photos and artwork framed in silver or nickel finishes for that crisp clean look. 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