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How Long Will The Project Last?

March 23, 2018

One of the first questions clients typically ask is, “How long will my interior design project take to complete?” Of course, as you may have guessed, there is no straightforward answer to this because there are so many variables to contend with . There are project averages, however, as well as a few guidelines I can provide so you can plan for the road ahead.

Basic timelines for typical remodels are:

Bathrooms: 2 – 4 months
Kitchens: 4 – 6 months
Living rooms or bedrooms (not including the bathroom): 2 – 3 months

These times are all based on the idea that your design, order/lead times and installation move forward in a timely manner and that there aren’t any unforeseen complications or changes made midstream.

Are you working with an experienced interior designer?

One of the most important steps you can take to streamline the design and build process for your remodel is to choose an experienced interior designer. She will be instrumental in facilitating the progress of your design and should be able to give you a fairly accurate timeline once you’ve signed off on the final design.

Do you have a clear idea of what you want?

This is one of the most important factors that will affect the duration of your project. The first step with any remodel or interior design project is to hire your interior designer and get to work on the plans. The more specific you are in what you want, the easier it will be to put the plans together. That being said, you also want to be flexible enough that you can be open to any changes that might need to be made due to structural limitations or budget.

Also, if you change your mind back and forth throughout the process, this can also affect timing because it can take longer to return products and re-order new ones, a process that causes delays with construction and/or furnishing installation.

Will there be construction or structural changes involved in the process?

Not surprisingly, the more construction or structural changes that have to be made, the longer the project will take to complete. If construction is involved, it also involves more entities. You may require an engineer to evaluate whether or not the desired structural changes are possible. Then your architect will draw up the plans and the contractor and subs can start the build-out.

Sometimes, structural changes are very straightforward and you don’t need the assistance of an engineer or architect. In these cases, construction moves forward more quickly, assuming there are no unforeseen issue when they break into interior wall spaces. Of course, any complications that come up – interior plumbing or electrical work that wasn’t to code, mold or mildew damage, a beam that turns out to be load bearing and can’t be removed – all need to be dealt with before the project can continue.

Do you already know what materials and finishes you want?

Usually, the answer to this is, “No.” Perhaps you know what sink you want, or you have an idea of which kitchen cabinets you want, but most of the materials and furnishing selection happens with your interior designer. Once you’ve made your selection, items need to be ordered and delivered – this process takes time. For instance, the average lead time for cabinets is anywhere from 10 to 14 weeks, and it can take longer for certain custom items.

While a living room remodel may only take a few weeks to a month to actually design and install, the lead times for certain custom furniture or art pieces can be much longer.

O Christmas Tree!

March 16, 2018

I remember going to the Christmas Tree Lot as a young girl, torn between my love of aesthetic perfection (which led to my career as an interior designer) and the unwillingness to “hurt any of the trees’ feelings.” Now, with my own home as well as the homes of a substantial client-list to select trees for, I have mostly gotten over “hurt tree feelings,” although I don’t always rule a tree out just because it isn’t “perfect.”

Rather, I have become very adept at selecting the perfect Christmas tree for the space.

Select the Perfect Christmas Tree For the Space

Here are some of the things I take into consideration, and you can as well, to select the best tree for this year’s holiday decorations.

Real or synthetic. Sometimes the lifestyle of the family is as important as the look and size of the tree. If your family has a hard time keeping house plants alive, and abhors vacuuming up all those dead Christmas tree needles as a result of forgotten waterings – it might be time to invest in a synthetic tree. Today’s options are hard to tell from the real thing unless you get up close and personal and it they are easy to put up – and take down – each year. If environmental sustainability is important for you, however, they aren’t necessarily the ideal.

Keep in mind that a synthetic tree is not biodegradable, is (mostly) made in China and will sit in a landfill for an indefinite amount of time when you’re done with it. The average lifespan of synthetic trees is about six years and a 2009 study stated that when all is said and done, “the artificial tree…has three times more impact on climate change and resource depletion than the natural tree.”

The right size. On average, a Christmas Tree has an 80% “taper,” so a tree that is 10-feet tall will be 8-feet wide at the base. Try to remember that proportion if you’re measuring trees that are bundled. Start by measuring the maximum width you can accommodate in your living space and then match the height accordingly.

Also, keep in mind that taller trees are more expensive – sometimes significantly so. Thus, if budget or width accommodation is an issue, I recommend converting an old flat trunk, or a couple of end tables pushed together as a way to elevate a shorter tree that needs a little boosting. You can also use concrete blocks and a piece of plywood, making sure to create a big enough base.

Then, place your Christmas tree in its stand on top of the platform and use a white sheet or that cotton, snow-like material that abounds this time of year, to hide the foundation. Finish it off with a nice Christmas tree skirt. Now you’ve gained a more impressive tree and have a fabulous space below the lowest boughs to pile your wrapped presents and gift bags to boot. Plus, elevated bottom branches are protected from wee ones and chew-happy pets.

Choose the right type. There are a range of tree species used for Christmas trees. You can consult the National Christmas Tree Association’s website to research the specifics. Some have short, upright needles with sturdy branches (Noble Fir) while others have softer, deep green needles and more dense branching (Douglas Fir). The choice is up to you so explore a bit and settle on a species that appeals.

Do a branch test. Don’t just go on looks alone; the dryer the tree, the sooner it will die in your living room. Run your hands (preferably gloved) along the branch. If needles fall off readily and/or the branch is brittle and dry at the ends, skip it and wait for one that is suppler and will last longer with regular watering.

The holidays are right around the corner, and it’s not easy for busy families and professionals to decorate their homes the way they want to. If you’re feeling pressed for time, or are hosting holiday gatherings this year, schedule a consultation with an interior designer near you to take over the holiday decorating, or help you add those finishing touches to your own design.

Preparing Your Backyard For Spring

March 13, 2018

Winter is the season for focusing on the interior of your home since darker, colder, and wetter days keep us from our favorite outdoor activities. Once spring is on the horizon, however, that balance begins to shift and it’s time to focus more on the outdoors.

How Can I Incorporate Interior Design Principles in Preparing My Backyard for Spring?

When preparing your backyard for spring, incorporating design principles effectively can help create a visually appealing and functional space. Consider elements such as balance, color, and texture to achieve harmony in your outdoor oasis. Play with different planting schemes, utilize outdoor furniture strategically, and focus on creating a cohesive atmosphere that enhances your overall backyard experience.

7 Steps to Get Your Backyard Ready for Spring

For many Bay Area homes, the backyard is an extension of the interior living spaces during the late-spring, summer and fall months. This means you should place equal attention on sprucing up your backyard space so it welcomes you and guests outdoors, and provides a comfortable space to relax, unwind, play and dine.

Spring cleaning. Take that spring-cleaning itch outside and put it to work in your backyard. If you don’t have time to do it yourself, contact a reputable local landscaping company and schedule a spring cleaning day with them. This will ensure all those old leaves, twigs and branches are moved up and out of the way. They will eliminate early weeds from the plant beds and can amend the soil and prep flower beds for your upcoming spring planting.
Fertilize. Your lawn, shrubs and trees can’t wait to sprout, bloom and grow but they need nutrients for that. This is a good time to fertilize the soil in these areas, creating the foundation for lush foliage and blooms that will transform your outdoor spaces. For the lawn, consider using a fertilizer with crabgrass pre-emergent to stop unwelcome crabgrass before it can get a tenacious hold on your lawn. Once it’s established, crabgrass is difficult to eradicate.
Give patio furniture the once-over. What’s your patio furniture looking like these days? Sometimes, the changes that happen right under our nose are the hardest to see. Thus, the fresh new patio furniture you bought last year may have faded a bit over the summer without you even noticing. Take an objective look and decide if perhaps some repainting, oiling or refinishing is in order. Maybe it’s time to purchase some new cushions and pillows for a more vibrant look as well.
Trim and Shape. Make your way from bush-to-bush, shrub-to-shrub and around any ornamentals you can safely reach. Trim and shape them once their growth is established enough to take the hit. Use YouTube as an ample source of pruning advice from the pros. You’ll be amazed at what a difference it makes when those unruly, fast-growing branches and shoots are trimmed back into shape. Hire a professional arborist or tree trimmer to tackle the taller, more established trees.
Update outdoor lighting. Your outdoor lighting plan is as important as your indoor version. Only in this case, safety takes a primary spot on the considerations list. Make sure that all steps and pathways and uneven areas of ground are well-illuminated after sunset. Use a combination of up- and downlighting to create ambience and to showcase hardscape and landscape features. Don’t forget soft twinkle lights and colorful strings of lanterns or stars around trees and the main gathering spots.
Use container gardens to your advantage. Container gardening is an essential element for the busy homeowner. Not only are containers smaller and easier to plant and maintain than regular planter boxes, containers can be selected for color and pattern as well. This means that empty container you haven’t gotten to quite yet will still provide beneficial visual impact to the landscape. Vary sizes, shapes and colors for extra interest.
Add that fire and/or water feature. If you don’t have these already, it’s time to invest. There are plenty of affordable, portable options if you’re a renter or simply aren’t ready to spring for a permanent version. Fire and water features add loads of atmosphere to outdoor spaces and when accompanied by comfortable seating, they provide endless hours of enjoyment, relaxation and conversation-centric zones. Another benefit of a water feature? It adds welcome white noise for homes located along busy streets or adjacent to noisy neighbors.

A Brief History of Interior Design

March 7, 2018

If you travel to the south-west of France, you can visit the site of the world-famous Lascaux Caves. On the walls of these caves are paintings dating back as far as 17,000+ years ago. These and other rock paintings, rock carvings (petroglyphs) and sculptures made from the rocks themselves, called relief sculptures, as well as artfully woven baskets, mats, and decorated pottery are all examples that interior design has been alive and well for millennia.

The History of Interior Design From the Middle Ages to the Present

The idea of interior design as a concept or profession didn’t come to pass until the 1900s, however, home design certainly existed before then. Prior to the middle ages, we know ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used beautiful architecture – some of which can be viewed and toured today – that involved artistic and ornate tile work and paintings. However, this level of showy design, or architecture as art, was largely limited to churches, important government buildings and the homes of the wealthy.

The idea of “interior design for the wealthy” continued through about the 18th and 19th centuries when innovation made it easier to produce mass goods.

The Middle Ages – 1150 to 1485.

The information we have about interior decoration during the Middle Ages and through the beginning of the Renaissance is scarce, pieced together from bits of archaeological evidence and surviving manuscripts. Most people lived predominantly in hut-like structures built from materials foraged in a particular region- rocks, mud, peat, grass, etc.

Woven wall hangings and rugs were often used on the walls and ceilings, as well as the floor, to act as insulation as well as decor. This was the period when Gothic architecture came into be and furniture and furnishings were often made from carved pieces of heavy wood.

The Renaissance – 1400 – 1600.

The last decades of the Middle Ages were shrouded in doom and gloom, largely the result of the Black Plague. When things returned to normal, western civilization entered a period of Renaissance – when art, music and literature were celebrated. Artists and scholars drew much of their inspiration from “The Classic Orders” of antiquity and Renaissance architecture reflects this.

The Catholic church was a significant influence so much of the art, frescoes, tapestries and wall hangings from this period reflect biblical stories or depictions of famous saints. During this period that average residences went from largely open floor plans to designs that included specialty rooms, like dining rooms, libraries, and reception areas. Because it took so long to construct larger buildings, they often reflected multiple influences – Renaissance through the Baroque period.

Baroque and Rococo – 17th Century

The Baroque style was found predominantly in areas like Italy, Austria, parts of southern Germany, Spain, and Portugal where the Catholic church continued to have a strong influence. Specific Baroque expressions varied by geography. During the same era, Rococo style became popular in more secular regions of Europe, like Austria and north Germany. It was lighter, more fun, and frivolous.

The 18th Century and Beyond

By the 1700s, interior design was increasingly popular in the average home. Modern innovations made it easier and easier for “commoners” to acquire art, fabrics, and other materials, though most home decor was made by the occupants or traded/bartered for with others in the community. The industrial revolution and enhanced mechanization during the 1800s made it even more accessible for middle classes to enjoy the benefits of stylish interior design.

Now, modern homeowners have the luxury of changing their interiors – fairly effortlessly – every decade or so, which was relatively unheard of prior to the 1900s.

Creating The Perfect Gallery Wall

February 27, 2018

Adding a gallery wall to your home or office is a wonderful way to add interest, color, pattern and emotion. If you’re an art collector, it provides a way to highlight your collection; if you are a globe-trotter, it provides a way to display favorite scenes or memories from your travels. Many gallery walls combine art, photographs and mementos – however, there is a fine line between a well-executed display and one that comes off as a bit cluttered or messy.

Create a Gallery-Worthy Wall in Your Home or Office Space

The following tips will be helpful to keep in mind when assembling your own pieces and formatting the layout for a gallery wall.

Place the furniture first. One of the keys to preventing a cluttered look is to keep things in proportion. For this, you must have a clear understanding of the dimensions you’re working with, and that requires prior furniture placement so you know exactly how low or wide you can go with your pieces. Keep your wall gallery on hold until you are sure about your furniture placement, then you’ll be able to space and place your collection accordingly.
Pay attention to light. Natural light is gorgeous and a bonus to any interior design, however, it will take its toll on wall hangings, photographs and art. Pay attention to how the light spills into your room during the course of the day, and place the smallest groupings – and least important of your pieces – in areas that receive the most sunlight to reduce fading.
Hang the most important pieces first. Determine which of your pieces are the most important and hang those first. The rest of your collection and placement should be considered in relationship to your focal pieces. Your focal piece(s) should be the center of the display, everything else should move out from there.
Find a unifying theme. Perhaps it’s the frame, a specific color or symbol, or a particular genre of art – in most cases, an attractive gallery wall will have some type of unifying theme. If your art does not, consider using the same types of frames to avoid distraction. This being said, it’s a good idea to hang an atypical frame here and there, perhaps for your focal pieces, to avoid monotony.
You don’t have to measure exactly. Contrary to the mathematical formulas you may have found online, you don’t have to measure exactly. Quite the contrary. That being said, you should leave a few inches of white space between two frames to (you guessed it) prevent clutter, but also to provide each piece with a hint of independence.
You should think about a level. There is nothing more frustrating than unintentionally crooked lines. Do use a level to keep the pieces relative to one another and to spare your Type-A and decorator friends from the irrepressible urge to straighten something that can never be straightened without starting over from scratch.
Step back and view from different angles. As you go, do step back every few frames or so and walk to different areas of the room. This will help you determine if your plan is working out as you envisioned it, and will highlight any red flags so you can make changes before you’ve gone too far.
Don’t be afraid to layer or prop. Some of my favorite mantels and bookcase displays involve larger canvases that have another, smaller piece of art propped off-center on it’s surface. Simply propping a canvas against the wall adds a modern, avant-garde touch.