How A Designer can help you....what to expect...

Many people think the idea of hiring a designer is an extravagance..But in reality, a design professional can actually save you a great deal. And not just money...We often are the "go between" with couple with totally different ideas of what they envision...and a good designer will incorporate both visions into one FABULOUS look... on projects such as kitchens or other major renovations...certain choices can actually cost you money at resale time...

When your ready for design help, do your homework and check out their portfolio, ask if they can work with your budget...and of course you want to check with other clients that they have worked for.. The final consideration should be how you feel when interviewing the person..you are going to be working very closely and if something is annoying on the first visit... it will only get worse as you get into the project...Are they listening to what you say, do they have good communication skills both verbal and digital...In this day and age most good designers will have a web site and email...and they use it...the last thing you want is to be waiting for your designer to return your call...I use email for all important communications..it enables me (and the client)to keep accurate records of conversation and also include my all my Tradesmen on the same page with the same information....

And finally, you may want a designer to simply preview your plans.. and give you some assurance that what you plan will work....and we do that too..

Coming soon to my web site....new projects completed...before and after shots...

To Re-finish or Re-purpose

I had a conversation with dear friends yesterday that I often have with clients...They inherited Grandma's kitchen set and were at odds with each other about how to use it in their home....

ABOUT THE FURNITURE...When it was designed and built in the 1930's.. kitchens where not public areas of the home...they were strictly for food preparation and you would not entertain guests there..ever...and they were also very small...thus these pieces where not made of the finest cabinet woods and lacked any real style or embellishments..they where strictly the "work horses" of the furniture world..and these particular pieces...a tall cabinet, table and chairs are very small by today's standards..I would describe their style as "depression era cottage"

Now, my friend's home is an open concept layout and their taste is a mix of traditional and modern...and these pieces, although they function well in the space, their design and style is at odds with the rest of the home owner's furnishings...

Their question to me was: Will refinishing the pieces improve their appearance in the kitchen space? I have 2 questions that I ask in these situation...

1. Do you "LOVE" the piece? Does its provenance,(history..it was Grandma's) bring you great joy?
2. Is the piece of Superior quality?

If the answer to either question is No..then I don't recommend spending any time or money on the piece...UNLESS you are going to RE-PURPOSE them in another area of the home..In this case..give the cabinet a fresh coat of paint..in a white,pastel or bright color and it will look great and function well in a child's room as extra display and storage. Because it is not quality wood, I don't recommend refinishing...and the table and chairs..also treated to a great coat of paint, would work well in a basement/craft room as a game or work table

There you have it..in this case re-purposing wins out...Happy recycling to all..

a great sourse for DIY home renovationers..

One of my favorite things about being a designer is that shopping and bargain hunting is an important part of my work...and being the descendant of furniture merchants, bankers and master cabinet makers....I am genetically predisposed to be very good at it..and this week I found a fabulous source....during the recent unbearable heat...I retreated to my studio...the coolest part of my home...to practice what I preach...a bit of long overdue purging...I finished with a car load of odd blinds and hardware..all new but of no use to me...so I set out for the Habitat for Humanity resale store that I had heard about.. with hopes that they might want my "good stuff"....WHAT A SURPRISE...It was a DIY paradise..full of all things for home renovation...building supplies..hardware....cabinetry..appliances and furniture..some new some gently used.....and all at bargain prices...and they wanted my "stuff"....I really felt good know that my "good stuff" will find new life...and that my favorite charity will make some money... and that I would get a tax deduction....A Win-Win for everyone..I recommend that you check out their website for the store near you...and go forth and save!