I am often asked the question..."How do you begin the design creation for a room?" so in the next few blogs I will take you through the thought processes to begin re-creating a terrific space.
When I am working with clients, the very first question will be "how would you like to use the room?". This may sound a little odd, if the room's original intent, by the builder, was as a dining room or formal living room. But, in today's reality, we all live in our homes differently from how they were originally intended, depending on our family structure and life-style . I have seen many rooms that were designed originally to be a formal entertaining space that have become a "home school" room and computer space with the current residents. Formal dining rooms that have become hobby or art spaces. The important thing in home's design is that.. there is room to do all the things that the family enjoys and cherishes, in comfort and a style that reflect their personality. I will often discover that my clients celebrate special occasion by gatherings in the large eat-in kitchen... or entertaining on the deck.. or togetherness in the family room around the fireplace with a movie. They may enjoy converting the living room or formal dining space in a way that will enhance their family living. My mantra is...recycle, reuse, re-purpose!
I recommend that the client begin by examining their needs thoroughly. Perhaps they would like an adult sanctuary in the house that is busy with children. Or they may want a space that inspires the little ones. A place children can explore and play safely with a watchful eye nearby. A space that can grow can grow with them into a more adult style room later on. Perhaps they are empty nesters exploring new hobbies and activities and need the space to support that. What ever their needs are, the end result of any renovation/redesign is to create a functional orderly room to live in and create in a way that is comfortable and inspiring. I want them to think about how they want to live on a daily basis and how they want to entertain for special occasions.
After they have determined the 'wish' use of a room, I recommend sitting with a pencil and paper and create a "wish" list of all the elements that they would love to have in the room. In this exercise, I encourage them to think "out of the box". Put all the 'wants' on paper! Perhaps the room needs to have two functions. Then, that should be considered. I discourage thinking about cost at this time, just begin thinking of the function. I will encourage them to make the most complete, even extravagant, list as possible. Remember, its a "wish list" and it will help them to realize all the possibilities..this may be the point were they consider major construction..moving walls etc. They will find it helpful to look through magazines and web sites for inspiration and then clipping and saving pictures for reference. All of this 'homework' can be done before my initial meeting with them. These are also the steps the "Do-It-Yourself" person should also take time to complete.
At our first meeting, I will listen to their vision and wish list and we will begin to come up with a concept for the space that is going to meet all their needs and and their wish list too.. Now, we all have a sense of how they will use the room and the elements that will enhance their lifestyle. We will talk about furnishings, lighting and the wall finishing ideas that will complete the look and function we are planning. To answer these questions, we will look at the other rooms they have already completed and love. It is important to have the new room flow in style and color with the rest of the home.. and it is my job to make that happen.
After we talk about the concept, the wish list, the style ideas..its time to talk money! I will ask what their budget is for the project. I have a very good understanding of what things will cost and what can be done. Often times they will have a number in mind, ,but if they simply have no clue, I will throw out a reasonable number and see how they feel about it.
For my clients, I will put an itemized "guesstimate" budget together for them before they accept the project. It is part of their initial consultation fee.. I've had years of experience and knowledge about what will be involved with the project and how much it should cost. We will talk about if it can be increased as the shopping progresses or if it must be reduced. All will be understood and a letter of commitment will state that clearly before we begin. I encourage them to be as open as possible about the budget...there is nothing worse than going over budget.
NEXT WEEK...THE PROJECT BEGINS...Big ticket items always get selected first...hope to see you then.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
UN-REALITY HOME BUYING SHOWS ON TV
One of my "T.V." love/hate relationships is the HGTV show "Love it or List it". It is a reality show..which in this day and age, means that it is Not Reality...In each episode there is a couple at odds as to what to do with their home..One will want to move to new, larger home and the other will want to renovate and stay in their neighborhood.
Enter the shows "stars"??? A Designer, 'Hilary", who will update and renovate their home so that it will work better for the family. The second part of the 'Not so dynamic duo' is David, the Real Estate agent who will find them a new home that answers their needs within their budget. At the end of each episode the couple will decide whether to "Love It or List It"
As with any reality show...there is lots of drama over unanticipated construction problems and house shopping disappointments...And the "Battle of the Sexes" is also an element...Hilary is sharp tongued and arrogant. David is whiny, egotistical and snarky.... I hate stereotypes even more than "Reality" TV...I guess it would not show well... with real professionals... a talented Male Designer and a respectable Female Realtor...I really thought we, as society had progressed beyond such stereotypes.
To the non professional it all looks like a reasonable and good premise, until during the renovation project, a major expensive obstacle is painfully realized and must be addressed . This will inevitable eat into the budget that Hilary has promised for all the projects she promises...thus...something has to give...and the client is disappointed...and Hilary finds them unrealistic for being upset and doubting her.
At the same time, David is not able to find the right new home to please the couple, and in some cases insults them by ignoring their wishes and occasionally telling them they are unreasonable...after he has told them how wonderful he is and that he can find their perfect home...
All of this could be great fun if perhaps it is done with the tone of a British comedy..and the average person watching would then know this is not how things work in the real world......but it is not.
FIRST OF ALL: An experienced Design Professional will include contractors and structural engineers BEFORE they tear down "load bearing" walls or begin renovating basement plumbing...especially in older homes. Real "Design Professionals" do this so we don't have "over budget" problems, that result in angry, disappointed clients. Over selling the project and understating the scope of what is involved is very bad business. And Hilary does this on every show...there is a lot of talk on HGTV message boards as to whether she really is a designer.
AND SECONDLY: I think any Realtor who treated his clients in the whiny and condescending way as David does...would certainly not be sought after... or even in business. I have worked with many Realtors and have many that are personal friends...and this attitude and behavior is just unacceptable.
I personally think the shows concept could be great. These stories are wonderful and interesting to many home owners..Heck...they could even be truly informative, if shown with real professionals showing us how things can go when done properly....The folks at "This Old House" on PBS have done just that for years....
I used to be a huge fan of HGTV when they first came on the air..I was even invited to audition to be a hostess of a show....but with the "dumbing down" of most of their shows....well....call me old fashion...I think my profession and the work we all do is wonderful without the fabricated "drama".
Enter the shows "stars"??? A Designer, 'Hilary", who will update and renovate their home so that it will work better for the family. The second part of the 'Not so dynamic duo' is David, the Real Estate agent who will find them a new home that answers their needs within their budget. At the end of each episode the couple will decide whether to "Love It or List It"
As with any reality show...there is lots of drama over unanticipated construction problems and house shopping disappointments...And the "Battle of the Sexes" is also an element...Hilary is sharp tongued and arrogant. David is whiny, egotistical and snarky.... I hate stereotypes even more than "Reality" TV...I guess it would not show well... with real professionals... a talented Male Designer and a respectable Female Realtor...I really thought we, as society had progressed beyond such stereotypes.
To the non professional it all looks like a reasonable and good premise, until during the renovation project, a major expensive obstacle is painfully realized and must be addressed . This will inevitable eat into the budget that Hilary has promised for all the projects she promises...thus...something has to give...and the client is disappointed...and Hilary finds them unrealistic for being upset and doubting her.
At the same time, David is not able to find the right new home to please the couple, and in some cases insults them by ignoring their wishes and occasionally telling them they are unreasonable...after he has told them how wonderful he is and that he can find their perfect home...
All of this could be great fun if perhaps it is done with the tone of a British comedy..and the average person watching would then know this is not how things work in the real world......but it is not.
FIRST OF ALL: An experienced Design Professional will include contractors and structural engineers BEFORE they tear down "load bearing" walls or begin renovating basement plumbing...especially in older homes. Real "Design Professionals" do this so we don't have "over budget" problems, that result in angry, disappointed clients. Over selling the project and understating the scope of what is involved is very bad business. And Hilary does this on every show...there is a lot of talk on HGTV message boards as to whether she really is a designer.
AND SECONDLY: I think any Realtor who treated his clients in the whiny and condescending way as David does...would certainly not be sought after... or even in business. I have worked with many Realtors and have many that are personal friends...and this attitude and behavior is just unacceptable.
I personally think the shows concept could be great. These stories are wonderful and interesting to many home owners..Heck...they could even be truly informative, if shown with real professionals showing us how things can go when done properly....The folks at "This Old House" on PBS have done just that for years....
I used to be a huge fan of HGTV when they first came on the air..I was even invited to audition to be a hostess of a show....but with the "dumbing down" of most of their shows....well....call me old fashion...I think my profession and the work we all do is wonderful without the fabricated "drama".
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Licences, Certifications and what YOU need to know.
I have noticed lately that many Interior Designers and Stagers have added trade association listings to their advertising and websites, claiming to be licensed and or certified by one or more organizations. I am taking this space and time explain what these affiliations mean to you, the consumer. You can then decide if that is important and of value to you.
First of let me explain that the state of Pennsylvania does not require anyone working in the Interior Design field, either commercial or residential, to be licensed with the state unless they are contracting the actual work. I know this because I worked with an independent state wide group, "Liberty for PA Designers" to fight proposed legislation when it is periodically brought to our legislature. It is usually introduced to the licencing committee by a group claiming to be a national Interior Design leader. This is an organization, with a lot of money and power, whose main goal is to restrict and control individuals and companies wishing to practice the art of Interior Design . They have been at this for over 30 years nationwide. They are an Elitist group that has been successful in a few states, restricting who may use the words "interior design" in their practice. As many designers began to organize with the Internet, legislation in many of these states has been overturned when challenge in the courts. The "Institute For Justice" as well as many other large business groups have been active in defeating this cartel and their creation of unfair business practices.
For more information visit www.libertyforpadesigners.org
Now, as for certificates for stagers....there are numerous on line organizations who will give anyone a certificate. They imply that you must meet their standard and/or have passed their exam... when in reality...if you send them $200.00 (more or less)...they will let you become a member of their organization, with all the pseudo important seals to use on your web site. There are no credentials or experience required. They are basically trade associations that guarantee nothing to the consumer. On many of these sites there are links to on line merchants waiting to sell you. Many do offer search engines, if you are looking for one of their members in your area...but you will not have any assurance that the person you find through this group is qualified to do the best job for you...Your best bet is to contact a local interior designer with credentials and references.
LICENCES ARE IMPORTANT WHEN YOU ARE HIRING A CONTRACTOR! The state of Pa passed a law several years ago that requires all remodel and renovation contractors, who bill more than $600.00 in a calendar year, to be licenced with the state. They are required to prove knowledge of state and national building codes and to carry substantial insurance coverage. This covers roofers, painters and general contractors. Each company is given a number and it is required to display it on all their vehicles, in all their advertising and on their bill head. They are also required to renew every year. This is a wonderful consumer protection law.
Shortly after the law went into effect, I was taking bids for a new roof on my home. The first question I would ask each contractor was for their licence number.. and it was surprising how many told me that they did not have one or did not need one....Big Mistake...I eliminated them on the phone. And you should be as tough also. An added protection to this is that you can go to the states web site and check the number that your contractor has given you. The state has created wonderful protection for you, but it is up to you, the consumer to enforce it with your choices.
I hope this has been helpful and I welcome your comments and questions...you may reach me at
Carolyn@cahdesigns.com
First of let me explain that the state of Pennsylvania does not require anyone working in the Interior Design field, either commercial or residential, to be licensed with the state unless they are contracting the actual work. I know this because I worked with an independent state wide group, "Liberty for PA Designers" to fight proposed legislation when it is periodically brought to our legislature. It is usually introduced to the licencing committee by a group claiming to be a national Interior Design leader. This is an organization, with a lot of money and power, whose main goal is to restrict and control individuals and companies wishing to practice the art of Interior Design . They have been at this for over 30 years nationwide. They are an Elitist group that has been successful in a few states, restricting who may use the words "interior design" in their practice. As many designers began to organize with the Internet, legislation in many of these states has been overturned when challenge in the courts. The "Institute For Justice" as well as many other large business groups have been active in defeating this cartel and their creation of unfair business practices.
For more information visit www.libertyforpadesigners.org
Now, as for certificates for stagers....there are numerous on line organizations who will give anyone a certificate. They imply that you must meet their standard and/or have passed their exam... when in reality...if you send them $200.00 (more or less)...they will let you become a member of their organization, with all the pseudo important seals to use on your web site. There are no credentials or experience required. They are basically trade associations that guarantee nothing to the consumer. On many of these sites there are links to on line merchants waiting to sell you. Many do offer search engines, if you are looking for one of their members in your area...but you will not have any assurance that the person you find through this group is qualified to do the best job for you...Your best bet is to contact a local interior designer with credentials and references.
LICENCES ARE IMPORTANT WHEN YOU ARE HIRING A CONTRACTOR! The state of Pa passed a law several years ago that requires all remodel and renovation contractors, who bill more than $600.00 in a calendar year, to be licenced with the state. They are required to prove knowledge of state and national building codes and to carry substantial insurance coverage. This covers roofers, painters and general contractors. Each company is given a number and it is required to display it on all their vehicles, in all their advertising and on their bill head. They are also required to renew every year. This is a wonderful consumer protection law.
Shortly after the law went into effect, I was taking bids for a new roof on my home. The first question I would ask each contractor was for their licence number.. and it was surprising how many told me that they did not have one or did not need one....Big Mistake...I eliminated them on the phone. And you should be as tough also. An added protection to this is that you can go to the states web site and check the number that your contractor has given you. The state has created wonderful protection for you, but it is up to you, the consumer to enforce it with your choices.
I hope this has been helpful and I welcome your comments and questions...you may reach me at
Carolyn@cahdesigns.com
Friday, August 3, 2012
WHEN IN DOUBT...GOOGLE IT...
This is the second part of last weeks Blog...you may want to review it in order for it to make sense..
I am having a little fun today with all this . I am exploring the person who wrote the original article about "101 Designer's Secrets" (House Beautiful 5/2012) It seems that she is not a designer, but a freelance writer who specializes in articles about Interior Design, Horticulture, Archetecture and Food. Which explains why she wrote these '101 secrets'.
To a non-design person these little tid-bits of design wisdom might ring true, but to someone who has worked in the field for years, these blanket statements of fact are not something I would ever claim or suggest you adhere too.
The one that is stuck in my 'craw' today is by a designer named Kate Ridder who believes that:
" A bed should be 23 inches off the floor, no higher".
This got me thinking.. so I took my yardstick up stair to my own bedroom....Oops it's 26 inches..But I think it looks terrific. I have a large spacious bedroom with well sized furniture and 15 foot Vaulted Ceiling. I also wanted it the same height as the matching Bachelor chests that I use for nightstands. They are large and are very balanced in the room...plus lots of storage. I then remembered hearing of a study done years ago by Domain, a high style retail furniture company. (a store in the King of Prussia Mall). They queried their customers and found that most people really prefer to climb up into a bed...not down into it. Perhaps Ms Ridder works primarily with Far East design or perhaps she is very petite...I don't know...so I "Googled" her web site and checked out her work. Just as I suspected...very clean Mid-Century modern designs with a touch of Asian influence. No big comfy looking beds here.
After I "Googled" Ms. Ridder, I "Googled" the author of the article, Lisa Cregan. On her web site she listed all the articles that she has had published with pictures of the magazine covers.. I clicked on the one for the "101 Interior Design Secrets" in House Beautiful May of 2012...and to my surprise.. the online version of the article only listed 35 Designer Tips (which are good starting ideas)... Ms. Ridder's belief was not one of them....Do you think Ms Cregan might have received some feed back from those of us in the field?
The moral of this story...as before...there are no hard and fast rules in Interior Design...And when in doubt...GOOGLE THE SOURCE......and now for me....I am going to climb into my Great Big High bed and have a wonderful and regal nights sleep.
I am having a little fun today with all this . I am exploring the person who wrote the original article about "101 Designer's Secrets" (House Beautiful 5/2012) It seems that she is not a designer, but a freelance writer who specializes in articles about Interior Design, Horticulture, Archetecture and Food. Which explains why she wrote these '101 secrets'.
To a non-design person these little tid-bits of design wisdom might ring true, but to someone who has worked in the field for years, these blanket statements of fact are not something I would ever claim or suggest you adhere too.
The one that is stuck in my 'craw' today is by a designer named Kate Ridder who believes that:
" A bed should be 23 inches off the floor, no higher".
This got me thinking.. so I took my yardstick up stair to my own bedroom....Oops it's 26 inches..But I think it looks terrific. I have a large spacious bedroom with well sized furniture and 15 foot Vaulted Ceiling. I also wanted it the same height as the matching Bachelor chests that I use for nightstands. They are large and are very balanced in the room...plus lots of storage. I then remembered hearing of a study done years ago by Domain, a high style retail furniture company. (a store in the King of Prussia Mall). They queried their customers and found that most people really prefer to climb up into a bed...not down into it. Perhaps Ms Ridder works primarily with Far East design or perhaps she is very petite...I don't know...so I "Googled" her web site and checked out her work. Just as I suspected...very clean Mid-Century modern designs with a touch of Asian influence. No big comfy looking beds here.
After I "Googled" Ms. Ridder, I "Googled" the author of the article, Lisa Cregan. On her web site she listed all the articles that she has had published with pictures of the magazine covers.. I clicked on the one for the "101 Interior Design Secrets" in House Beautiful May of 2012...and to my surprise.. the online version of the article only listed 35 Designer Tips (which are good starting ideas)... Ms. Ridder's belief was not one of them....Do you think Ms Cregan might have received some feed back from those of us in the field?
The moral of this story...as before...there are no hard and fast rules in Interior Design...And when in doubt...GOOGLE THE SOURCE......and now for me....I am going to climb into my Great Big High bed and have a wonderful and regal nights sleep.
Friday, July 27, 2012
SO MANY RULES....TO DE-BUNK...
I have been so focused on my "Design Sleuth" blog in the Pottstown Mercury's town square that I have ignored this blog and now I am going to bring it back to life with enlightening ideas and hopefully your questions and comment...In that blog I was very busy lately discovering new music venues and wonderful art and theater, and all things... not self promoting....but I am not an entertainment or art critic...I am a Designer. So I am going to take this blog in a more profession direction for a while. Hope you enjoy...
A Designer friend recently presented me with a list of "101 DESIGNER SECRETS" that she found in a prestigious design magazine. This group of "Top Interior Designers" where interviewed for their personal tips and rules.. As I was reading some the "rules" I felt like screaming...No, that's not true in all cases! I found some of this to be a tad bit arrogant.. as interior design is an art form and therefor has no rules. An idea... that in one situation can feel quite off, when applied in another situation can be quite perfect. So for the next few weeks or months.. I will examine some of these "design secrets"..and free you all to be as creative as your heart desires..because good design is about "Your Home" and "Your likes" and what feels good to you.
The first "Rule" I will contest is by a designer named Carey Maloney.
"don't hang a mirror between windows. The spatial void it creates distracts from the view. And don't fall prey to using mirrors in every room or over every mantel. Mirrors are not art, and a room needs art."
Well, there is one concept here I will accept. Don't hang a mirror over a mantel... and the reason is quite simple. When you are sitting in that room.... look at the mantel from the seated place..if you see the reflection of the ceiling, and or opposing wall.. then perhaps a wonderful piece interesting of art would be more appreciated. And as for hanging a mirror between windows...well that depends on so many things.. the space between the windows, the size of the windows, the size of the mirror, the frame design housing the mirror and how does it work with the size of the room. I recently let a client hang wonderful antique mirror between two windows in the guest room we where working on and it is quite prefect and the best place in the room to show of this beautiful piece.
And as for the idea of "Mirror's not being art"....well that is just plain silly. I personally a a large Venetian glass framed mirror, which is one of my most elegant possessions. If your personal collection includes several interesting and wonderful mirrors that relate to each other, have fun with them and hang them as an art grouping on one wall. It could be a great focal point.
One myth down and many more to go...and if you have design questions about your personal project, please feel free to email me and I will give you some ideas to think about....See you again soon with more rules to debunk...
Posted by Carolyn at 2:32 PM No comments: Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook
A Designer friend recently presented me with a list of "101 DESIGNER SECRETS" that she found in a prestigious design magazine. This group of "Top Interior Designers" where interviewed for their personal tips and rules.. As I was reading some the "rules" I felt like screaming...No, that's not true in all cases! I found some of this to be a tad bit arrogant.. as interior design is an art form and therefor has no rules. An idea... that in one situation can feel quite off, when applied in another situation can be quite perfect. So for the next few weeks or months.. I will examine some of these "design secrets"..and free you all to be as creative as your heart desires..because good design is about "Your Home" and "Your likes" and what feels good to you.
The first "Rule" I will contest is by a designer named Carey Maloney.
"don't hang a mirror between windows. The spatial void it creates distracts from the view. And don't fall prey to using mirrors in every room or over every mantel. Mirrors are not art, and a room needs art."
Well, there is one concept here I will accept. Don't hang a mirror over a mantel... and the reason is quite simple. When you are sitting in that room.... look at the mantel from the seated place..if you see the reflection of the ceiling, and or opposing wall.. then perhaps a wonderful piece interesting of art would be more appreciated. And as for hanging a mirror between windows...well that depends on so many things.. the space between the windows, the size of the windows, the size of the mirror, the frame design housing the mirror and how does it work with the size of the room. I recently let a client hang wonderful antique mirror between two windows in the guest room we where working on and it is quite prefect and the best place in the room to show of this beautiful piece.
And as for the idea of "Mirror's not being art"....well that is just plain silly. I personally a a large Venetian glass framed mirror, which is one of my most elegant possessions. If your personal collection includes several interesting and wonderful mirrors that relate to each other, have fun with them and hang them as an art grouping on one wall. It could be a great focal point.
One myth down and many more to go...and if you have design questions about your personal project, please feel free to email me and I will give you some ideas to think about....See you again soon with more rules to debunk...
Posted by Carolyn at 2:32 PM No comments: Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook
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