Flooring: Natural vs. Synthetic

There are various thoughts on specifying a natural wood or synthetic product for your flooring.

Some characteristics of a natural product:

• One of a kind colorants & textures
• Unique finish
• Can be customized, color, finish & texture
• More character
• More richness

Some characteristics of a synthetic product:

• Can be more affordable, depending on the product
• May be more readily available
• Longer life
• Less maintenance

Most of my clients want a unique, rich wood floor with its' own character.  Who doesn't?  What I remind them is that after the initial excitement of getting their new custom floor - there is the maintenance issue.  Natural wood floors are beautiful, BUT they do require much more frequent maintenance.  So, depending on the lifestyle of my clients, I ask them if they are willing to maintain these floors to keep them looking like they are intended to.

It's like selecting very light colored carpeting.  Are you willing to spend the money on having it cleaned a minimum of once a year?  Some people are and that works for them.

Bottom line...........ask yourself what the traffic usage is where you want wood flooring.  Get comparisons of the cost of the natural and synthetic products like Pergo or Amitico you are considering, then make your decision.  Remember, the cost of installation may be about the same and sometimes there is not a huge difference in the initial overall cost.  The difference is in the life cost of maintenance.

Collections are Cool

I had an enjoyable day last week visiting the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana.  My main reason for visiting was to view their collection of California Plein Air paintings, but two other visiting exhibits were equally wonderful.  If you have the chance, take an afternoon and go see the Faberge jewelry and accessories created for the Russian Tsars.  The other exhibit which was a real treat was Madeleine Albrights', former Secretary of State, pin collection.  She was known for wearing a pin to represent the mood or conditions at the moment of her official visits with dignitaries. 

People love to collect things.  I have never been a collector of anything until a few years ago.  I started collecting small boxes I can display throughout my home.  It's fun because whenever I look at them, I'm reminded of past trips, museums or events I've attended.  My only criteria is that they are small and unique.  Collections can be display in creative ways and give a very personal touch to your interior. 

What do  you love?  Think about collecting it - and then how to display it.





One of several trays of my boxes

Before and After Shots

 

Here is a before and after shot of  Master Bath from my latest project. 

 

Changes we incorporated were:

• Removing the existing bathtub, creating a large walk-in shower.
• Selecting granite for counter & incorporating new back splash tile which continued in shower.
• Selecting new floor and shower field tile.
• New custom cabinets and hardware.
• New frame less shower door.
• Custom lighting.
• Custom framed beveled mirror.

BEFORE



AFTER


Hope you like the reults - we did!

 

 





How Interior Designers Charge?

I received many inquires on how I charge for my services.  So, I thought I'd take the opportunity to explain how I charge - other design firms have similar or different methods of compensation.

I have spent hours of analyzing the most efficient way to use my time and to charge for my design services that benefit my clients and provide me fair compensation.

When I first talk to potential clients, they ask if I offer a free initial consultation.  That depends.  Most often I do not charge for the first meeting, as I am really interviewing them, accessing what they want and need, their time frame and budget.  My potential clients are doing most of the talking, I'm doing most of the listening.  Then, I write up a proposal, outlining in clear language what I will be doing for them and how I will be charging for my services.  The proposal, or more commonly,  a Letter of Agreement, requires their signature and a retainer before I start working on the design project. On the other hand, if someone wants specific design advise, for example, selecting finishes, colors or furnishings, I do charge an hourly fee.

I have experienced that clients hire interior designers for two main reasons, they have neither the time or expertise to accomplish their desires.  In the beginning stages of a project, most of my time is spent designing and specifying products.  As design decisions are made, I spent most of  my time on "project management".  In order to successfully complete a project there are innumerable resources and tasks to coordinate to get the job done.  This phase of a project can take more time than one realizes.  Sometimes this can be a frustrating process, but the entire project rests on the designer or their staff to see every detail is completed.  Project Management, I feel, is one of the most important responsibilities I have as a professional designer.

Accessories Accessories !

In my last blog I talked about important things to get a home ready for sale.  One of the easiest things you can do is de-clutter, taking away minor tchotchkes that don't mean anything to a potential buyer.

Later today I am photographing  my latest design project and one of the critical things I have to do is "stage" each shot / room.  This means looking into the camera and placing each accessory in it's proper place to enhance the view of the space.

In staging homes, we also do this, but in another sense.  Buyers should be able to walk through a home and be able to move around without being distracted by the current owners furnishings.
Show off your home - not your furnishings, especially those accessories or tchotchkes that are sentimental only to you!

At the other end of the spectrum, I had clients several years ago who spent a fair sum on remodeling and new furniture.  They were very happy with the results, but lacked the forth sight to let me incorporate  a few key accessories that would have enhanced their new remodel.  When I say "key" I mean just that - a few important accessories that add that finishing touch, not distract attention from the whole house.

We are all different, some like less, some like more "stuff" around, but when it comes to resale, it is better to have a home under furnished and let potential buyers see the property, not the furnishings.

Tchotchkes that add interest to a simple mantel!

Getting Your House Ready for Sale

There has been a lot of talk about this subject in the last few years  - as well as a cottage industry evolved.  Real estate staging is here! As I am now in the group who is getting my home ready for the real estate market, I'll share some of the suggestions my realtor gave to me.  The last one is one I had never thought about - but makes good sense. 

• Scrub every nook and cranny of your house.  Houses that are stunningly clean and smell fresh SELL!
• If you want the most bang for your buck, if you don't have a lot of time or money, have the house painted inside about a month before it goes on the market.  Light colored, boring beige or cream, all the same color, unless you have a really good eye for color and can design something up to date, contemporary that will appeal to the "average" buyer.
• Declutter.  The house should be slightly UNDER furnished, so as the buyers walk through they get a feeling that it's easy to move around without bumping into things.  This includes the garage! 
• The little things - fix them!  It all costs a little but it doesn't give a buyer the impression that the house "needs work".  A buyer will knock off $2000. in his mind for every $500. that actually needs spending.
• Once you start preparing, stop thinking of it as YOUR house........start thinking about how to present it for sale.  Most people get irritated at the inconvenience of preparing and maintain their house in selling condition...... and that COSTS THEM MONEY.

In my next blog I will elaborate on the declutter process and how to decide what accessories to keep out, and which ones to give or put away.

Choosing a Color Scheme

Many people find it difficult or intimidating to select a color scheme.  One thing I tell my clients when they ask: "Can we do this "?  My answer is usually yes, we won't be breaking any laws, but there are those things called the Principles and Elements of Design.  Much of interior design, fine art, landscaping etc. are the result of the subjective preferences and choices we make. 
In selecting colors and color schemes, most of us are leery of how to start.  There are many methods and opinions, but here is one suggestion I have used.
Go to a paint store and collect the free fold outs that paint companies offer showing their colors in various schemes.  Find one or two that appeal to you, and then modify it.  For example, if some colors are too strong, take that one out and substitute it with something you can live with.  Starting with these pre established schemes can get you started and give you ideas.  This is by no means the only way, but I have used it when clients have no strong ideas or opinions in regards to colors.  Of course, looking at interior pictures can also give you a feeling for what you like and don't like.
Remember that dark / strong / saturated colors usually advance - making a space seem smaller.  Lighter / muted / pastel colors recede - making a space seem larger or longer.
There's been a trend in the last few years to use very strong colors on accent walls.  Very dark colors are hard to cover and not good if you're selling your home. 



Benjamin Moore Affinity Colors



 

salsa dancing AF-280 citrine AF-370 flora AF-470 masada AF-220

 



Four Hands

Four Hands is one of my favorite vendors with a huge inventory of some of the most unique quality home furnishings I have found.  The Austin, Texas based company has only been in existence since 1996, but the evolution of the company has been staggering.

Their products range from new items to antiques found throughout Asia, Mexico, and Central America.  Read the history of the company and you will be amazed. 

As I've said before, knowing where to find exceptional quality and unique home furnishings is one of the most important and enjoyable things about being and interior designer.

Check out their website for a feast of products............. www.fourhands.com

Asian Red Chest wth Sculptor



I Love this Landscaping!

We all know water is becoming a precious commodity.  If  you're in the desert you can see how they've been landscaping there for years.  Shady Caynon in Irvine doesn't allow lawns in the front yards in some neighborhoods.  So, succelents and cati are fast becoming the landscaping of choice.

Driving through a well established neighborhood in Costa Mesa recently, I saw an entire front yard beautifully landscaped with a wide variety of low and tall succelents and catus.  They also made a sitting area with desert sand and gravel as the base for patio furniture instead of concrete - it was lovely!

Below are a few examples of how you can use water resistant plants to save on water and change the look of your garden.  The other perk is that most of these plants don't require as much trimming and maintenance.  Be creative and think about "desert" landscaping before you go to the nursery next time.

Patio Furniture within the Garden

Mix Colors and Textures of Succelents



Design Trends for 2013

What's New for 2013?

Among the resources I use to stay on top of the latest trends in Design, is Dunn Edwards annual Specs + Spaces article.  Today I'm sharing with you and edited version of their design trends for 2013.  I'm not including the new colors trends due to time restraints.  Following my blog is a link you can use for more in depth information on design trends and many great visuals of color examples.

The themes for the future are:

• Re - Invent
• Re - Newel
• Re - Imagined
• Re - Vival

RE-INVENT

The Inspiration:   Inspired by the 19th century Industrial Age as well as sociological changes to the American landscape.

Design Check List

• Metals that age gracefully will cover surfaces rather than just details
• Rust, corrosion and copper are important materials and finishes
• Molten metals with raw joints
• Archaeological Chic
• Extreme Salvage
• Wild West Abode Chic

RE-NEWAL

The Inspiration:   A world of blissful innocence not yet affected by global strife, focusing on a truthful and honest lifestyle, coupled with restrained luxury and a touch of glamour.

Design Check List

• Textures mimic nature
• Threads of color appear in fabric, wall covering and carpet
• Thatched Roofs
• Home Spas
• Mirrors and Key
• Plank siding and driftwood
• Faded colors that are dilapidated and charming
• Prairie planting
• Rough Luxe

 RE-IMAGINED

 The Inspiration:   Images of far off realities give us a desire to run away.

Design Check List

• One World City
• Edible looking colors (cantaloupe and bubble gum)
• Pointillism, pixilation and cubism become design elements for walls
• Fantasy and escapism
• Sticker Art (for kids)

 RE-VIVAL

The Inspiration:  Re-birth of midcentury modernism in the Southwest.  Resort lifestyle with a thrill of nostalgia and memories of travel and places.

Design Check List

• Mid - Century motifs
• Mid - Century reading
• Hollywood lore
• Resort motifs (logos from the past)

If you have further interest or want see the colors, visit:

www.specsspaces.com/article/simplyarenaissance2013colortrends

 



 

 

 



A Favorite Resource

Bungalow 5 is one of my favorite vendors.  They have a unique collection of furniture, lighting, wall decor and accessories.  Their furnishings are transitional, contemporary and many have an Asian influence.  I'm including some examples of their products I think are special and fun!



Jacqui Tea Table

Calista Mirror

Costa Table Lamp

Lotus Vase

The New York based company is always adding pieces that are a joy to offer clients who like distinctive furnishings. 



Emphasis

Another Principle of Design is "Emphasis".  This goes along with my blog last week about including a special piece in your interiors that create "Contrast", i.e. you're creating "Emphasis".  Emphasis is something that the eye is first drawn to.  A simple example is a fireplace - this is structural emphasis.
Emphasis can also be achieved through color.  Similar to Contrast, too much Emphasis causes confusion and the lack of Emphasis causes boredom. 

Below are examples of spaces with and without any Emphasis.  It is obvious the space with the fireplace and bright colored and bold patterned rug is the better design.  The space where everything
is a neutral color lacks excitement.

Good Example of Emphasis

Poor Example of Emphasis

Choose your furnishings and accessories wisely, so what you have is exciting, combine things that normally would not be used together.  That's what makes good design!

Somthing Special or Different

Ideally each room or space should have a unique piece of furniture, an accessory, lighting or artwork that stands out as special.  These can be heirlooms, a piece bought on a trip, or something found or sought after to fulfill the Wow Factor. 

I will be sharing in this and upcoming blogs companies I've discovered that offer such pieces.  I like to find furnishings for my clients that when people walk into their rooms, they ask, "Wow -where did you find that?"

African Screen

The beautiful African screen above by Hoyos comes in a variety of wood stain finishes or can be customize stained to match your interior finishes.  Just another example of a unique furnishings not found everyday.  It's not trendy - it's timeless.

Principles & Elements of Design: Scale

My last blog was about "Contrast" - very important!

Another critical principle of design is Scale.  An easy example is: size of furniture to size of room or space.  When talking about Scale - it always involves two things.  In this case, furniture and a room size.  Often we over crowd rooms with too much furniture, accessories etc.  Good design results when everything is in Scale to each other.  Another example is too tall or large of a lamp on a small table or visa versa. 

Scale is also relevant in pattern.  A very large pattern repeat is not suitable on a small piece of upholstery - you loose the pattern.  Often times I see coffee tables that are not in scale with the sofa they are used with.

Doing a furniture plan can eliminate obvious mistakes, but an elevation for heights is usually necessary as well.  There are no "rules" I strictly follow on Scale, usually my eye will tell me when something is in or out of Scale.

Contrast - an Important Principle of Design

Contrast can be achieved in a number of ways:

Color: Light & Dark Values

Strong Color Values

Materials: Smooth & Rough Materials

Smooth & Rough Materials

Styles:  Modern &Traditional

Contrast in Styles

Contrast is important because it gives attention to the details and beauty of each element.  Too much contrast causes confusion and disharmony.  Too little causes monotony.  Selecting all samples of a project before making a final decision gives you the opportunity to be sure all your choices work well together.