If your home lacks architectural style then create some!  From wainscoting to niches -it’s easier than you think. There is a lot of style to be found in small changes all around your home.

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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: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation”

Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2012 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

When do you KNOW it’s the right time to renovate your space?

In the case of my “Beach” client, that realization came only after she ordered new sliding mahogany doors and interior storage systems for her existing “his and hers” master bath closets.  While she originally felt those new doors and the custom shelving would improve the overall function and design of her bathroom space – she and her partner quickly realized that wasn’t the case!

You see, before the closet interiors were to be installed  – she would need to replace the old linoleum floor – which then led her to the idea of an up to date vanity which then led her to wanting new and improved lighting – at which point she finally realized that a new Master Bath design plan was critical!

Their dark, dingy, dated and very confined master bath was just begging to be gutted!  The mirrored image floor plan consisted of a long and narrow shower, two very small vanities, dark toilet cubicles, limited storage and an overall a lack of space.

   Before Floor Plan

            The catalyst that started it all. New mahogany closet doors.

 Before: Her Side                      Before His Side

Before: Her Side                      Before His Side

Before His/Her Shower Looking toward “His” closet

As designers we know how essential it is to fully grasp the true essence of a client’s personality and lifestyle – in order to deliver a final product that not only meets their needs but exceed them.

A philanthropic, globe trotting, extreme sport enthusiast, this MD feels most comfortable when surrounded by nature.  So with that said, we will provide her with a unique nature-inspired bath retreat incorporating the materials she loves…. from natural woods, stones and rocks to plants – which speaks to her personality and lifestyle.

So stay tuned and follow this unique master bathroom renovation – inspired by nature.

Stay Inspired!

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: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation”

Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2012 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

Bringing more natural light into your home improves our mood and health and gives us that energy boost we need to help us fight those winter blahs

Here are some great tips and tricks to make your home feel lighter and brighter.

Enjoy this week’s video.

I would love to help you brighten up your home in time for summer.

Contact us at Interior Makeovers Inc.  310-788-0990.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Stay Inspired!

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: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation”

Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2012 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

When it comes to a renovated home – the truth be told – It’s all in the details!  And one of the most important details that dominate the interior and exterior of a home remodel is selecting the ideal windows.

Not only do they define the architectural style on the exterior while providing character and beauty to the interior – they also flood natural light into a space while keeping us connected to the outdoors.

Natural light improves our mood and health and gives us that energy boost we need to fight those winter blahs.

Whether you’re replacing every window or supplementing your home with a few more there are plenty of window styles to choose from.

Here are just a few window styles and types:

Image via Houzz                 Designer: Summerour Architects

Fixed Windows. These windows are non operational and are typically used for accent windows where light and views are maximized.

Image via Lori Gilder / Interior Makeovers Inc.

Double Hung Windows. This is the most classic and popular window style and is perfect for a traditional or period home.  They consist of two sashes – the bottom sash slides up, and an upper sash slides down – yet only half of the window can be open at one time. This is a typical traditional window style.

Image via Country Living

Casement Windows. Another conventional window, casements are side mounted and hinged vertically to swing inward or more often outward. They are operated with a rotating crank and provide great ventilation. These windows can be customized for either a more contemporary or rustic look while providing maximum views and ventilation.

Image via Southern Living

Awning Windows. This window style is similar to the casements.  The difference is they are top-hinged and tilt open at the bottom and provide partial ventilation.

Image via House Beautiful

Slider Windows.  The sliders are set into top and bottom tracks and slide over one another like a sliding door. Only one half of the window may be opened at a time. This window is very cost effective, doesn’t encroach on an on to any deck or patio and fits in well with many home styles.

Image via Coastal Living

Bay/Bow Windows. These are three sided windows that project out from the exterior wall either straight or on an angle, and typically utilize casement or double hung window styles.  On the exterior they fit in well with traditional and Victorian architecture – and instantly add character and charm to the interior.  Add a banquette or window seat and you’ve created an instant “wow” factor.

Image via Houzz

Clerestory Windows. These windows are very common in Craftsman style homes.  They consist of a series of narrow windows along the top of a wall, which are often elevated above an adjoining roofline.

Take a good look around and grab the design cues from what’s already there then select those perfect windows to enhance your home’s architectural style.

Stay Inspired!

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: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation”

Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2011 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

Yesterday morning as I was prepping myself for the day, with The Today Show on in the background, my ears perked up as I heard Ann Curry mention the name of my favorite designer Jason Wu.

It’s been almost one year since I was invited to New York’s Fashion Week  an event hosted by Brizo, (the award winning luxury brand of fittings for kitchens and bath) where 19 designers learned of their fabulous product line and their unique partnership with Jason Wu.

Now he has launched The Jason Wu Collection exclusively for Target – which was announced on yesterday’s NBC Today Show. He has included 54 exquisite pieces to his classic line, where everything is priced under $60!

Today Show Video

Cream flared dress with black patent belt. So adorable I can’t wait to grab one for my daughter!

Jason Wu is a fashion genius.

Be Inspired!

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: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation”

Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2011 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

Did you know that more than half of all U.S. businesses are home-based?  Did you also know – according to the Small Business Association – they estimate approximately 6.6 million of these businesses provide more than half of their household income?

The homepreneur trend is growing leaps and bounds, and will only continue to intensify.  So how do we create that home office to provide us with a positive environment in which to grow?

Entrepreneurs are highly creative and innovative people – and our work environments should reflect that.  For an extreme example, take a look at this Workplace Wonderland where Davidson International Inc. a consumer product design company invested $5 Million to renovate their offices in an effort to encourage creativity and innovation among their staff.

Photo via Wall Street Journal

Now granted a grown up theme park isn’t on the agenda for all of us – however if your home office space is stimulating and sparks innovation, then your creativity just flows.  When it’s dull, drab and dingy your work will suffer the same fate.

Since almost 90% of home-based entrepreneurs have families, separating the living and working environments can prove to be a little tricky.  So find a spot in your home, where noise and traffic are at a minimum and privacy is optimum.  If at all possible select a space with great exposure to natural light.

In a perfect world a separate guesthouse or a room above your garage, would be the ideal location for a home office, but the reality is that the typical home-based business is located somewhere inside the house.  Either way, you can always find a corner somewhere to design a creative work-space.

Enjoy these stylish home office ideas to get your design buzz going.

        Image via House Beautiful

These space saving floor to ceiling bookshelves with mirrored backs give the illusion of space beyond and actually lighten and brighten this office nook.

Image via Houzz      Martha O’Hara Interiors

This office is the ideal layout for two.  One elongated desktop divided into two separate workspaces keep the space extremely well organized. The French doors and balcony beyond visually extend the space at the same time inviting natural light and fresh air into the room.

Photo via Better Homes and Garden

If space is an issue simply clear out a corner of a living room or family room and designate that area it as an office space.  A simple bookcase with storage baskets and a few floating shelves create the ideal office corner.

Image via House Beautiful

This Eco-friendly office utilizes furniture pieces from other areas of the home.  The pine console table perpendicular to the desk makes for the perfect L-shaped work-station and exudes loads of personality into this natural space.

Image via House Beautiful

This spectacular loft is my “dream office”.  Surrounded by treetop views and flooded with natural light, this space exudes sophistication and glamour, and encourages creativity and productivity at every turn!

Image via Houzz                                             Leslie Goodwin Photography

Nestled beneath the stair this basement office is an efficient use of an otherwise awkward space.  Bright cabinetry, floating shelves and task lighting provides a charming work environment.

I would love to help you design your home office.  Contact us at Interior Makeovers Inc.  310-788-0990.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Stay Inspired!

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: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation”

Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2011 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

It’s that time of year again, when researchers at the Pantone Color Institute released the 2012 Color of the Year.   After analyzing the emerging trends from the home, fashion, sports and entertainment industries they determined the ideal color choice for the New Year is Tangerine Tango.

According to executive director Leatrice Eisman at Pantone this is why they selected this reddish-orange color for 2012.

“…the current economic climate and frustrations call for something bolder this coming year. Pantone has turned to the “spirited reddish-orange” hue to “provide the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward.” Orange signals not only vitality, but also urgency and strength—associations that should resonate in a year where many are hoping to finally start seeing changes. “There’s the element of encouragement with orange”.

Here is a quick flashback into the past five years of Pantone’s Color of the Year.

From top to bottom:

Tangerine Tango 2012 – Honeysuckle 2011 – Turquoise 2010 – Mimosa 2009 –

Blue Iris 2008

Whether used a lot or a little – this reddish orange color instantly infuses high energy into your home’s interior.   It is an energizing lively and invigorating warm hue, which evokes enthusiasm, self-confidence and creativity.  Tangerine Tango pairs beautifully with many color stories and works beautifully with black, white, cream, grey, brown, khaki and blue.

Why not update your foyer, living room, dining room, or bedroom with a boost of Vitamin C?  Accessorizing with vases, throws, lamps, pillows and linens is all you will need to freshen up your home for 2012.

Enjoy these interior inspirations.

Image via Elle Décor

Image via Elle Décor

Image via Houzz                                        Designer:  Betsy Burnham

Image via Houzz                          Designer:  Rebekkah Davies

Image via Lonny

Contact us at Interior Makeovers Inc.  Looking forward to hearing from you.

Stay Inspired!

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: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation”

Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2011 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

Last week I received an email from a client letting me know that the home I re-designed for them a couple of years ago is now a featured set piece in Dane Cook’s new movie – “Answers To Nothing”, which was released in theatres last weekend.

Dane Cook and Elizabeth Mitchell on Set in “Answers To Nothing”

Now while I had nothing to do with the set decoration or production design of this movie, I had to laugh – as I felt as though I was traveling back in time.

I don’t know if many of you know this about me – but when I first moved out to LA, I headed straight for the “Hollywood (set design) Hills” to break into the movies.  With my interior design background and experience in hand I worked as a set decorator and art director on very “low budget” indie films, commercials and television movies.  Whether the interior sets were designed and created on a soundstage or we decorated existing locations, each set had to exude the character’s personality in the film.

It was great adventure being a part of that magic for three years – but the time finally came for me to return to the “real world” of interior design to create real environments – for real people!

But I do want to share two of the most popular set pieces in recent years where the exquisite houses (built sets) actually became characters themselves.   I’m referring to the Nancy Meyers Films “Something’s Gotta Give” and “It’s Complicated”.  We all fell in love with these homes…right?

It’s safe to say these sets were truly brought to life by Production Designer Jon Hutman and Set Decorator Beth Rubino.  In both cases each home’s interior was designed to express the lead characters’ history and passions in life and are depicted throughout the architecture and details of each set.

Enjoy them and be inspired!

Something’s Gotta Give                                                  Living Room

Something’s Gotta Give                                    Kitchen

Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton on Set

It’s Complicated                                     Kitchen

Meryl Streep on Set

It’s Complicated                        Living Room

It’s Complicated                             Bedroom

I would love to help you design your home  – Fit for Hollywood!

Contact us at Interior Makeovers Inc. 310-788-0990.  Looking forward to hearing from you.

Stay Inspired!

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: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation”

Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2011 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

This tip is a TRUE renovation reality. If you don’t plan accordingly for a home renovation you may run out of money. If you don’t want this to happen watch this video to find out how to prepare yourself.

Stay inspired!

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: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation”

Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2011 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

In this video I give away the REAL secret to surviving a home renovation….I hope it helps you as much as it has helped my clients in the past!

Stay Inspired!

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: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation”

Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2011 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.