I was having a conversation the other day with a friend about the pros and cons of staying or leaving during the construction phase a home renovation project.

Obviously it depends on the scope of your remodel, but the truth is if you’re planning on living at home during the entire renovation process, be prepared to make some serious life adjustments – and embrace your new (yet temporary) lifestyle!

Here are a few things to consider:

If You Stay

Pros

• See progress and attend meetings easily.
• Handle challenges quickly.
• Avoid added cost in renting.
• Minimal disruption of family routines.
• Monitor security of property.

Cons

• Putting up with noise, mess, and lack of privacy.
• Need to manage stress of disruption and disorganization.
• Project may take longer due to contractor needing to work around you.
• Health concerns.
• Quality of life temporarily compromised.
• Relationships will be challenged.
• Lack of space for family to live comfortably.

If You Go

Pros

• Easier on contractor and sub trades to get work done.
• Subcontractors can perform more efficiently without being scrutinized.
• Don’t have to put up with construction mess and disruption of house.
• Less stress, easier on relationships.

Cons

• Not on site to oversee progress and problems.
• Need to trust contractor.
• Disorientation in relocating.
• Financial burden if project takes longer than estimated.

Should you decide to stay – there is a lot you can do to survive – and thrive during this adventure—and even keep your sanity and relationships intact.

• Be flexible.
• Be patient.
• Be realistic.
• Be understanding.

Your home renovation may not be a walk in the park, but it’s very important to realize that your mental, emotional, and physical health is most important. It’s okay to keep your head in the clouds, but make sure your feet stay planted firmly on the ground.

Your general contractor and subs are more than likely managing more than one job at a time, so you may not see him or his crew exactly when you expect to. Those  trades you expect to see on any given day—for whatever reason may not show up at all.

Stuff happens! Schedules change! Delays are inevitable!

That doesn’t mean you sit idly by and have them take advantage. After all, you hired the most reputable, competent, and reliable contractor out there – right? And contrary to public opinion, your extreme makeover won’t be completed in a week—like on TV!

The unfortunate reality is—if the contractor says your project will take six months, be prepared—and double it!

You may as well sit back, have a glass of wine, and try to enjoy the ride.  If you’re prepared mentally, emotionally, and physically then it’s easier to survive the demo and construction phases. These are just some ideas I’ve found over the years in this business that worked for my clients and I think will make your renovation experience more manageable.

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. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

Whether you’re doing a major kitchen renovation or a moderate upgrade, planning a kitchen remodel can create an extremely stressful and challenging environment for everyone in the household.  So before you hire the contractor or pick up a hammer consider these valuable insider tips to help you make the best choices when tackling your kitchen re-design and avoid costly mistakes.

Do Your Research.

• Do your due diligence and educate yourself on what’s out there in the design world and marketplace. There are an endless array of cabinetry, countertops, backsplash, appliances and flooring materials on the market – so get to know what works best for you.
• Grab some kitchen design magazines, and focus on the styles of kitchens and interiors you’re drawn to. It doesn’t matter if it’s a window style, a cabinet detail, or a paint color you’re in love with. Just tear out the pages and make notes indicating what you specifically love about it. Is it the 6-burner stainless steel stove, those gorgeous French doors, or the overall kitchen layout?
• Create an inspiration file and use this as your starting point.  Once you know what you like you will be more decisive in the planning stage and that will save you time and money.

Resist The Latest Fads.

• Fads in products and interior design don’t have the longevity of an established style – or even a new trend – which could have a long-term influence.
• For example: the glossy photo of the turquoise French Oven that you fell madly in love should stay on the pages of the magazine.  Ask yourself: Will you still love that range in 10 years? A color like that will instantly date your kitchen – so opt for more timeless neutral colors and finishes.
• Keep all the big-ticket items such as cabinetry, appliances and countertops more elegant and timeless – but dress up the backsplash for punch.  If it’s that green apple-tini color you’re craving, paint out a wall or two and install some accent pendant lamps over the island  to give your kitchen the color infusion you need.

Efficiency Is Key.

• Design your kitchen for the way you really live and don’t sacrifice function for design. 
• Of course your new kitchen should look spectacular but not at the expense of overall efficiency.  Make it a working kitchen.
• Your kitchen layout should be top of your list of priorities and should be designed with precision planning and great attention to detail – making every inch count.

Don’t Do It Yourself.

• I know, I know.  You always hear that if you DIY you’ll save a lot of M-O-N-E-Y. 
• The reality is that DIY projects typically take 3 to 4 times longer than a highly trained contractor to do the job – and eventually 20% of ambitious home re-modelers will need to call for some professional back up – not just to complete the work, but repair the damage that the homeowners themselves have caused.
• If your kitchen renovation is more than staining, re-facing or painting your existing cabinets (and you’re not that handy) then hire a professional to do the job.

Hire The Right Contractor.

• I’d highly recommend you give serious thought to hiring a General Contractor (GC) when your kitchen projects are more complicated than simply refinishing or painting.
• If your job involves tearing down walls, building new ones, or relocating and supplementing any plumbing and electrical systems, then you should definitely consider hiring a general contractor. While most general contractors do fabulous work and come highly recommended, I’ve found there are still a lot of unscrupulous characters out there! So be careful – get references and check out their work!   The last thing you want is to get ripped off by the very person you entrusted to deliver your ultimate dream kitchen.
• Do your best to find the right contractor for you, so all the time and money you spend planning, budgeting, and designing your kitchen will be put into the right hands.

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. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

When it comes to renovating your home for re-sale there are a few major renovations that top the list.

1.  Major Kitchen Remodels. (ROI 75-85%)

The function of the kitchen has evolved over the years and now more than ever the kitchen must meet those needs.

• Buyers want to envision themselves in a gorgeous newly renovated kitchen where they can actually see themselves – preparing meals for their friends and family –where the kids nestle into a cozy banquette doing their homework, or their guests mingling around that gorgeous island.  Buyers want to see this in their minds eye and know that it’s attainable.
• A major kitchen remodel may need to include a new floor plan to improve on a poorly designed work triangle.
• If the kitchen is completely dated, isolated and compartmentalized with an inefficient floor plan and layout – don’t think that replacing the cabinets and appliances will camouflage the problem.  It won’t!
• If at all possible add an island into those plans. Everyone loves them!
• Replacing all cabinetry, appliances, lighting, flooring, finishes and fixtures and new French doors and windows will grab the buyers’ attention.
• Since kitchens and baths are the costliest rooms to renovate, the buyer will be thrilled that the work is already done for them.

2.  Family Room Additions. (75% ROI)

The family room is the second most popular space in the home after the kitchen.

• Adding 400 sq. ft. of bright and cheery living space (if your neighborhood will bare it), will definitely improve the value of the home.
• Increase the overall height of your space and introduce a vaulted ceiling.  Creating a sense of volume instantly makes a room feel more spacious.
• Consider the details and add beautiful French doors, floor to ceiling windows or even skylights to flood this new space with light and maximizes a view.  Take it one step further and add the deck.

3.  Deck Addition. (72-95% ROI)

Deck additions are quite possibly the best investments these days. They naturally transition the interior to the exterior – instantly expanding your living space.

And who doesn’t love that?

• It’s a vacation-at-home experience, as it expands your living space and extends the summer season – forcing you to live more outdoors before the winter season sets in.
• Its design can be as simple or elaborate as the home it’s attached to.
• Multi-leveled or single, built in seating or casual seating areas, hot tubs, and outdoor kitchens – all of which add to the vacation home atmosphere.
• Decks are more popular than pools and relatively easy to build.
• Design the deck to compliment the character of your home’s exterior architecture.  Give it some thought in planning – it should be proportionate to the size of your yard.
• Incorporate energy efficient solar or led lighting.

4.  Main Floor Master Bedroom Addition (73% ROI)

Adding a 400 sq.ft. master bedroom suite and spa-like bath provides a private retreat and appeals to many home buyers.

• Access to main floor is gaining in popularity.
• Empty nesters and others, who no longer want to tackle stairs, prefer to have the master bedroom and bath retreat on the main floor level of the home.
• Immediate access to a gorgeous deck or patio outdoors also adds to the return.

5.  Two-Story Addition (77% ROI)

• A two-story addition of 800 square feet could include a new main floor family room and an upper level master suite complete with a full bath.
• Or utilizing that extra space and designating it, as the home office, is very appealing to home- buyers.
• Homeowners are spending more time working from home and with the homepreneur trend growing, buyers are attracted to the extra space dedicated solely to operating their home based business.

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. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

1.  BEGIN A PROJECT WITHOUT PREPLANNING

• More people begin their home renovation projects without much pre-planning and believe they’ll just work out the details and figure it out as they move along.
• For a successful home renovation project you need to follow a plan! Literally and figuratively.
• For larger projects, you’ll need to invest in a set of detailed construction drawings with plans, elevations and details.
• If you’re simply updating a bathroom and introducing new materials have a list that covers the scope of what your project entails. Without planning – rest assured, you will experience one delay after another and throw good money after bad.
• Don’t demolish anything unless you have a documented plan.
• Planning ahead will save you valuable time and money..

2.  OVER-UPGRADING OR SCRIMPING ON THE RENOVATION

• When the scope of the project and the final result is incongruent or disproportionate with the home’s market value and the standards of the neighborhood, then there’s a problem.
• Whether you live in a more modest community, middle class or very affluent neighborhood renovate and update your home according to what your neighborhood will tolerate.
• It should be congruent with what your neighborhood will allow.
• Don’t scrimp in the high-end market and don’t overspend on the lower end market.
• You definitely won’t recoup your money when you go to sell.

3.  DIY PROJECTS GONE AWRY

The reality is that DIY projects typically take three to four times longer than it would take for a skilled contractor to do it. Do you have the luxury of time on your side?

• Many DIY projects become even more complicated than expected. Approximately 20% of ambitious home remodelers eventually have to call in a professional to not only complete the work, but fix that damage that the homeowner caused. And truthfully, it can be difficult at times to find someone to come to the rescue to repair the botched job.
• Stick to painting, cabinet staining, re-facing and clean up.
• A poor substandard job will show like a flashing beacon and no one will be willing to pay top dollar for that.

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. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

This year the more popular home renovations tend to be smaller in scale – where function trumps flash.

According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2010 cost vs. value report, the smaller tweaks and midrange interior and exterior projects are yielding the biggest bang for the buck. In other words the more moderate home improvement projects prove to be the most cost effective.

So if you’re thinking of selling your home now or in the near future, consider these top 5 home remodeling projects to help turn your current house into someone else’s home.

1.  CURB APPEAL
First impressions are everything and you don’t have to be a real estate agent to know that. If your house is unappealing from the outside those potential buyers may never make it through the front door.  A great first impression could add a good 10% to the value of your home.

• Define a clear pathway.
• Upgrade your front door.
• Update old windows with energy efficient products.
• Replace your siding, as it tends to be the least costly upgrade.
• Add a porch or deck. (any extension to the outdoors)
• Add Architectural Details such as trims, shutters and moldings.
• Add a new fence, trellis or gate.
• Landscaping.
• Roofing – replace or repair shingles if damaged.
• Exterior Lighting.
• Fresh Paint.

2.  MINOR or MAJOR KITCHEN REMODEL
Just to give you an idea how important kitchens are to a home’s value – Here in the US we spend almost $200 billion a year on home renovation projects and $15 billion of that are spent on kitchen renovations. If your kitchen’s layout works perfectly well, just making some simple updates will appeal to the perfect buyer.

Either way when you go to sell your house – keep in mind that you’re essentially selling your kitchen and the emotions attached!

• Upgrade the appliances to stainless, as it has become the new standard finish in kitchen appliances.
• Countertops and Sinks.  Consider Quartz surfaces, which are available in a multitude of colors, and finishes for its wonderful properties.  They are highly durable, non porous and easily maintained.
• Kitchen sinks are available in all shapes and sizes to compliment and fit within your kitchen – from under mount, top mount and integral seamless sinks.
• Cabinets and Hardware: repaint, re-stain or reface all door and drawer fronts if the layout still works – otherwise plan for new and improved cabinetry.
• Replace and update old flooring with vinyl, ceramic, hardwood, concrete or stone.

3.  MINOR BATH REMODEL
Just simple upgrading of sinks faucets and fixtures will add value, style and sophistication.

• If your master bath has one sink only and you have a 6’long space, add two new under mount sinks.
• New countertops and cabinetry really set the stage for the space and are critical elements in creating a beautiful spa like environment. Consider certain marbles, soapstone, bluestone or limestone to create a sense of luxury.
• Furniture-like cabinetry in deep warm woods evokes richness.
• Flooring such as ceramic, stone, concrete and woods.
• Frameless glass shower enclosures undoubtedly add to a spa-like atmosphere.

4.  CONVERTING UNFINISHED ATTICS INTO BEDROOMS

• Increasing the amount of livable space is still very important to homeowners and potential buyers – and repurposing existing space is the most cost effective way to achieve that.  It’s much more cost effective than adding on, as well as being the green thing to do.
• If you have the attic space you could develop a 15’ x15’ bedroom c/w a 5×7 bath and shower.   Or utilize that finished attic space as a home office/guest suite.  Allocate this new square footage to appeal to you as well as the buyer.

5. DEVELOPING BASEMENTS INTO AN ADDED LIVING SPACE.

• Developing the basement into a finished and livable entertainment space.
• Create an added bedroom and bath, office, laundry or game room.
• Provide ample built-in storage, playroom and finished bedroom.

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. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

I wanted to let you know about an upcoming FREE event with my friend Alice T. Chan, a professional home stager and home selling strategist who specializes in helping her clients get their properties sold using innovative and creative marketing strategies.

Starting on Monday, June 28, Alice will be hosting an amazing Telesummit – a series of calls – with a guest list that reads like the “Who’s Who” of creative real estate marketing today.  And I’m so honored to be among this distinguished panel of experts.

Here’s the great news: you can participate in all of the LIVE events absolutely FREE.  There is absolutely no obligation to get in on this awesome information and start making the home selling breakthroughs you crave. The information she and her panel of experts offer is designed to move toward achieving results.

On Tuesday June 29^th, I’ll be sharing:

• Which improvements add the most value to your home when renovating.
• Which are the best home renovations to tackle this year in light of the current market trends.
• Which major home renovation projects offer the best ROI.
• 3 Design strategies that will set your home apart from the rest.
• Which  “Must Have” trends will make buyers fall in love at first sight.
• And SO MUCH MORE!

So please join us in this incredible event. Each day, Alice will host a different set of guest speakers, to provide you with critical information about how to get your houses SOLD now or in the future.

You won’t want to miss out on this valuable resource!

Click here to get more information:

http://ow.ly/1Vs6l

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. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

Bamboo is a tremendously versatile, highly sustainable and renewable resource – and the perfect alternative to hardwoods.  It can be harvested every 3 to 5 years compared to 10 to 25 years for most other soft and hard woods – and never needs replanting as it continues to grow from the same root system.   It’s innate characteristics and strength rivals maple and oak and due to its water resistant properties won’t shrink or swell like most hardwoods. This unique species of grass can be implemented into any home renovation project from cabinetry to flooring and everything in between

Here are some perfect bamboo applications for your next home remodeling project.

• Exterior Decking and Deck Tile
• Interior Flooring
• Carpets and Rugs
• Outdoor Fencing and Garden Edging
• Gazebos
• Interior/Exterior Doors
• Cabinetry
• Shelving
• Furniture
• Wall paneling
• Wallpapers and wall tiles
• Bedroom headboards
• Butcher Block
• Kitchenware
• Home accessories
• Window coverings
• Screens/Room dividers
• Light fixtures

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. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

Summer is just around the corner and everyone is anxious to spend some serious time outside.  Here in Southern California warm summer weather tends to last a good 7 months or so  – substantially longer than many other parts of the country – so outdoor living is a way of life around here.

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the 7 Tips To Consider When Designing Your Ultimate Outdoor Escape.  And since I’m now in the midst of planning a charming outdoor living space for my client that will compliment the new interior space, I thought it would be helpful to provide you with some added details to help you transform your yard into a beautiful outdoor paradise this summer.

Designate Zones That Reflects Your Family’s Lifestyle.

• Know the activities that you want your outdoor space to have.
• Playing: Sports Court, grassy area or swing set.
• Lounging: Pool and/or spa, chairs and chaises or built-ins.
• Cooking: Outdoor kitchen or simple barbeque area.
• Entertaining/Dining; Dining area, fireplace or firepit.
• Elevated deck or patio.

Outdoor Kitchen Details.

• If at all possible and layout allows, plan your outdoor cooking areas as close to your indoor kitchen as possible. A shorter distance of travel transporting food back and forth will make outdoor entertaining easier.
• Connect your grill to a permanent fuel line and avoid those propane tanks all together.
• If budget and space allows,  keep the indoor/outdoor traffic to a minimum and install a sink, refrigerator and even dishwasher, and extra space to store your outdoor tableware.

Built-Ins.

• If space is at a premium build in your seating.
• Nestle a banquette-like sofa into your deck or patio, and build them out of the same decking material to give them a more architectural and integral appearance.  Provide storage below for seat cushions and pillows.

Don’t Forget the Shade.

• For protection from the mid-day sun and those long hot days – add a trellis or pergola overhead. Umbrellas and awnings will also do the trick and shade you and your guests as well.
• Wrap vines or bougainvillea up the trellis or pergola for some additional shade cover and color as well.

Extend The Summer.

• If you feel that summer is just flying by, extend the season by designing a permanent outdoor fireplace, firepit and patio heaters to keep you warm during the cooler autumn temperatures.

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. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

The kitchen remains the most popular home renovation project. On average a kitchen remodel will yield a return on investment of 75 to 100 %.  So as you plan, begin by generating a design concept, one that fits the new or existing space and your family’s personality.

Typically, most kitchen plans tend to be categorized into 5 basic layouts.

1.  Galley Kitchen.

This kitchen layout is typically designed in homes where space is at a premium. It’s an efficient use of space and consists of two opposing walls with a floor area of approximately 3 ft. between countertops.

A great way to maximize the space would be to open up one wall to the neighboring dining room or family room with a pony wall (stub wall) and introduce a cantilevered countertop with barstools on the other side.

2.  L-Shaped Kitchen

The L-shaped kitchen is probably the most popular of kitchen designs for many reasons. This particular layout utilizes two adjacent walls and is best suited for the classic kitchen triangle.

This kitchen design offers great flexibility when it comes to locating your workstations, and as a result makes prepping, cooking, and clean up a lot easier. Make sure to provide ample counter space between each appliance for work surfaces.

3.  U-Shaped Kitchen

The U-shaped kitchen is the most efficient layout. This plan utilizes three walls and provides a great workflow by keeping within the classic kitchen work triangle. In other words, placing one major appliance per side allows the cook to move and work effortlessly between the sink, stove, and refrigerator.

This configuration also allows you designate one side of the U as the eat-in bar area with bar stools on the opposite side, or in the best-case scenario, if space allows, perhaps you can introduce an island within the overall kitchen space.

4.  G-Shaped Kitchen

The G–shaped kitchen plan is a similar to the U–shaped kitchen layout, with an additional peninsula or fourth wall of cabinetry.

You need a larger space to accommodate this type of kitchen design. It ultimately provides more space for food preparation, additional state of the art appliances, and dining. It’s ideal for multiple cooks, but would function best by incorporating a second work triangle. This is easily achieved by simply adding a second sink (in the peninsula perhaps), and both cooks use the other appliances.

5.  Island Kitchen

Islands work best in L-shaped or U–shaped kitchens that are typically open to another area. If you have the luxury of space, an island would be a welcome addition to any kitchen.

This free-floating piece of furniture allows you to socialize with your guest while you’re cooking without feeling ostracized. An ideal island size ranges from 36”+ wide by 72 to 96”+ long. Allow for at least 42” from the edge of the counter to any adjacent work surface, and preferably another 42” for aisles and traffic. Islands can be designed at counter height (36”), table height (29”), or a combination of both.

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. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

Today is Earth Day, and whether you’re ready to save the planet, or simply practice more eco-friendly habits it’s easier than ever to implement green and sustainable products into your home renovation projects.

Here is just a small list of some great resources for you to research before you get started on your kitchen or bath remodel.  Educate yourself on all the available materials out there, as they will provide you with a greener home and a much healthier lifestyle.

Counter Tops
Bamboo is considered a very sustainable material since it reaches maturity within five years, and regenerates from its original root system – never needing replanting.  www.plyboo.com.

Wood is a fabulous material for butcher-block counter tops and flooring. When these woods are locally grown, sustainable or FSC certified, they will rate quite highly.  www.craftart.com.

Concrete countertops are increasingly popular in contemporary settings, and don’t off-gas.  They are considered greenest when locally fabricated and mixed with cement alternatives and recycled aggregates.

www.vitrastone.com.

Quartz surfaces like my favorite CaesarStone, is available in a plethora of gorgeous finishes and colors – is easily maintained, and has an endless life cycle.  www.caesarstone.com. They also manufacture a stunning recycled quartz collection.

Flooring
Hardwoods and Bamboos are a favorite choice for beautiful flooring solutions.  If the wood if FSC certified (Forest Stewardship Council), or reclaimed then that material is considered an environmentally responsible product. www.ecotimber.com, www.plyboo.com.

Marmoleum or Linoleum tile is constructed of Linseed oil, jute, limestone and other components that collectively provide for an incredibly strong and durable product.  www.themarmoleumstore.com.

Cork is not only sustainable and renewable (like bamboo), but is extremely soft and comfortable under foot.  www.novaflooring.com.

Wool Carpeting is naturally stain resistant and highly durable without containing any chemical additives – just the natural oils in the sheep’s wool.  With regular maintenance it can last up to 50 years and is biodegradable once it’s discarded.  www.ecobydesign.com.

Cabinetry
Cabinetry can easily be refaced or repainted with low voc or zero voc paints – which is the greener alternative. www.benjaminmoore.com.   If however they no longer fit into your renovation plans then consider re-using them somewhere else or donate them to your local Habitat For Humanity Re-Store.  www.habitat.org/env/restore.aspx.

FSC and sustainable woods that is formaldehyde free – and finished with a low voc sealant – is a green alternative to recycling your old cabinets.  An interesting alternative to wood is a veneered wheat board composite.  The straw fibers are combined with a formaldehyde free resin and then painted with low or zero voc paint.

Solid core passage doors from www.masonite.com are also constructed of wheat straw and FSC-certified woods, is formaldehyde free and meets LEED guidelines.

Finally for exquisitely designed and eco-chic furniture www.kingsroadhome.com creates beautiful environmentally sustainable pieces.

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. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.