Good design is more than just a pretty face. Combining beauty and function into all your home’s decor and design schemes creates a more cozy and accessible environment for every member of your family. Innovative design features geared towards both comfort and convenience will also increase your home’s overall value. Here are a few tips to consider for your home renovations to ensure daily life more streamlined.

• Easy Reach: Bending, stooping, pulling and pushing — adding these needs to simple tasks like cooking is inefficient and not very ergonomic. Features like pull-out drawers, eye-level shelves and custom closets make things not only more functional, but less cluttered and more visually appealing. Easy accessibility is key.

• Motion-Sensitive Lights: Stumbling around for a light-switch is a pain, especially when your hands are full. Installing motion-sensitive switches will not only save time looking for a way to turn on the light, but save energy as the lights shut off automatically when the room is empty.

• Mood lighting: On the topic of lights, replacing traditional toggle switches with more effective mood lighting will also save time and energy. Dimmer switches are easier to control and offer more energy-efficient options when you need a small dose of light. Introducing overlapping pools of light will create the most beautiful atmosphere within a space – large or small.

• Bathtub and Shower: Many bathrooms come with standard features that may not be useful to you, like the bathtub and shower combination common in most homes. If you find that you never use your bathtub, consider upgrading to a shower with improved features and controls….from steam to multiple sprays and get the spa feel you’ve been dreaming of.

• Door Handles: Door handles are a nuisance when your hands are slippery and you need to get in a room. Remove old doorknobs in favor of more elegant handles that offer increased functionality and are more aesthetically pleasing.

Every home presents unique opportunities for streamlined and elegant design tailored to your lifestyle and needs. If you need some tips on how to add comfort and convenience to your home renovations, I’d love to help! Contact me at Interior Makeovers, Inc. for more information.

Stay Inspired! 

Photo Credits:

1.+2.) Houzz

3.) Pinterest

In this week’s World Tour of Design, lets hop over the pond to the Emerald Isle to take a look at the beautiful design and architecture of Ireland.

Ireland bursts with loads of tradition and culture with an architectural interior design that encompasses many warm and expressive decors. From the quaint thatched roof cottages to the large churches, castles, forts, school houses and even converted lighthouses, Irish design is characterized by an almost whimsical connection to their rich history and a practical grounded connection to the land. With the Gaelic and Celtic cultures, homage is naturally extended to wholesome expressions and strains of Irish religion.

Traditional Celtic knotwork and Irish interlace stand as basic symbols of decor in many Irish homes. The designs are intricate and flow fully around picture frames with traditional pictures of history and family.

Irish linen consists of sophisticated, usually reversible patterns regarded world over for its fine weaves. The unique Jacquard and Damask weaves represent outstanding craftwork found in pillow cases, bed sheets and duvet covers.

Today’s modern country styles rest on rustic backgrounds of the lush, green “Emerald Island” concepts that have characterized rustic Irish life.

The Irish House and Home architectural interior design magazine promotes a look of feminine textures and layered neutrals augmented by emerald green – this year’s shade picked by Pantone. Calm color palettes include whites, neutral grays and soft lavenders with colorful stripes extended to accessories. Kitchen designs appear with urban retro looks that engage vintage furniture and ornate candelabras with attractive untreated wood surfaces.

Contact me at Interior Makeovers, Inc. by calling 310-788-0990 for help designing your own home with Irish flair.

Stay Inspired!

Photo Credits:

1.) Realtor.com

2 + 3.) Irish House and Home

4.) Houzz

After returning from the exciting #BlogTourNYC event and The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show also known as KBIS, I was able to see some emerging trends and new products in the industry and enjoyed the opportunity to spend time and exchange ideas with the incredibly talented designers.  The National Kitchen and Bath Association, which was also a Sponsor of #BlogTourNYC, has outdone itself with KBIS 2013, and with good reason: this year marks the NKBA’s 50th anniversary - and they are celebrating in NOLA!

NKBA began as the American Institute of Kitchen Dealers in 1963, intended as an organization to help designers, builders, and other industry professionals communicate and learn from each other.  In the past 50 years, they have grown to an organization of nearly 60,000 members while still staying true to their original goal.

In fact, thanks to KBIS and the NKBA I was among eight designers invited to the show to design and present various spaces geared to a specific demographic using a new interactive and experiential platform called QueX Technology.  (More on that in my next post).

Consumer education is a major goal of the NKBA, and one of the points they have stressed through the BlogTour is that they want consumers to understand the true value of working with a design professional.  With the increasingly easy access to design resources like Houzz, HGTV, and even blogs like this one, the DIY trend has blossomed among homeowners who want to create a whole new look for the home.  If you have a strong grasp on color theory and psychology, small home upgrades like painting are pretty straightforward, but there are numerous small and subtle factors that affect what works and what doesn’t work within a space.

The trained design professional, especially one with extensive experience, has encountered these challenges and caveats and knows how to work within a space making it the best it can be.  A picture of your dream kitchen online or in a magazine is incredibly inspiring, but a trained designer will guide and execute all the elements of the project customizing that design – geared specifically for their client.  This ultimately creates a truly successful project -while saving you time-money-and stress!

Stay tuned for more information from the KBIS show and the Design Studio work I did there!

Photo Credits:

1.) KBIS

2.) NKBA

If Downton Abbey still has you in its grips, you will love this next #BlogTourNYC Sponsor!  England-based Barber Wilsons & Co. is a creator of fine plumbing fixtures in gorgeous traditional British style.

Barber Wilsons & Co.’s luxury plumbing fixtures are designed for everything from kitchen and bathroom sinks to showers, tubs, and bidets, all in a variety of traditional designs.  To complete the collection, they also have accessories like lever handles and bath plugs to match.  One of their finest features is a Mastercraft styled thermostatic shower valve, which provides the ultimate control over your shower’s temperature.

This company is the oldest water fittings company in the UK, having been around for more than a hundred years.  They have had plenty of time to perfect their craft and design plumbing fixtures fit for a queen– literally!

In addition to a long and prestigious history, Barber Wilsons & Co. holds a Royal warrant from Her Majesty the Queen of England for at least five years of supplying superb goods or services to her.  The tradition of Royal warrants has been around since the Middle Ages to formally recognize excellent service to the Royal family, and it has very strict guidelines that must be met in order for a business to achieve and keep such an honor.

If you love the traditional style and want fixtures fit for a queen, incorporate these exquisite fittings from Barber Wilsons & Co. into your next bathroom renovation project.  Share your thoughts on these beautiful fittings in the comments below!

Image 1: Barber Wilsons & Co.

Image  2:  Elle Decor

Image 3: Modenus

Stay Inspired!

In my last two posts, I discussed two of the three sponsors present at the media breakfast I enjoyed on my first day on the #BlogtourNYC, which took place in the showroom of our third sponsor: Poggenpohl.  Poggenpohl is a German kitchen design company that has been truly revolutionary in the past 120 years – they’re even responsible for introducing the concept of the kitchen island, proving they are driven by innovation.

Poggenpohl now offers the largest range of color and material choices with an emphasis on natural walnut and ash heartwood  cabinet fronts. Blending these wooden fronts with their new neutrals in colors of white, sand and grey creates a new modern aesthetic proving that modern design can be interesting, warm and inviting.

Recently, Poggenpohl partnered with Hearst Publishing’s Designer Visions Showhouse to create unique kitchens that were designed to reflect the styles of three well-known design magazines: Elle Decor, Veranda, and House Beautiful.  With the help of two other #BlogTourNYC sponsors, Jenn-Air and Silestone, and designers Matthew Patrick Smyth, Antony Todd and David Rockwell, they were able to create three truly dreamy kitchens.  My favorite tile source Ann Sacks were also a partnered in this Showhouse.

In the Elle Decor kitchen, light sand-colored Poggenpohl cabinetry with contemporary pulls contrasts against a large, stormy Ann Sacks tile backsplash and rich gray Silestone countertops.  The effect is modern, sleek, and delicate mixture of masculine and feminine aesthetics.

In the Veranda kitchen, the presence of two large windows flooded the kitchen with light, allowing the designer to choose Poggenpohl cabinets in a moody gray with beautiful violet undertones.  Mirrored tile (one of my favorites) from Ann Sacks reflect the light from the windows, helping to create a brighter, larger-looking kitchen.

The House Beautiful kitchen has a lot of energy in its design, largely a result of the distinct horizontal grain in the Poggenpohl cabinetry chosen.  A mid-tone gray tile covers the back wall, while a light neutral Silestone countertop works with the light tones of the cabinets to create an airy and cheerful kitchen space.

Last year, Poggenpohl celebrated its 120th anniversary, making it the oldest kitchen innovator in the world.  They continue their legacy with cutting-edge design and an eye to the future, an approach that is bound to lead them through another successful 120 years!  I want to thank them for their sponsorship at this wonderful event, and I look forward to seeing more innovative design from them!

Many thanks to the  #BlogTourNYC Sponsors Poggenpohl, Silestone and Jenn Air.

Stay Inspired!

Photo credits:

1.) Quintessence

2.) Elle Decor

3.) Veranda

4.) House Beautiful

5.) Lori Gilder

Silestone by Cosentino was another of the generous #BlogTourNYC sponsors who was present at our welcome breakfast on the first day of the tour.  In addition to being a sponsor on the Modenus Blog Tour, Silestone is the manufacturer of a brilliant original compound of the same name, made with natural quartz featuring bacteriostatic protection.  For this reason, Silestone is an ideal material for kitchen countertops and bathrooms thanks to its completely unique antibacterial compound.

At the breakfast we had the chance to enjoy a presentation by the company’s Vice President of Marketing, Lorenzo Marquez.  He was proudly introducing a new line of neutral colors available for the Silestone collection.  Called the “Nebula Series,” this group of six new neutrals is inspired by nebulae, the cosmic clouds of gas from which stars are born.  These colors are beautifully subtle, with quiet veining that creates a sense of depth similar to looking into the night sky, especially the Doradus color.  Each color includes the standard features of Silestone products, including a non-porous, antibacterial surface with a high level of durability.  Take a look at this design featuring the Altair color:

What I was most excited about, however, was the introduction of the new White Zeus Extreme surface.  White countertops have always been a favorite of mine, and I’m not alone- so many of my clients have pined after them too!  White Zeus Extreme takes white countertops to a whole new level, offering the whitest white available on the market.  This surface is ideal for modern, transitional and traditional kitchens and bath designs and compliments stainless appliances beautifully.  Sleek and simple or  or distinctively detailed, just vary the edge style to suit your design aesthetic and you’ll have the perfect surface for your countertops.

When contrasted with black appliances and details, your kitchen takes on instant drama and sophistication: absolutely beautiful!

Some homeowners tend to shy away from white counters fearing they may be more difficult to maintain and keep clean, especially those as bright as White Zeus Extreme.  The joy of Silestone, however, is that its non-porous surface requires very little maintenance to keep its beauty.  In addition to its natural durability and antibacterial properties, Silestone doesn’t require sealant like natural stone countertops.

Between their low-maintenance features and wide variety of colors (in addition to the new neutrals they’ve just released!) the possibilities are endless!  This material is so versatile, I can’t think of a design where I couldn’t use it!

Be sure to stay tuned for more updates from the Blog Tour!

Stay Inspired!

Image 1: Lori Gilder

Images 2,3,4,5 : Silestone

Since returning from New York from the most invigorating 5 days, I can’t help but replay each day’s events in my head all in an attempt to relive every nuance of my #BlogTourNYC adventure.  The most gracious host Veronika Miller of Modenus made certain we were wined, dined and inspired at every turn and aligned this tour with Sponsorships from major design Brands.

At our welcome dinner I had the opportunity to sit near one of #BlogTourNYC event sponsors, the most delightful Gina Lubin, CEO and creative director of Du Verre Hardware. During dinner, Gina passed a plate of her contemporary “jewelry” hardware around the tables, where we could see and feel these pieces of art first hand! Perfectly  weighted and intricately detailed these eco-conscious designs would integrate beautifully into both residential and commercial projects alike.

As designers, we are well aware that specifying the ideal hardware is an integral finish detail in the overall success of a design concept. The use of artisan-styled hardware in architectural shapes creates a surprising element that is sure to draw the eye. It’s just like an unique piece of jewelry; it completes the outfit and inspires dozens of compliments from everyone who sees it – and who doesn’t love that?

Du Verre is a leader in the industry of unique hardware, working with a variety of talented artisans to bring to life some truly stunning pieces of modern design.  Artisans like William Harvey, Erin Adams, Scot Laughton, and yes…. Gina Lubin play with texture and organic forms to create hardware that is as much art as it is a functional piece of design.

William Harvey specializes in simple, organically abstract pieces that play with shapes and defy expectations.  His ARROYO collection, named for a Spanish word that means a water-carved gully, is slender and geometric, evoking the sense of a gully with the use of negative space.

Erin Adams, an award-winning artist and designer, brings her love of mosaic into her OFFSET design.  These cabinet pulls play with varying levels, creating unique shapes in all dimensions.  They are a beautifully modern addition to a home.

Scot Laughlin is world-famous for his industrial designs.  He designed the Series 3 Collection, one of Du Verre’s most popular hardware styles, which is simple and incredibly elegant in design.  The pieces look delicate and sensual, and they could easily fit within a variety of designs.

Gina Lubin may be the CEO and Creative Director of Du Verre, but she too enjoys creating original hardware designs.  Her Rio collection plays with texture and line, and no two pieces are exactly alike.  Rio knobs and pulls remind me of rippling water or intricate rock gardens— gorgeous!

Which is your favorite piece of hardware from Du Verre?  I’d love to hear your opinions!

Stay Inspired!

Images:  Du Verre

Image: Modenus

Well the countdown is on. In five days I will be heading to Manhattan for #BlogTourNYC where I will meet and greet the brilliant Veronika Miller,CEO and Founder of Modenus and the creator of BlogTour, along with all the incredible Sponsors who have made this event possible.  Sharing this experience with 13 other design bloggers from around the globe will no doubt leave an indelible mark and I’m truly honored to be among such creative and talented designers and bloggers.  Thank you Veronika!

As an interior designer I’m constantly on the hunt for new and exciting materials and products that are innovative, strikingly beautiful and take some fresh angles on design. Introducing these unique elements into my design and renovation projects pleases my clients and sets their home apart from the rest.

One of the product Sponsors I’m looking forward to meeting and experiencing first hand at the Architectural Digest Home Show is Victoria + Albert, a British Company specializing in creating stunning free standing bathtubs and basins.

They will be featuring the Cabrits bath at the show and I’m ready to take it for a test drive. The organic shape of this tub is delightfully modern and its contours are designed for comfort regardless of your height.  A gently sloping bottom supports your body and a swooping, tall headrest area gives you the perfect place to relax your head during a long soak.

Another bathtub I love: the Ravello.  This bath glows with elegance and sophistication.  Its clean lines and gentle sloping symmetry make it a beautiful and unique element to any design style.

One of the most interesting aspects about the Victoria + Albert baths goes beyond their innovative style. They are fabricated from a material that is unique to them and their brand. It’s called ENGLISHCAST®, and it is made from a combination of resin and volcanic limestone. This unique material allows them to cast their tubs in a single piece, and the final product is stain resistant, extremely strong, and long-lasting.  Its insulating properties make it warm to the touch, and it can even be painted for a customized look.

I’m very much looking forward to experiencing these products first hand.  Incorporating one of these spectacular pieces into a bathroom renovation project would be the ultimate in quality and style.  I’d love to hear your thoughts on them in the comments or on my Facebook page!

Stay Inspired!

Images Courtesy of: Modenus,  Victoria + Albert 

Your home’s environment can be easily ruined by excess clutter and unattractive storage solutions. Incorporating clever design tips into your home can be as simple as choosing the right furniture or implementing modern organizing innovations…always with a creative touch. When redesigning a space, it really is best to provide multiple ways to keep the visual accumulation of clutter at bay. We all have “stuff” that needs to find a permanent home and the reality is –  not everyone lives in a show house that dons the cover of  House Beautiful.  However, with some storage-savvy solutions, your home can be on its way to becoming ”camera ready”.

Recessing niches or shelves within the walls of a living room or office provides excellent storage and display options and is ideal for your highlighting your favorite collections and books. Just keep these shelves neat and organized.

It’s easy to take advantage of any space beneath beds or couches by utilizing storage bins or other containers, but you can also hide your clutter in plain sight with good design. Custom built filing cabinets can have a lot of character and look like an integrated part of your home — a far cry from those shabby metal cabinets you see so often!  Furniture that pulls double duty, like a bench that can store spare blankets or a mirror with hooks for displaying your jewelry, can also go a long way.

In this increasingly technological world, the cords that power our varied electronic devices tend to pile up and look terribly disorganized. A desk, entertainment center, or kitchen space with a mess of tangled and crossing wires can be fixed in several ways. For one, many gadgets are going wireless, so consider investing in printers, keyboards, mice, gaming controllers, and cable boxes that require little to no external wiring. With the growing popularity of laptops and tablet computers that boast ever-superior batteries, going cordless is a great option.

I would love to integrate clever storage design in your home.  Share your own questions and ideas with me in the comments or on my Facebook page!

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Images via Elle Decor, Better Homes and Garden, House Beautiful

Home renovations that focus on the kitchen are a favorite among homeowners, and the kitchen is often cited as an area of the home in need of a makeover -both for function and aesthetics.  One way to add style and function to your kitchen is incorporating a large, multi-purpose island to the space. With an endless array of designs and kitchen layouts a large island will instantly improve the overall function of your home’s hub.

• The Everything Island: I really love large islands that serve as the focal point of the kitchen. You can include the sink, counter space, wine storage or microwave if space allows.  Add a few stools and you have the ideal breakfast bar. It adds a distinctive look to a kitchen and welcomes everyone to join in on the fun.

• Plan Appliance Locations Thoughtfully: Managing the traffic flow throughout a busy kitchen requires some careful planning. Space the work triangle so that appliances have ample clearance when open, never open into each other and the cooks have enough space to work side by side.

• Cookbook Storage: If you love to cook like I do, open shelves are a great place to store cookbooks and other kitchen miscellany within easy reach. They will also add some great character and color to the kitchen area.

• Lighting: For a more elegant touch, add glass doors and recess lighting to your island’s cabinetry. This is the ideal spot to display your favorite dishes and highlight your colorful pottery collection.  Multiple layers of  lights are both functional and mood provoking so add dimmers to those light sources.

When designing your kitchen and the island, think about how you really use this room, and how you can maximize the space – and make your island work for you. Are you contemplating a renovation for your kitchen?  I am always hear to help! Connect with me via Facebook or contact me via Interior Makeovers, Inc.

Stay Inspired!

Photo Credits:

Lori Gilder