Diary of a Renovation » Architectural Interior Design Informational Articles on Archtectural Interior Design in Southern California

Does Your Home Lack Architectural Style?

Lori Gilder — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 19:00:29 +0000

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”

What’s Hot This Fall – 2011 Home Design Trends

Lori Gilder — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 21:06:32 +0000

Summer is behind us and we’re officially into “Fall” mode, and for many of us the thought of getting our homes “holiday ready” is slowly becoming a reality.

Finding fresh design inspirations for fall 2011 and adding some warmth to your home is as easy as ever – particularly when the runways, magazines, newspapers and television shows keep us abreast as to what’s hot and what’s not from one year to the next.

Here are just a few of the home design trends that have been making their mark recently. I feel most of these trends have the staying power and are on the verge of becoming the new lifestyle standard.

What’s Hot!

Architect: Amy Gardner: Gardner/Mohr Architects

Investing in Your Home:

Yes the economy remains unpredictable but more and more homeowners are finally “ready” to enhance their quality of life at home. “Nesting” is here to stay and re-thinking the way we really want to live is now a reality. Implementing high quality sustainable, recycled and renewable materials and products into our homes – is an investment worth making and will withstand the test of time. It’s smarter, healthier and greener!

Photo via: Leslie Goodwin Photography

Multi-Functional Spaces:

Maximizing every inch of space – within the existing footprint – and providing creative and integrated storage solutions throughout your entire home is more important now than ever. Less clutter and greater organization will contain your “stuff” and still allow your home to feel more spacious, uncluttered and inviting.

Photo via: Neuhaus Design Architecture, P.C.

Re-Interpretation of Design Styles:

From coast to coast the design showrooms are displaying a distinct softening and refinement of the modern interior with a departure from the harsher lines and minimalist trends of the past few years. Introducing a mixture of many design genres into your room creates an immediate personality and lifestyle – something many design savvy homeowners are craving these days. With fewer rules than ever before, re-interpreting the past and blending it with the new creates a more authentic and personal interior design style. Infusing character which has evolved over time – creates that “Timeless” interior.

Photo via: LUX Design Inc.

The New “It” Color:

Each season the color forecasters share the new colors of the moment. This fall it’s the color – purple! It defines elegance and refined luxury at the same time represents royalty (and who doesn’t NEED to feel regal from time to time!) This spiritual color also works beautifully with various shades of grey, cream, yellows, rich woods and metallics.

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Please leave your 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”

How to Survive Your Home Renovation

Lori Gilder — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 21:35:13 +0000

If you want to start your renovation off on the right foot and set the tone for the next several months or more, then consider a few of these surefire ways to win over your design team, and make your renovation experience a great one.

In this video I give you some tips on how to not only survive a renovation but maybe even enjoy it! Have fun!

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My Interview With Freshome

Lori Gilder — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 17:08:04 +0000

Freshome is a fabulous online interior design and architecture magazine for design savvy enthusiasts. It spans the design world from furnishings, interiors and architectural properties from across the globe. The inspiration here is endless.

Thank You Freshome! I am very honored to be featured here today.

Click here to check it out!

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Creating A “Wow Factor”

Lori Gilder — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 02:03:55 +0000

Creating a “Wow Factor” in any space is all about the unexpected –regardless of budget. It’s about creating an energy that embodies you as you enter a room. Something that will raise an eyebrow or provoke an approving smile – that will set your home apart from the rest.

It can be as simple as maximizing a spectacular view, painting your ceiling a deeper color than your walls, using reclaimed doors from a salvage yard as a headboard, or introducing a bright and colorful contemporary piece of art in a traditional space. Just one special detail can create a huge impact and give you the “wow” you’re looking for.

Interior Architecture:

Photo via Eldorado Stone

This is my favorite talking point in design.

Integrating fixed details like, arches, niches, columns, ceiling details or interesting surface materials into the architecture of the home, instantly transforms a boring space and provides an eye-popping framework for the rest of the décor within.

These days the size of the room is foreshadowed by the well-appointed space – and higher quality finishes speak volumes!

Dramatic Walls:

Photo via Elle Decor

Designer Liza Bruce’s Moroccan bathroom is based on an eight-pointed star theme. What is so impactful in this space is the traditional Islamic mirrored wall design. The dramatic texture, color, pattern and reflection create that immediate wow factor. Grab some inspiration from this concept and create some drama with mirrors and moldings on a wall in your home.

Eye-popping Area Rugs:

Photo via Elle Decor

A boldly striped rug provides an ideal foundation and anchor for this room, as it gives instant “oomph” to this monochromatic space. The eye-catching rug tends to unify all the classic elements within – and gives it the spirit and vitality it needs to create that “Wow Factor”.

Elegant Light Fixture:

Photo via Lori Gilder Interior Makeovers Inc.

For instant sophistication and sparkle introduce the unexpected and add a crystal chandelier into your kitchen. It works brilliantly within a classic kitchen style and becomes the true focal point.

Nothing says wow like shimmery crystal!

Salvage and Reinvention:

Photo via Lori Gilder Interior Makeovers Inc.

Using an exotic Indian screen creates a visually striking headboard in this master bedroom. This very distinctive design element integrates beautifully within this eclectic bedroom retreat.

What are some of your ideas in creating your “Wow Factor” at home?

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Which Home Renovations Will Give you the biggest ROI?

Lori Gilder — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 02:18:23 +0000

If you want to spend your money wisely and make your renovation dollars work the best for you, having a home renovation strategy could potentially save you thousands. Determining how much to spend on those home improvement projects—or at least which ones will provide you with the greatest ROI—will require a little research on your part.

To really take a sneak peak into the renovation market, I highly recommend checking out Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value report. It’s a fabulous resource where homeowners can compare national and regional averages for about 33 home remodeling and renovation projects in about 80 cities.

It provides you with a description of the average projects in your area of the country, which allows you to gauge where your project falls within your neck of the woods and what kind of ROI you could expect.

Stay informed about what buyers in your area are looking for is key to any renovation.

In this video I explain how you get the biggest ROI on your renovations. This is always a concern with many of my clients.

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Lori’s Renovation Realities : Don’t Make The Contractor Your Best Friend

Lori Gilder — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 23:10:16 +0000

This is a tip you’ll thank me for…I promise. This is a true renovation reality.

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Add A Touch Of Luxury At Home

Lori Gilder — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:55:58 +0000

Even in today’s economic climate people have maintained their taste for luxury in spite of their budgetary limitations. There always seems to be a little wiggle room when it comes to indulging – and adding a touch of luxury to any space doesn’t need to cost a fortune.

Photo via Elle Decor

For an instant infusion of luxury introduce a wall or two of exquisite wallcoverings. From the most magnificent laser-cut patterns, flocked textures, subtle grasses, silks and metallics – the products available are endless – and a little goes a long way.

Photo via Elle Decor

Add mirrors into your design scheme. I’m not just referring to wall hung mirrors – although they’re great – but introducing strategically placed mirrored surfaces into any room of your home. Reflective surfaces brighten a space and create that extra layer of sparkle, texture and luxury. A mirrored chest in the foyer or master bedroom, glass or mirrored tiled backsplash in the kitchen, or antique mirror tiles inset mirrored sections framed by paneling and molding to add glamour and sophistication in your living room.

Frette Linens and Towels

Luxurious towels and bed linens are the ultimate in indulgence. They instantly transform your bathroom to an oasis, and your master bedroom into a sanctuary. Invest in the best you can afford. Get the feeling and look of richness by cocooning in some Egyptian cotton towels for the bath and Belgian linens for your bed. The longer the loop the softer and more absorbent the towel and the higher the thread count the more sumptuous the bedding.

Photo via Freshome

Metallic fabrics, fixtures, wallpapers and accessories in silver bronze and gold layered with neutral fabrics are very beautiful and indulgent in formal living room and bedroom spaces. Whether your home is traditional contemporary or eclectic, metallics add sparkle, shine and splendor to any room.

Photo via Lori Gilder Interior Makeovers Inc.

For instant sophistication, elegance and a guaranteed wow factor, install a spectacular crystal chandelier into your foyer, living room, dining room or bedroom. Lighting is a key design element of a space – both practically and aesthetically. They dress up a casual space and fit in seamlessly within traditional environments. So for a splash of luxury and a great deal visit the antique markets and architectural salvage yards to find these one of a kind gems.

Photo via Barclay Butera

Splurge just a little by investing in some of your favorite fabrics and trims to create those sumptuous accent pillows to sprinkle throughout your living spaces. Use contrasting fabrics on the reverse sides for greater flexibility and just flip them when the seasons change.

What have you done to make your home feel luxurious?

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Lori’s Renovation Realities : Clean Truck = Clean Worksite

Lori Gilder — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 19:37:58 +0000

We are back again with another Renovation Reality.

If your home renovation project involves tearing down walls, building new ones, or relocating and supplementing any plumbing and electrical systems…then you will definitely need to hire a general contractor.

Deciding on that perfect person is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make during the entire renovation process. While most contractors do fabulous work and come highly recommended, I’ve found there are still a lot of unscrupulous characters out there. The last thing you want is to be totally let down by the very person you entrusted to deliver your ultimate dream home.

So do your best to find the right contractor for you, so all the time and money you spend planning, budgeting and designing your home will be placed in the right hands.

So when you are interviewing contractors here is one quick little tip that will go a long way!

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5 Easy Ways To Freshen Up Your Home For Fall

Lori Gilder — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 02:36:33 +0000

Giving your home some TLC doesn’t have to cost a fortune or become a long and arduous process. Here are some very simple and highly effective ways to freshen up your home just in time for fall.

The images posted below are from 5 highly talented Interior Designers…and dear friends! (Enjoy the eye candy).

1. De-clutter it! (Degree of Difficulty – easy)

Photo via Jonathan Legate Interior Consultation Designer: Jonathan Legate

We build our lives, save our memories, and document every nuance of our children’s growth. The next thing we know we’re inundated with stuff we’ve accumulated over the years and can’t part with. Living in a home that is cluttered and disorganized will immediately drain your energy – without even realizing it.

To eliminate the mess and get you to a peaceful resolve start by going through every bin, shelf, drawer and cabinet. Gather all the papers, old toys, books and back issues of magazines you haven’t used in a year – and get rid of them! Don’t shuffle the clutter from one side of the room to the other. Purge and remove everything from the space. Only once everything is cleared away will you able to design, decorate and appreciate your space.

2. Re-arrange it! (Degree of Difficulty –easy)

Photo via Richard W Herb and Associates Designer: Richard W Herb

Once you’ve de-cluttered your space start moving things around. Take inventory of the furniture throughout your home and start experimenting. Maybe your adorable bedroom chair would look even better in the living room, and those pair of table lamps would revitalize your bedroom ambiance. Relocate the foyer chandelier in a sleek finish and re-introduce it in the dining room. And don’t be afraid to swap out the accessories from room to room – you won’t need to spend a dime.

3. Paint it or Paper it! (Degree of Difficulty – easy to moderate)

Photo via Leslie Fine Interiors Designer: Leslie Fine

Invigorate your outdated family room and energize your bedroom with one of the new hot color trends of the season. A fresh coat or two of paint can instantly change the mood, ambiance and energy of a room. Just remember when selecting paint colors for your home its imperative to know what mood you are trying to achieve, how you intend to use the space and more importantly which colors you really love.

Create a jewel box at home by installing wallcoverings in a favorite space. Whether you choose to introduce subtle textures or bold patterns – wallpaper instantly infuses detail and character to your space. The endless selection of raffias, silks linens and metallics are striking in both traditional and contemporary settings.

4. Welcome it! (Degree of Difficulty – easy) 

Photo Via HGTV Canada Designer Meredith Heron

Enhance the front entry of your home by exuding a positive energy and flow into your home – for health, happiness and prosperity. Sound good?

Start by simply creating a focal point or vignette somewhere in your foyer. Perhaps a simple console table with a favorite piece of art hanging above, highlighted by a sophisticated table lamp – will evoke a positive feeling each time you walk through your door. Take it a step further and add a small water element or a mirror on the wall perpendicular to the door. This will help in create a well-balanced, healthy and prosperous life.

5. Flower it! (Degree of Difficulty – easy)

Photo via Nest by Tamara Designer: Tamara Matthews-Stephenson

Adding fresh flowers to your home décor or party table is the piece de resistance in any design project and an instant pick-me-up!

Next time you’re shopping for groceries or at your local farmer’s market pick up some fresh flowers and create some fun and unique arrangements. You don’t need to spend a fortune, just look for what’s in season, well priced and colorful enough to enhance your mood. Place them in colorful glasses, pitchers, bowls or pales and sprinkle these arrangements throughout your home.

I do this as a weekly treat to myself – fresh flowers make me happy.

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