Brown Residence, Week 17
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 sure-fire ways to win over your design team – and make your renovation experience a great one.

1.   Be Prepared

• Do your homework.
• Know the scope of your renovation project, large or small.
• Show up prepared for meetings so you don’t waste valuable time; we all know that time = money.
• Have an agenda to follow for each design meeting, site meeting, or shopping day, and check off each item as you accomplish it.

2.  Be Focused

• Keep yourself focused during meetings and stay on the issues at hand.
• Move the meeting along at a steady pace without revisiting the same issue more than twice.
• Go through the agenda and check off each item.
• Turn your cell phone to vibrate during meetings, and if at all possible, don’t answer it!

3.  Be Decisive

• Do your best to put the appropriate amount of time into the decision-making process. The more research you do in advance, the more confident you’ll feel about the choices you make.
• Don’t second-guess yourself. Confidence is the key. If you’ve taken the time to assess your needs at the start, stick with them.
• Trust the guidance that your architect or designer provides you with. After all, you hired them for their expertise.

4.  Be Diligent

• Take the best notes possible at each meeting and document the final decision made, or it will get lost in translation.
• When you get home from a meeting, email everyone who attended that particular meeting and summarize what was discussed avoiding any confusion later.

5.  Be Resilient

• When unanticipated situations arise and unexpected site conditions dictate a slight deviation from the original plan, detail, or concept, just go with it!
• When it comes to renovations and construction, unforeseen problems will arise. Be flexible!
• Make certain you let the design professionals, contractors, and sub trades do their jobs. Don’t micro-manage!

6.   Be Punctual

• If for any reason you’re running late or need to reschedule a meeting, give everyone ample notice when possible.
• Keep in mind that your job isn’t the only project your design professional or contractor is working on. Extend them the same courtesy.

7.   Be Courteous

• Make sure you inform your design team of all change orders along the way.
• If you and your contractor make any changes without your designer or architect present, email them to keep them informed.
• Keeping everyone on the same page will save on future frustration without insulting anyone.

8.   Be Complimentary

• If at any time you’re over the moon thrilled with something, don’t be shy—let the people know!
• Share your feelings be generous with compliments. Your designer or architect and contractor will feel fantastic knowing that they’re pleasing you, and they ultimately will work that much harder to keep you happy.

9.   Be a Host

• Show your appreciation to your design dream team with a little housewarming get together for them. Invite a few close friends to introduce them to your team and show off your home and their work.

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: “How to Avoid the 15 Most Common Decorating Mistakes”

Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

Brown Residence, Week 15

Whether you’re planning to renovate your two-story home, adding on a second floor or just revamping your main floor entrance/foyer, your staircase becomes the focal point and a main architectural feature of the space it occupies.

While planning the Brown’s renovation and addition, it becomes clear that the run, shape, style and details of the staircase, is incredibly important to the overall style of their home.  While access to the second floor’s master suite is not accessible from the main entry – but off the children’s lounge – it  will act as a focal point, invite us up to the master suite and highlight the space it occupies. The main objective here is to incorporate Liz’s storage needs beneath the stairs, and customize the design to reflect the true style of their home.

Before you begin styling your stairs you first need to determine the run or stair type that best fits into your floor plan.  And ask yourself – how much space you have to work with?

Typically there are 5 Stair Types to consider when planning or renovating your home.

Which type fits your home best?

1.  Straight Run Stair:

Straight run stairs are typically used in new home construction where space is at a premium and budget a consideration.  There are no turns or landings on this stair type as the name implies.

2.  L-Shaped Stair:

The L-shaped stair has a 90-degree turn at the landing.  Depending on the space you’re working with, this shape could use long or short legs, and occupies about the same amount of space as a curved staircase.  A variation of this type is the L-Shape with winders which when short on space takes the typical landing area and adds angled treads to ascend in a shorter run.  (Make sure these winders comply with local building codes).

3.   U-Shaped Stair:

Either a wide or narrow U-Shape can be designed for your space.  As the stairs ascend, they switch back from the landing headed in the direction of the run below.  This stair design is quite useful in tighter floor plans and can be stacked for multi-level structures.

4.  Spiral Stair:

Everyone loves a spiral staircase – and at its best – it occupies a minimal amount of space.  The treads radiate out from a center pole, with a curving center support and are often used as a secondary stair in a family home. If you’re space is limited, position the spiral in the corner of your room and reserve it for low-traffic areas.  Since each tread is tapered, it makes climbing a bit tricky.

5.  Curved stair:

The curved stair or winder can be contoured in multiple shapes, and ascends in a broader curve from level to level.  It typically has a more open center diameter than the spiral stair. Therefore the treads are more generously dimensioned and proportioned qualifying it to serve as your home’s main staircase.  This type of design is spectacular free standing on its own – or nestled in to a curved wall.

These are just a few of basics.  Keep in mind that each and every one of these 5 stair types can be customized and modified to fit right into your home’s personality.

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: “How to Avoid the 15 Most Common Decorating Mistakes”

Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

PLAN AHEAD

• Avoid the guesswork down the road.
• Use your time wisely, don’t panic or race against the clock.
• Educate yourself- be methodical, truthful.
• Assess your needs and evaluate the overall scope of your project – what do you need, what do you want?
• Zero in on your wish list and need list.
• Figuring it out as you go = costly mistakes later.
• Determine your goal and nail down the scope of your project.
• Ask yourself a litany of questions.
• Gather your ideas – Educate yourself on materials, finishes and appliances available – source styles and

KEEP WITHIN YOUR EXITING FOOTPRINT

• Reconfigure or repurpose existing space unless you’re just busting at the seams, then by all means add on.
• Borrow space from neighboring rooms, closets, hallways.
• Try to work around load bearing walls-don’t remove them
• Consider a bump out or cantilevered window bench in the kitchen, thereby avoiding the need of a full foundation
• In kitchens and baths if your original footprint continues to meet your family’s needs, then keep all plumbing and electrical in the same location.
• Supplement electrical rather than move it by adding outlets along the backsplash and sides of the island.
• If your kitchen’s work triangle functions well then keep the original locations of the appliances, fixtures and utilities. Moving plumbing can double the cost.

STICK WITH THE STANDARDS

• When shopping and specifying doors and windows, stick with standard sizes. Stay away from custom. There are an endless selection of standardized products that could you could save double.
• Select standard cabinet door styles and finishes without getting too fancy. Don’t include any bells and whistles in the interiors of cabinets if you don’t need to. (FYI drawers are costlier than doors so if it works, use fewer drawer fronts).
• Kitchen appliances: There are more cost effective stainless steel appliances available now, competing with the higher end competitors – or you can always consider some sleek black and white appliances.
• Bathroom fixtures: Choose white or almond. They’re typically less costly and look fresh and cleaner longer.
• Faucets and fittings: The most reasonably priced faucets are shiny chrome. A high- end chrome faucet costs much less than a satin nickel version.

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: “How to Avoid the 15 Most Common Decorating Mistakes”

Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca.
© 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc

Now is the perfect time to start planning your summer home renovation project. Take the next several months to analyze, research and evaluate your current home to find out what you really want and need. This will eliminate costly mistakes and wasted time down the road. Whether it’s that gourmet kitchen you’ve been dreaming about, the outdated master bathroom you’ve been putting off, or the new bedroom addition you desperately need, winter is for planning and spring is for building.

Following this five-step approach will take the stress and anxiety out of the home renovation process, at the same time saving you valuable time and money.

1. Dream It! Assess Your Situation: Taking a realistic look at your current situation will make all the difference between a good home renovation project and a great one! What problems need to be solved? Walk through your home room by room and take great notes along the way. Inspiration File: Educate yourself on the materials, finishes and appliances that are available to you. Check out the design magazines and the plethora of home design shows to gather ideas that inspire you in some way. You’ll see a pattern beginning to emerge. Wish List: Creating your wish list will influence the overall concept and design that you ultimately want your home to reflect. Gathering all of this information will help you determine the overall scope of your project.
2. Plan It! Budget and Financing: If you plan on staying in your home for ten years or more, then budget what you can to create the home of your dreams. Be realistic, as your lenders will let you know exactly how much you’re qualified to borrow. Professionals: Hiring the right design professionals will definitely save you valuable time and money, and eliminate any planning mistakes down the road. Pre-planning is undoubtedly the biggest money saver! The Contract: Once you’ve committed to a licensed contractor review the bid and contract line by line and make sure that the scope of your project is documented throughout. If you’re unclear on a item, ask for clarification.
3. Design It! Floor Plan: Designing the floor plan is where you begin to see your dream take shape. Try to visualize this space three dimensionally. Details: Whatever your style, focusing on the details will set your space apart from the rest and will provide you with a true reflection of your personality. Shopping: Selecting the perfect materials, finishes, appliances and fixtures is what will infuse the detail and character into your project. Take your plans, samples and photos with you on every single shopping trip. You never know what you’ll find.
4. Do It! Demolition: This is chaos at its best. If you want to release some deep seeded aggression now’s the time to grab a hammer and crow bar and help the demo crew. I highly recommend it! Construction: The most exciting phase of the renovation process. This is where you begin to see all the pieces of the puzzle come together. Attending weekly site meetings and following an agenda will keep your project running smoothly. Coping with Construction: Be realistic and plan for delays. It will reduce the level of stress and anxiety you could potentially feel. Be flexible.
5. Live It!

Punch List: Do a walk through with your contractor and list all the outstanding minor repairs and completions that still need to be done before your project is one hundred percent complete.
Clean Up: Even if your stipulated a cleanup clause in your contract, hire your own cleaning crew to come in just before you move back in. Just remember though – it will take weeks for the dust to settle.
Moving Back In: It’s all behind you and you’ve made it through the renovation process relatively unscathed. Now roll up your sleeves and put your personal signature on everything. Invite some family and friends over for that dinner party you’ve wanted to host – and start living the dream!

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: “How to Avoid the 15 Most Common Decorating Mistakes”

Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca.
© 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc

The other day when I was on the phone with my client scheduling our first preliminary plan review meeting she asked,  “Does Mark need to be there for this one?”  With so many meetings on the agenda, we really need to hand select which meetings are best for him to attend.  But first we need to assess what type of client he is.

More to the point, the answer to this question really depends on your husband’s level of interest in renovation process, his personality type and his schedule of availability – and that in turn will provide you with your answer.

In all my years of designing homes for singles – couples and families, I’ve learned that when it comes to men – there are typically three categories they fall under.

The Enforcer.
He is the boss, chief, or micromanager who insists on controlling every aspect of the home renovation project from beginning to end.  He is “Master of his Domain” and has an insatiable need to control with excessive attention to minor detail.  By nature, he tends to distrust the very professionals he’s hired to do the job.

The Endorser.
Has a minimal interest in the design process, supports his wife’s decisions and trusts her implicitly to work hand in hand with their design professionals – knowing without hesitation that they will deliver the best product.

The Contributor.
Provides his thoughts and opinions when necessary, but speaks out loudly when it comes to specific details that are important to him.  He sees his home as a sanctuary and wants it to reflect his personality as well as his wife’s.  He has a certain design criteria and really enjoys participating in the decision making process – particularly when it involves media rooms, master baths and outdoor kitchens.

Ok.  Now be honest.  Which type are you?

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: “How to Avoid the 15 Most Common Decorating Mistakes”

Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca.
© 2009 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc

Brown Residence, Week 5

The Brown’s home renovation and addition project is a massive one.  We’re proposing to enlarge the main floor plan by an additional 1,000 square feet – by substantially increasing the existing kitchen, adding on a new bedroom, garage/laundry/mudroom, raising the roof and ceiling – not to mention building an entirely new second floor of an additional 1.000 square feet as well.

In order for us to ensure that these augmentations to the home are built on a solid foundation we have to first be aware of the land conditions – and more importantly understand the conditions of the soil we’re currently dealing with. Without this information, we run the risk of a sub standard foundation with a potential disaster just waiting to happen. These foundations must be able to support the weight of the new and improved structure – and the soil below must be able to manage that load.

Because this home is nestled on a canyon floor surrounded by hillside, the city building and safety department requires a geological/soils report, which will thoroughly analyze and document the property’s current soil conditions.  This is invaluable information when adding on to an existing structure, particularly with these existing site conditions.

We also need to determine whether the Brown’s property is situated on an earthquake fault zone, prone to flooding or in any way is likely to suffer from any slope stability issues.

Tasks Ahead:

1. Time to call in a reputable Geologist and request a bid for conducting a geological assessment of the property – which will provide us with valuable information on the soil conditions.
2. After a detailed phone conversation and doing some preliminary zoning research of the property, the Geologist determined that Liz and Mark’s property was situated on liquefaction soil.  That required a “Geological Engineering Liquefaction and Foundation Investigation Report.”

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: “How to Avoid the 15 Most Common Decorating Mistakes”

Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca.
© 2009 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc

Brown Residence, Week 2
Liz and Mark Brown have gained great insights (over the last eight years) into how their home has worked for them in the past – and more importantly – what obstacles they face now.

Identifying their home’s past successes, living with its present restrictions, and imagining the dream home of their future, provided the Brown’s with a comprehensive “wish list” which helped define their goals for their home renovation and addition project.

At the onset of every design project, I encourage my clients to do some homework and create a wish list.  This is the stage where you dream big and the sky’s the limit.  Dream about absolutely everything you envision your home could be!

It’s a great exercise and a little indulgent, but if you close your eyes and imagine – every specific detail you’d like to see in your newly renovated dream home – your spacious new master suite, that fabulous kitchen addition with state of the art appliances, or the master bath spa retreat – you may be surprised at what you’re actually able to achieve with the help of a design professional.

Liz was a step ahead and within our second meeting she presented me with a wish list two pages long. She’s extremely well organized, capable and well versed in design and construction – and provided me with a comprehensive set of notes itemizing the challenges that her family currently faced. It was an extensive list documenting what they now wanted to achieve with this home renovation project – and more importantly how it should reflect their family’s lifestyle.

If you Dream It!

You can Live It!

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: “How to Avoid the 15 Most Common Decorating Mistakes”

Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca.
© 2009 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc

Brown Residence, Week1
When it comes to renovating an entire home, you’ll see that if you follow a systemized plan of action, you can achieve a relatively stress free and highly successful home renovation project.  At this early stage, you may not have a firm grip on the overall direction of your project – but most likely you have a basic notion of which home improvements projects will enhance your family’s quality of life.

Within the first couple of meetings with the Browns, I could see that they had done a great deal of homework in analyzing their growing family’s needs.  Having lived in this home for the past eight years they began to realize its shortcomings.  Walking through each room and determining what worked – and more importantly what didn’t work, provided Liz and Mark with valuable information that helped them assess their needs – which ultimately led them toward establishing their goal.

Pre-planning and pre-programming is the key to a successful project!

This assessment exercise applies to any home renovation project.  If you’re in the pre-planning stages of a home remodel, addition or renovation, it will benefit you – the homeowner – in the long run to be as methodical and truthful with yourself as possible.  It will undoubtedly save you valuable time and money.

Here are just some of the questions the Browns asked themselves:

• How often do we use the room?
• What activities take place in this space?  Is it multi-functional?
• What could be improved upon?
• Is the space too dark, too cramped?
• Which spaces do we enjoy the most?
• Which rooms do we use the least?
• Where do we need extra space?
• Are the ceilings too low?
• Do we have ample storage?
• Does the traffic flow well for large scale entertaining?

The list goes on and on, but taking a good look at their needs, Liz and Mark could begin to see the scope of their home renovation project emerging.

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: “How to Avoid the 15 Most Common Decorating Mistakes”

Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca.
© 2009 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc