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

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

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

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

   Before Floor Plan

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

 Before: Her Side                      Before His Side

Before: Her Side                      Before His Side

Before His/Her Shower Looking toward “His” closet

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

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

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

Stay Inspired!

I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation”

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

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

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

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

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

Here are just a few window styles and types:

Image via Houzz                 Designer: Summerour Architects

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

Image via Lori Gilder / Interior Makeovers Inc.

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

Image via Country Living

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

Image via Southern Living

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

Image via House Beautiful

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

Image via Coastal Living

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

Image via Houzz

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

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

Stay Inspired!

I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation”

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

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

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

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

Photo via Wall Street Journal

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

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

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

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

        Image via House Beautiful

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

Image via Houzz      Martha O’Hara Interiors

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

Photo via Better Homes and Garden

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

Image via House Beautiful

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

Image via House Beautiful

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

Image via Houzz                                             Leslie Goodwin Photography

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

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

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Stay Inspired!

I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy them and be inspired!

Something’s Gotta Give                                                  Living Room

Something’s Gotta Give                                    Kitchen

Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton on Set

It’s Complicated                                     Kitchen

Meryl Streep on Set

It’s Complicated                        Living Room

It’s Complicated                             Bedroom

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

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

Stay Inspired!

I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation”

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

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

Stay Inspired!

I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation”

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

Planning a home renovation project can create an extremely stressful environment particularly when it comes to setting a budget.  Knowing what you want and need in advance is the key to a successful home design project and planning ahead will undoubtedly save you time and money – making sure you don’t make expensive mistakes or waste time.

Without pre-planning disasters can occur.

Whether you’re gutting your kitchen or adding on on new master bedroom suite, I’d like to share a quick  tip with you.

Stay Inspired!

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”

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

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.

Contact us at Interior Makeovers Inc. 310-788-0990 to discuss your home design visions.

Stay Inspired!

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”

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

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.

Stay Inspired!

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”

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

Before you begin a renovation project of any kind it’s important to spend the time to seek out inspiration – and educate yourself as to what inspires you, what moves you, and what speaks to you and your family’s wants and needs.

So where do you find this inspiration?

Start With Print – The 2D Experience

The obvious resources such as books, magazines, online design sites, blogs and digital magazines are the easiest and most accessible.  These particular sources are terrific for details and overall themes, and design aesthetics of spaces within a home.

It could be a window style, a staircase detail, or a paint color you’re in love with. Just print pages and immediately note what you’re drawn to. Be specific. Is it the 6-burner stainless steel stove, the gorgeous entry doors, the cabinet detail or the sophisticated outdoor living space that you can’t live without?

Collect these ideas and begin your “Inspiration” File.  This is a great start – yet it’s only 2-Dimensional inspiration.  From these pages it’s extremely difficult to experience the physical feeling volume and space.

Venture Out – The 3D Experience

Get yourself out there into your community and walk into some open houses in and around your neighborhood. Seeing and feeling the way others live and the ideas they’ve implemented into their homes may actually inspire you in some way.

The 3-Dimensional experience of physically walking into a home and experiencing the environment provides a truer perspective.

How do the homes of your friends who share similar lifestyles to yours feel – and how could you implement those “must haves” into your home and make them your own?

Drive around and notice the homes’ exteriors as well.

Are there certain rooflines you feel will complement your proposed addition? What about the façade and the materials they’ve used? Is it board and batten siding you love for that cottage feel or concrete and wood for the contemporary design you’re drawn to?

In fact just yesterday after a site meeting, I hopped into the car with my client and took a quick drive through her gorgeous neighborhood looking at porch, trellis and pergola details – which we will be incorporating into her home as well.  It really is the best way to see the plethora of design options and details in a 3 dimensional environment.

Take as many digital photos as you can, print them out immediately and write while your thoughts are still fresh and your memory sharp – and be specific with what inspired you.  Then pop then into that file!

Finally, don’t forget the “Shows”!

• Home Builder Shows
• Kitchen and Bath Shows
• Designer Showhouses
• Contemporary Fairs
• Antique Marts
• Travels/Hotels

Where have you found your greatest inspiration for your home renovation projects?

Stay Inspired!

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”

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

Today I thought I would premiere a new video series I am calling “Lori’s Renovation Realities.”  This series will give you valuable tips and inside information when renovating and re-designing your home.  Who out there would like to avoid the REAL reno disasters? Well then take it from me and watch!  Would love to know what you think?

…..and stay tuned for more of Lori’s Renovation Realities….

Stay Inspired!

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”

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