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 any time of year.

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Invigorate your outdated family room and energize your bedroom with one of the new hot color trends of the season.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.

The first episode of Final Season of what’s been one of my favorite shows over the years – “Entourage” finally aired last night.

I’m not sure if you have to live in LA to appreciate it’s “Only in Hollywood” story lines, but I do confess that I really get a kick out of following these boys weave their way through the spectacular locations and set pieces that Los Angeles has to offer.

But tonight I’ll be watching the show for an entirely different reason.

My friend and artist Stanley Silver’s contemporary and abstract style art will be predominantly scattered throughout E’s offices this season!  His artwork captured the attention of the production designer as well as the cast and crew of the hit HBO show.

Stanley Silver’s pieces feature an Homage to Les Paul, Easy Rider and Yankee Stadium to name a few.  So be on the lookout for these spectacular pieces of American popular culture hanging on the walls of E’s office throughout the final season!

Homage to Les Paul

 Easy Rider

 Yankee Stadium

Growing up in Hollywood, Stanley interprets his vision of musicians, celebrities, athletes and American landmarks through his use of watercolor and oils – bringing these iconic figures to life in a very unique and unconventional way.

Silver’s art has been exhibited in prominent galleries and museums throughout the United States and is collected by the most distinguished Sports Legends and Hollywood’s elite.  His work has also been selected as the “official art” for many prestigious sporting events including the Major League Baseball World Series and All-Star Game as well as the New York Marathon.

Enjoy more of Stanley Silver’s artwork at www.stanleysilver.com.

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.

A few days ago I had the opportunity to participate in a private behind-the-scenes tour of a most spectacular new home – led by Veranda’s Features Editor Linda Sherbert.

Nestled deep in Mandeville Canyon in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, is “Lifestyle Architect” Windsor Smith’s 8,300 square-foot Federal Style showhouse.  This magnificent newly constructed equestrian estate designed and spearheaded by Windsor, exudes an east coast vibe with west coast design sensibilities – with the most spectacular results.

The floor plan, spatial relationships and architectural details alone will inspire any designer, architect or homeowner. Now couple that with spaces decorated by some of LA’s hottest designers like Martyn Lawrence-Bullard (the screening room), Richard Shapiro (the great room), Peter Dunham (guest bedroom & study) and Kathryn M. Ireland (the stable – where she’s actually included a photo of herself as a child sitting on her horse – authenticity at it’s finest) and you have the ultimate in design collaboration!

The House of Windsor is open through July 17 to the public. I highly recommend you visit – it’s a must see!

Full coverage of this heartfelt project will be released in the October Issue of Veranda so for now I’ll only tease you with a few images.

Photo via Veranda                       Entry Hall Design by Windsor Smith

Photo via Veranda                            Kitchen Design by Windsor Smith

Photo via Veranda          Master Dressing Room Design Candace Barnes

Photo via Veranda                       Lady’s Study Design Peter Dunham

Photo via Veranda      Screening Room Design Martyn Lawrence Bullard

Photo via Veranda                    Stable Design Kathryn M. Ireland

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.

It’s spring – and what better time to bring a new dimension and experience to your life than by transforming your home with new colors.

Invigorate your outdated family room and energize your dreary bedroom with one of the new color trends of the season.  A fresh coat or two of paint can instantly change the mood and energy of a room.

For the past few weeks we’ve been doing some remodeling around our house and have finally completed my tween daughter’s new bedroom.  In her mind, selecting the right paint color was the most important design element of her new space. Color speaks to all of us differently and instinctively evokes the many moods within us.  For my daughter – green  “shades of spring” is the color that resonates with her and creates a sense of harmony and balance in her life.

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 what colors you really love.

For thousands of years China, India and Egypt have studied the philosophies and relationships between color and energy – in order to strike a spiritual balance in their lives.

So before you head down to the paint store, here is some insight into the mood provoking colors of the rainbow and the energies they emit.

Red

• Has a stimulating and exciting effect.
• Is a warm and seductive color that exudes power and confidence.
• Wonderful in elegant dining rooms and as bedroom accent colors.

Orange

• Is an energizing and an invigorating warm color.
• Evokes enthusiasm, self-confidence and creativity.
• Use as accents pillows and accessories in living areas.

Yellow

• Rejuvenates and stimulates your mind, body and soul.
• Sparks imagination and innovation.
• Epitomizes warmth and a sunny outlook to the future and is a perfect kitchen color.

Green

• Creates a sense of balance and harmony.
• A cool nurturing color that promotes healing and re-growth.
• Beautiful for bedrooms and baths, which blends into the natural elements.

Blue

• Represents communication, reliability, peace, tranquility and truth.
• Is an expansive color and tends to visually enlarge a space.
• Is a wonderful bedroom accent color – due to its calming effect.

Indigo/Violet

• Color of spirituality and intuition.
• Defines elegance and refined luxury.
• Represents a sense of power and royalty.
• Perfect color for studies, libraries and bedrooms.
• Works beautifully with rich woods and metallics.

Naturals

• Brown, gold and grey are easy on the mind’s eye and sooth the spirit.
• Brown used in moderation inspires elegance and richness.

White and Black

• White represents simplicity, cleanliness and vibrancy when in perfect balance.
• Black is an absorbing color and is best used as a stabilizer and anchor.

Consider the mood and energy you want to create in your space when selecting your colors!

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.