Sometimes the simplest changes can create the greatest impact in your home – and adding mirrors to your design scheme is one of them. I’m not just referring to wall hung mirrors – although they are always beautiful – but introducing strategically placed mirrored surfaces in your foyer, kitchen, bath, living room, dining room or bedroom.  Reflective surfaces brighten a space and create that extra layer of sparkle and texture, at the same time visually increasing a sense of space.

Here are some stunning ideas for adding that spectacular look to your room.

Foyer

• Mirroring the adjacent wall to the entry with a large oversized frame will transform a dark and dingy foyer into a bright and spectacular space.
• Or take it a step further and adhere some beveled-mirrored tiles to the entire wall with a beautiful glass chandelier suspended from above.
• If large mirrors aren’t for you then consider a mirrored chest at the entry with your favorite piece of art above highlighted with a crystal or glass table lamp and finished with an exquisite arrangement of fresh flowers.

Kitchen

• Add some instant light and reflection in your kitchen with a mirrored backsplash.  Do you have a killer view of the ocean or a spectacular English garden?  What better way than to highlight it and integrate the interior with the exterior for a panoramic view.
• For added texture apply either glass or mirrored mosaic tiles to the backsplash and you’ll still achieve that shimmer and shine.

Bath

• The use of multiple mirrored surfaces will open up a small space and create a sense of elegance and glamour. Consider mirroring the entire wall from the top of the countertop material all the way to the ceiling.  It will visually double the size of a smaller bathroom and reflect the natural light.
• A mirror placed across from the bathroom window also adds depth to the room.
• Reflective backsplashes also work and will create a similar effect or antique mirrored tiles.

Living Room

• In a more traditional home apply mirrored sections on the walls in framed in molding and paneling for a crisp classic style – enhancing your furniture and creating a bright beautiful space.
• For a more contemporary flair introduce a crisp and cool fireplace surround to double the glow of the fire when lit.
• Or add some beveled mirrors or tiles with glass rosette insets for a more traditional style.
• Free standing glass screens will definitely add some drama along with a mirror mounted over a mirrored surface to provide you with a greater sense of detail and depth.

Bedroom

• Whether you have a built in closet or a French wardrobe, mirror your closet doors to not only expand the light and space but to also provide you a sense of elegance
• Introduce mirrored nightstands by adding glamour to your storage.

Incorporating mirrors into your interior design plans is an easy way to add light, space and airiness to your room . For larger rooms, it adds a new dimension to the space. Play around with different mirror shapes and reflective surfaces.  I know you’ll find the perfect solution to spicing up the ambiance of every room in your house.

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.

Back in February of this year I wrote an article entitled: The Top 10 “Must Have” Features In Today’s Homes. The results were based on a survey taken by Market Watch a consumer group at the Las Vegas Home Builder’s Show.  Number one on the “Must Have” list was Large Kitchens With Islands.

No matter how many islands I have incorporated into my kitchen designs over the years– no two are ever alike.  It’s my job to ensure that each one takes on a personality of its own and compliments the kitchen and the overall architecture of the space.  Depending on the overall floor plan the island can be designed in a multitude of shapes, sizes, levels, and finishes making it truly unique to your home.

A Kitchen island is a valuable asset in today’s homes.  It acts as the central meeting place within the kitchen itself, which we all recognize to be – the heart of the home.  This multi-functional piece of furniture wears several hats over the course of the day.  It can act as a food prep zone, family gathering spot, homework center and mobile office, just to name a few.

Typically my clients expect these islands to meet a specific set of criteria.

Here are the most common requests.

• Uninterrupted surface area for food prep space.
• An additional sink with disposal.
• Extra storage drawers and doors.
• Location for warming drawers.
• Double sided storage accessible from both sides.
• Comfortable seating/stools for 4.

Kitchen Islands can be successfully incorporated into many types of layouts – of course depending on your overall space.  Islands tend to work best in these 3 types of kitchen plans:

• A Galley Kitchen. In a smaller galley-type kitchen, removing a wall and opening it up to a neighboring space will allow for a perfect island application.
• An L-Shaped Kitchen. A very popular layout for the work triangle and is a perfect layout for adding an island to your kitchen plans (If you have the luxury of space).
• A U-Shaped Kitchen. Again providing you have the space between counter tops and is open to another room, the U shape kitchen is a very efficient layout and an island would only enhance the overall function of your kitchen.

I want to leave you with a few last minute tips when re-designing your kitchen and incorporating an island into the plans.

• Utilize different materials, surfaces and cabinetry on your island – creating a more unique piece of furniture and focal point within the space.  It keeps the eye interested.
• Island sizes range from +36” wide x +72” long – depending on the space you have.
• If possible allow for at least 42” between countertop and island counter top.  (36” is minimal – but work-able if you’re tight on space).
• Also allow 42” clearance for aisles and traffic patterns.
• Island heights can vary as well and be multi-leveled.  They can be designed at counter top height of 36” with a dropped eating area of 30” in height, or an elevated bar area of 44” high.  The choice is yours.

Renovating your kitchen and implementing an island into your space will undoubtedly increase your home’s value and could yield you a return on investment of 75% – 90%.

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.

Dining spaces can be formal, casual, or a combination of both. Many traditional homes have both a formal dining room and an informal eat-in kitchen.

When planning for a remodel of this area, whether you’re converting an existing space or adding on, consider:

• The size of your family
• The number of guests you typically invite to dinner parties
• The types of occasions when you’ll use the room.

These facts will help guide you in planning the size of your dining space, the layout, and the furniture you’ll ultimately choose. Also consider traffic flow and especially the proximity to the kitchen for serving meals.

Your dining room is also a great space to store extra-large serving pieces that don’t typically fit in your kitchen. Whether you incorporate built-in cabinetry or individual storage pieces, make sure to provide enough clearance for cabinet doors to open fully. When planning lighting, consider all the uses: dramatic enough for elegant dinner parties and bright enough for your kids’ birthday parties.

10 Tips To Consider When Designing A More Formal Dining Room

1. Add character in your dining room by adding simple wood panels, moldings, or beams on your ceiling.
2. For a more traditional feel and layered look, install some paneled wainscoting and beefy crown molding around the perimeter of your room.
3. Increase the size of your baseboard by adding another piece of molding to the existing material to make it look chunkier and more substantial.
4. If you’re lucky enough to have hardwood flooring beneath that old green carpeting, then simply re-finish and stain it in a deep rich tone.
5. When renovating your dining room, check the plans to make sure your existing furniture will fit back in to the new space.
6. Rectangular dining tables are best suited for rectangular dining rooms. If you need to seat 8 to 10 people, the recommended room size is a minimum of 10’6” x 15’.
7. Square dining spaces look fantastic with either square or round tables. Rounds are my personal favorite as they provide for a much more intimate dining experience. For 8 to 10 people, the recommended room size for an 8 ft. diameter table typically is an 18’6” square space.
8. Provide a focal point in the dining room either by enhancing an existing fireplace or creating a new vignette by introducing a beautiful hutch for storage, and flank your favorite piece of art above with a pair of colorful lamps.
9. Use a combination of light sources. In addition to a central fixture or chandelier, it’s tremendously effective to add some recessed halogen light fixtures to highlight artwork, or any other key pieces—and your crystal and silverware will sparkle like diamonds.
10. Hang your chandelier anywhere from 36” to 42” from the tabletop (from the top of the table to the underside of the fixture). Keep the diameter of the fixture 9”- 12” smaller than the width of your table.

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.

I met with a wonderful couple last week to discuss their home renovation plans.  Their home, which is nestled in the hills of a lush canyon, has a view that is nothing short of spectacular.  The house itself – is quite the opposite – as they inherited all kinds of issues from the previous owners.   This project will require a tremendous amount of re-planning, renovation work and TLC to create the indoor/outdoor living environment the homeowners want to achieve.  One of the areas in dire need of help is their kitchen.  I first had to convince them that existing space needed much more than simply a new countertop and backsplash.

So when is the best time to upgrade your kitchen?

1. Poor Kitchen Layout.

Analyze the overall space and identify your daily struggles and challenges – then devise a plan that accommodates your lifestyle. Are you constantly running back and forth while preparing meals?  Are you single, a couple, a family of five, or are you the next Iron Chef?  If you’re that gourmet chef then you’ll need to ensure that you have plenty of surface area, storage and power in your appliances.  If your kitchen needs to be multi-functional for your busy family and overall layout is no longer working for you – then it is time to upgrade your kitchen!

2. Antiquated Appliances.

If your oven needs twice as much time to cook that brisket than the recipe recommends, your old leaky dishwasher with the rusted base is cooking the food onto your dishes rather than cleaning them, or the ultra deep refrigerator is leaking Freon and very outdated in color and style, then it’s time to replace them!

The best solution is to update all of your appliances at the same time to give it a cohesive look.  Consider incorporating stainless steel into your updated kitchen, as that is now the new standard in kitchen appliances.

3. Cabinetry That’s Falling Apart.

Do the doors on your cabinets refuse to stay closed and are they completely wonky and uneven when they are?  Is the paint chipping or the finish rubbing off?  Or maybe the drawers are sticking and unable to open or close anymore.  If you’re constantly frustrated with the condition of your cabinetry and your constant frustration then do yourself a favor and commit to a new cabinet design and style.  Do your research and find the cabinet style that speaks to you.

4. Cracked Countertops And Flooring.

Take a good look around your kitchen.  If you have any type of chipped countertop tiles, cracks in your porcelain sink, worn finishes, and burns on your countertop surfaces, then it is time to re-think the overall design and finishes of your kitchen.  Don’t forget your flooring as well.  Is it hardwood that can be re-finished or another material that is definitely showing its years of wear and tear? Are there gashes in the flooring or any broken tiles or splitting seams?  These are signs of materials needing to be replaced and updated.

5. Increasing The Value Of Your Home.

In the US we spend $15 billion on kitchen renovations alone.  This space tends to be the one room in the house that speaks to buyers on an emotional level.   You could typically recoup 80%-90% of your investment when you go to sell your home with a remodeled kitchen.  But beware: If you have done some minor kitchen updating and the space still has an inefficient floor plan and layout, simple quick fixes will not camouflage the problem.  Always update before selling.

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.

I think it’s safe to say that life can be quite stressful these days.  Between work, children, finances, carpools and all your other daily activities, it only makes sense that your home should be a place of refuge and provide you with a great sense of calm the moment you walk through the door.

We yearn for order and serenity at the end of each day – a place that neutralizes the daily chaos of life and allows you to unplug from the external stresses of the day.

• Does your home provide you with that haven?
• Is it peaceful and relaxing?
• Is it systematized and well organized?
• Is your home well appointed and aesthetically pleasing?  Or do you still feel some stress– even when you’re trying to relax?

Living in a cluttered and disorganized environment tends to create stress, anxiety and drains your energy without even realizing it.  That is why providing well-designed storage is fundamental.  Analyze, prioritize and maximize your home by eliminating the clutter – and provide some special places to conceal, organize and display the items you really want and need.

Here are 10 simple storage solutions to help eliminate the clutter and get you to a peaceful place.

1. Utilize the void space beneath your stairs and design a storage closet, built in shelving unit or even add a sleek powder room.
2. Maximize every inch of your kitchen with organized cabinet interiors.  From pull out spice racks to built in pantries. Everything should have its place.
3. Provide a pantry system complete with shelving, door racks and pullout drawers all concealed behind the integrated kitchen cabinetry.
4. Design a beautiful and highly functional banquette with large spacious drawers.  It’s perfect for cozy meals and storing all kinds of supplies.
5. Add recessed shelving anywhere there is ample wall space to do so.  Always keep your home’s architecture in mind when designing those living room niches, bathroom shelving or floor to ceiling bookshelves in the family room.
6. Built-in storage is perfect for every room of your home and allows you to display all your favorite collections, and conceal the everyday mess.
7. Bedroom or living room window seats with storage drawers below will provide you with ample space and create a cozy and inviting reading corner.
8. In your home office/library wrap the entire room (even around the windows and doors) with custom cabinetry to store books, binders and your favorite objects d’art.  Remember you only need 12” deep shelving.
9. In the master bedroom build in a wall-to-wall headboard complete with lighting, shelving and night tables for that integral look.
10. Schedule a closet company to inventory of all your clothes, shoes, belts and handbags and to layout each and every bedroom closet throughout your home.  It will be the most liberating exercise of your life and you’ll maximize every inch of space at the same time.

Implement some of these de-cluttering principles and you’ll be coming to home to a peaceful refuge.

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.

Impressions are everything and you don’t have to be a real estate agent to know that a home with immense curb appeal is what makes potential buyers bite and at the same time gives us homeowners a deep sense of pride in our most valued possession.

Whether you’re planning to sell, or live there for years to come – if you want your home noticed, here are some projects that will provide a good return on investment at any time.

1.   Define A Clear Pathway.
Clearly define a path to your front door, which leads into your home.  Make sure to rid your pathway of any weeds poking through the cracks and line your path with some natural elements to draw people in.

2.  Upgrade Your Front Door.
Installing a new front door will instantly enhance your home’s façade and sets a tone for what lies beyond.  Make sure the new door compliments your home’s architecture, and if at all possible introduce some glass either within the door itself, a transom above or sidelights to the side.  Consider painting the new door red or black for some added drama – and to draw some positive energy in.

3.  Update Old Windows.
If your windows are single pane energy wasters it’s time to replace them with new energy efficient ones. Windows associated with the Energy Star label will save you money throughout the year and keep you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.  Dress up these new windows by adding some elegant window boxes with your favorite plants and flowers for a burst of color.

4.   Replace Your Siding.
If your siding is dated or damaged then it’s time to update it.  Replacing your siding is among the least costly upgrades you can make to your home and immediately boosts your home’s appeal.  It’s available in a variety of colors and styles and will complement any home style.

5.  Add a Porch or Deck.
Those charming front porches from years ago are back in vogue and decks, which have remained popular throughout the years, have evolved into multi-leveled outdoor living spaces complete with kitchens, spas and fire-pits.  So whether you’re adding a porch, patio or deck onto your existing home, for a seamless transition make sure to get professional design help.

6.  Architectural Details.
If the front of your home is void of details, then create some!  Draw attention to your entryway by adding some chunky moldings.  Create some visual interest by installing new window trims and shutters. You may even consider incorporating a charming new fence, trellis, or water feature.

7.  Landscaping.
Adding shrubs, flowers or container gardens add instant impact to your front yard.  Create an inviting entrance by investing in a pair of architectural pots, fill them with flowering plants, and place them on the landing flanking the front door.  Dig a new planting bed for flowers along the driveway or in front of your house.

8.  Roofing.
Your roof could potentially cover anywhere from 40%-60% of your home’s overall visual appearance, so you want to make sure it’s in good condition.  If any of the shingles need to be replaced then do so.  If you’re replacing the roof select a new roofing material that compliments the style of your home.

9.  Lighting.
Design a sense of drama by adding some energy efficient low LED or solar powered garden lights along your pathway and driveway, and highlight your home by accenting the façade with multiple layers of lighting. Include a pair of wall sconces flanking the front door and invest in quality finishes.  Creating a welcoming glow throughout your property will draw your guests (or potential buyers) in.

10.  Fresh Paint.
If the paint on your house looks gray, cracked and weathered then it’s time for a fresh coat of paint.  Either tackle it yourself, or hire a professional to help.    If cost and time are factors simply paint out the front door, window trims, shutters and any fencing in a fresh new color.

Oh and don’t forget to adorn your revamped exterior with some fabulous new jewelry!  New house numbers, door handles and a mailbox will give your exterior that finished and cohesive look.

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.

With everyone’s hectic lifestyle, the bathroom is the one place to escape from it all to retreat and relax. Whether you’re renovating a main floor powder room, the kids’ Jack and Jill, or your master bath, you want to make sure you create that sanctuary that provides you with a sense of peace you crave at the beginning and end of the day.

We could typically spend up to 7 hours a week lounging in the bath, steaming in our showers, grooming, cleansing and applying makeup.  This is a room to be lived in rather than just pass through and that’s why it requires such careful attention.

These spaces tend to be among the costliest rooms to renovate. That’s why it’s important to realize it’s less about trends and more about style. Whether remodeling or adding on a new bath, think about all those amenities you might have wanted in your bathroom but never had. Now’s your chance. Read the magazines, search online, and visit your bath supply showrooms for wonderful inspirational ideas.

Ideally bedrooms and baths should be separated visually from the main working areas of your house. At least one guest bath or powder room should be easily accessible from the kitchen and family room area of your home.

The master bath should be large enough to fit an oversized tub, generously sized shower, and double vanity sinks—and as many other bells and whistles to provide you with the Zen-like atmosphere you crave.

If you’re faced with any of these issues in your own home then maybe it’s time to think about correcting these old problems by creating new solutions.

Ask Yourself These Questions:

• Are you short a powder room, and right now your guests use your main bath?
• Is your tiny main bath too cramped and cluttered for a family of four?
• Does your sink and combination bath/shower drip and leak and just doesn’t work well anymore?
• When your bathroom door is kept open, can you see the toilet from down the hallway? (Yuck)
• Can you hear everything in your current powder room—there’s no privacy or sound insulation?
• Are you still in love with the pink tub, toilet and sink – or is it time to let it go?
• Are you struggling with insufficient storage and unable to organize all your products and supplies?
• Is the moisture level is too high and the overwhelming scent of mildew proving to be more than you can handle?

Are you now ready to create new solutions?

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.

The kitchen remains the most popular home renovation project. On average a kitchen remodel will yield a return on investment of 75 to 100 %.  So as you plan, begin by generating a design concept, one that fits the new or existing space and your family’s personality.

Typically, most kitchen plans tend to be categorized into 5 basic layouts.

1.  Galley Kitchen.

This kitchen layout is typically designed in homes where space is at a premium. It’s an efficient use of space and consists of two opposing walls with a floor area of approximately 3 ft. between countertops.

A great way to maximize the space would be to open up one wall to the neighboring dining room or family room with a pony wall (stub wall) and introduce a cantilevered countertop with barstools on the other side.

2.  L-Shaped Kitchen

The L-shaped kitchen is probably the most popular of kitchen designs for many reasons. This particular layout utilizes two adjacent walls and is best suited for the classic kitchen triangle.

This kitchen design offers great flexibility when it comes to locating your workstations, and as a result makes prepping, cooking, and clean up a lot easier. Make sure to provide ample counter space between each appliance for work surfaces.

3.  U-Shaped Kitchen

The U-shaped kitchen is the most efficient layout. This plan utilizes three walls and provides a great workflow by keeping within the classic kitchen work triangle. In other words, placing one major appliance per side allows the cook to move and work effortlessly between the sink, stove, and refrigerator.

This configuration also allows you designate one side of the U as the eat-in bar area with bar stools on the opposite side, or in the best-case scenario, if space allows, perhaps you can introduce an island within the overall kitchen space.

4.  G-Shaped Kitchen

The G–shaped kitchen plan is a similar to the U–shaped kitchen layout, with an additional peninsula or fourth wall of cabinetry.

You need a larger space to accommodate this type of kitchen design. It ultimately provides more space for food preparation, additional state of the art appliances, and dining. It’s ideal for multiple cooks, but would function best by incorporating a second work triangle. This is easily achieved by simply adding a second sink (in the peninsula perhaps), and both cooks use the other appliances.

5.  Island Kitchen

Islands work best in L-shaped or U–shaped kitchens that are typically open to another area. If you have the luxury of space, an island would be a welcome addition to any kitchen.

This free-floating piece of furniture allows you to socialize with your guest while you’re cooking without feeling ostracized. An ideal island size ranges from 36”+ wide by 72 to 96”+ long. Allow for at least 42” from the edge of the counter to any adjacent work surface, and preferably another 42” for aisles and traffic. Islands can be designed at counter height (36”), table height (29”), or a combination of both.

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.

Last week was the 40^th Anniversary of Earth Day.  Honestly it came and went without much fanfare – and I’m not sure why.  The green movement is here to stay and hopefully inspires all of us to realize that the choices we make inside our homes impact everything around us. We have a responsibility to our kids to set the example and encourage them to live a more environmentally responsible and healthful lifestyle.

I’m making a concerted effort to live more responsibly and to design my projects more efficiently.  Building and designing green is really an exercise in sensibility – where newly built and renovated homes are designed to be more energy and water efficient, durable, longer lasting and healthy to live in due to high indoor air quality – free of radon moisture and mold.

So if you are thinking about renovating, remodeling or retrofitting, which simple “green” improvements would add the most value to your home?

• Kitchen remodels traditionally give you the best ROI in your home.  Sure you can renovate and repurpose existing space, but just replacing your old laminate countertops with a new recycled glass counter surface, or changing out that old cracked ceramic floor tile with a highly sustainable bamboo material, will instantly add value to your home and improve your air quality at the same time.

• Bathroom upgrades typically run a close second to kitchen improvements and their return on investment.  By repainting with low or zero paints, re-grouting your tiles, or replacing all your old plumbing fixtures that conserve water will not only add value but save money as well.

• Increasing your energy efficiency by improving the R-values in your attic insulation or basement and crawlspaces will help reduce your energy costs – which in turn improves the overall value of your home.

• Adding solar panels or geothermal heat pumps are a costlier commitment than a traditional HVAC system – yet add high value to a home.  If nothing else schedule regular maintenance at least twice a year to ensure that your current system is operating efficiently.
• Old single pane windows are a portal for allowing cold air in, and warm air out.  Replacing leaky windows with double paned ones will instantly improve your insulation and save energy.  But keep in mind, replacing the windows on an old historic home would actually decrease its value by changing the integrity of the structure.  In that scenario adding storm windows on the outside of those old single pane windows instantly improve your home’s insulation value.

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. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

When I design a home, it’s my desired goal to create a personal experience, inspired atmosphere and enhance my client’s quality of life. Developing a plan that integrates the interior with the exterior and invigorates a daily renewal of mind, body and spirit is more important now than ever.  Not only should your home reflect your personality, it should envelop you, calm you and make you say “Ahhh” the moment you walk through the door.

Does your home do that for you?

If you have a crazy busy schedule like I do, you undoubtedly yearn for a sense of calm, order and serenity at the end of your day – a place that neutralizes the daily chaos of life and allows you to unplug from the external stresses.

Like any design project transforming your home into a retreat and sanctuary requires some homework on your part. In order to create a home that is more comfortable, more satisfying and more balanced, you need to take good look at how you currently live, and then visualize the way you want to live.

The more thought and consideration you give to your home now, the more pleased and satisfied you’ll be with the end result.

So ask yourself these questions.

• Is your home welcoming and inviting?
• Does it make you happy and bring you joy?
• Is your home comfortable?
• Is it uncluttered, organized and visually restful?
• Does your home feel balanced and congruent with who you really are?
• Have you incorporated natural elements such as wood, stone, water and plants throughout your home?
• Do you hear soothing sounds to relax you?
• Are you welcomed by a familiar scent as you open your door?

Tactfully combining the five natural (feng shui) elements of earth, fire, water, wood and metal along with the five senses of sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell will ultimately create a soothing and tranquil home environment. Creating this unparalleled home experience will re-energize your spirit and repair your sense of well-being.

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.