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Invigorate your outdated family room and energize your bedroom with one of the new hot color trends of the season.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

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.

As many of you may already know over the past few months, I’ve been participating in a “blog off” hosted by elocal USA – the Nation’s #1 Online Directories.

This series brings interior designers/ bloggers and home professionals together to discuss the hot trends and topics in the world of home improvement and design while providing useful information and engaging conversation to you (the homeowner).

This week’s Blog Off Question:

When and Why Should a Homeowner Hire a Home Professional?
Click here to Find out!

If you’re planning on a home renovation, design project or simple updates to your home this summer – then isn’t it time to take those necessary steps to turn your vision into a reality?

I realize that some folks feel the DIY route is for them (thinking it’s a money saver) where others aren’t clear on the true value and expertise we professionals offer or even which professional to hire for a particular project.

Depending on the scope and size of your home project, hiring the right design or trade professional will not only guide you through the decision-making process easily – but save you substantial time and money in the process.  Hiring the right home specialist eliminates any planning disasters and logistical nightmares that tend to come with home improvement and design projects.

Q:  So why hire an Interior Design Professional?
A:  To create the “best” possible solution for your design dilemma!

Your home has a heart and soul.

Shouldn’t it be treated with the same respect and dignity you deserve?

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.

Space can be at a premium these days and maximizing every square inch can really make a big difference.

I love to incorporate “niches” of all kinds into my design projects. These recessed nooks, crannies, cubbies and alcoves (or whatever else you’d like to call them) can be integrated anywhere in your home and instantly adds a charming detail and focal point in whichever room it occupies.  A niche simply defined – could be a recess within a wall (which is ideal for extra storage and/or highlighting your collections) – or a recess, angle or obscure nook within the architecture of a room itself.

So take a look around your home to see how you can make the most of your space by creating that ideal niche or nook to fit into the favorite room of your house.

• Could you utilize the space beneath your stairs for display shelving, a bar area or reading nook?
• Is there ample wall space in your foyer or hallways to create that niche to showcase or highlight your favorite object or piece of art?
• Do you have a window alcove (a projected bay or bow window) in your living room, dining room, kitchen or bedroom for that ideal banquette or window seat? If so make sure to provide large storage drawers below the seat for easy access to your supplies.
• Is there sufficient space within your living room or family room walls to recess bookshelves?
• If you’re renovating your kitchen have you considered incorporating a recessed niche with shelves over your stainless stove to create a unique focal point?
• How about some beautiful display niches within the decking of your bath tub or vertically within the walls located at the head and foot of the bath?
• Does your laundry room/mudroom provide you with enough storage?  This would be the ideal area to introduce niches and cubbies for sports equipment, backpacks, heavy outerwear and dog supplies.

Here are some fabulous ideas in all design styles to inspire you!

Photo: via Southern Living Magazine

The crisp white walls enveloping this reading nook clad in bead board – and the simple molding of the seat’s base compliments this cottage’s casual and style.

Photo: via Cococozy                Designer: Vanessa de Vargas

This integrated wall niche becomes more of an architectural element in this modern home and simply showcases the pure elegance of the glass vase.

Photo: via House Beautiful

This very charming window seat/banquette spans wall to wall and is tucked into the recess of the gorgeous garden window.

Photo: via Elle Décor                           Photographer: Simon Upton

Here the formal living room maintains its sophistication and elegance by keeping it simple.  Painting the interior of the display niches a deeper color – provides instant drama and allows the objects to pop – which ultimately creates a striking focal point within the space.

Photo via Remodelista

Here a series of uniform niches to store various sundries is both practical and attractive in this pristine bathroom.

The design possibilities are endless – so next time you’re looking for a little extra space, include a niche into your room or better utilize those nooks and crannies!

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.

I’ve devoted today to completing the final revisions of the perfect floor plan to my client’s home renovation design. The scope of this very exciting project has been known to shift, change and grow over the past few months as we continued to dig deeper into the “true needs” of their busy family life.  Over time we explored various combination’s and permutations of space, scale and volume as it related to their lifestyle– and I can now say with confidence I will be presenting them with (what I feel to be) the ideal new floor plan for their charming (yet dated and spatially challenged) Cape Cod styled home.

Main Floor – Revisions will include additional square footage off the rear of the home – resulting in the ideal floor plan!

Spatial relationships are extremely important when planning a successful home renovation.  The perfect plan must maintain consistency, uniformity, proportion and flow seamlessly from one space to another – at all times respecting the original architecture of the home.

Creating that perfect floor plan is as unique as each client’s design profile – no two clients’ needs are exactly alike – and no two home renovation projects are alike.

So it comes down to a simple mathematical equation involving both addition and subtraction:

Adding Square Footage + Subtracting Existing Walls = Spacious Floor Plan

The truth is – older homes tend to be more compartmentalized where one room is isolated from the next and in my client’s case, removing existing walls and adding some new space at the front and rear of the home instantly opens up the floor plan and layout – ultimately creating a visual connection from space to space and making the flow of the home more feel more open, accessible and spacious.

Mission accomplished!

Next step – elevations and details!

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.

I think it would be an absolute thrill to sit in on those brainstorming sessions with researchers at the Pantone Color Institute– and listen to how they analyze the emerging trends from the home and fashion industries – and determine “the” color choice for the new year.

According to executive director Leatrice Eiseman at Pantone, this is why they selected a bright reddish-pink color for 2011.

“In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues. Honeysuckle derives its positive qualities from a powerful bond to its mother color red, the most physical, viscerally alive hue in the spectrum.

The intensity of this festive reddish pink allures and engages. In fact, this color, not the sweet fragrance of the flower blossoms for which it was named, is what attracts hummingbirds to nectar. Honeysuckle may also bring a wave of nostalgia for its associated delicious scent reminiscent of the carefree days of spring and summer”.

Compared to last year’s cool and escapist color of the year Turquoise (which I adored by the way), this year’s Honeysuckle is a very warm, uplifting and empowering color that pumps up the psyche and helps us face the daily challenges of life

I have to say that as a designer I love the idea or introducing honeysuckle as accent color to punch up and update a foyer, living room, dining room or bedroom and bring it into 2011.  Accessorizing with objects, vases, throws, pillows and linens will instantly give any space the “Pretty In Pink” infusion a client may want.   I do think however that using too much of this color will undoubtedly “date” the space within a year or two and timelessness is very important when designing living environments.

Honeysuckle works well with neutrals such as white, navy, black, charcoals and grays – and the complimentary greens, browns and wines as well.  The bonus here is that it happens to look spectacular with most metals – particularly brass, chrome, silver, nickel and even oil rubbed bronze.

Ok, so having said all that are you ready to think pink this year and be a trendsetter?

Take a look at some of these beautiful interiors for inspiration.  These are my favorites so far.

This very French inspired living room interior gives us just enough splash without taking itself too seriously  – just a kiss of pink.

This spectacular dining room with its glazed wall surface makes every element within the space pop!  Why not try painting out the walls in your dining room or foyer that perfect honeysuckle color to compliment your furniture.  When you tire of it – just change the paint.

A very clean, simple and sophisticated bedroom infuses a splash of color by introducing a vibrant fushia throw and an elegant pink floral arrangement into the crisp setting.

Accessorizing made easy.  Add some throw pillows on a neutral sofa, chaise or chair, a pair of lamps in your foyer or bedroom or some fabulous new wallpaper in your powder room for a quick 2011 update!

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.

It is cold outside! Inside, people are curling up by the fire, working on their final preparations for the holidays and cooking for family and friends.  If you are among those hosting this year’s Christmas dinner or New Year’s Eve party then you may be spending an inordinate amount of time in your kitchen.  This is when you discover what works and what doesn’t in your current kitchen – and for many – make the commitment to bring your outdated kitchen into the 21^st Century.   Whether you undertake a huge home renovation project or a moderate kitchen remodel in the new year, the overall objective is to enhance your quality of life and make your home more enjoyable.

I highly recommend taking a look through the current issue of Distinctive Kitchen Solutions Magazine for fabulous kitchen and bath inspirations from real-life homes designed by expert designers and architects throughout the country.

I’m very honored to be one of those experts with two featured projects in the most recent Spring 2011 Issue.

You’ll notice these entertaining kitchens are perfect for everyday family living and holiday parties and at the same providing you with great insights into the new kitchen styles and home design trends for 2011.

Wishing you a very Happy Holiday Season!!

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.

I’ve come across so many terrific product lines over the past year and I wanted to share some favorite kitchen appliances and products of 2010 with you.  From faucets to pot racks these are definite must haves in your next kitchen renovation project.

Contemporary Pot Filler
For a sleek and sophisticated look Moen’s ShowHouse Modern wall-mounted pot filler would be a great addition to any contemporary kitchen renovation.  It adds a luxurious professional touch and practicality at the same time.  It expands over your stove easily reaching all burners. Available in both chrome ($655),and stainless steel ($900). showhouse.moen.com.

One Smart Faucet
This Talo faucet by Brizo and its optional SmartTouch system changes the way we operate in the kitchen.  Just tap any part of the faucet to turn the water on and off. When on, an LED light indicates the SmartTouch system is activated and when tapped off the light turns off. This faucet is available in chrome ($570), Venetian bronze, brushed bronze and stainless. brizo.com.

Dish Drawer Perfection
I’m in love with Fisher & Paykel’s dish drawers.   But it gets even better with their new energy-efficient 36″ Single DishDrawer.  It is almost an extra foot wider than their previous drawer-model.  The “DishDrawer Wide” is spacious enough for 9 place settings can easily accommodate larger pots as well.  Perfect when installed under the counter, within a built –in wall unit or can be seamlessly integrated with cabinetry. Available in stainless steel ($1,200) or customized panel-ready.   fisherpaykel.com.

Indoor Rotisserie
For the serious gourmet cook and entertainer who can’t do without the crème de la crème comes the first full-scale gas vertical roasting spit or built-in rotisserie. I’m in love with this!  La Cornue, the legendary French Company takes holiday entertaining to an entirely new level with the Flamberge built-in rotisserie. Roast up to 4 chickens at a time and make your kitchen the hottest new restaurant in town. Available in 20 porcelain-enamel colors and 5 trim options. ($11,000) purcellmurray.com

All-Clad’s Pot Rack
Finally a pot rack with the strength and durability of All-Clad!  Constructed of solid stainless like all their products, this rack measures 36″x 22″and is fabricated in a polished mirrored finish. The MagnaTrack technology system keeps the 12 magnetic hooks in place when the pots are removed eliminating the frustration of the old flexible hooking system.  The best part is it holds up to 300 lbs. of cookware. ($600)  surlatable.com.

So if you’re planning to update your kitchen in 2011 keep some of these spectacular products in mind to give you the working kitchen that you’ve always dreamed of.

I also wanted to take this time to wish you and your family a very Happy Holiday Season and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year! So enjoy your holiday celebrations and time spent with family and friends – and gear up for a great and exciting 2011.

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.

Interior architecture and design is a continually evolving industry.  Just like fashion, we can’t help but notice the ever-changing design trends of the season particularly when magazines, newspapers and television shows keep us abreast as to what’s hot and what’s not from one year to the next.   Technological advancements together with popular culture tend to set the stage for these new trends in the home design industry.  Implementing every newest craze into your home renovation or design project isn’t what’s important – the goal is to incorporate those trends that have the staying power and that become the new lifestyle standard without ever appearing dated.

Whether you’re building a new home, renovating a charmer, or adding some extra space, homes are becoming smarter, smaller (than the Mc Mansions of years past) and simpler.  Easy maintenance, high quality materials and integral smart systems make for an easy transition for the changing family.  In many instances homeowners are adding some extra space in order to meet the needs of aging parents (or for themselves “aging in place”) and re-designing their home’s overall layout by incorporating subtle Universal Design principles. Creating more open and flexible floor plans with wider doorways, main floor master suites, and user-friendly kitchens and baths are becoming increasingly important to the Baby Boomers.

Kitchens are the core and heart of the home. And the truth of the matter is according to a recent survey conducted by General Electric 60% of homeowners are eating out less and spending more time dining at home – and more than half of them are actually cooking six to ten meals per week for friends and family.  This speaks to the overwhelming trend in creating the entertainer’s kitchen that is well designed, impeccably detailed and beautifully appointed.  So if you’re one of those serial entertainers and are planning a kitchen renovation, then its time to transform your kitchen into the hottest new restaurant in town!

The current scene is definitely green.  You can go all the way and completely reduce your carbon footprint or simply introduce energy-efficient windows, lighting, appliances and tank-less water heaters in your home renovation project. Utilizing recycled and sustainable products has never been easier to incorporate into your home remodeling plans.  Keep in mind that the green scene is here to stay and eco-friendly homes are important to Baby Boomers and GenXers alike.

This is a new era in the home building and renovation industry.  Keeping abreast of the home renovation and design trends and incorporating these new standards into your project – will keep your home in good standing should you ever decide to sell.

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.

As a Designer it’s so important to be well versed on all upcoming home design and renovation trends – from building trends to paint colors and everything in between.  Benjamin Moore’s 2011 Color Forecast was released to Architects and Designers last month – and I wanted to share their findings with you.

Each year the color expert team at Benjamin Moore declares their predictions for the upcoming year by tracking the more recent social, cultural and political conditions and how they directly impact fashion and design trends.  What they discovered was an overwhelming desire for a sense of balance coupled with four underlying themes: The Farm, Order, Escape and Tribe.

1.  The Farm
There is a major focus on hearth and home for obvious reasons and most are anchoring themselves within a new reality.  Earthy colors straight from the farm will be dominating interiors this year.  Just take a look at your local Farmers Market for inspiration.  From earthy browns, buttery yellows and milky whites – to tomatoes, pumpkins and greens.

Also look for handcrafted fabrics, burlaps, tea-stained materials, and all types of petrified, bleached and natural woods – which suggests a return to life’s simpler things.

2.  Order
We are craving a sense of balance and order from the chaos of the past couple of years.  This is interpreted by infusing red, blues, yellows and greens to juxtapose with more monochromatic variations of black, white and gray.  Geometric patterns with crisp stripes, dots and spirals uplift our spirit and improve our mood.  These days it’s all about making ourselves feel happy.

3.  Escape
The world has been a little harsh lately so escaping into a dream world full of hope and optimism for the future– is extremely appealing at the moment. The dreamy glamour of sheer draped fabrics, metallic finishes and softened textures coupled with a more pale, frosted and opalescent color palette can be just the remedy for overcoming adversity.

4.  Tribe
A focus back to our ethnic communities and much like the farm, we are aching to return to the simpler things in life yet in a more soulful way. The spicy color palette of the land such as rich berry, cinnamon, saffron and fire orange are anchored with bronzes and charcoals.  There is a huge focus on patterns, stencils, hand embroidery and beading,

So how will you seek that order and balance in your life?  Will you be returning to the hearth, escaping into your dreams or focusing on your community when gathering your home design inspiration for this year?

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.