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.

I’ve been in the throws of re-designing a 2800 square foot home to accommodate all the needs of a growing family of four.  The main criteria for this new and improved home, is to ensure it is highly functional, extremely comfortable and impeccably styled.  In other words – create a family friendly and welcoming home environment for everyone who passes through the door.

The scope of the project and my client’s wish list goes something like this:

The First Floor:

• Enlarge the kitchen by bumping outward thereby changing the roofline and adding new windows.
• Create a more open floor plan by opening up the kitchen to the dining room to improve the flow and allow for ease in entertaining.
• Add floor to ceiling windows in the front and back to allow in much more light.
• Adding on to create a new front entrance.
• Transform an office for one into a family friendly workspace for four.
• Expand the existing living room and family room by integrating the interior with the new exterior living space.
• Incorporate a service/bar area under the stairwell.
• Re-design a family friendly family room for children and adults by borrowing some extra space from the adjacent bathroom.
• Reduce the existing full bath into a sleek new powder room.

The Second Floor:

• Change out stairwell and railing design.
• Renovate and re-plan the boys’ bath by providing a stall shower and second sink.
• Create a master bedroom/bath spa environment by re-planning the entire master suite.
• Add a full balcony off the master bedroom overlooking the back yard and outdoor living space.
• Add ample storage throughout the entire home.

Practicality and style can reign supreme in a family friendly home – all the while keeping connected to family and friends while cooking, working online or paying some bills. This is the underlying theme in this home renovation project.

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 you live in a home long enough, eventually some neglected areas will beg to be repaired, upgraded or completely remodeled – the basic wear and tear of the property.  I met with a woman this week who had uncovered some mold in her master bath and since she’s now faced with correcting that problem, feels it would be the right time to finally update and gut her tired and very dated master bath.

But something else factors in to the equation here.  She’s on the fence about whether to stay in her home or sell.  Her husband passed a couple of years ago and she’s now faced with a decision as to whether or not she wants to continue living in this spacious home.  She is seriously considering a move.

Obviously she’ll want to spend her money wisely – and in this particular situation a new master bath design should appeal not only to her, but the potential buyer as well.

So when considering a bathroom remodel of this kind it’s imperative to resist the urge to spend money on expensive fixtures, fittings and flashy trends that won’t appeal to the demographic you or your agent will be targeting.

Here are a few tips to consider when renovating your bath for a maximum return on investment.

• Know your buyer and renovate with that demographic in mind.
• Commit to timeless and classic materials and finishes, which are beautiful and appealing to that particular target.
• Be aware that homes are typically purchased on emotions and the reality is when it comes to many home improvements – women tend to be the nesters and the ones that will be most impressed with the kitchen and bath designs.
• Design a frameless glass shower enclosure to visually expand the space.
• Select an easy to clean neutral toned stone or quartz for the countertops and complementary floor and wall tile.  To make a more sophisticated statement, tile the entire wall surfaces from floor to ceiling.
• Don’t over design the space for the current market – at the same time give it a special touch with accessories.
• Lighting is everything.  Bright cheery baths flooded with light will perk up anyone’s spirit!

Whether you ultimately decide to stay or move, plan for a well-designed bathroom renovation which includes high quality materials and finishes.  If the space appeals to you, it will more than likely appeal to the potential buyer as well.  And that’s more cash in your pocket.

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 just left a friend’s most charming home.   It was overflowing with character and graced by an incredible French antique furniture collection.  Each piece was highlighted by an inordinate amount of natural light flooding through each space.

This quaint home didn’t overlook a spacious piece of property with large expansive walls of glass, or sport any of the “typical” window features we are all familiar with. Interestingly this charming two-bedroom home was anchored by two small courtyards – one situated at the front entry and the other located in the rear of the home each accessible by French doors and windows.

So what made the interior of this home so bright and inviting?

Skylights – strategically positioned in the kitchen, living room, bathrooms and master bedroom all in an effort to maximize the daylight.  And it worked!  What could have felt like a dark and dingy home (due to a long/narrow site), was a bright, lively and incredibly inviting home.

So here’s some food for thought when incorporating skylights into your next home renovation project.

Design Tips:

• Skylights can be fixed or operable depending on your needs.
• Skylights create an open/airy ambiance to any room.
• If compared with traditional windows of the same size, skylights allow in almost five times more natural light into your space.
• Natural lighting floods the space and immediately enhances the room and your mood as well.
• Consider its size and placement and the attic space above.  A shallow well will wash more light throughout the space.  I like splaying (angling it outward from the rough opening) the well to distribute more light.

Energy Efficiency:

• The right quality skylight (wood, vinyl or fiberglass frames) when positioned strategically could potentially increase the energy efficiency in your home and keep your heating costs down.
• If installed with a southern exposure, over the winter months it will provide you with passive solar heating – which could reduce your heating costs. If possible install it in a shaded area under a deciduous tree to avoid some of the summer heat.
• When positioned on an east-facing roof – you’ll get a maximum amount of natural light and heat in the morning hours.
• Research the options and specify a low e coating for better insulation value.  It reduces the loss of heat in the winter and keeps your home cooler in the summer.
• Saves on electricity as it maximizes natural lighting – reducing the need to turn lights on during the day.

So consider implementing a skylight or two into your next home renovation project. Not only will they add architectural style, detail and natural light to your home – they are also an excellent way to increase the overall value of your home.

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 had a meeting yesterday with a potential new client at her Mid-Century home in the Hollywood Hills.  This home, built in 1954 is quaint, charming and measures just under 1500 square feet.  Living there just shy of a year, the homeowner now has a keen sense of the changes she needs to make in order for this house to feel like her home. The ultimate goal here will be to work within the existing footprint to remodel and restore it – lighten it – and brighten it all in effort to reflect the homeowner’s creative and charming personality and design style – while maintaining the integrity of the home’s architectural style and history.

Having the famous “Hollywood” sign in front of the house is a perfect setting and backdrop when nestling into the hills– wouldn’t you say?  In fact, you can see the sign as clear as day from the window in the guest bath.  (In all the years I’ve lived here in Los Angeles I had never been so close to the Hollywood sign…. I felt like all the other tourists – snapping away making sure I captured just the right shot).

Classic Mid-Century homes have distinctive characteristics and are historically important in the evolution and history of architecture.

• The style was very much influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright and his principles of organic architecture.
• Exteriors evolved from more severe flat roofs to gradual roof pitches, with post and beam construction and many times glass walls.
• Expansive windows allowed for a more direct relationship between the interior and exterior – and typically created a more casual and relaxed style of living.
• The rear of the home became the family retreat and circulated around the pools, patios and barbeques.
• Celebrated the open floor plan where living spaces flowed easily from ones space to another.  It was a departure from the more compartmentalized traditional homes and provided the homeowner with greater flexibility in determining the living/dining zones.
• Mid-Century homes were typically smaller in scale and square footage.

These architectural gems are the perfect home for today’s downsizing trends.

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.

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.

EXTERIOR
This speaks to knowing your neighborhood, the style of your home and its architecture and what colors will enhance your piece of property.

Take a look around your neighborhood and see which color palettes appeal to you and what the trends are.  Are the exterior colors gravitating to more neutral colors?

• Don’t scrimp on the quality of paint or the job itself! (Interior or Exterior)
• A professional quality paint job will instantly boost the resale value of a home.
• You want your house to be similar but NOT identical to others around you.
• Choose a color scheme that enhances your curb appeal and accentuates your homes character and charm!
• For a Spanish Style Home:  You’ll want to introduce a palette of more neutral desert inspired colors such as tans/sandy whites/clay/browns.
• On a Victorian Home: Use rich subtle shades of historic colors, with  4 –5 different coordinating colors.
• Variations of greens/golds,  blues/grays, or greens/tans/peach.
• Full of handsome color combinations.

Every paint company will have sample palettes that are interchangeable for your exterior and interior, which works for walls, trims, doors etc.

INTERIOR
When it’s time to re-paint your interior for re-sale it’s probably best to use softer, less stressful colors.  Introduce a neutral palette for the interior – keep it on the safe side leaning to the lighter tones.

• Prospective buyers have an easier time envisioning their furniture, accessories and personality in a more neutral color palette.
• Don’t be afraid to use a few different calm and soothing colors that coordinate and compliment each other from room to room, for an easy transition.
• Offset those soft neutral wall colors with painting out all the trims, baseboards and moldings in a nice crisp white semi-gloss. It will make those mellow colors pop and create some elegance and sophistication throughout the entire home.

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.

In today’s super competitive real estate market its more important than ever to impress potential buyers within the first 5 minutes and do whatever you can to make that first impression unforgettable.

1. Create A Welcoming Entrance/Foyer

• Impress buyers by leading them in from the street through a fabulous grand entrance and beautiful new front door. Introduce glass either in the door itself or transoms above. Natural light will flood in and brighten up the foyer.
• Line the pathway with garden lights and install wall sconces flanking your new front door. This will create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for buyers and lead them right into your home.
• Inside, dress this foyer for success and glam it up to entice the buyer.
• A console table or chest and chair with a beautiful piece of art positioned above will evoke a welcoming and positive feeling every time a prospective buyer walks through the door.
• Hang a large beautifully framed mirror on the sidewall of the entry to reflect another view of what lies beyond (expanding the space) and don’t forget to add some beautiful fresh flowers.

2. Maximize the Lighting Inside And Out

• Lighting of all kinds is incredibly important in both the interior and exterior of the home.
• Everyone loves a bright cheerful space, so address each room individually.
• If your home is dark, dingy and compartmentalized (small rooms that block natural light coming in) then you really might need to consider removing some walls to open up the floor plan in order to flood more natural daylight into the house.
• Sometimes that means integrating the kitchen/dining and family rooms together for an open floor plan
• Add skylights to maximize natural lighting as well.
• If you need to upgrade your lighting throughout:  Add general lighting in the form of recessed pot lights on dimmers. Task lighting in the form of tri-lite lamps, and accent lighting in shelving, plants and highlighting art

• Tip: Before you show your home, replace EVERY bulb throughout your house for a brighter, cleaner and crisp light so they all burn at the same intensity.

3.  Make It A Turnkey Home

• Buyers love a home that’s in Move-In –Condition!  A home that doesn’t require a litany of projects to get it up to speed.  Wouldn’t that be music to your ears?
• In booming markets people are more willing to invest in customizing.
• In leaner markets if a house isn’t well maintained it will likely take more time to sell or be passed by entirely.
• Instant gratification doesn’t happen fast enough these days, so do what you can to make it EASY to move in.
• Buyers want to instantly know that this home FEELS right.
• Do everything in your power to show the potential buyers that your home has been well maintained, nurtured and very much loved.  They’ll be able to envision themselves there.

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.

Dwell On Design – the West Coast’s largest design event took place over the weekend at the LA Convention Center.  I hope you had a chance to visit this great event.  This 3-day modern design show featured over 200 design forward product lines involving all aspects of the modern home – from indoor and outdoor furniture, landscape architecture and design, windows and doors – to laundry detergent.

So for your next home remodel or renovation project here are just a few of the great products that caught my attention – and will hopefully inspire you.

Daniel Ogassian: A master tile maker, designs the most beautiful concrete and ceramic floor and wall tiles.  The naturally inspired organic and geometric shapes are highly textured and can be applied to any interior or exterior project.  Specify these materials for your master bath, kitchen, foyer, family room or anywhere, and set your home apart from the rest.  www.DanielOgassian.com.

Boca Do Lobo: This modern luxury furniture collection took my breath away.  Designed and crafted in Portugal, the limited edition pieces of the “Emotion Collection” can’t help but stir those emotions in you!  The very exclusive furniture collection is crafted from the highest quality materials and speaks to its ingenuity and creativity, thereby producing a true work of art – every time.  Their website alone is spectacular.  www.BocaDoLobo.com.

Modernus: This Company manufacturers modern swing, sliding, pivot and pocket interior doors.  These custom doors can be specified in a wide variety of materials – from wood and glass, to lacquer and aluminum at factory direct pricing.  These interior doors will enhance any modern home with grace, sophistication and style. www.Modernus.com.

Arrigoni Woods: This is the first engineered wide-plank wood flooring product that provides a truly unique and custom quality European finish.  Choose from wire-brushing, aging, hand-scraping and custom oiled surfaces to take your oak, ash, walnut, and mahogany wood flooring to an entirely new level.  www.ArrigoniWood.com.

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.