The ABC's of Home Improvement Projects: Starting At Point A

Access to inspirations for home improvements projects has come a long way from the earlier days of Bob Villa and This Old House programing that offered insight into the complicated forum of "How-To" complete a home project, a home renovation, or a restoration of an old home. As one of the largest investments the average person will make in their lifetime, limited information was the norm with only a handful of network programs, home magazines, and the local trusted contractors with their list of trade people to assist in the repair or improvement.

Today, information is everywhere and some homeowners and professionals wonder if it is too much of a good thing with access to the Internet, television, and organizations that specialize in the home improvement field. Media - whether on-line, through television programming, or via print swing in opposite directions by a) creating a point of view that projects are easy with their before and after pictures, b) television thirty minute programming, or c) feature programs and news reports of contractor nightmares, rip-offs, and projects gone bad.

The professionals that successfully move a project from point A to point C is fascinating and certainly captures our attention. The short pieces of information, news, and entertainment inspire a homeowner to get started. But, what about point B? Teachers taught us to follow our ABC's for a reason. Getting a home project started may be challenging, but if you follow the ABC's of home improvement, you'll be much happier with the end result.



Before & After Kitchen Renovation
Before Photo By: Jeanne At Gallo Rosso Kitchens    After Photo By: True Identity Concepts

Taking A Flight With Wingback Chairs

I love being surprised in unexpected places!  Passing by an amazing window display, while doing a bit of antique art shopping, did just that.  I had to take a moment away from my client and capture a picture of this wonderful wingback chair in crushed orange velvet, nail head details that accentuated the straight lines, and the beautifully accessorized pillows that every designer and homeowner is compelled to use in colourful textures and geometric patterns.


Photo By:  True Identity Concepts

3 Organizational Steps For Space Planning A Home Move

Moving into a new home based on marriage, relocation, a first home purchase, downsizing, or even a temporary move (e.g. building a new home or adding an addition) has exciting possibilities with chances to make beautiful, new memories.  There are a lot of checklists to prepare for a smooth move whether you are doing it yourself or paying a moving company for their services. 

All of the information available has a few things in common -- saving you time, money, and aggravation.

Photo by Better Home & Gardens

Studio Design Dilemma

A real estate friend asked me to take a look at a space she listed here in Westchester County, NY, via a few pictures through the eyes of the buyer.  Listed as a studio condominium with a small kitchen and bath, the poor space needed a little help in the main space that combined the living room and the bedroom. As you can see, the space clearly needs some assistance with a bit of space planning to showcase this little gem.

Combined Living Room & Bedroom Studio Space