October's National Kitchen & Bath Month - Time To Get Started!

In October, what are you planning?

Outside the fact that the kids are back to school, October marks the season for Halloween, scheduling time for those breathtaking Fall views, and of course - wait for it - three months of retail advertising (i.e., magazines, internet, and television spots) aimed to ready us for the holiday season.

Like any memorable and celebrated event, planning takes time and effort, sound budgeting, and great execution. Kitchen and Bathroom design and renovation projects are no different. Maybe that is why homeowners may find it strange to hear that October, known as National Kitchen and Bath Month (according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association), is the perfect time to start planning a kitchen or bath project.

Photo Source

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

Busting Into Home Decor - Trending 2014

The Bust, or otherwise known as a head or portrait, is the next trend expected to make its way into interiors for 2014.  Generally, it's not just any Bust (get your mind out of the gutter), it's the Neoclassical Bust.

The Neoclassical styles of the 18th and 19th century rears its classical head above the rest with a more serious and less emotional side of the subject matter.  But, that's not always the case.  The classical figures are available in a variety of materials and fitting into your decor is simply a matter of being creative in application.

 An entry displaying a repetition of the Busts, creates a beautiful formal setting in white plaster.

 

Photo Source:  Chic + Glamorous



Remodeling Your Home - What About Pet-Friendly Spaces?

In preparing for a home improvement project, the majority of concerns for homeowners are the aesthetic and cost of the project. But as a design professional, I like to dig deeper into the details to uncover the functional and family lifestyle that should be included.  Questions and answers are exchanged, pieces of the puzzle begin to fit into place, and design solutions start to emerge.  

Once the Q&A has finished and I get ready to take a look around, my attention often shifts to the furry family members who undoubtedly makes their presence known.  I sit back down and start to ask some additional questions that include the family pet since they were missing from all the notes, pictures, and bulging folder that contains the wish-list of ideas.


Photo Source:  Pinterest

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

How To Make An "Interior Designer" Sandwich

Who doesn't enjoy a good sandwich with its delicious combinations of fresh and unique ingredients surrounded by the perfect pairing of homemade bread that can turn any lunch, dinner, or midnight snack into a mouth-watering moment filled with culinary delight.

Okay, but this is an interior design blog and talking about sandwiches does not seem to fit with the overall theme...or does it?

Photo Source: Pinterest

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



Capricorn's Interior Design Style





Capricorn via Atro.com



Happy New Year and Happy Birthday my Capricorn friends! As the new year and the start to January begins, it seems appropriate to give a nod to the astrological goat who sets the standard for sticking to a goal(s) and seeing it through to fruition. Although the goat gets a little cheated based on the holiday season (December 22nd - January 19th/20th), you can be sure they manage just fine in overcoming this obstacle.



In combining my training in interior design with my novice but passionate interest in astrology, I find it fascinating how certain colours, design styles, and furniture selections influence a group of people born within a particular zodiac or sun sign. But keep in mind, similar to the design world, there are many variations on a theme - or in this case, your astrological birth chart.  The placement of the planets within a sign, rising sign, and time of birth would create some variables on the theme.  In the spirit of having a little fun, I'll keep it simple and by looking at the overall design aesthetic that makes a Capricorn smile...or should I say smirk with the confidence of knowing I nailed it.