Can a designer save you money? That’s a resounding yes! As the quote warns “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.” Throwing money at all details does not always create the defined focal points that separate a great look from a confusing one. Scale is so important! Great architects have it as do great designers. But a lot of input on interiors, especially remodels, come from other resources and may never achieve the room’s potential regardless of the money spent.
Do Failing Kitchen Appliances Mean Kitchen Remodel?
What a dilemma! An appliance is failing and needs to be replaced immediately! Recently, a client’s built-in refrigerator was doing just that. The replacement got here before the old one died but that was just the beginning of the work! New wood panels had to be made and anew handle for the door secured that was 12” or longer to ensure the client could open the refrigerator. (By the way, the client had been told that it was not possible to open the refrigerator handle being attached to the wood panel. It was awkward but not difficult.) Some cabinet makers will work from the spec sheets and others want to measure the actual appliance. We got the wood panels started and found handles in stock. However, once it was all together, the doors would not open wide enough for the drawers to slide out! The countertop was designed 15 years ago with a bullnose extension to the old refrigerator/cabinet edge. This bullnose was removed at a cost of $200+/- so the refrigerator door would open wider. A notch was also made in the baseboard on the opposite side for the same reason. All totaled, the new refrigerator and customization totaled $10,000. Now the kitchen is good for another 15 years.
When appliances start to fail, a total kitchen remodel is a consideration. If you like your cabinets and countertops and everything is in good condition, there is no reason to change everything at once. Check your warranties for replacement times when considering your best options. Trim kits allow for new microwaves. Ovens are standard sizes. Dishwashers can usually be made to fit it. Often in luxury homes, dishwashers have wooden panels so your cabinet maker and perhaps a longer handle will be needed for functionality. Factory authorized repair companies give good advice as your appliances age. Most of the luxury appliance brands prefer that you work with an authorized dealer as they prefer repairs done by a company that knows the product line.
Outdoor Options from Kalamazoo Gourmet
Kalamazoo Gourmet has a countertop pizza oven, outdoor-rated dishwasher and other great outdoor options!
The Right Ceiling Height
When remodeling take every ceiling and door way to a least 8’ and raise as many ceiling above 8’ as you can afford. I tour luxury homes every other week and hear the feedback of the realtors selling luxury homes. They recognize low ceilings as older sections of the house that have not been remodeled. Use 9’ – 10’ feet for secondary rooms and 10’-14’ for larger areas. Continuous 8’ ceilings are boring and too low to add ceiling details like beams.
The main entertainment/living area should have at least 10’ ceilings. Ten to fourteen feet for rooms that are in excess of 20’ x 20’ A high ceiling in a small room has an uncomfortable feel. An overly high ceiling in a large room needs attention to detail in the upper half of the room that adds another cost factor and reduces the feeling of intimacy that many people find appealing. Hire the best professionals available to get the right guidance as proportion and scale are the most important factors in a room feeling finished and comfortable.
Choosing Trim Paint Colors
A good formula for ceilings is the trim color plus 50% white. Cream is better for the ceiling than a dead white. It is also a good place to save $ as it does not need to be washable. Use a reflective, glossy glaze on a low ceiling for height and a matte finish in a darker color on a ceiling that is too high. Don’t use a roller for high gloss, it will create unwanted texture.
Is Art An Investment?
Apparently! Francis Bacon’s Three Views of Lucian Freud just sold for $142.4 million at Christie’s in New York City! At Sotheby’s Andy Warhol’s “Liz #1” sold for $20,325! We’ve heard the recession did not affect everyone! Do you have a favorite piece that you bought many years ago from a good, but as yet unknown artist? My clients who have purchased from Scottsdale, AZ galleries have been pleasantly surprised to find the artists they have pieces from are in demand when they want to sell them. Of course, Antiques Road Show is a sure motivator with their recovered treasures! The real test is if you love it and enjoy living with it – that makes it priceless! (Unless you get a great offer!)
Family Photos
Family photos are the most personal part of your home. If you enjoy having some out, here are a variety of ways to use them:
- They are typically in the private areas of your home – shelves added in the master bedroom, hallways to bedrooms and large master bath and closet areas are all great for these photos.
- If the frames are all the same color and the photos are large enough to see the subject they make a nice hall family wall.
- Old photos can now easily be enlarged to showcase interesting family history.
- While framing all at once would be easier, they can be framed with different framing if the color is consistent. Frames can be painted as well.
- For a contemporary look, it is interesting to use 3-5’ sections showing your children all at the age of 2 or 3 in sepia or gray tones.
- Silver frames grouped together are always a great look.
- If you want to have the option of not always having them on display, then a open cabinetry section with bi-fold doors which allows you to close them off for a business meeting or large function.
- Photo albums can be stored nearby if you are constantly shifting new photos in to the frames.
- Snap a picture with the smartphone app Instagram then use Instacanvas to print your photo onto stretched canvas!
Hide your TV
If looking at the black screen is not desirable, there many options for integrating your TV using wood framing or 
stone. If you want to hide it completely, cabinetry such as this one from Horchow or an antique cabinet won’t call attention to the TV. On the other hand, this Rochebobois photo uses the screen by accessorizing to give balance.
