LuxeSpecs – Page 35

Designers Can Assist With Ageing-In-Place

March 5, 2015 by LuxeSpecs

Eleven years ago during my year as president of the ASID Arizona North chapter, one of the national meetings included a presentation on aging-in-place based on research indicating seniors want to remain in their homes. With aging parents at the time, it was a particular interest. And it is coming to pass! Time Magazine recently had an article about some (of course) San Francisco area startups that are assisting with this. Lively’s smart watch is an alternative to emergency buttons. The device also has pill reminders. Lively is a monitoring system that tracks normal activity and alerts family members if the monitors are not activated or there is abnormal activity. Most boomers are probably going into retirement with some Internet knowledge and the more social ones are on some type of social media, enabling them to connect with others. Checkbook alerts through banks will also assist with irregularities concerning money.

Aging-in-place is a goal for almost everyone. LuxeSpecs.com features products that are innovative for this purpose without the obvious appearance of the first grab bars and other residential changes that were so noticeable.

A professional designer can insure proper space planning for accessibility, use the latest innovations and create a space that will enable comfortable living in your residence of choice.

Sunbrella fabrics are versatile for both indoor and outdoor use and are more widely used by the aging population, those with pets and small children. The fabrics are indistinguishable from other interior fabrics and allow for clean ups without dry cleaning. Chairs with arms allow for grasping the arms and pushing up. Varied heights of countertops in both kitchen and baths allow flexibility. Walk in showers essential with all areas spacious enough for mobility.

Design experts are crucial in assuring that the golden years are as rich in every way as possible!

Visit my Pinterest board with photos and ideas!

Trending Now!

February 19, 2015 by LuxeSpecs

With the rapid changes in technology the key is to keep spaces as flexible as possible! Some design trends to watch for:

Tablets, SmartPhones, Phablets have made the home office moveable to any room of the house.
Dining is part of the great room or the kitchen has double islands-one for food prep and another for seating. It is more interesting to look at the view than the cabinets.
Home theaters are wavering as a TV fully integrated with the Internet in the family room seem to work for many.
Garages also offer flexible space for hobbies and storage.
Pets need to be considered as well. A doggie door to a secure outdoor space, litter boxes, etc. Our pets have inside entry and garage access which are totally out of sight. Dog showers are also popular or a hand spray with a tiled area.

Custom Furniture – Growing Trend in Luxury Homes

February 17, 2015 by LuxeSpecs

In researching current trends, the topic of custom furniture came up and, yes, there has been a huge increase in custom furnishings! Why? A designer is trying to achieve the most continuity possible within the confines of the home. This does not mean everything matches but there is a flow to materials that are good together. If your eye catches or you are thinking about an object in the room, the flow is not as good as it should be! Good interior designs are best at interior materials! Yes, Frank Lloyd Wright did customize furniture and adaptations of his case pieces are still available. (Stickley Furniture)

However, many homeowners want a more cushioned look that invites sinking in and relaxing. From a custom sectional to fit the shape of the room to wall mounted shelves instead of free standing console tables, the options are limitless! Built-in cabinetry instead of freestanding? More storage? A better look customized for you? Custom everything? There are so many chair options for both dining and relaxing that you can usually find great chairs. Check your spaces. Are they working for you? LuxeSpecs.com is adding a furniture section soon!

Preparing Your Home for Resale? Use an Interior Designer

February 11, 2015 by LuxeSpecs

Many need estimates of the work to be done to their homes in order to establish a to do list for more major projects. When renovating, these estimates are often compiled by the contractor. Homeowners can act as their own contractors on their properties and may choose to do one project at a time. Rosie Romero recently quoted some prices for the Phoenix area that would give homeowners some ballpark numbers.

Windows are a good return on the money invested and wood windows for an average size home could run around $11,000.
A mid range bathroom remodel would start near $16,000 and an upscale bath remodel $52,750.
A mid range kitchen remodel would start at $55,000 and an upscale remodel at over $100,000.
Replacing the roof and the front door also have a good return value.

Having dealt with many homeowners and the usual variety of dated homes over the years, plus my ongoing research in the luxury home market, I understand that keeping the continuity of the home becomes very difficult. A great new kitchen, but tile countertops in the bath? A dropped ceiling in the kitchen but a drop dead new master bath? With a skilled professional, these decisions can be weighed throughout the home with a few minor upgrades in areas other than the main renovation area. The contractors are there on site so it is easier to work on smaller projects at the same time.

Try for continuity in flooring materials. Wood is always more transitional that butting other hard floor coverings together. Recently a new home I worked on had Mexican tile in an interesting pattern in the entry. Again, continue whatever look you are going with throughout.

Cabinets, however, are more interesting in a variety of finishes. But there should be a consistency with door styles. Interior Designers are the best of the options in determining this interior continuity within your tastes and budget. Many work for an hourly fee. If they are established in their field, they can help with invaluable decisions that increase your home value. If they are working in today’s market, they should have a website. Check their portfolio. Check the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) website to see a list of member professionals then determine the best way to invest in what may be your biggest investment!

Something Old, Something New

February 9, 2015 by LuxeSpecs

A few medallions added to a flat ceiling can create interest in a very subtle way! One of the artists I work with cut this stencil for our home from a wallpaper pattern that was similar but smaller. We added it to the ceiling for interest.

There are also replications of the historic ceilings that can be effective on higher ceiling for detailing. For an historic and interesting application check out the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception recreating the look of the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. Begin with a base coat of Sherwin Williams Duration Home in matte finish, stencil on sizing and proceed with metallic leaf, aluminum leaf and additional varnishes and stencils.

Here is a creative use of stenciling! It is combined with hand painted tiles for hood detailing is this luxury kitchen.