13
Feb
2025
Baths are the most labor intensive smaller space. You have all of the subcontractors needed for a kitchen but sometimes very small amounts of material. Develop an estimator for yourself as these spaces are labor intensive and unless you like working for free you need to determine the price of...
Continue Reading...
11
Feb
2025
Quartz countertops are from man made materials and therefore more uniform. There are many brand names. You can make your selection from a book or website showing the patterns. The biggest advantage is their durability. Natural materials are more varied and require more maintenance but can be more interesting. These...
Continue Reading...
03
Feb
2025
What happens when a contractor/owner, award winning interior designer and an experienced showroom owner of European cabinetry walk into a bar-less kitchen? Investigation ensues! We are looking for supporting walls to see how much can be removed! In the kitchen pictured, the supporting wall was on the right in the...
Continue Reading...
29
Jan
2025
Finding your perfect place in an interior design career. You have options. Accessing your skills. What are your best skills? ● Space planning ● CADD drawing ● Coordinating fabrics ● Colorization ● Assembling presentation materials ● Working with homeowners ● Project management You will become aware of your skills in...
Continue Reading...
29
Jan
2025
This primary bedroom is an example of why designers end up doing construction! We often have to cover up others' errors! The wall you see when you enter any space is a natural focal point. In bedrooms, the bed should be on this wall. If the architect or contractor adds...
Continue Reading...
28
Jan
2025
When "Crazy Rich Asians" was #1 at the box office, it gave me pause to appreciate all of the beautiful Asian accessories clients have used over the years. You can easily integrate with most styles special art objects purchased from travel, items passed down or treasures discovered. You can add...
Continue Reading...
31
Oct
2024
After many years of design-new builds and remodels, it was time to create an updated bath for our own home! I kept two parts: the tub (rarely used) and the glass door! Originally there was an angled wall facing the entrance for privacy in the shower but baths are more...
Continue Reading...
The kitchen had potential - nice quality cabinets, a view, and space to improve. So I made improvements: All new appliances with wooden refrigerator doors blend the Sub Zero refrigerator with the cabinetry that is visible from the entry. The existing cabinets were sanded. The soffit above the refrigerator and...
Continue Reading...
06
Sep
2023
After decades of walking through homes and casually advising that lowered floor levels (aka sunken living rooms, dropped floors, conversation pits) can be filled in with concrete or a wooden subfloor, I finally filled in an area in our home! You may recommend having a space filled but if you...
Continue Reading...
30
Aug
2023
And the remodeling continues! Gray remains the dominant color. For a recent shower remodel, after an extensive search, it was back to natural materials: cream limestone and Taj Majal quartzite for the tub surround with Porcelanosa tiles on the tub skirt. Maybe the Sherwin Williams forecast of sand tones will...
Continue Reading...
03
Apr
2023
Time for a spring setting! No matter the temperature, we are ready for spring colors and a change from winter. Whether you are having a breakfast casserole or ham with scalloped potatoes (poblano chilies added) and carrot cake, the beautiful table awaits! Pull it all together with color. The French...
Continue Reading...
12
Mar
2023
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a subtle French tablecloth, Kate Spade plates that are very versatile, hand painted glasses and napkins from HomeGoods, antique hand painted Japanese plates and shamrocks lit in the glass balls. The second photo shows how I create a collage with the dishes and decorations. I...
Continue Reading...
09
May
2022
Some longtime clients elected to return to Scottsdale after several homes here and in southern California. They had lived in the Kierland area previously. The grandkids are off to school and now is the time for a casual lifestyle with dining and shopping within walking distance. The grandchildren enjoy the...
Continue Reading...
18
Apr
2022
Recently a client of many years wanted to revamp her home to possibly accommodate live-in help. She thought she wanted to open the kitchen to the living room and bar seating for television viewing. However, we decided that expanding the kitchen would have taken too much of the living room...
Continue Reading...
04
Apr
2022
It is so tempting to purchase a new piece of art, get it back to your home and wonder where it will fit in. During my design career I have purchased hundreds of pieces of art! Typically, if the client likes a particular style, the art follows through with their...
Continue Reading...
Tip
