Interior Design Scottsdale, AZ by S Interior Design

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Home Remodels Gone Wrong and Lessons Learned

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Guest Post for S Interior Design
By: Paige A. Mitchell

There’s nothing worse than a botched DIY home remodel. But what if you were able to know what not to do before you dove into a home remodel on your own? Here are some prime examples of mistakes to avoid during a home remodel, in hopes that you will be wiser before jumping into the deep end.

Not Planning Ahead

Jumping into a home remodel without a distinct plan in mind is a recipe for disaster. For all intents and purposes, there is no such thing as “over planning” for a home remodel. Make sure you know exactly what you want to remodel and you know why you want to remodel it. Then, make sure you have planned everything as completely as possible, from the budget to the materials to the daily schedule. Leave no stone unturned.

Trying To Stay With The Trends

Everyone gets a little excited when they want to dive into a DIY remodel and the first place they turn to for inspiration is Pinterest. The problem? Going crazy with what the current home trend is, only to have that trend expire after a month and you be left with a less than desirable kitchen filled with Spanish influence. Be sure to pick a look for your home remodel that fits your personal interest and is also timeless. That way, you won’t feel that remodel itch a month after you complete your project.

Running Out Of Budget On The First Day

In the same vein as making sure you plan your home remodel ahead, make sure you completely map out your home renovation budget before diving in. That means making sure you have a realistic budget in mind with real-time numbers for all your materials and labor planned out. Just because you are performing a DIY home remodel does not mean you shouldn’t take labor into account. Even if you are able to perform the entire remodel on your own, which is hardly ever the case, you have to take into account time lost while doing that work.

Did you use paid time off at your work to perform the home remodel? Are you missing out on projects that could have earned you money? Your own time will play a factor in your budget. Along with that, make sure you know exactly how much supplies you need and how much it will all cost you. There is nothing worse than stopping at your home improvement shop only to get to the register and not have enough money for your supplies.

Measuring Once, Cutting A Hundred Times

Measure your work, then measure it again, then measure it again! The last thing you want is to measure your flooring or wood for your patio, get ready to lay it all out, then realize you mis measured and have to cut everything all over again. What could be worse than that? Ruining your materials because you cut too much and have to start from scratch. Check, double check, and triple check that all your measurements are correct so that you only have to cut once.

Going Cheap And Suffering

You’re already saving money by performing your home improvement project on your own. Make sure that when you do spend your money, you are purchasing items that are so cheap that they will fall apart in less than a year. If you are trying to DIY a home appliance, considering instead saving money on a home warranty and have the experts come in to make repairs. The last thing you want is a puddle in the bathroom because you thought you could fix the sink. Make sure you are being frugal in the right places and splurging when you need to same. Same with buying the right materials, know your limits. If you are even slightly unsure about performing a task, hire a contractor.

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Exciting New Tile Options

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As a designer of 17 years time, it seems to take a bit more each year to make me say ‘WOW’. Last night I was invited to an A.S.I.D. meeting at a Scottsdale Arizona vendor – The Tile Shop for a special presentation of the latest product introduction from Ann Selke. Ann Selke is a renowned designer of furnishings including textiles via Pine Cone Hill bedding and area rugs via Dash and Albert. Now she has introduced her custom tile and decorative glass products.

Annie Selke

Consisting of over 200 tiles, the Annie Selke for The Tile Shop collection pushes the boundaries of technology to bring the look and feel of popular Annie Selke textiles, prints and artwork to life. Reflecting the texture of rugs, the sheen of metallic fabrics, the softness of dappled watercolor paintings and more, this inspired collaboration ranges from feminine to bold. Mix and match within the collections to maximize cohesion within a space and from room to room.

I needed to share! A breath of fresh air in the tile world. Besides standard porcelain and ceramic tile, she has coordinated a line of large format glass panels to go along with the tile options if desired.

Glass in Shower

Of course while I was at The Tile Shop I took the time to look at their entire inventory of fabulous tile options. I was happy to see new dimensional tiles, use of color and patterns along with the natural stone classics.

  • Black and Textured
  • Colorful and Geometric
  • Cement Look Encaustic
  • Textural Limestone
  • Not Your Father’s Subway Tile!

Now that my creative juices are flowing I am eager to embark on a new client project that I will hopefully be able to use some of these wonderful new tile finds in the design plan!

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Smart Technology That is Revolutionizing Modern Homes

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Below is a guest posting on the subject of the technology options that are changing the way we live in our homes.
As an Interior Designer I need to be aware of the ever changing technology options that can have an impact on the overall design and functionality of a space.  With the rapid pace of change we are experiencing in this area it honestly can be a part-time job in and of itself to keep abreast of it all.  That is one of the reasons S Interior Design welcomed the opportunity to learn more and share it with you! Thank you Jackie Mason for writing the article and sharing it with us.

Make sure to click on the links imbeded in the article to get the full story.

The Smart Technology That is Revolutionizing Modern Homes

Over 40% of American households use smart technology, with an average of 3.5 smart devices used in each home. Smart technology often appeals because of the convenience and time saving it provides. A lot of smart technology also offers a way of updating your interior design easily without any major cost. The stylishness of many of today’s emerging gadgets makes it easy to see why so many people are incorporating them into the design of their homes. Here are just a few examples of the kind of smart technology that can give your interior design real style and added functionality.

 The stylish and unobtrusive television screen

When it comes to home living, you can ‘go smart’ anywhere in the house. However, one of the areas of smart technology that people are drawn to most is home entertainment. Television screens are becoming more and more streamlined and multi-functional. The transparent TV is particularly worth a mention. Still in the early stages of development, the TV shows high-definition images when switched on and can blend into the background as a transparent screen when turned off. This means that you can have the sought-after high quality as well as discretion; the television doesn’t have to dominate the room. LG takes this combination one step further with its roll up and down television screen. The TV screen can be wound down when you don’t want to watch it or would rather it was out of sight when not in use. The screen size and aspect ratios can be adjusted to suit different uses – whether that be for television, computing or photograph displays.

 A kitchen that aids cooking

Research shows that the kitchen is the most important room to homeowners when it comes to interior design. This has led to a rise in the number of smart kitchen gadgets entering the market – and potentially people’s homes. These include smart ovens: gone are the days where you have to slave away over a hot stove after a day’s work. Smart ovens can link up with your smartphone, registering the food that is in the oven and making recommendations on cooking methods. The technology involves means that you can monitor the cooking away from home if you want to, carrying on with other tasks in the meantime. The result is a tasty meal that was stress-free to make.

 Smart lighting for the home

Lighting design has evolved with an environmental focus, with many companies using efficient LED lights. This is not at the cost of style and functionality, however. Examples of smart lighting in the home include SmartLamp, which is controlled by its own app and allows you to change the color of the light, depending on your mood. You can also choose a color to accompany music you are listening to, making SmartLamp an effective tool for entertainment and creating ambiance.

 

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3 Design Tips To Make the Most of a Small Bathroom

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3 Design Tips To Make the Most of a Small Bathroom

1.    LIGHT!  In a small bathroom you need to leverage both natural and artificial light sources.  If there is not ample natural light from an existing window you should consider installing
either a Solatube or a sky light.

You should have both ceiling mounted lighting (recessed 4″ LED can lights) and lighting at the vanity area preferably flanking the sides of your mirror if the space allows for it.

2.    The materials and the color/tones of the materials used should visually flow with one another. The number of different colors and materials and the geometry of those materials should be kept to a maximum of 3 different materials in the space.

For example, if you have white-painted cabinetry you should have lighter toned counter tops and accent tiles to coordinate. The floors can be a bit darker to add contrast.

Another tip is to use the same material in different size/geometry formats.  Marble (or marble look porcelain tile) can be used on the floor in a 12″ x 24″ format and then in a hexagon shaped smaller format for the shower wall accents and back splash at the vanity.

3.   To maximize storage space – GO VERTICAL! You can place a cabinet on the vanity counter top that is less deep (12″-14″),or place a tall floor cabinet at the end of the vanity or wherever
space allows.  You can carve out space on the walls between the studs to use as shallow storage opportunities too.

http://www.sinteriordesign.com

 

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Top Home Improvement Tips for Living with Alzheimer’s-Universal Design

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Below is a guest post on a subject matter that touches so many of us.  My own father-in-law is a dementia sufferer and I have had a first row seat to witness the challenges living in a home that is not designed to accommodate the illness presents.  As a professional designer,  I have an interest in addressing the design of  living spaces for adults impacted by Alzheimers that will provide easier living conditions for all in the household.

Here is a recent remodel of a master bath that is universal design compliant so my clients can age in place without issue.

Image courtesy of Pixabay

 

You may think living with Alzheimer’s means living in a sterile, nursing home-style environment.  However, one of the hottest trends in home remodeling is “universal design,” which means creating an environment that allows homeowners to enjoy their homes at any age.  That includes living well into their golden years, and accommodating the mental and physical decline that can come with aging. Those same modifications can apply when making homes safer and more accessible to people living with Alzheimer’s disease.

More of us are caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease, and this means making appropriate home modifications to meet loved ones’ needs.  As pointed out by the experts at Redfin, “Alzheimer’s disease affects about 5.4 million Americans, about 5.2 million of which are 65 and older.  It can be your grandparent, your cousin, your sibling or even your parent who faces the diagnosis. Eventually, those with Alzheimer’s require round-the-clock care, and for many families, that means taking the loved one into their own home.”  Thankfully, with universal design options, you can meet those needs in ways that are not only safe, but livable and fashionable.

Studies show Alzheimer’s disease erodes judgment, balance, memory, general behavior, and basic senses like hearing and vision.  Because of the effects of the disease, some experts advise making important modifications to reduce risks while keeping your loved one independent, such as:

  • Eliminate steps.  At least one entryway to the home should be free of steps.
  • One-floor living.  The main floor of the house should include at least one bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen conveniences.
  • Doorways and hallways.  Doorways throughout the main living area should be free of thresholds and should be a minimum of forty-two inches wide.
  • Flooring.  Replace carpeting with slip-resistant flooring, such as hardwood floors or linoleum.
  • Floor space.  Open floor plans are a benefit to those with mobility issues.  Reducing clutter and broadening walkways helps reduce the risk of tripping or falling.
  • Easy-to-use handles.  Doorknobs and faucet handles should be replaced with lever handles.
  • Controls and switches.  Place thermostats at lower levels, add a remote control, or add devices or apps which allow for voice control.  Switches should be placed at heights accessible from a wheelchair, generally forty-two to forty-eight inches off the floor.  Similarly, install electrical outlets higher for easier accessibility.
  • Lighting.  Improving lighting throughout the home is a simple and important step toward safety.  Add light fixtures, install brighter bulbs, and add nightlights to enhance safety for those with failing vision or to help those suffering with disorientation.
  • Bathroom.  A taller, hands-free toilet and walk-in shower improve independence and safety.  Installing grab bars and a seat for the shower are also important selections.
  • Countertops and sinks.  Opt for shallower designs to keep things easier to reach.

The AARP notes that most of us want to remain at home as long as possible, and with that in mind, home styles are favoring designs that allow people of all ages and abilities to remain comfortable, mobile and safe in their living arrangements.  For those who are caregiving to Alzheimer’s patients, that means stylish options can accommodate your loved one on all fronts. As explained by some professionals, it’s an opportunity to choose aesthetically pleasing but also practical solutions for living independently as long as possible.

 

Here’s the most exciting part: thanks to modern trends, functional equipment is more fashion-friendly than you think.  Even grab bars offer a spa-style appeal coupled with safety and support. As The Wichita Eagle explains, “Many of today’s grab bars are cleverly disguised, looking instead like sleek soap dishes, functional shampoo trays, trendy towel racks and even toilet-paper holders.”

Safety marries fashion.  If you thought home modifications for the elderly meant giving in to an institutional, sterile environment, think again.  Homes can be safe, accessible and fashionable. Thanks to the trend of universal design, caregivers for Alzheimer’s patients can meet their loved one’s needs effectively and beautifully.

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