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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.

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!

5 Home Upgrades You Won’t Regret

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Below is a guest posting about upgrades you can do to your home to increase functionality, update the look and feel and increase your home value prior to selling. Notably the first upgrade the author cites is around smart home technology. It gives even a traditionalist, post 50 year old cause to think about implementing a few more in her home….lights that can change color with our moods? Definitely need to find out more about that one! Enjoy reading this post and more from S Interior Design.

There are many ways you can upgrade your home. From full scale remodels to small upgrades that will impact the way you live in your home daily. We’ve compiled five upgrades you can do in your home that will provide a refresh, and can even help you save money. 

Photo from Unsplash

1. Automating with smart home technology

We are constantly surrounded by technology, and we’re always finding new ways to make our devices smarter, faster, and better. Smart phones and watches, high-tech doorbells and hands-free devices, such as the Amazon Echo and Google Home, allow us to streamline our lives.

Some other smart home features include smart televisions, which are more streamlined than an entertainment center full of modems and they’re more stylish with an unobtrusive screen and beautiful screensavers.

You might also look to smart lighting by adding a lamp that can be turned on and off via an app. Smart light bulbs also exist with color-changing options that can coordinate with your mood.

There are even smart oven options now that allow you to monitor your cooking and food temperature while being away from the kitchen. Imagine, picking up children from school and extracurricular activities and still arriving home to a delicious, homemade meal.

Photo from Unsplash

2. Painting or redecorating

Take a look around your home and consider your current color palette. How long has it been since you painted your living room or kitchen? Determine if a fresh coat of paint will help refresh a stale space. Consider neutrals or the color of the year (“Living Coral”) to update a room in your house.

Other ways to refresh a space without a full remodel include utilizing some of the 2019 home design trends. Some examples you may consider include a full tile backsplash in the kitchen to refresh the space or repainting your cabinets with a white or cream to brighten the room without the expense of replacing cabinets. Also, in living spaces, consider a mix of fabrics to add depth and textures.

Photo from Unsplash

3. Replacing old appliances

Upgrading your 13-year-old washing machine or your finicky dishwasher to a new, high-tech appliance could save you money in the long run. Modern appliances are energy efficient and conserve more water than traditional models, so you’ll be saving on your utility bills in no time.

They’ll also boost the resale value of your home if you’re planning on moving in the next few years. If any of your appliances are on the fritz, you could be eligible for a brand new replacement through your home warranty, which is also considered to be a great marketing tool during a home sale.

4. Getting more out of a small space

We all have a small room in our home that isn’t being used to its greatest potential, and it’s often a bathroom. Fortunately, there are ways to make the most of the space you have.

First, consider the lighting of the bathroom. If it is possible, consider bringing in additional natural light by adding a skylight or solar tube. If that isn’t an option, add recessed lighting in addition to the vanity lighting. Clear clutter, go vertical with storage and consider adding a floating vanity. With a small footprint use all the space available by going up.

Photo from Unsplash

5. Preparing for resale

Selling your home is a stressful process. You want to show it in its best possible shape, but you also want to avoid putting too much money into the property you are selling.

Start with a home critique from a real estate agent or potential buyer. Getting a fresh set of eyes into your space can provide feedback on things you may not see, and may also show trouble points you weren’t aware of.

Once you have received feedback consider repainting and reflooring the interior. A fresh coat of neutral paint helps provide a neutral backdrop that potential buyers need in order to imagine themselves in your space.

Also, consider the condition of your flooring, especially carpet. Dirty and torn carpet may need to be replaced, or at minimum a professional carpet cleaning works wonders.

These are just a few tips and upgrades we know you won’t regret when considering changes and additions to your home. 

BY: Paige A. Mitchell

2019 Design Trends

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Thank you to HOUZZ for compiling a nice list of what are being considered the design trend ideas for 2019! Enjoy reading this but always remember the most important thing to consider when re-designing your home are your own personal likes, dislikes and functionality desires.

Color of the Year?

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Every year the ‘color of the year’ is announced by paint manufacturers.  Here are a few articles you can read to get a peek.

https://www.housebeautiful.com/room-decorating/colors/a21345163/color-trends-2019-sherwin-williams/

https://people.com/home/ppg-2019-color-of-the-year/

https://www.behr.com/consumer/inspiration/2019-color-trends/

2019 Paint Color Trends and Forecasts

 

Here is the reality; each manufacturer has a different color chosen, each with their own supporting reasons why.  When selecting colors to surround yourself with in your home, the trends or ‘color of the year’ is not important.  What is important is that the colors you chose make you feel the way you want, and your spaces look the way you like.

To help you figure that all out, read the guest post shown below which calls out the major primary and secondary colors and describes the impact they have on us psychologically and physically.

Of course you can call on an interior designer  to help you determine which colors to use in your homes and work place.  If you are located in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area S Interior Design would love to assist you.

Color Psychology and Decor

When you are repainting the interior of your home, the last thing you should be concerned about is a color trend. Trends in the world of colors will come and go, but the color you put on your wall will have an effect on your mood, thoughts, behavior, feelings, and emotions on a daily basis.

The impact that color has on our lives has been studied since the middle ages. Therefore, it has become a crucial factor when it comes to interior design and decor. When choosing a wall color that you like, it is best to keep color psychology in mind so that you can blend it into a pleasing combination that reflects your personality. The best way to go is to understand what kind of effect each color might have in your home.

Red

An excellent way to raise the energy level of your room is to implement the red color by painting walls in a red hue or adding accent through furniture and decor. Red is known for raising the blood pressure, speed respiration and heart rate. Therefore, it might be too stimulating for bedrooms during the day.

For a youthful feel, you can use light red, while dark red invokes power and durability. An accent of red in the dining room can help to stimulate conversation, and in the entryway, it will give a strong first impression.

Orange

Another color that increases energy is orange, which can make you feel energetic, adventurous and friendly. So if you want to evoke excitement and enthusiasm in a room, you can use orange in your decor or the walls. Rooms with a monochrome, neutral tone, or brown hues can get a nice lift from orange.

Yellow

Yellow is an excellent choice if you want to increase the feeling of happiness, joy, and brightness, but too much yellow can also cause the opposite effect. If the color yellow is not used correctly, it can over stimulate and evoke anger. For example, studies have found that babies cry more in yellow rooms.

Yellow used in a soft tone will work better to stimulate nerves and purify the body. Its uplifting effect can enhance kitchens, dining rooms, and bathrooms and it will make halls and entries feel more welcoming and spacious.

Blue

Blue gives a calming, relaxing and serene feeling because it is believed to bring down blood pressure and decrease heart rate. Soft shades of blue are perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms if balanced with furniture and fabrics that are in a warmer hue. Warmer blues can create a relaxing atmosphere in social areas. However, be careful of dark blue as it can bring up the feeling of sadness.

Green

Green paint and decor can be used in any room of the home because it is the color of nature which symbolizes abundance. It can also be combined with other colors to help increase the feeling of relaxation while relieving stress. In the bedroom in a light tone, it can improve your rest, and in the bathroom, it will give a sense of freshness, and in the living room, it will promote comfort.

Opt for accents of green if you don’t want to paint your walls in green tones, plants and herbs are another way to bring in the color green without overdoing it.

Purple

If you want a dramatic look and the feeling of luxury, elegance, and romance, then purple is an excellent choice that works well with other colors. It can be paired with different jewel tones like emerald-green for example. Lavender and lilac will make your bedroom feel restful without feeling chilly. Dark purple can be used through decor or an accent wall to improve the scheme depth and provide the feeling of sophistication.

Neutrals

Blacks, white, gray and brown are primary colors used in decor. By adding and subtracting these tones, you can control the amount of energy that goes into each room. Black is excellent for some depth in the room, and even a touch of black can ground the overall color scheme.

White is the most versatile color that can be used in all rooms and will give a refreshing, clean, airy and purifying feel. There are however many shades of white available. Bright white, for example, will feel livelier while you can add some warmth with an off-white tone.

Gray makes a great base color when used in a light tone.  Gray can add some elegance and formality to the room. Areas without much light might not be suited for gray as it can give the sense of gloominess.

Brown is mostly used in furniture and textiles which brings in a rustic and earthy feel. It is great to use in areas where you want to increase the sense of security and stability. Brown is a warm color which can be a great neutral base color for a room. It works well in studies.

Final Thoughts

If you are not sure where to start, then you can take a color match personality test to ensure that you are comfortable with your color options. A bold, passionate person might feel at ease in a red room, while a shy person might feel uncomfortable surrounded by an over a load of orange.

Choosing the right colors during your interior decorating can be a challenge. However, it is one of the most accessible home improvements that one can make, and if you do it right, you will create a unique atmosphere to live in.

Author: Mattea Jacobs

Short bio:

Mattea Jacobs is a freelance writer who mostly writes about both interior and exterior home design, and environmentally friendly ways to improve homes. She is also a green activist and a mother of two beautiful sons. You can reach her on Facebook and Instagram.