Interior Design Scottsdale, AZ by S Interior Design

Premium Interior Design

Large Format Porcelain Tile
  • Home
  • Design Services
  • Our Story
  • Gallery
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Press
  • Contact

5 Home Upgrades You Won’t Regret

January 26, 2019 by Suzanne Lasky 1 Comment

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

Filed Under: Design Trends, DIY, home design, Home Remodelling, Interior Design, Redesign, Renovation, Residential design, smart technology in homes Tagged With: color of the year, easy home updates, S Interior Design, smart homes

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

March 7, 2018 by Suzanne Lasky Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: Aging in place, bathroom lighting design, Bathroom Remodel, Bedroom Design, Design Plan, Design Trends, Flooring, health care design, home design, Home Remodelling, Redesign, Remodelling Plans, remodels, Renovation, Residential design, S Interior Design Scottsdale Tagged With: Alzheimers, design for aging in place, S Interior Design, universal design

S Interior Design Interview- Voyage Phoenix

January 4, 2018 by Suzanne Lasky Leave a Comment

We were honored to have been interviewed by Voyage Phoenix.  Here is a link to the article which includes photos of some of our favorite projects!

Meet Suzanne Lasky of S Interior Design in Scottsdale

 

Filed Under: home design, Home Remodelling, Interior Design, Interior Designer, Pawprint Design Services (tm), S Interior Design, S Interior Design Scottsdale Tagged With: S Interior Design, S Interior Design Arizona

Hottest Bathroom Designs Trends Leading into 2018

December 22, 2017 by Suzanne Lasky Leave a Comment

Are you contemplating a bathroom remodel in 2018? Below is a guest post article that will help you think through some of your design decisions.  Of course S Interior Design is here to assist you in person in the Scottsdale/ Phoenix Arizona area !

Below is a picture of a tile we are incorporating into one of our clients’ bath designs to be started in 2018.  This tile will be used with an almost solid concrete look porcelain large format tile.
It will be stunning!

Also shown are the sink and faucet that will be used. Another trend is the use of single hole faucets versus wide spread two handled faucets.  This is a good option to consider when the vanity space is not too large.


 


New year, new bathroom! As we say our final farewells to 2017, so too do we look forward to 2018 and the design trends that are sure to define it. This past year had us adorning our bathrooms with unique light fixtures, gold accents and standalone vanities. What’s in store for the coming year? Read on and find out!

Monochrome Paint Schemes

If the word “monochrome” makes you think of generic and impersonal bathrooms, you’re not alone, but it’s time to reset your notions for the new year! Supplementing your standard white bathroom with just one bold accent color lets you maintain a cohesive theme while still allowing ample room for creativity.

Try a striking black accent wall or a daring cobalt blue mirror frame – both colors will be huge in 2018.

Relaxing Standalone Bathtubs

Fancy bathtubs aren’t just for celebrities anymore! 2018 will be a big year for freestanding and island bathtubs.

With the recent proliferation of bathing products such as bath bombs and aromatherapy oils, it’s only natural that the standalone tub is about to enter the spotlight. Relaxing and luxurious, a new bathtub can provide both creature comfort and aesthetic appeal. It’s time to say goodbye to the ubiquitous shower-tub combo and usher in the new era of statement-making bathtubs.

Marble Finishes

Marble has long been a staple material of luxury bathrooms, but historically it has been too expensive for use in the average renovation. But recent years have seen more affordable marble tiles come on the market, and thanks to this the material will see a huge boom in popularity in 2018.

Rip out that old floor and replace it with large marble tiles for an instant dose of class that can make even the smallest bathroom feel vast. You can also keep it more low-key with a marble shower backsplash or marble slab countertop.

And don’t discount decor as an opportunity to hop on this trend! Soap dispensers, trays and vases are easy ways to add a little pop of marble to your bathroom.

Patterned Tiles

With monochrome color schemes being so popular, it’s no wonder that another big trend for 2018 bathroom design is the use of patterned tiles. Simple colors effortlessly complement bold, eye-grabbing patterns.

Classic dots and stripes are always in style, but this year will see some daring new patterns take center stage. Angled forms are in, so keep an eye out for triangular tessellations and geometric getups.

If you’re not ready to commit to such a drastic change, try using patterned tiles on a shower floor or on an accent wall instead for a less intense but still on-trend look.

Technology in the Bathroom

As we progress through the digital age, it’s getting harder and harder to resist the allure of the smart house. And there’s sure to be a spike in the prevalence of tech-filled bathrooms in 2018.

Smart mirrors look at first glance like regular mirrors, but one tap reveals a touchscreen integrated into the glass, allowing you to do things like read news headlines and view your daily schedule as you get ready in the morning. There’s also Bluetooth-enabled showerheads that use voice commands to control water pressure and stream music right to your shower.

Toilets are also getting the high-tech treatment. Seat warmers add an invisible element of comfort to any bathroom, while automatic deodorizers bring us one step closer to the ultimate dream: the self-cleaning toilet.

For a quick and simple bathroom tech upgrade, try giving your light fixtures a new lease on life with smart bulbs that allow you to adjust color and intensity from a phone or tablet app. Having such control over the ambiance can turn an ordinary bathroom into a relaxing escape that will leave you feeling not just clean but comfortable too.

In Conclusion

Modern bathrooms are getting smarter and sleeker, but they’re also experiencing a youthful surge in creativity and comfort. This perfectly balanced combination of form and function means that 2018 is the perfect year to design a bathroom that’s both fun and practical. What trends are you most excited for this year?

Filed Under: bathroom lighting design, Bathroom Remodel, Design Elements, Design Plan, Design Trends, home design, plumbing Fixtures, Redesign, Remodelling Plans, remodels, Renovation, Residential design, S Interior Design, S Interior Design Scottsdale, Scottsdale, Tile Tagged With: bath design elements, bathroom design, bathroom remodel, Design Trends 2018, S Interior Design, tile

Home Patio Decor Ideas for Greater Sustainability

September 6, 2017 by Suzanne Lasky Leave a Comment

Below is a guest posting on the subject of how to utilize eco-friendly material options for your patio/back yard hard-scape materials and furnishings.
Here in HOT Scottsdale, Arizona, the season to enjoy our outdoor spaces is not ending, but rather coming ….hopefully by the beginning of October if the climate gods are kind to us :)).  [Read more…]

Filed Under: contemporay outdoor design, Design and Organization, Design Elements, Design Plan, Design Trends, Eath Day, Eco-Friendly Design, Home Building, home design, Home Remodelling, Interior Design, Modern Design, outdoor funiture, Outdoor rooms, Patio design, Renovation, Residential design, S Interior Design, S Interior Design Scottsdale, Susatinable Design Tagged With: Eco-friendly desing, patio design, S Interior Design, Scottsdale, sustainable materials

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 14
  • Next Page »

Call today to schedule your design consultation.

480-220-4659

66 Reviews for S Interior Design

Suzanne Lasky in Scottsdale, AZ on HouzzSuzanne Lasky in Scottsdale, AZ on HouzzBest of Houzz Service 2020Best of Houzz Service 2019Best of Houzz Service 2018Best of Houzz Service 2017Best of Houzz Design 2016Best of Houzz Design 2015

Click to see over 70 of our latest interior design projects.

S Interior Design Featured on Houzz
Houzz

Yelp Reviews

S Interior Design

Top 3 Interior Designers Scottsdale, AZ

Best Interior designers in Scottsdale

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 4,918 other subscribers

sign-up

Copyright © 2022 · Lifestyle Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in