Everyone thinks buying on the internet is less expensive than buying local at a bricks and mortar store- But wait! Is it really? Wide spread belief is that this is the gospel but look at the comparisons I have made on various products we carry in our shop
theStories.
Just say NO to Catalog decorating!
But why? Design trends and style historically are heavily influenced by society as a whole and what is happening in the world-and a response to how people are “feeling” about their lives. But in today’s saturated media onslaught of what is currently “in” and what some “tastemakers” dictate
Want best results? Don’t ask me for a square foot price on tile!
(updated older post for 2018! At least am consistent- we still follow this process!) I have a rule about pricing tile. Don’t ask me what it costs “per square foot”. When faced with this question, I get out my tap dancing shoes, put on my tutu and start
How to create a budget for your design project- and why it is important to your investment!
A budget is necessary! In the real world with our #realpeoplelivehere attitude- we know most people have a budget for just about everything from buying a house to buying a dress. There has to be a budget range where you feel comfortable pursuing your goals in a design/renovation/new
What does “design your kitchen or bath” really mean?
Last week we met with a delightful couple about various design issues they had throughout their home. One spouse made the appointment and went through our discovery process on the phone and set the time. Primary initial goal is to do a kitchen remodel and enlarge the space.
Do NOT do this when designing your kitchen!
A few of my ‘just say no’ kitchen design mistakes- I rarely see these mentioned so going to just put it out there! Multiple angled islands interesting or obstacle course? Kitchen design mistake #1 Ok so just the other day I received a lovely advertising package for a
Dwell on Design: Highlighting the home tour!
To say I was blown away might make you think I do not always stroll through 20 million plus homes. Of course I do – in magazines and in my mind! To be able to visit some of these stunning homes was such a treat- for sure the
Casa Perfect – I touched Elvis!
Ok so I did not really touch him- duh. I know he is long since deceased. But I touched door knobs he touched- and walked where he walked- almost skinny dipped where he surely did too- in his own pool- but got a little nervous on that one
One Room Challenge: Our Top NINE!
What is the One Room Challenge? We all get by with a little help from our friends, right? There’s nothing like a good challenge between friends and colleagues to provide that extra bit of motivation. In the design community this motivation has come in the form of the
Finding my mojo at Dwell on Design
Dwell on Design, 2018 I had the enviable ( do not be a hater!) opportunity to attend the show with nine of my design colleagues in a blog tour sponsored by Dwell on Design and pulled together by DesignHounds. We attended the show, the LA Design Trail and the Home
“Before and After” Beach Cottage Coastal Design
Beach house living is like no other! Not much to say about this coastal remodel and interior design that photos will not say much better! A client investor came to us in December of last year needing a quick turn around on a home on the beach. And
Makeover Magic- Coastal Master Bath Reveal- Before and After!
It is not a secret around the shop- we love bathroom design- every detail makes my heart sing So much potential even in small or awkward spaces to create so much beauty. This coastal inspired master bath suffered a severe case of a make over-itis and I mean
Small cottage kitchen reveal- on a budget- how did we do it?
Who has a small kitchen that needs to be reworked? Raise your hand! It seems like we have calls daily needing small cottage kitchens remodeled on a budget – but most people do not understand even small kitchens can cost a bundle! The key is having a plan!
High Point Market Insider's Tour
High Point Market Insider’s Tour Spring market is almost here and we are ready for a road trip! High Point Market Authority along with Esteem Media have asked me to joint their team and lead an Insider’s Tour for new buyers/interior designers coming to market! Last market’s tours
Is gray dead? 50 shades of #notsogray- for your home!
Rest in peace- Mr Grey? Everything is recycled- we all know this. ( Start saving your old clothes for awhile and see if I am not right!) And popular colors are no different. Whether for your walls, cabinets or your clothing- colors come and go. But 50 shades
Coastal Luxe style- Let’s talk performance!
Our typical clients are busy families- mom and dad both working- usually outside the home and often with kids still at home. One of the foremost issues when working on the design parameters are performance and function Whether it is types of finishes on casegoods, material make up
Fun Finds at High Point Market- coming to 1514Home!
Please note: Holidays are coming whether I accept this or not so I am told! We’ve been recounting some gift-y awesomeness spotted at High Point Market last month with Bend Goods and Wexel Art. Two vendors we did not carry prior to Fall market and now will be
Fall High Point: Let’s talk cocktail tables. 18 versatile options you need to see!
Unique cocktail tables ( or coffee tables for most) often will be the first case good item we need to source or design- mostly because spaces we design for living, whether casual or formal, will involve conversation. A critical component to civilized society despite the evidence to the
The Family Furnishings Business: An American Dream
High Point fall 2017 has been quite the adventure- 5 days of lugging around an extra heavy appendage- ala a walking boot. Not recommended in case you were wondering! 5 days of 5 miles plus of walking in aforementioned boot, crazy whirlwind with the fab people at Esteem
High Point here we come!
It has been a whirlwind of busyness the past few weeks. The EPIC install in New Jersey preceded by breaking my foot (ugh!) and then a major showroom move about….and High Point Market coming up THIS Friday! I never lose my excitement for High Point…truly I do not.
5 mistakes people make when building a new home
Building a home for your family is exciting! FUN, joyful. Or should be! Not stressful and filled with enough anxiety to power your AC for the first year. After 18 years of working with homeowners and many, many new builds, without a doubt there are more than 5
Friday Faves..Lighting!
Lighting is crucial to any successful design and is one of the easier ways to make huge dramatic impact quickly. I think many people just do not “see” their light fixtures when they have been around for awhile. And many designers also do not value all the different
Modern Safari…a bath on the wild side
Working on a fab home in southern California for a client who has many cherished possessions from across the globe. Only photograph safari’s for sure but we wanted the bathrooms to share a masculine, well traveled vibe. To achieve this look we selected strong neutrals paired with
Architectural Inspiration in a…..what??
It is no secret to my team one of my favorite design talking points revolves around architecturally inspired spaces, places and products. I cannot help but admire even the simplest of things if it has great lines. This is the stand out element in American Standard’s new bath