There’s a line from the comedy, Ghost World, where an 18-year-old Scarlett Johansson says to her best friend, Thora Birch, “This reminds me of your little old lady phase.” She was referring to an eccentric non-conformist’s brief stint wearing clothes meant for women four times her age. The character didn’t care that others considered her style of dress lame, silly or little-old-lady; she thought it was cool and rocked it out.

Take a look at these pieces once deemed old but show no signs of their secret past thanks to some clever reinvention.

Since the heavy, bulky size of larger pieces such as dressers or consoles can command a ton of attention and dominate the room, going bold with color, isn’t always, the best option unless you want the pieces to be the star of the space. Black and white are pretty much always a safe bet.

For that new lease on life, they dropped it off at an auto body shop and had it sprayed with fire engine red auto paint. How the hell did they do that? Well, it’s not very complicated: You pick up the phone, ask a local auto body shop if they accept furniture, then drop it off. As far as pricing goes, shops usually charge by the booth, not the piece. So, you can drop off several pieces and have them all sprayed the same color for one set price.

For those of you without DIY skills, here’s an update you can handle: Juxtapose traditional style furniture with modern fabrics. In this bedroom,  60-year-old traditional beds, then dressed them with graphic, modern textiles. It keeps the integrity of the original piece but makes it a lot more hip.

If you need help transforming a piece of furniture…. or just need advice on where to find items or how to do it…. Contact: pcdesign@mac.com

Updating your kitchen can be rewarding for you and your home.   Did you know that in a national study, it was found that 70 percent of those kitchen remodeling costs are recouped upon resale?!

Maybe you’re an aspiring chef or you just love cooking? Maybe you just need more space and looking to update your home! Kitchen remodeling and kitchen renovation with modern kitchen appliances and faucets, clean, beautiful countertops, a new sink or backsplash! Redesign your kitchen layout and organization by adding an island or more cabinets.

In order to remodel your kitchen space without having to spend so much, you might want to consider these helpful tips: identify existing needs; set your priorities; work on a specific budget; decide on whether to hire a professional or to do the job yourself.

The kitchen is one of the best places inside your house. It takes a great deal of effort and even money in attaining a kitchen that is superb in functionality and in aesthetics. A renovation or remodeling is a major need in order to maintain the attractiveness and usefulness of your kitchen. However, you shouldn’t worry much on the costs that might be incurred during the process. You can minimize repair and remodeling expense by simply following these advices:

Identify existing needs

First and foremost, assess the condition of your kitchen for you to be able to identify its current and most pressing needs. Check on your cupboards, drawers, and cabinets for any repair requirement. Check on your wall too if it needs some repainting. Consider also the condition of your kitchen appliances and tools. Another important aspect of your kitchen are the fixtures such as your plumbing system particularly your sink. Check on that one too. Basically, you need to be very meticulous in making an assessment of every detail as well as the entirety of your kitchen. Doing so would make things easy for you in setting your priorities.

Set your priorities

After evaluating on the status of your kitchen, come up with a priority outline. This will aid you in coming to a decision as to the extent of your project. Figure out which part of the kitchen would need a complete makeover. And, which items that need some replacement or just some minor repair.

Work on a specific budget

Match your needs and priorities with your available budget. Carefully go over your budget to make sure that before pushing through with the remodeling, you won’t go beyond the funds that you prepared for this particular project.

Decide on whether to hire a professional or to simply do the job yourself

After going over the financial side, decide whether your budget as well as the remodeling scope of your kitchen would need a professional or would doing it yourself be enough for you to complete everything. Employing the services of a professional entails higher cost, yet, if the remodeling need is a major one, then might as well go for it. Rather than doing the job yourself that might turn out to be a mess later on. But, if the renovation requirement is but minimal, then you can perform the redecoration, cleaning and repair yourself. Maybe get some help from family members and friends too.

Doing a kitchen remodeling is exciting and fun. But, it requires a lot of planning. The kitchen is a vital part of your house and it deserves your best care.

For help on your kitchen remodeling needs, contact PC Design llc to set up an appointment today!

PC Design LLC

pcdesign@mac.com

For a novice homeowner, it is quite difficult to decide what to do and what not to buy. Understanding the dynamics of your house and selecting proper furniture for your habitat is surely not rocket science. Anybody who wishes to live in a beautiful home can easily manage it by avoiding some very common mistakes that can ruin the collective look of the house.

DON’TS of Interior Designing

Do’s of Interior Designing

Content provided by Design Shuffle which is a social media site filled with interior design ideas from top tier design talent around the world. Best of all, registration is completely free.

Guest Blogger……

Update or Re-model Your kitchen?

Follow these steps below to find out what your desire is.

Step 1.  Find Inspiration for your New Kitchen

Look through magazines, go to trade shows, shop local kitchen design studio’s or even your local Home Depot or Lowe’s.

Create a file to keep all of your images in and throw in some color & fabric swatches, appliance brochures, wood finishes that catch your eye and anything else you can think of that will help round out the process.

Step 2.  Plan your Total Remodel Budget.

First, come up with what you CAN spend.  Then, as seeing that number isn’t difficult enough, add 10% more on top of that for “over budget” encounters.  This always happens!  Your job will never come in at that number that you have in your head, and rarely, if ever comes in lower.  It’s better to be prepared then shocked at the end, when you hadn’t budgeted in for over-spending.

Step 3.  Locate and Hire a professional…Whether it’s a Contractor, Residential or Commercial Designer or a Remodeling Professional.

It’s always good to meet with a few to see who you click with the best.  Whether you are just working with a Contractor or a Contractor AND Designer, you want the experience to be a pleasant one and the people that you will be seeing on a daily basis for a few months are bound to get on your nerves, but remember the qualities that drew you to them in the first place.

Also, when hiring just a Contractor to do the job, keep in mind they are trained to “Build”, NOT design. It’s always good to have someone who can pull it all together in a pretty package, rather than using design basics that may or may not go together, or items that look like the job the Contractor just finished up before yours.

Let PC Design llc help you find the right option.  Email pcdesign@mac.com or visit www.affordableinteriordesigners.com

Step 4.  Determine Your Kitchen Layout

How often do you cook?  Where does your water come in?  Do you need big workstations for rolling out dough?  Are “to-go” dinner’s your norm?  How many people will be eating in your kitchen nightly?  Do items need to be accessible to small children?  Left or Right handed?  Do you need to be able to clean out large stock pots in the sink?  Porcelain or Stainless?  Granite or Corian? Wood or MDF?  Look vs. Function?  These are just a few questions to ask yourself….. there are more!

Single Line Kitchen

L-Shaped Kitchen

U-Shaped Kitchens

Galley Kitchen

Island Kitchens

Let PC Design llc help you find the right option.  Email pcdesign@mac.com or visit www.affordableinteriordesigners.com

Step 5.  Choose the Right Flooring Material

Wood, Granite, Vinyl, Stone?  There are as many flooring options for the kitchen, as there are for your Foyer.  You need to think about how much you will be standing while cooking.  Do you need cushioning where you will be doing most of your prep work?  What type of flooring surrounds the areas leading to the kitchen?  Clean-ability?  Is there a door to the exterior that is often used, especially by children, or coming in from the garage/mudroom?

Step 6.  Decide Whether to Replace or Reface Your Cabinets

What kind of budget are you working with?  Do you have good sturdy cabinets that just need a face lift. Are your cabinets falling apart, off the wall, moldy, too small???

There is a lot that goes into replacing cabinetry and sometimes people have a good structure and just want to update, or improve them, a little.  That’s where refacing comes in.

If you are dealing with cabinets that are too old, moldy from moisture, coming off the wall, the wrong style for the design of the overall home, too small, don’t go all the way to the ceiling, etc… consider replacing your cabinetry.

There are too many options of things you can do to cabinets (painting, re-styling, changing the doors, adding glass, opening up) to go into all the options for refacing.

When replacing cabinets, make sure you buy from a reputable dealer or kitchen supplier and make sure that when they are being installed you follow directions closely or hire someone with expertise in this area.

Step 7.  Buy Appliances That Match Your Needs

Stainless, black, white….. Oh my!

These aren’t your only options as you may think.

Do you prefer gas?  Electric, double oven, convection, convention, double sided fridge, top bottom fridge, double or single bowl sink, arched faucet, spray faucet, and more…..

Do your homework before you purchase and think what is most effective for your home and not just what is stylish.  There is nothing worse than purchasing a major appliance and then not being able to figure out how to use it, or realize, maybe you really didn’t need it all.

Let PC Design llc help you find the right option.  Email pcdesign@mac.com or visit www.affordableinteriordesigners.com

Step 8.  Pick a Countertop Surface That Fits Your Lifestyle

These days selecting Countertops can take as long as picking out all of your appliances.  There are so many choices out there ranging from Eco-friendly to High-End designer looks.

Here are just a few samples of what you are able to choose from:

Keep in mind when making your selections that some surfaces may not be suitable to what your needs may be.  If you cook a lot, you might need something that can handle heat, moisture and a lot of abuse like granite or stainless.  If you are looking to update with something sleek looking but your budget is middle of the way, a low priced granite that is readily available maybe another option.  If you decide you like the wood, or butcher block look, keep in mind the process to keep it in good shape on a yearly basis.  Bamboo, Tile, Glass & Marble are all very pretty, but the durability isn’t as good as using a Granite, Corian, or Stainless.  This is where your design professional will add great value and alleviate any misconceptions you may have toward one product or another.

Step 9.  Select Faucets and Sinks With Style and Utility

There are so many types of faucets you can choose from that you can go crossed eyed from just trying to tell the difference.  Here are a few to give you an idea:

Step 10.  Complete Your New Kitchen With Proper Lighting

There is nothing more important in your kitchen than proper lighting.  This is the only room in the home that can’t have TOO much lighting.

There are three types of lighting you will need:

General:  The lighting that is coming from the center (ceiling) of the area offering the overall lighting source for the room.

Accent:  Lighting that illuminates cabinetry, creates an “Effect” in the kitchen.  Shows of design, creates an almost artistic aspect to your kitchen.

Task:  Specific purpose lighting.  A light placed strategically over the sink for washing dishes.  Lights underneath cabinetry to highlight areas on the counters.  Pendant lights are Task lights for an Island where you would generally find that people gather, food is placed, or even to dine under.

If you feel overwhelmed by all the options, selections and details involved in Remodeling your kitchen, contact a professional.  In the end, it will likely save you endless hours of worry AND costly mistakes.

Contact pcdesign@mac.com or www.affordableinteriordesigners.com for more information.

Industrial?…Eclectic?…French Country?…Traditional?

Unsure????  Take this quiz to find out more…..Take the Kitchen Style Quiz by HGTV

Does this give you an idea of how your kitchen best suits you?  Was it completely opposite of what you thought you would like?  Are you still confused?

Take a look at some great Kitchens below and see which one catches your eye.  Sometimes, your style isn’t what it seems.

Traditional

Traditional kitchens lend toward heavily wooded cabinetry & flooring.  A Classical or Formal sense ties the design together and incorporates many aspects from other countries depending on your tastes.

Light mixed with darks are used to play off one another.  Large scaled items, faux painting (including pastoral scenes) are often found.  Leather, patterned heavy weight upholstery and grand lighting are often found as well.  Appliances, often stainless (Depending on the budget) are used to give an updated feel to the kitchen.

Contemporary

Think sleek!!!   Contemporary Kitchens are very popular in lofts, modern homes and city living homes.  They are clean with no visible clutter on cabinetry.  Many gadgets are often apart of this design theme, with hidden pop-up storage, slide out appliance stations and invisible lighting.  Sleek surfaces (reminiscent) of gourmet Restaurants are used as a base idea incorporating, unique design shapes to the are (space allowing).

Cabinetry is typically white, black or an accent color and made of Formica or other laminate or solid surface.  Rarely do they include wood.  Think sleek!!!

Urban

Urban kitchens can incorporate many different styles, but always contains an open feel to the design.  Surfaces range from stainless, granite, wood, corian or Eco-products.  Space is limited, so maximizing storage is key.  Stainless is almost always incorporated to give that “urban” feel as well as high-tech accents.  Kitchens most often flow into other rooms of the “urban loft” theme so incorporating those elements is key.

Transitional

Think Pottery Barn.  Transitional is that middle style that incorporates others.  Don’t think eclectic, that would be mixing many styles together and that is not what is represented.  Transitional is simple, with design elements that aren’t over the top.  Sometimes a simple style, with little accents of character.  You will find wood floors, painted or un-painted wood cabinetry, wrought iron, stainless appliances, wicker, little incorporation of a variety of colors and a few well placed greenery to soften the look of the area.  There are no cold, or sharp looking items.  It is a very welcoming environment with a few whimsical things placed here and there.

Industrial

When you think of industrial, think of any large Restaurant kitchen with stainless appliances and counters, clean, free of accessories, discreet lighting.

Very little things “cluttering” up the design of the area.  You may find two colors, possible with a third as an accent.

It does give a very cold feel to the area, but that design is very popular in Contemporary design, or chef’s designing their own kitchens to be reminiscent of the one’s they cook in for a living.

IKEA Kitchen’s ” in-a-box”

Ikea has become a one stop shop for all.  When you live in a home and are looking to update the kitchen for a very low cost with a contemporary/modern look…. Ikea is your spot.  You can customize your kitchen with what you need and then have them or to save money, you can install this your self.  It is a tedious project, but affordable and has many options to create a fun kitchen for your home.

]]> http://www.affordableinteriordesigners.com/blog/2009/11/16/what-style-kitchen-are-you/feed/ 2 http://www.affordableinteriordesigners.com/blog/2009/09/28/color-trends-2009-part-5/ http://www.affordableinteriordesigners.com/blog/2009/09/28/color-trends-2009-part-5/#comments Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:19:01 +0000 PC Design http://www.affordableinteriordesigners.com/blog/?p=674

Inspiration found through Color.

Part 5…

Trend 5: New Darks

Last year, black was the big colour for interiors. This year, the New Dark’s signal a bold move away from the hard, dull greys and blacks towards a softer, palette that is accented by bright, vibrant hues. Purples, blues and blacks take centre stage but texture is also a consideration. Patent and lacquered finishes contrast with smoky, matte metals and velvety fabrics. What is created is both dramatic and beautiful. Lots of texture and a more subtle scheme than from the above is used.

Living room
Choose a dominant piece of furniture, such as a sofa, in the dark, dramatic shade that encapsulates this look, but use lighter, toning shades for the walls. Not every home or room suits dark colors – and if you spend a lot of time in a room during the day, you might want to choose lighter colors for walls and floors to make the room feel bright and spacious. Ask yourself if you liked to be “hugged” by the room or feel as if you could see for miles???

Bedroom
This look is perfect for a posh bedroom.  Rich colors and soft natural fabrics create a cushy feel and warmth to keep you warm at night.  Do be careful to not go too dark, unless you have lots of natural light, to make sure the room does not create a “depressing” atmosphere.

In the end, when designing and decorating for your home, decide the overall feel and concept you would like to achieve and pull-out lots of pictures to show your Designer to make sure you are all on the same page.

Happy Decorating!!!!

Part 4….

Trend 4: Treasure Trove

We all have our own personal treasures that we want to display in our homes. They usually take the form of furniture, fabrics, paintings and objects that have been passed down through generations, as well as vintage clothes and objects found on holiday or when browsing in antique markets. These are the things that we want to preserve and admire. Intense, deep colours such as opulent gold, rich burgundy and bold teal; lavish and glittering, concealing our keepsakes and priceless pieces. It’s a colour palette that forms the backdrop to our own treasure and is guaranteed to bring out the inner magpie in all of us. Not ideal for every room in a home, but great in Living Rooms, Studies and Guest Bedrooms.

Living Room

Reminiscent of an old Country Manor.  Alternates to the heavy wood paneling on the walls could be paint in a deep chocolate brown to make it cozy, or a pale yellow-green to make it feel brighter and more spacious.

Bedroom
Deep earthy shades are ideal for a bedroom due to the mood the room transcends.  The result? A welcoming space that you’ll feel relaxed and cozy in.

Inspiration found through Color.

Part 3…

Trend 3: The Recycled Look

Head out to your favorite flea-market or vintage store and rummage through to find pieces to compliment your design.  Whether edgy, subtle, minimalist, cluttered or over the top, you are sure to find that… “one person’s trash is another’s treasure”.

Living Room
What’s good about this look? Essentially, its eclecticism and its eco-friendly attributes. What it’s telling you… get yourself down the local antiques/junk arcade and rummage…

Bedroom

So, rummaging isn’t your thing?  The key… choose a dominating colour that has a faded look, furniture that isn’t the same style, and think out-of-the-box for placement. Take this room as a great example. The bed is upholstered in a dove grey, while the throw’s colour is a faded version of the bedside table. The bedside table itself doesn’t match the rest of the room, and is really a side table, yet it works within the room because it’s colour ties into the beds throw.

Kitchen
Ideal for a kitchen, simply choose units painted in faded shades, recycled worktops (like Cork/ Bamboo/ recycled stainless), rustic style tiles (mismatched/ hand-painted/ vintage) , match it with furniture that’s recycled rather than brand new and, finally, pick wall colours to complement, adding splashes of bolder shades in accessories.

Inspiration found through Color.

Part 2….

Trend 2: Femininity With A Hard Edge

This is a more dynamic trend, which includes pretty yet powerful colours, from their palest to most dramatic shades. Think of peonies that burst into colourful life and then slowly reduce in intensity as they fade. Imagine delicate whispers of texture from vintage lace and silk, offset by hard modern ceramics and metals. You could sum it up as femininity with a tough edge.  While not ideal for every room in the home, this does work best in living rooms and bedrooms.

Paint Colours
It might be that you choose a white or pale green background colour for your walls, then add a touch of ‘wow!’ with stronger shades of the accent colour  like, raspberry or periwinkle with accessories and soft furnishings. This scheme does not need to be dramatic, if you want something easier to live with, try something a little more understated.

Wallpaper
Just as choosing a paint color can be difficult and tiresome between a man and a woman…ditto for wallpaper!  Go for soft, feminine shades as a base, add sharper (or more masculine) tones to pep up the scheme.

Living Room
This room, with all the tendencies of a more feminine room; also, sways toward the masculine with the finishes and shape.   Find this look a little heavy? Keep the wallpaper, but swap it for a lighter colourway and change the flooring to a pale, soft carpet…

Bedroom
The idea of a pale lilac bedroom would turn most men’s stomachs, but this one is edging into grey, while the contrasting colour – mustard yellowy green is a fabulous foil for the walls soft tones. Add to that the contrast of white furnishings with a single high gloss black piece and you’ve got femininity, masculinity, light and dark all in one space. Brilliant.