BEST OF Remodeling 2013 HOUZZ.COM

Voted Best of Remodeling 2013 by Houzz.com

Thank you Houzz.com !

We are so thrilled . Woo Hoo!

Leave it to the professionals

I am not a fan of DIY.
As a professional interior designer, who has seen the process of many crafts hundreds, maybe thousands of times,  I say leave it up to the professionals.  I would never personally attempt to DIY anything and expect it to look professional , so I don't do it.  Then again,  I am into details.  I have a certain (high) expectation of what I consider well done.

Painting your furniture is NEVER a good idea.
Unless you have it done professionally it will chip and look dirty , worn and distressed in no time.

So if you are going to paint furniture have is done professionally or KNOW what you are doing.  Don’t ever just paint furniture because you saw it on a DIY show.  BAD idea.







Here's an example of a silver leafed finished I had done for a client of mine.  I sent it out to a professional refinisher and this is how it turned out.

If you see it in a magazine , it was more than likely done professionally and that is why it works.

How to Enhance the architectural Beauty of problematic Windows

These two projects had problematic windows. Problematic in the sense that they were ugly in their current context.  They stuck out like a sore thumb because they were disconnected from the rest of the space.  Having too much negative/empty space around a window draws more attention to them.

This bathroom renovation was a fun challenge.  I decided to frame out the windows and incorporate them into the mirror design.  

By framing out the mirror and windows together we visually created ONE thing to look at.  

Then we took it one step further and framed up the rest of the wall above the window and added more mirror.  We created an entire wall of glass/mirror adding architectural visual interest to a space that lacked it.

AFTER BATHROOM PHOTO - Design By Erica Islas

The result is attractive windows.

We had another similar experience on another project, see here below.

BEFORE PHOTO

This Kitchen renovation also had issues with windows.  Client hated the windows; they said they hated them because it didn’t allow for them to have upper cabinets.

It was obvious that there was too much going on, the space felt busy, fussy, and the windows stood out like a soar thumb.  But I actually loved the windows… I loved their shaped and immediately envisioned upper cabinets installed horizontally under the windows.  Horizontal cabinets make it (ergonomically) easier to get to stuff.  

AFTER PHOTO-  Design by Erica Islas

Another thing to consider with windows is to connect them to something else in the space.  For example, in the Kitchen above, the windows are framed in wood, so I used a similar wood color for the lower cabinets.  Connecting the problematic windows to something else in the space helps you see the space as a whole.   

We also added a FULL backsplash all the way up to the windows. This creates another visual horizontal band.

Once the problematic windows are addressed, the rest of the renovation falls into place with a great design plan and selection of a great finishes. 

Happy New Year !  and say Hello to .....

Pairs beautifully with Whites and Neutrals , great with pops of Blues and Yellows.