May 2016

The Happy Farmhouse Story

May 26th, 2016|Residential Interior Design|

Not long ago we were fortunate to be called into a project that allowed us to showcase our residential interior design services. Clients relocating from California fell in love with 1700s stone farmhouse in Pequannock, New Jersey, and dreamt of restoring it to its old world charm. They first retained a firm that specializes in [...]

The Practical Designer

May 6th, 2016|Commercial Interior Design|

A new year begins full of new firsts...like this blog for example! Let me introduce myself, I am the PRACTICAL DESIGNER. I hear the collective gasp from the audience...PRACTICAL and DESIGNER used in the same sentence! Impossible, preposterous, you say? Believe me, it's true, I am an anomaly! Blessed with talent and a keen eye [...]

Is Remodeling Worth It?

May 6th, 2016|Residential Interior Design|

When my husband and I were searching for our first home it was all about the neighborhood and the school district, there was barely a thought of it being the single largest financial investment we would make in our lives.  As long as we were pre-qualified, we were good to go. We were young and naive and as luck would have it, we did make [...]

Should I Reveal My Budget?

May 6th, 2016|Commercial Architecture|

Budget is one of the first topics of conversation I have when meeting with a prospective client and it always plays out the same.  The designer asks to know the budget and the prospect does not wish to reveal what they can afford. Is it right for a client to withhold their budget?  As in any industry there are those [...]

Interior Design Consultations Help Sell Real Estate

May 6th, 2016|Residential Interior Design|

No matter how logical we like to think we are, buying a home is an instinctual and emotional process.  Often potential buyers will dismiss a home within seconds of visiting the property before a realtor has any opportunity to point out its features or benefits. A real estate interior design consultation can help homes sell and may just be worth [...]

Tips for a Successful Renovation

May 6th, 2016|Commercial Architecture|

QUALITY PLANNING Each project has its own set of unique circumstances.  Before the first line is drawn on paper, be sure to know the parameters that your project must fall within.  A design that is created without considering these issues may never receive the approvals needed to actually execute the work.   HIRE A TEAM [...]

Interior Design Planning: Advantages of Planning Ahead

May 6th, 2016|Residential Interior Design|

In today's fast paced, society of instant gratification it has become challenging to convince clients that "good things come to those who wait." Today's consumer just wants to go to a website, search, add to cart and check out to have items magically appear on their doorstep in a few short days. A local contractor [...]

Interior Branding and Design: Representing Your Brand in Your Space

May 6th, 2016|Commercial Interior Design|

In our culture visual cues are everywhere enabling us to quickly assimilate information.  When we "brand" ourselves, our businesses and our environments, we are hoping to automatically engage the public and program them to simultaneously "upload" information in their minds associated with ourselves and our businesses.  A literal brand on a head of cattle relayed [...]

Window Placement & Furniture: How to Plan Ahead

May 6th, 2016|Residential Interior Design|

My passion for planning grew out of the fact that often times I was called upon to assist with a project in the midst of construction.  Framing had been completed, sheetrock was about to be installed and decisions were needed on finishes and materials to allow construction to continue at a steady pace. Upon entering [...]

Home Renovation Budget: How to Avoid Surprise Costs

May 6th, 2016|Residential Architecture|

Cost overruns on construction projects are typical and even expected on projects today but can they be avoided? Absolutely! Follow these home renovation budget tips to avoid surprise costs during your home renovation: Have a detailed plan prepared of exactly what your renovation will look like prior to beginning the bid process. Renovate in keeping [...]