Month: October 2020

Selecting finishes and fixtures for a remodel is fun and exciting, but it can be very overwhelming if you feel uncertain about the style you are going after. Though many people initially know what they like, there are so many images out there that can pull you in different directions and lead you to feel unsure of how to make those ideas come together cohesively. To make things more complicated, many of our clients are making decisions with their spouse or partner. This can potentially to lead to frustration, but our aim is to help our clients get on the same page and make compromises where necessary so that their completed home will be adored by all parties! Though I’m no marriage counselor, here’s a few steps to help this process go smoothly from the start: Step 1: Individually make a list of needs and wish list items for the remodel. Try to stick to high-level at this point. If you are on the same page, that’s great – but most couples have at least a few discrepancies. Next, you should combine your separate lists into one that captures the items of highest importance from both lists. Step 2: Create a shared collection of inspiration photos using Houzz, Pinterest, or saving pictures in a folder. Try to add notes to the photos you contribute that explain what you like about that space. There will likely be conflicting styles represented in the photo collections, but spending some time reviewing them will help you see what design ideas excite you most. Step 3: Pick a style direction. Although you already have inspiration photos that communicate the design direction you wish to achieve, it is helpful to try to classify the design style with a couple of words as well. Below is a quick style survey you can fill out together and/or separately. Circle your preferences from 1-5 in the categories below:   MINIMALIST 1 2 3 4 5 LIVED-IN   Clean & utilitarian; you prefer everything to be buttoned up           Homey & real; you prefer a space that is allowed to be messy   MONOCHROMATIC 1 2 3 4 5 COLORFUL Neutral colors only           Color everywhere you look   FORMAL 1 2 3 4 5 RELAXED Serious & high-end           Casual & approachable   CURRENT 1 2 3 4 5 RETRO/ CLASSIC Trendy design with fads & latest technology at the forefront           You want designs that reflect a certain time period in design    SOFT & NEUTRAL 1 2 3 4 5 RUGGED & BOLD   Pale colors and light wood tones, spa-like             Deep/rich colors, dark wood tones, textural   GLAM 1 2 3 4 5 UNDERSTATED Shiny & showy; think fancy chandeliers           Design that doesn’t call attention to itself; somewhat utilitarian     URBAN 1 2 3 4 5 RUSTIC City loft, sleek, youthful           Cabin or farmhouse, raw materials    MODERN 1 2 3 4 5 TRADITIONAL Clean-lined & simple, utilitarian design           Ornate details and classic inspiration     Step 4: Let us work our magic! We will utilize your lists, photos, surveys, and n otes to come up with the best design possible. We can provide 2-3 schemes to help you explore different aesthetics for each space; this is especially helpful if you’re stuck between two opposing styles, or would like to see a couple different ways one style can be expressed in your home. From that point on, we work together to fine tune the actual selections you would like to go with. If you are a couple, this is where that compromise comes into play again. All said and done, our goal is to give you the process and tools to bring your dream home into reality in a stress-free, organized, and enjoyable way. Written by: Lauren Groth, Interior Designer with H2D Architecture + Design