feature post

Four Reasons to Hire a Designer

by Kelly DuByne on January 9, 2013

Many home owners  think that when they take on a redecorating or remodel project in their home, that hiring a designer is an added and unnecessary expense.  When we need a plumber, electrician, or our car fixed do we hesitate to call?  Sometimes perhaps yes, we may put if off or try to fix it ourselves, but usually, we come to the realization that hiring a professional will save us time, heartache, and yes, money in the long run.  Here are some things to consider when hiring a designer to help your home project run smoother;

  1. Hire a specialist;  For instance if you’re undertaking a bathroom or kitchen remodel, there are bathroom or kitchen designers-where those are the only projects they take on.  That means they have a lot of experience to offer you!
  2. Designers are in the know; Designer’s usually have a network of contractors, specialists, and stores they work with over and over on projects.  This means they can handle all the specifics of where to get your tile, flooring, counter tops, furniture, etc.  The designer has also formulated relationships based on trust with them.
  3. Designers can save you money!  Many sources the designer has are not always available to the public, thus you may be acquiring unique items that not everyone else has.  In instances where they are open to the public, designers can usually acquire a “designer discount” and sometimes this is passed onto the client.
  4. On -going training; Designers are continuously training.  We attend webinars, seminars, trade shows and are always learning about new products and better ways of doing things.

We can help to streamline the entire process for you!

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Recent Bathroom Remodel

by Kelly DuByne on November 19, 2012

We recently undertook a bathroom project. We’ve done a few this year, and I really enjoy the process. This time, however, the client was my family! Now, our master bathroom redo would have been my preference, but for this remodel we undertook the kids’ bathroom. Not a huge bathroom, I think 7′ * 10′, but the remodel certainly makes it feel like a larger space.

We took out the tub, knocked out a small wall to enlarge the space, and had a 3′ * 6′ shower built using the Wedi system. Custom tile and custom glass for the door was done as well. A beautiful Benjamin Moore “Salsa Dancing” red was used on the walls.

We had some custom cabinets made and painted in high gloss Benjamin Moore “Frappe”, a quartz countertop, oval mirror, new lighting throughout, and marmoleum flooring was installed.

We are really happy with the outcome, and my family were good clients! Next on the to do list-the master bathroom!

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Five Affordable Ways to Upgrade Your Bathroom

May 1, 2012

5 Affordable Ways to Upgrade Your Bathroom Do you want to make some changes to a bathroom in your home, but not do a tear it down to the studs? Here are some quick tips on how to make some relatively easy, inexpensive changes for a whole new look. • Look for remnant pieces for [...]

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Five Questions to Consider when Painting Your Home’s Interior

April 6, 2012

As spring approaches, it seems everyone gets excited for exterior as well as interior painting projects. Adding color to your home can help to change the overall feel of the space. Here are some questions I ask when doing a color consult. The answers to these questions are a starting point of selecting the best [...]

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Inspired by the Colors at Pike Place Market

April 3, 2012

I was inspired by lots of color today at the Pike Place Market in Seattle. The sun was out and it was a beautiful day! In Sur La Tab, a fantastic kitchen store, there were so many colorful things to see. It’s easy to get over whelmed by all the color. I love color, but [...]

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Winter White is so Peaceful

January 19, 2012

We’ve had quite a few snow days here this week. I always appreciate during this kind of weather that we live close to our cute little town. That means walking distance to a market, coffee shop, restaurants, a wonderful bakery, and some great snow hills! Kids have been in and out all week, coming in [...]

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Time to Get Movin’!

January 19, 2012

I have to admit, I’m envious of bloggers who are so eloquent, and blog regularly. For some reason, I like the idea of blogging, but become shell shocked because I feel it has to be so educational. While I think that’s important, that sometimes takes the fun out of it, and makes it less personal. [...]

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Colorful Inspiration from my Travels

July 12, 2011

I LOVE what I do.  And while I would not consider myself a workaholic, (ok,  maybe a work horse!) I feel I could eat, sleep, and live design in some capacity all the time.  It never fails, that as I prepare to travel to Michigan with my family on our yearly trip there-I get bombarded [...]

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My fascination with color wheels

June 21, 2011

I have a fascination with color wheels-in fact, I think it would interesting to start collecting them.  Color is a huge part of my life, and where ever I am I always notice color.  Today at the orthodontist’s office (our first visit for our daughter) among the photos and the x-rays they were taking of [...]

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