New Year's Resolutions for Your Home

Design Details         New Year’s Resolutions for Your Home                           Nancy Barsotti, FASID

It’s that time of year when we resolve to make changes and take new directions.  If your plans for 2013 are to finally tackle some renovations, these home design and decorating resolutions will produce fast results and could be a lot more fun than trying to stick to an exercise routine.

Be creative.  Think outside the box. Remember that this is your house, not your neighbors, relatives or friends.  Do your own thing and don’t follow the “trends” that the magazines promote.  Nothing makes a home more beautiful than allowing your family’s personality to shine through. 

Add color.   Off white walls are out and ceilings don’t have to be white either.  To help make a good choice, buy a small quantity and paint a large piece of poster board.  This allows you to experiment with the colors by living with them for a few days before taking the plunge by painting the wall or room.  Do the same with any changes to fabric, wall coverings and carpet ideas that you might be considering by looking at large samples first.

Get rid of clutter.  Really take a critical look at your room and try to decrease and organize the papers, books and accessories.  Arranging your items in collections makes a real statement rather than scattering them around a room.  Remember, less is more.

Change accessories with the season.   We all have so many things and they loose significance when they are crowded and constantly displayed.  Rotate your collections at least twice a year or seasonally.

Use family heirlooms.  Think about treasures you have had packed away for years and find a way to use them for a new look.  They are a far beter reflection of you and your personal style than common store-bought items.  

Recycle.   A way to motivate yourself to do major house cleaning is to donate your unnecessary but still useable items to a family shelter or an organization that will benefit those less fortunate.

Think green.  Save energy, recycle and buy products with recycled content as much as possible.  Remember to change your lamps to compact fluorescent bulbs or the latest LED technology.  The initial investment may be a little more costly but it will pay off in longer-life bulbs and smaller electric bills.

Add something whimsical.  Select something that makes you smile and is slightly out of character with the overall décor such as an unusual fabric or a contemporary piece of art.  A great example – a velvet animal print was selected for chair cushions in front of a Chinese coromandel screen in the White House’s central hallway.

Make a good first impression.  Take a critical look at the exterior of your home.  Don’t wait until you decide to sell your home to think about its “curb appeal.”  Consider the landscaping and select shrubbrey that is native, easy to maintain and drought tolerant.  Look at items such as llighting, pavement and  the front door.   Also think about the trim color and select a new hue that will enhance the brick or stone.

Consult a professional.   If you are considering major changes – interior or exterior – it is wise to get some advice before investing your money and energy into the project.  Even if you are just painting a room, making a mistake will cost more than a few hours design consultation.  Consult an architect, interior designer, landscape service or lighting designer for their expertise and knowledge of great resources and contractors.

Successful Remodeling Projects

Design Details         “Successful Renovating Projects”                  Nancy Barsotti, FASID

At the recent remodeling show, I spoke on the topic of how to ensure that a home renovation project would go smoothly.  Projects of any size can be overwhelming and it’s never too early to do lots of planning and talking with the experts.  As spring approaches, you might be thinking of projects in your home.  Perhaps these tips might help to answer a question I am often asked, “Where do I start?”

It is a wise investment to ask the professionals – interior designers, architects, landscape architects and lighting designers – to help you navigate the plethora of options and products.  Usually a very small fee to a professional will give you the answer to that question and prevent something I often sadly hear from potential clients “I wish I had known to get your advice before I did this project.”  Remember, the professionals are on “your team” and want you to be happy with the end result.

The key to any successful design project is communication.  I cannot emphasize that enough.  Before you talk with a professional, I advise assembling a notebook of the things you like – or even don’t like.  It really helps them to see your existing home and to get a sense of your style and preferences.  Think about your lifestyle, how you are going to use the room and your budget.  Having a realistic budget is critical to the project.

Many times homeowners decide to call a contractor to look at the job before they have thought out the project or even really discussed it very much with each other.  That is usually a big waste of everyone’s time. The contractor is going to say, “What do you want me to do?”  And the homeowner replies “Well we have some ideas but don’t know for sure.  What would you do?”   At which point a good contractor is going to say “Call me when you have some definite plans.”

That is why hiring a professional to help you visualize what you want, prepare some drawings and narrow down your choices to a realistic plan for your style and budget is so important. They can assist you with setting your priorities, making your budget go as far as possible and bring you resources and creative ideas that you are most likely not aware exist.  I love it when I hear “Wow! I never would have thought of that.”

This is also the time to do as much homework – looking, shopping and discussing with one another and with the professionals – everything that you can think of – every option, every cost and every concern. You should take as much time as you need to feel comfortable with your decisions.  Do not be in a hurry.  Why?  Because once the project starts, and hammer and nails are flying, and contractors are working, it is not the time to second-guess your decisions.  It will drive you crazy, it will drive the contractors even crazier and it will cost you lots of extra money.

Indecision + Cost overruns = Worst renovations with unhappy clients.

Once you have the design concept and plans, a professional will prepare a detailed specification for the project.  I cannot overstate the need for detail - the more the better.  Now is the time to call a contractor and present him with the design and plans that he can work from to prepare a bid for you.

It is also a good idea for the professionals to be at that meeting.  That way questions can be answered and ideas explained – again communication!  A good contractor is going to ask a lot of questions right from the beginning and wants to get well acquainted with you, your project and your expectations. They may offer some ideas as well.  But beware of them trying to talk you out of what you want simply because “I’ve never done it that way before.”  Or, “You won’t like that.”  Remember this is your home, and your style NOT theirs.  The professionals can help to buffer those situations.

If you feel appropriate you should get more than one estimate.  Beware though of estimates that vary widely in price.  It could mean that someone is missing something.  Or they may think they can add to the price later in change orders.  Ask for references and check them out.  Ask, “Would you hire this contractor again?”

Be honest with the contractor – make sure you communicate your expectations to them on deadlines, hours of work at your home, what parts of your home they can have access to, etc.  Know what your community allows as far as dumpsters, street access, your own driveway parking and bathroom availability.  These projects take time and hassles like these can be avoided by good communication upfront. 

This is also the time to decide who is purchasing what and when.  You may think you will save a few dollars by doing your own purchasing – and you may.  But keep in mind then that you are responsible for making sure the products are at the job site, in good and workable condition, when needed.  If they aren’t there, or something is broken and has to be reordered, it causes a delay in the project.

Once you get the bids, look them over carefully and ask your professional team member to look over them as well. We have years of experience in knowing what to look for.

The bid should be as detailed as possible.  Beware of lump sum figures such as “Plumbing - $10,000” without details of the fixtures, quantity, make, etc.

Now, if you have been realistic about your budget and honest with your contractor, the bid is more than likely to be close to what you thought.  But it’s also possible it’s going to be more.  If you need to make changes be fair to all – don’t haggle and try to try to get a $50,000 bid down to $40,000 without changing the scope of the project.  No good contractor is going to lower his profit margin without your project suffering somewhere along the way.  Also, don’t expect them to try to get the project done in an unrealistic time frame.  The quality of your project will suffer.  Speed does not usually equal good workmanship.  I believe strongly in buying the best you can possibly afford – even if it means doing projects more slowly.  My mantra has always been “Do it right, do it once and never have to do it again.”

Also make sure the contract spells out terms of payment.

The other important thing for you to consider is who is going to be responsible for managing the project once it begins.  If both of you work and/or don’t have the time to oversee what is being done, spend a little extra on hiring one of your team to be the Project Manager.  You can agree on how much time this will take and therefore cost.  But if possible, once a day or a couple times a week at least at certain stages of the project this will really pay off in the end.

For instance, once the framing is done, check the dimensions.  Then check the locations of the electrical work and plumbing rough-ins.  It is much easier to add an outlet, change the location of a switch plate, move the thermostat, etc. before the sheetrock is done.

Remember three key items to ensure a successful renovation project – good plans, good communication and a realistic budget.  Professionals can help you set all of these in motion to make sure you will have a project that you are happy with and proud of for a long time.

The Latest Trends in Kitchens

Design Details       “The Latest Trends in Kitchens”        by Nancy Barsotti

Continuing my report from the KBIS show in Chicago, the trends in kitchens are sleek designs, stainless appliances, contemporary cabinetry and “attention to detail.”   By definition, it’s all the little things in conveniences, organization of workflow and style that count.

All the major companies – Delta, Hansgrohe and Kohler - featured the sink faucet with “touch technology”.  As I said when they were first introduced a few years ago “What took them so long?”  It’s a wonderful idea when your hands are covered in food stuffs to just touch the faucet and out flows the water, also at a pre-set temperature.

Rev-a-Shelf make makes everything that goes into cabinet interiors.  With Blum’s “Servo-Drive” glides they have added a similar technology to just bump the front of the door for automatic opening, especially easy access to the waste and recycling bins.  Their “Orga-Line” features adjustable organization systems for drawers.

The trend in sinks is the larger, the better, especially since restaurant–sized cookware is so popular.  Stainless steel sinks by Daum featured built-in holders for soap, sponges and brushes.  For a more traditional or country look, Thompson Trader’s copper sinks were outstanding.

Decorative hardware can transform the look of even the most ordinary of cabinets. No matter your décor style, there are lots of choices – every finish, every color, plain to finely carved detail and even with crystal and jewels. A new resource I found is Schaub. Their hardware of solid brass included all of the above choices and even artful designs of fish, animals, grapes and natural stone.   Most of these are really well crafted alternatives to the same-old things you see in the big box stores.

Countertop materials ran the gamut too – stone-like textured laminates, quartz from Cambria, Vermont Quarries selections of white marbles, granites, Boos’ butcher block and Vetrazzo’s recycled glass.  There are stylish alternative for every installation and budget.  Just consider the use in your kitchen and maintenance when making your selection.

Appliances continue to have a more “commercial” design, especially in the stainless finish.  But most companies offer designs scaled to the regular sized home kitchen.  Dacor featured some color choices besides stainless such as Blue Water or Slate Green for the fronts of their ovens. GE Monogram has recently introduced a 30” wide refrigerator/freezer, similar to Liebherr’s fully integrated model.    Sub Zero has individual columns, 24” wide, of refrigerators or freezers

The latest cook-top surface is induction, which I recently saw demonstrated in GE’s Monogram test kitchen in New York.  The flat surface heats and then cools-off very quickly and is temperature-specific to the size of the pan.  No kitchen is complete without a microwave, convection and high-speed oven combination as well.  Wine refrigerators, built-in icemakers and water coolers are the latest must-haves in the ever-expanding design world of kitchens.

As I always say to my clients when they are contemplating a kitchen or bath renovation, “the sky is the limit.”  One has to set their priorities before being carried away with all the products and gadgets that the manufacturers continue to develop.

The Colors of Costa Rica

Design Details         “The Colors of Costa Rica”             by Nancy Barsotti

What a fantastic adventure it was to the colorful land of Costa Rica in late February.  Costa Rica means “rich coast” in Spanish and everything about this country has richness to it.

As we flew in, my first impression was how green and lush the country looked from the air.  Green became a very prophetic word, as the country is not only green in color but also green as in sustainable and extremely mindful of their natural resources.  This is a green utopia!

If there was ever a column that I wish I could include color photos this one would be it.  But if you are interested in seeing the more colorful side of this travelogue, I am referencing PPG Paint Colors that match my memories of those I experienced in my travels.

Our first stop was on the Pacific coast in the little town of Tamarindo - a beach lover and surfers’ hot spot.   Our hotel was El Diria, right on the ocean. Drifting Dune warm sand, cool breezes and water the colors of Surf’s Up, Idyllic Isle and Aquarium immediately took the rest of the world away.

Sitting under gently swaying palm trees, drinking Orange Ice mango margaritas, watching the sky change from blue to a kaleidoscope of the shades of Evening Glow, Flame Yellow, Opal Fire, Sahara Sun, Firecracker and Crossfire at sunset one says, “It doesn’t get any better than this.”

Breakfast in the open-air grass hut was a colorful buffet, especially of the native fruits – papaya, pineapple, mango, watermelon, passion fruit and bananas - one of Costa Rica’s largest exports.     

A long beach walk turned into a colorful serendipitous excursion.  One of the native “Ticos” approached us and offered a trip up the Tamarindo River.  So we took a chance, looking at one another and saying “Are we sure we are coming back?”  The little wooden boat, with a deck of bright Mockingbird blue and chairs the color of Catamaran, was so inviting.   Diego promised an afternoon of floral and fauna and he delivered.  He knew the territory of the river where we saw herons, ibis, egrets and the elusive monkeys.  I wonder what they think of us making fools of ourselves trying to get their attention?

On the way back, we stopped for lunch in a secluded outdoor restaurant, the “Great Waltini’s” where a sign over the bar proclaimed “Just another day in Paradise.”  Hearts of palm salad, scallop ceviche and mango margaritas provided delicious refreshment after a hard day of sightseeing.  And if that had not transported us enough, massages on the beach, under the palm trees were just fabulous.

One does not need to worry about being a “fashionista” in Coast Rica.  All you need here are sandals, shorts, tee shirts and a bathing suit.  When you feel like “dressing-up” buy a multi-purpose sarong.  I chose one of Asparagus green and white.

For those of us who love a little souvenir shopping the most fun was choosing from a colorful flock of small hand-painted wood bird callers that mimic the native birds.  I had quite a collection to bring back to friends.

On the third day it was time to go inland.  A driver fetched us in his minivan. Off we went from paved roads up narrow, dirt roads with no guardrails.  How do these drivers do this day after day?  They admitted they go through lots of brakes.  We twisted and turned for hours, hanging on for dear life while taking in the spectacular views, as far as of the Pacific Ocean. 

Along the way, many buildings and homes in the little towns were painted in an array of colors and various combinations such Isle Royale, Wine Blush pink and Blue Violet, and Sunbeam and Lavender Vista.  They were charming!

Our destination was Monteverde and Hotel Belmar, a cedar chalet set into the side of the mountains. Everywhere it was a pleasure to be in the open, clean air.   Partaking lunch on the porch while overlooking the natural landscape of shades of Wild Mulberry bougainvillea, banana trees and the cloud forests was a relaxing way to prepare for tomorrow’s excursions.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is world renowned for protecting what has been labeled as the most famous cloud forest in the world with over 100 species of mammals, 400 birds, 120 amphibians and reptiles, thousand of insects and over 3000 plants and 500 different species of orchids.

The Quetzal is one of their most elusive and almost extinct birds.  As luck would have it, one was perched in a tree where our guide spotted it.  He put my camera on his telephoto binoculars and I have a wonderful photo of it.  Its vibrant plumage is shades of Tint of Turquoise, Tropical Tide with a breast of Rum Runner red and a beak of Flame Yellow.

The cloud forest tour was amazing as our guide Oscar, was a true naturalist, devoted to finding the most minute plants and bird nests.  At one point we were able to watch a hummingbird fly to and from her nest and look into it to watch her feed the babies.  His advice was “Stop, look and listen and even smell” to really appreciate nature.

At every turn, we discovered something new - White-Faced Capuchin monkeys, the Toucanette - a native small bird - and so many gorgeous species of green trees and plants.  From Mint to Jewel, every shade of green is here!  From diminutive plants to the soaring heights of over-scaled trees and leaves, it was an amazing walk, in a country where forests cover thirty per cent of the land.  

The same day we visited the Humming Bird Reserve, the Butterfly Gardens and Treetop Walkways.  This is a series of suspended bridges and paths, which gave us a vision of the forest from a different perspective.  You start at ground level and end up walking all the way to the treetops in the Cloud Forest Canopy.  One bridge was over 515 feet long over the forests below.  It was a long day of breathtaking eco-tourism.  Watching a Golden Glow sunset over the forests with the clouds slipping by from the veranda, sipping a glass of wine, was the perfect ending to a glorious day.

Now on our way to our last stop on our tour, the only inclement weather was a joy when it brought out two rainbows on our way down the mountains to Lake Arenal.  We took a small boat across the lake as the Fog gray clouds hid the top of Arenal.  At 5,437 feet high with a perfect conical shape, it is Costa Rica’s most active volcano. 

Just outside the small town of La Fortuna is the secluded hotel Nayara, without a doubt one of the most beautiful places I have ever stayed.  Sitting in the open-air lobby drinking a welcome drink of tropical fruits I was surrounded by the Golden Cricket walls, Fresh Peaches sheer curtains, Holland Tile floors and contemporary floral patterns on dark wood Balinese furnishings.   Talk about “eye candy!”  You can take the designer out of the country but you can’t take the designer out of me.

The accommodations are individual casitas with high ceilings of bamboo and dark timbers, decks with chairs and multi-colored hammocks, an outdoor Jacuzzi and the ultimate luxury, an outdoor shower with a floor of Crystal Lake blue stones. 

The walkways from the casitas were lined with lush foliage and tropical flowers – Burnt Red anthurium, Hot Pink Kiss ginger, Calypso Berry heliconia and many varieties of Plum Perfect orchids.  This is paradise!

Views of the top of the volcano peaked through as clouds wafted their way across the sky during our meals on the verandas.  The area is also known for its hot springs and spa treatments.  Mud massages in the open-air rooms were incredible!

One of the highlights of the trip though – and we waited all week for the one we heard was the best – was zip lining over the forests.  My companion was a little hesitant about this adventure but like my Mother said “You are not hesitant about anything.”  No way was I coming back home without experiencing this adventure.

The adrenaline kicked in as we took the tram up almost 3100 feet.  After two short “training cables” it is your last chance to take the tram down.  Then it’s hang-on for the thrill of a lifetime!

There were 8 cables – the highest was 656 feet; the fastest was 50 miles per hour; and the longest was 2050 feet.  I was hollering “Wow!” as I zipped over the forests, taking in every second of this exhilarating experience.  Even my companion said “Excellente!  I could do this again.”

Never have I had a more wonderful, relaxing vacation.  From A (the Arenal Volcano) to Z (zip lining) Costa Rica has something for everyone.  Make sure you put this colorful country on your bucket list.  As the sign at the airport stated, “Welcome to Costa Rica – the Happiest Country in the World.”    I couldn’t agree more and I can’t wait to go there again!