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!

The Bathroom Turns High-tech

Design Details      “The Bathroom Turns High-tech”        Nancy Barsotti

Just like flowers, design shows with new products pop-up all over the country in the spring.

The Kitchen and Bath Show in Chicago was full of the latest trends particularly in the bathroom category.  The manufacturers are pushing larger and more statement-making bathrooms as part of a home’s décor.

Vanity cabinets are increasingly like furniture and the new look is wall mounted and “floating” cabinetry.  The manufacturers have finally “got-it” on cabinet interiors.  Most have pullout drawers including soft closures with night LED illumination, trash bins and storage compartments.  Capuano’s even had Bluetooth capability.

Although many manufacturers exhibited wood finishes as well as laminates and many decorative door designs, there was no mistaking that white is still the number one finish choice in bathrooms.  But for those who like a pop of color, Kohler introduced four new colors by Jonathan Adler – Piccadilly yellow, Greenwich green, Palermo blue and Annapolis Navy.  Personally I think baths and powder rooms are a great way to use color and express your own style – whether it’s white, neutral or colorful.

My favorite sink is Axor’s “Bouroullec” which is comprised of a rectangular washbasin with soft, rounded corners and integral smaller plateaus arranged around the sink at varying heights.  These can hold the faucet, soap or other personal care items.

A freestanding bathtub, placed in the middle of a room (a large one to be sure) is the luxury trend.  Companies like Lacava, Wetstyle and Axor show them in very organic shapes and sizes.  They definitely make a glamorous statement.

Kohler’s latest twist is “VibrAcoustic” so that you can play music, news and podcasts by plugging your phone, tablet or MP3 player into the bath.  If that isn’t enough of a sensory experience, Rohl’s sleek showerhead offers “chromotherapy” with ten “full emotion” color shades that change gradually.

Even the old “medicine cabinet” can now house a mini television screen so you can watch the morning news as you get ready for the day.

Showers keep getting larger too – accommodating built-in seats, and more and more shower systems with multi-heads.  All have automatic temperature and flow-control settings to allow every user to have their own pre-set preferences at the touch of a button.

One area of the shower that is getting some much-needed attention is the shower floor.  For years I have tried to get contractors and builders to use barrier-free shower pans, eliminating the curb that one must step over.  A Florida company, Tile Redi has the answer with its extensive line of leak-proof pans, ready for tile.  To dress-up the look, Tile Redi and also Infinity Drain showed grate frames ready for tile or simple channels that almost disappear into the floor while whisking away the water.

Speaking of floors, when you are renovating add heating under the ceramic tile.  One of the best suppliers is Warmly Yours, known for their superior energy efficiency, array of products and their customer service.

You might ask, “What happened to water conservation?”  Well the toilet manufacturers like Toto with their dual flush and now 1-G Double Cyclone model, which uses only one gallon of water per flush, handle that.

The other big trend is concealed tank toilets.  Geberit is one of the industry leaders with their wall-hung toilets and contemporary designs.  They offer carefree maintenance and gone is the task of cleaning around the base of a standard toilet.

If you need a space-saving basin for a powder room, you are sure to find the perfect fit from Hastings large selection of distinctive shapes.

Many of these new products are beautiful, functional with a touch of whimsy  and definitely high-tech.  Despite the manufacturers’ claims of transforming our bathrooms into relaxing spa-like spaces, I sometimes feel they are making it stressful.  Just think of the manuals one has to read to make them all work properly.

Next month’s column will feature the latest kitchen trends.

Cool Spaces for Warm Weather

Design Details      “Cool Spaces for Warm Weather”       by Nancy Barsotti

Will global warming allow us to have a longer season to enjoy our porches, decks and patios?  If so, perhaps it’s time to give more thought to the design and use of our outdoor living spaces.

Outdoor furnishings have come a long way from wrought iron and redwood.  My new favorites are the many styles made of weather resistant fiber woven over powder coated aluminum frames.  From contemporary European styles to the more traditional curved wicker, the furniture is both elegant and functional.  This advanced fiber resists Ultra-violet light, moisture and bacteria.  It will not tear, snag or fade and is available in an array of colors.  Whether you choose the upscale designs of Brown and Jordan or the more affordable Crate and Barrel, you can find a style to suit your taste and budget.  I also like the FSC-certified solid eucalyptus wood finished with polyurethane stains with comfortable cushions from Pottery Barn as well as the time-tested teak.  The “Mateo Collection” from Richard Schultz features anodized aluminum with an elastomeric mesh that will look and wear beautifully for years.

One of the best ways to accent these furnishings is with fabric.  I know I am dating myself, but I can remember when the choice was just a few solid colors and stripes that looked like awnings.  Wow! Now there are endless patterns and colors from companies such as Sunbrella and the designer lines like Kravet and Schumacher.  Whether you favor a Victorian style floral, a bold Marimekko print, a retro geometric, vivid stripes or a Bali-inspired botanical design, there is no excuse to have a boring backyard or plain porch. 

Skyline Designs have you covered with cushions made from polyurethane outdoor foam, marine quality zippers and even UV resistant thread and covers to protect from the elements and dirt, which I still recommend when the furniture is not in use.

Fire pits add so much glow and warmth to the outdoor setting.  If space permits, a built-in fireplace of stone or brick, surrounded by benches or chairs, is a nice gathering place.  For smaller spaces, there are fire bowls made of steel by Colombo Construction and even a “Vesta” Fire Table by Stone Forest.  Many local garden stores have these and other selections.

For the dedicated grill chef, the outdoor kitchen is the latest and most popular addition to your entertaining prowess.  Companies such as Kalamazoo, Wolf, Subzero and Fire King will make sure you don’t have to set foot inside your indoor kitchen all summer long.  Long-gone are charcoal grills, replaced by stainless steel gas grills of all sizes and configurations, warming drawers, side burners for pots, refrigerators and icemakers.  Like most things, the sky is the limit and the choices go from simple to fancy, affordable to expensive.

For some afternoon sun shading umbrellas look no further than Tuuci.  They make an amazing dual-cantilever parasol that opens in a variety of ways and sizes and folds seamlessly.  It is available in a range of Sunbrella fabrics and colors. Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel are good sources too.

Accessories always make the room.  Poufs that recall slouch knit hats designed by a Dutch textile designer and made by Bonnet remind me of fancy beanbag chairs.  Side chairs by Janus et Cie, “Forest” and “Rion,” are fun designs of powder-coated aluminum in great colors.  Planters – where would I start to mention the endless variety be they ceramic, terra cotta or even resin? Pillows of different sizes and shapes of the above –mentioned outdoor fabrics would be the best pick-me-ups for your existing furniture.  Polypropylene outdoor rugs of will set-off seating and dining areas.  Hammocks of colorful weaves or macramé are popular again. There are even contemporary takes on them such as Seora’s marine plywood on a stainless frame. Colorful dinnerware set on rattan mats is the perfect finishing touch.  My all-time favorite is Fiesta Ware.  Last week I attended the Tabletop Show in New York and saw Fiesta’s latest color – flamingo.  It was paired with other recent colors - peacock blue, lemongrass, tangerine, sunflower and ivory. I love combining all of them for a fabulous riot of color on the table.

Don’t forget the all-important statement of lighting.  Rotoluxe makes illuminated stands and planters of recycled plastic powered by the sun.  Like the comet, “Halley’ by Vibia is an arch of LED lighting on configurable metal poles.  They can be used in the yard, over a table or seating area.

Wishing you a long, lazy summer to enjoy your new stylish outdoor living spaces. 

Most-Asked-About Products for Kitchens

Every publication at the end of the year seems to feature “lists” – news stories, people who made the news, the best photographs, and so on.  I do find them thought provoking and a good way to define a year. 

Likewise a recent article in one of the professional journals I read may be of interest if one of your New Year’s Resolutions is to renovate your kitchen

The article, “Most-Asked-About Products” in Kitchen and Bath Design News, featured products tallied from reader requests made throughout the year – about 2,000 in all.  Of note, many of the products on the list incorporated sustainable, eco-conscious materials such as bamboo, natural stone and LED lighting.

Of the featured products, the following are my favorites and the ones I will try to make part of my kitchen design projects in the coming year.

Bamboo Countertops   The manufacturer, Teragren Bamboo states, “People like the warmth…carmelized coffee color is the trend… they are bacteria resistant and feature a mineral oil/beeswax finish.”

Decorative LED Splash    Element Designs’ offer of a backsplash of painted glass, architectural resin or decorative metals incorporated with LED lighting is eye-catching.  It’s a win-win – very unique and adding light where you need it most around the countertop.

Decorative Hardware    If you have looked at hardware recently, the choices for this finishing touch “jewelry” is mind-boggling.  So why is so much of what is chosen the  “same old-same old?”   Granted, it may not be in the budget to place a more expensive piece in a high quality design and finish on every cabinet.  But why not feature something unusual in some areas – pantry doors, a center island, a wet bar or tableware cabinets?  Look at the three-dimensional designs from Metaltec Innovations or Jamestown Furniture Hardware with its many options of finishes on solid brass.

Quartz Stone Countertops   Cambria, a company with product stocked in Ohio, has an exciting palette of Greenguard-certified quartz in 16 new colors – “in shades that possess significant movement, depth and veining.”    This material is an excellent alternative to granite.

Power Center Grommets   There can never be enough outlets in a kitchen.  Outwater Plastics Industries has a great solution to placing numerous outlets in the backsplash area.  While I always recommend using a strip of outlets, combined with under-cabinet lighting, this offers three power outlets and a waterproof seal designed especially for kitchens.  Voila!  It pops up when you need it and slides down into the counter when you don’t.

Laminate Countertops   Not everyone has, or even has to have, the budget for natural stone countertops.  Gone are the days when laminate was the plain, boring and simple choice.  All of the laminate manufacturers – Wilsonart and Formica are just two of them – now use the most advanced printing technology that capture the details of granite slabs.  Laminates are very good alternatives, especially for a price sensitive upgrade.

Pendant Lights   I really like the very contemporary “rail system” of lighting for a kitchen.  It allows you to use spots of task light where you need them as well as adding decorative fixtures as well.  WAC Lighting pendants feature glass designs from artisans in the Pacific Northwest. – forest hues, sandstone formations and tone-on-tone speckled

motifs.

Next month I will list the most-requested bath products.  Happy Renovating in 2011!

Add a little New York to your Christmas Decorations

My first trip to New York City was in December of 1971.  I remember standing on Park Avenue looking up at the skyscrapers and being enthralled by everything around me.  It was also the holiday season, and like anyone who has ever visited New York at this time, you might agree that no city does Christmas decorations better than New York.  One especially memorable event that weekend was the Christmas Spectacular show at Radio City.  The high-kicking Rockettes were dazzling.  But when the live camels walked on stage during the Nativity scene, my eyes about popped out of my head.   That did it!

I was in love with New York!!!  And the rest, as they say, is history.  Many years later I finally created a longed-for part-time life amongst those tall brightly lit buildings. 

During a recent visit, many decorations were already on view.  The energy of the city always gets my creative juices flowing.  Walking along the streets and gazing at some of my favorite Christmas traditions in New York, I tried to imagine how you might adapt them to your home this holiday season.

The gigantic tree at Rockefeller Center.  Despite its grandeur, it starts out with lots of bare spaces.  They camouflage them with tons of very large decorations.  There is always a spot on any tree that needs some filling.  Take your largest trimmings - or make some from clusters of ornaments or floral bouquets – and place them back amongst the branches, close to the trunk.

The Swarovski crystal snowflake over the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 57^th Street.

To create the same lustrous effect, dangle lots of small crystals and glittery beaded snowflakes from your dining room or foyer chandelier.  With the light of candles from below, or a small spotlight from the top of a nearby cabinet, you will have your own sparkling display.

The big red bow and ribbon that wraps Cartier’s store front.  Try using large bows to accent your windows, doors and shutters outside.  Inside, place a large red bow at the top of your tree and let streamers cascade down the sides to the bottom.

The first floor at Sak’s Fifth Avenue.  It is a winter wonderland  - an arbor of frosted greenery, white branches and white lights.  Decorate your mantels, mirrors and stairway with clusters of white spray-painted branches, twined with greenery and battery-operated miniature lights.

The table settings at Tiffany’s, Bergdorf’s and Sak’s.  The overwhelming trend everywhere was white, crystal, silver and gold.  Pull out all your candlesticks, bowls and cake plates.  The more sizes, shapes and heights are all the better to create interest.  Use white linens and placemats of varying shapes, layering them on the diagonal.  Intersperse metallic gold and silver ornaments in the containers.

The store windows.    From the time I was a little girl, when my Mother would take my sisters and I downtown to look at the holiday displays, pressing my nose to the glass has always been a highlight of the Christmas season.   Nothing has changed and I am awestruck every year by the windows at Bergdorf Goodman.  The 13-foot high glass cases are a fantasyland.  I had a chance to meet David Hoey, their head designer, and thanked him for his ever-spectacular, over-the-top creations.  Working a year in advance, with a seemingly limitless budget and ability to comb the world for baubles, it would be impossible to recreate these on a home basis.  An example from last year:  A mannequin stood before an assortment of spiral staircases, ranging in scale from dollhouse to penthouse, winding in and out of tiny dioramas.   Mr. Hoey admitted, “It was the most complex window in the history of window display.”  But what inspires me – and we should all try to emulate - is their vibrant style, scale and a definite fearless, “right to the edge” personality.  From the sublime to the ridiculous, walk a few blocks over to Barneys, where the theme is usually a humorous, satirical or even caustic take on celebrities, politics or pop culture.  Last year’s windows featured the 35 years of  “Saturday Night Live.”   Lord and Taylor’s sequence of windows showcase a story line set in historical times.  The animated dolls are costumed in period dress and the interiors are beautifully decorated miniature recreations of historical homes and buildings.

The Waterford Crystal Ball in Times Square.  Although it was fun to experience watching the ball drop in this world famous crossroads one New Year’s Eve, I prefer spending the evening with close friends and family, watching the mayhem on television.   But to add a little sparkle to the evening, indulge in a bottle of great champagne, served in crystal flutes.  Light lots of candles and enjoy the last moments of the holidays.

My toast is for a very blessed Christmas and a healthy, prosperous New Year for you and all your loved ones!

Interior Renovation and Preservation – Part 2

To continue last month’s article, here is the other half of the Top Ten things to remember when renovating your home’s interior.

Sixth, always buy the best you can afford.  If you are truly making an investment in your home, buy good quality.   I don’t believe in many “rules” of design, but there is one that is my mantra “Do it right, do it once and never have to do it again.”  This rule has held many satisfied clients and me in good stead.  This applies to not only the products you buy but who does the work.   I am not totally against do-it-yourself but most projects are best left to the professionals.  A good floor refinisher is worth it.  Certainly the mechanics – electricians, plumbers, and roofers, heating and cooling contractors – are worth every penny.  But get referrals and interview them to make sure they are on the same wavelength when it comes to preserving older homes.   Here’s a personal story as an example.  When a plumber came to install the “new, old fixtures” in our bathroom, he suggested removing the original pedestal sink and replacing it “with a much more convenient vanity cabinet” and oh, by the way, he would be happy to get rid of the old sink.  Needless to say he was out the door and never stepped foot in my home again.

Seventh, be diligent in following what your contractors are doing.  If you don’t have the time to be around when the work is being done, hire someone with some experience in project management.   Mistakes and change orders are costly.  The investment in the service of a professional makes good sense.  More of my time as a designer is spent handling the project than in the original design – making sure the correct products are ordered and received, getting bids from contractors, checking their contracts, overseeing the installation, checking paint colors, and the list goes on.  Be prepared to stand your ground with contractors.  As I stand there with my arms crossed, I often hear an array of excuses from contractors not wanting to follow directions – “That’s not how it’s done.”  “You won’t like it that way.”  And if those don’t work, “It’s going to cost more.”   I think I’ve heard all their excuses.  It’s your home so standup for your decisions.

Eighth, be prepared to live with a mess.   Most of us have to live through our renovation projects.  Draped plastic is only fun for a short time. It is amazing how far a little plaster dust can travel.  My advice is to pack small items away from harm, cover every piece of furniture and seal-off every area that you can.   Then just grit your teeth and bear it.  But do have firm commitments on beginning and end dates, with the exceptions of additional work that becomes necessary during the project.

Ninth, be fair and loyal to your contractors.   Your product suppliers and contractors will be your best allies.  They deserve to be treated with respect, not “nickel and dimed,” and to have their time used wisely.   Make sure you have all the decisions made, necessary work permits on hand and be ready to go.  The golden rule always applies.  If you treat them well they will bend over backwards to help you.   I am still using the same contractors – and usually only those contractors - for 35 years.

Tenth, celebrate your accomplishment.    On my website I have paraphrased an expression that was attributed to Abraham Lincoln.  It says, “A person should be proud of their home and it should be proud of them.”  If you have the heart of a historic preservationist, you always feel like you want to give old homes and buildings lots of TLC.  It takes patience and a lot of blood, sweat and tears.  But all of it is worth it when you and your guests say “WOW” when the project is completed.  Have lots of fun events and parties in your home to celebrate your hard work and accomplishment.

Interior Renovation and Preservation – Part 1

I recently made this presentation during the Historic Preservation Weekend sponsored by the Community Design Center of Pittsburgh.  I volunteer with this organization, advising homeowners as they renovate older homes.

I am not sure how I began my love affair with old homes and buildings.  Perhaps one is born with a “historic preservation gene” or maybe it was some of my relatives’ older homes that intrigued me.  Whatever it was, my late husband, Joe and I agreed we wanted an older home.  It was love at first sight and we moved into our home here in Rosslyn Farms on October 1, 1977.

That began a now 33-year restoration effort.  Little did we know what we were getting in to.   I must be a glutton for punishment because twelve years later, I was captivated by a turn-of-the century Victorian commercial building on the South Side and renovated it for my interior design offices.  That project took ten months of non-stop intensive work

It goes without saying that I could write volumes about my experiences.  Renovation is not for the faint of heart.  I always say when I talk with people about my projects “They are a labor of love with the emphasis on labor.”  I think you have to have the wisdom to know what you can do and what you can’t.   Thankfully Joe had expert knowledge of working with wood and could figure lots of things out on his own.  I learned a lot from observation and from my professional contacts.   What we didn’t know we researched, followed the advice of and hired good contractors.

So this month and next, I thought I would share the Top Ten things I have learned, as well as believe in, when renovating the interior of a home.

First, take your time.  Hopefully you look at this as a long-term investment.  As the saying goes “Rome was not built in a day.”   I think it is always best to live in a home for a while before making changes.   This helps you think about how you use the rooms; what works, what doesn’t; where does the sun come into the rooms throughout the year; what are the priorities; what is your realistic budget?  Patience is a real virtue.

Second, get the advice of professionals.   As you move forward, a real master plan is essential.    I think you would be surprised what a wealth of experience you can tap into for a very reasonable design fee, whether it’s an architect, a designer, a landscape architect, a lighting designer or a general contractor.

From my perspective, a professional interior designer will be objective about your home.  They will have a broad knowledge of styles and a clear idea of what works.   “Eclectic” is not always the answer.  They will tap into your personality and taste and style – bringing creative solutions to the space that you never imagined.

Third, set some budget parameters.  Think about things like “How long do I intend to live here?”  “Am I over-improving the house?”  “What return on investment do I need or expect?”  With this knowledge, your consultants can help you set priorities and make your dollars go as far as possible

Fourth, be prepared for the unexpected projects that interject themselves into your plans. When we first moved into our home, we were excited to finally have a real shower after living with only a bathtub for a while.  Two days later, the old mixing valve for the shower broke.  What to do?  We decided to move up the plans to restore the bathroom and purchase new fixtures that looked like the originals.  When I was renovating my office building, the tin ceiling was one of the things that made me fall in love with the space and I wanted to feature it.  But the building inspector wanted me to remove it because it was not one-hour fire rated.  A compromise was reached with fire rated paint.

Fifth, be prepared for the “may as wells.”  You know how it goes. You are into the project and discover that an additional item (or items) should probably be done at the same time.  The results will look better; it will save money in the long run; and prevent having to go to the project at a later date.

More on the topic next month.  But I want to add a personal note of gratitude to our outgoing editor, Chris Simcic, for the fantastic job she has done with “The Last Word.”  I have appreciated her help in getting my articles published every month.  Thanks Chris!