Many people often ask where I get my creativity from or how I am inspired for each room. That is an easy question to answer. It is from my client – the homeowner. I take a look at their space and a million ideas instantly race through my mind. But it is not until I sit down and listen to the person who lives in that space each and every day, do I come to my conclusion as to how that space should look and feel. My clients talk to me about their lifestyle, what they are looking for practically and logistically, and whether the prefer blues or greens. I gather all of this information and present them with options. Who doesn’t like options! From that initial collaboration and ongoing dialogue, together with my client, I create spaces that transform the ordinary into something extraordinary – whatever that means for you.

My client was looking for a fresh approach to his existing space. Through our conversations I learned he loved the original concept but wanted to bring his look to 2010. We stayed with the same color scheme but just made some modern updates. Extraordinary for this client meant subtle changes.

The spring air is blowing in – which means it’s time to clean the house out. But spring cleaning doesn’t have to mean just rolling up your sleeves and shampooing those carpets. Spring cleaning can be a time to reevaluate the space in which you live. Maybe you received a vase as a gift that is now in your living room, or grandma passed down a dresser that you couldn’t pass up, or your friend was moving and you couldn’t stand to see her throw away that beautiful ottoman. Whatever the reason may be, we seem to acquire bits and pieces of furniture and accessories and before we know it we have a house that doesn’t fit our personality. Well the time is here to spring clean your home and your life. Before you get out those kitchen gloves, start by assessing what you want your home to look and feel like. If you are a busy couple with kids, your home probably looks more like a children’s playhouse than a relaxing haven for 30-somethings. 
 

 At first this task may seem too much to handle. But with the help of an interior designer, you can find your voice and get your home aligned with your personality. While your kids may play in every room of your home, it’s important to have rooms that feel adult too. Easier said than done! That’s a great reason why an outside, objective point of view can be helpful. A few simple steps such as decluttering and organizing can make a huge difference. Then think about how certain paint colors make you feel -  if a relaxed, slouchy couch fits your mood more than a sleek, modern one - or if a patterned rug distracts more than it adds.

     

Just remember, spring cleaning doesn’t have to mean just dishes and dust - it can also be about refreshing your house to feel like your home. 

 

 

Art, Design and the Environment

Art, Design and the Environment. This was a topic of our recent event held at the Jean Albano Gallery  in downtown Chicago. Ron Goldstein, Broker Associate, with Prudential Rubloff Real Estate and I spoke briefly about how all three affect our moods, our lives and our future. As an interior designer, I like to incorporate both art and the environment into my designs. I always take into account my client’s personality and lifestyle to customize their design needs; however there are a few standard items I always try and incorporate.

Sustainable Materials.

Designing an interior with sustainability in mind really boils down to choosing the right materials. Sustainable materials can be found in almost anything these days – from flooring to fabrics to the art pieces you hang on your wall. Using bamboo versus oak flooring is a perfect example. It takes 120 years to harvest oak versus the 3 years it takes to harvest bamboo. For fabrics and upholstery one could use organic cotton, hemp or modal. Today’s artists are using recycled and found materials more than ever to create interesting, earth-friendly art.

Color.

An eco-friendly technique you can use is to paint the walls a lighter color which will lighten the room and reflect more of the natural light that comes into the space during the day. But that doesn’t mean your home should be plain and boring. Light colors don’t mean off white and beige. Vanilla is out! Make sure to pair your lighter colored walls with bold colors and interesting patterns. Plan your color relationships in a systematic way. Look into the psychological impact of color, how to use color in a functional space and how to best choose color for your accessories.

Lighting.

We all know we should be using CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs) now instead of the old fashioned bulbs, but to add even more energy efficiency put motion sensors and/or dimmer switches on all light fixtures throughout the house. Not only does this create a warm ambiance, it saves on the electric bills too.                     

                                                                                                                                          
Water.

Water efficiency is another major factor to consider when you are creating a sustainable interior. Thankfully high-style and luxury does not have to be abandoned for the sake of water efficiency. Faucets and toilets are now being seen as artistic pieces in your home.  

Local.

In addition, always search for locally sourced and manufactured materials. This can save a lot of embodied energy used in the manufacturing, shipping and packaging of products and it supports your local eco-culture.

For the past 30 years as an interior designer, Jill has successfully created environments that reflect her clients’ personality and lifestyle. As a former realtor, she understands the real estate market and how to add value to any property. Jill distinguishes herself as an interior designer not only by creatively transforming spaces, but by managing the entire construction process including vendors and budgets. 
 

To learn more about Refind Interiors comprehensive services, go to www.refindinteriors.com Please email us at info@refindinteriors.com or call us at 773.348.7796.

  before                                                        after

A recent Maritz survey said that 63% of buyers will pay more for move-in ready homes.

A quick affordable way for homeowners to make their homes appear move-in ready is through staging.  The Real Estate Staging Association survey proved that professionally staged occupied homes sold 46% faster in 2007, and 89% faster in 2008, while staged vacant homes previously on the market sold 68% faster in 2007, and 85% faster in 2008. By partnering with a professional Interior Designer, such as myself, you can increase the selling potential of your home with affordable and effective staging.

For over 30 years I have successfully created environments that reflect my Clients’ personalities and lifestyles. As a former Realtor I also understand, and am sensitive to the current real estate market and how to add value to any property, whether buying or selling. I distinguish myself as an interior designer not only by creatively transforming spaces, but by managing the entire process, including budgets and vendor relations, and amiable client relationships.

Staging is a cost-effective, quick and creative solution that allures buyers to your property. Without leaving the interior space to the imagination, savvy staging can attract buyers that otherwise might not consider your property.

To learn more about staging and our comprehensive design services please visit us at www.refindinteriors.com

Transitional design is what happens when warm traditional meets clean, contemporary style. It is one of the most sought-after looks in design today. Why the popularity? From my perspective, I see people staying home more often and wanting to enjoy it. As a result, they tend to gravitate toward uncluttered, but still inviting rooms where they can relax.

While you might know it when you see it, transitional style is hard to pin down because it’s all about the mix. Let’s take a closer look at one example, a living room from a recently completed Refind Interiors project.

This apartment is situated in a vintage Chicago high rise along the city’s lakefront, where the owner was looking for a tailored, warm environment. He also asked that I incorporate family heirlooms into a simple aesthetic.

Here’s how we did it:

• We used furnishings, fabric, and finishes that are both contemporary and traditional throughout. No one element in any room is either one or the other. For example,the window is dressed with a tailored mohair cornice, a traditionally patterned silk drape and soft–but still masculine–neutral sheers.
• We mixed objects from different places, times and textures. In the corner, an antique lamp sits on a new dark wood table with clean lines next to a contemporary sofa in soft silk and chenille–all atop a lively, patterned Persian rug.
• Complementary tones like cool silver and blue and unite the details throughout. The quieter tones in the fabrics, wainscoting and molding, and on the home’s vintage radiator come alive with contrasting dark herringbone-patterned hardwood floors and the bold cornice.

The bottom line: to achieve a transitional look, remember that there is no one rule to follow. Just keep mixing up the items and looks you love!

When it comes to contemporary interiors just about anything goes. In fact, part of contemporary design is the implementation of style favorites from times long past. When walking into a modern home today one can see elements of Asian design and Scandinavian elements. This can be paired with details from the sixties and seventies fashion scene for an individual unique style. Here are a few tips that will guide you down the road, if contemporary design is your calling.

• Keep it comfortable. There have been many new fangled introductions to the design world. It can be very confusing, and very UNcomfortable. However, I always look for the comfort factor. No matter what it looks like it is a personal choice that should be based on your own personal comfort factor. Before going out and spending excessively on the “latest and greatest” design fad, you might want to consider visiting various showrooms for a “test drive”, or, preferable, consulting with a Design Professional. Their knowledge and experience will save you from making costly, and UNcomfortable choices.
• Keep it simple. Simple lines, classic neutral (or bold) colors, and minimal clutter are the key to achieving a contemporary space. This goes for both home and office settings. Simple will allow you to do the work at hand in your home office, AND will provide you with the atmosphere you desire in your personal space at home. A dash of color and the simplicity of one central focal point is all you need to feel at home in your work space of personal space.
• Be Consistent. Be consistent with the materials, colors and lines of your design elements. For example, if you choose to use Bamboo flooring in your kitchen, you might want to consider using the same flooring in the adjoining hallway, and even in the nearby bathroom and family room. The consistency of the material will make your space appear larger, and give the it a sense of style as well as a seamless, contemporary feel. The sample principle applies to the use of color. Be consistent the the “lines” of your furnishings as well. If using simple flat slab doors on you kitchen cabinets, try to avoid curvy, round hardware. If the legs of your dining chairs are tapered, you might want to consider using the same, or similar, leg on furniture that is nearby.  Consistency pulls everything together, which in turn adds one more key factor for contemporary design.

The design of your space can and will affect the people around you. Keep this in mind when making your selections. You do not want things to clash and clutter your space, as this tends to be overwhelming to the senses. This is why modern contemporary design is so great. It allows for classic, aesthetically pleasing elements that give any room the sense of space and simplicity.

There are three words to keep in mind when undertaking any design project – big or small – “Keep It Simple.” It may sound cliché, but when creating your ideal space, less truly is more. In past blogs we talked about de-cluttering and finding YOUR style. The next step is to bring things in a clean, simple way that will include everything you want/need and nothing that you don’t. Here are a few tips for creating a simple, idyllic space:

• Scheme a Theme: what do you want your space to “say?” What is your style? Choose one style per space and make sure that it flows with the themes of other rooms in the house. This may be done in various ways – maybe you have the same type of flooring, color scheme or window treatments in all the rooms that tie them together.
• Keep It Clean: when you have an uncluttered space, everything in it has more of an impact. Treasured objects have more significance in an uncluttered space. A piece that might get lost in a more cluttered space is suddenly a masterpiece or conversation starter.
• Consistency is Key: use colors, patterns and styles that complement each other. This does not mean things have to “match”, but should be harmonious.
• Keep Your Eyes on the Prize: in other words, it’s always good to have a focal point. This can be anything about the room that you love and want to build the rest of the room around – a fireplace, a great window, a painting, a group of photographs, etc. Be creative – there are no rules on what the focal point has to be. Choosing one will help you with all of the other steps of keeping it simple.

Renovation Redefined
Renovation can be a four letter word for most homeowners. We all love the result, but the process however, can be downright overwhelming! I’m sure we all have friends who have had some work done in their home, and can tell you all about their construction horror stories!

Imagine this.

You sit down with your contractor and he’ll give you a rough idea of what to expect. You are, of course, excited because you have wanted to renovate your house for a long time and now that dream is really happening!

Or so you thought!

You discuss plans, pick out finishes, and daydream about your next dinner party (in your fabulous new home) while the contractor is talking about details you don’t understand. You feel rushed!

But then the work begins and your house is a disaster area - you have to squeeze into other rooms to live - and you have no idea what is really going on.

Scenarios could include: contractors not showing up on time, materials not delivered…wrong materials ordered, and the list goes on! And what’s worse – there never seems to be anyone in charge who can make the job run faster or smoother. You dread getting those phone calls that something might not be right, or they need to do “B” in order to finish “A”.

In other words, they need more money and time!

What you need is an expert.

Renovation projects don’t have to be this way. In fact, the process – when done well – can be a fun and enjoyable project that will leave you wanting more.

Thanks to more than 30 years of experience as a design professional, I have a real understanding for the needs of my clients. Having endured several renovations in my own home, I am extremely sensitive to the concerns of homeowners throughout the process.

I have also learned a thing or two along the way.

Read on to discover the basics of working with a designer. Knowing how it’s supposed to be done will let you know what to expect from your design professional – and tip you off if the designer you’re talking to is not savvy and experienced!

When your renovation project follows these steps – I promise the project is one that you will enjoy!

Total Project Management
The simple fact is- the more initial planning and understanding that happens before so much as a hammer is lifted, the more smoothly and cost effective the whole project will be. And hiring the right interior designer to design and manage your project is the most efficient way to get the results you desire! What’s more, by working with your designer, you are actually working with a professional staff of experts, and don’t need to worry about the overwhelming details of the project.

So what is involved in the process of working with a designer?

It is important to understand the entire process, and to be informed so that you can make the right choices. The number one skill to look for when hiring an interior designer is excellent project management skills. This is what guarantees all the players are in the right place at the right time.

Discuss the entire scope of the project.
Your designer will listen to your needs and wants - your “wish list” - and will help you refine the plan according to your lifestyle; ensuring that the project fits you to a tee, and that it’s done within your budget. Your designer will also help you understand what will happen during all the phases of construction, so you know what to expect while the various contractors are in your home.

It is important that you feel completely comfortable with your designer/project manager! You want someone who understands not only your need for the space, but your needs overall as an individual or family. Someone you can feel comfortable talking to and someone who is there when you need them.

These upfront discussions are an opportunity for you and your designer to get to know each other, and will give your designer an opportunity to really understand your specific goals.

If I’ve learned anything from the hundreds of projects we’ve done over the years, it is this:

Everyone’s set of circumstances is different, and no two projects are identical.

Your designer must get the full picture in order to achieve the desired outcome!

Plan the work
Planning is simply the most critical phase of the project, where the knowledge of an expert project manager is priceless! This is when your designer takes your initial vision and really brings it to life! At this time a design and budget proposal will be presented for your approval.

Professional Designers have extensive knowledge of the products, from both the practical and functional sides. Want bamboo flooring? Your designer will be able to tell you if you need a sub floor or sound insulation, to help you pick the best flooring manufacturer based on aesthetics, installation and maintenance issues.

They cover all of the things that you might not think (or know) to ask, or might not know about that particular flooring. That way you are not wasting money on something you might not like once installed, or that requires extensive maintenance down the road.

Also, your designer can help you facilitate unique design solutions for your vision. Perhaps there is an unusual water feature that you would like to install. The designer will figure out all the logistics and cost of that feature, while giving you a clear idea of whether or not you really want the feature after all!

Furthermore, your designer will select finishes and features that fit your budget, while giving you the aesthetic you want. It is their job to know all the different elements of your interior renovation- from construction to final finishes.

In addition to the actual design - the plan should include precisely what materials are to be ordered, each contractor’s responsibility, and a comprehensive budget proposal. The schedule should include the ETA (estimated time of arrival) for all materials, and the commencement dates of all contractors.

Work the plan
Once the plan is in place, you have one important job - relax! The job is now in the capable hands of your designer. The designer will see the entire project through to completion.

It’s your designer’s responsibility to prioritize the work flow, making sure the project runs smoothly throughout, and keeping the costs down. Again, when you hire an interior designer, you are really hiring a team of experts. They will work with an architect, contractors, and various contacts in both the state and local agencies, when a permit is required. They are able to address code issues and association rules, so that unnecessary mistakes are avoided.

Besides that peace of mind, you are also saving time and money. Having a solid plan in place before the work begins will reduce any unforeseen trouble. Your designer will know what steps need to be finished, and in what order, so that no one has to “double back” and change something.

Rolling with the punches
Another thing we’ve learned is that there is almost always something unexpected. This is where an experienced, professional team makes all the difference between a great project and an over budget, behind schedule disappointment.

We work in a lot of old buildings, and let me tell you, there is no end to the surprises hidden within those walls!

We were working with a client who was doing a major renovation – converting two condo units into one. Early on, we understood the complexity of the project, and while it was extensive, with the right team in place we knew we could handle anything that might come up!

What complicated matters however, was the fact that no one could locate the original architectural and mechanical drawings. So when it came time to knock the dividing wall down, we had no idea what was in the middle! Sometimes, despite all the initial planning and design work, you still need to plan for the worst case scenario.

And that worst case scenario is exactly what we found. The mechanicals that were there were not what we expected. The problem here was that our client wanted to move the kitchen to a different location, and that now meant that all the kitchen plumbing, gas and electric for the units would have to be moved.

Problem!

At this point, we had two choices. Go back to the way things were, or move forward and deal with the problem.

The clients had their heart’s set on the original concept and so my team and I worked tirelessly to get that done!

The first step was a revision of the plans to work around the actual building plan. Because we had established a relationship with the association, and were familiar with the city protocol, new permits and plans were approved in no time at all.

In the end, our solution was successfully implemented and the project was completed to the Clients’ delight!

Refind Interiors
Having gone through the renovation process myself at my own home, I know what homeowners endure during this process. Because of my “hands on” approach, and personal involvement with all of my projects, most projects take less time to complete than you would think.

• Are you ready to dive in and re-find your dream home within your current home?
• Not happy with some aspect of your home, but just don’t know what can be done?
• Need to make your new home your own?

Let’s talk. Contact me today for a no-cost, no-strings, no-obligation consultation.

773-348-7796
jill@refindinteriors.com
www.refindinteriors.com

More people are working from home by design or through circumstances. When you trade a corporate desk for a home office, it is important to create a working space that feels professional yet personal.

Here are five tips to make your space productive without spending a fortune.

1. Set your priorities as to how you want your space to function: Will your space be a guest bedroom that doubles as an office? An office that turns into a den? Or will it be an office exclusively?
2. Plan your space carefully and pick a focal piece to build your space around: Measure the room, measure the furniture you plan to use, measure all openings (windows, doors, etc.). Pick a favorite piece of art, or furniture to build your space around.
3. Create a user-friendly environment: Choose seating that is ergonomically comfortable; if your space also serves as a guest bedroom, make sure the sleeping option is comfortable; if it’s a den, provide space for relaxing, audio visual equipment in addition to your work area.
4. Put in the right lighting: Make sure you have ambient, task and general lighting to cover all your brightness needs.
5. Bargain hunt in unexpected places: Don’t hesitate to use favorite pieces you already own! Surround yourself with objects that are meaningful to you, be it books, pieces of art, or mementos. Select a favorite item from another room and bring it into your work space.

Working from home will be most productive when you operate in a space that reflects your taste and values. Enjoy the fact that you are no longer subjected to the dubious tastes of corporate culture.