Reality TV- Not Reality At All

How many of us watch HGTV, TLC, DIY, and all of those shows where you see the "Interior Design Process"? I have to admit that I have watched them and sometimes even been inspired by them. I was reading an article on KBB http://www.kbbonline.com/kbb/index.shtml and came across an article that made a lot of sense to me as a designer and I wanted to share the article and my opinion with all of you.

As a designer I have clients who have come to me very inspired by a show and expect to go through the same process. In the real world design fees, drawings, and labor costs are common but not shown in these programs. The TV show also makes the whole process appear to take a week or even less. As a designer I know that no project is done in just a week and if a problem arises it is taken care of immediately.

Well done and successful design takes time and an open mind. Also, collaboration between designer and client. Educating the client is also very important. As a designer I want you to be along on the ride with me and knowing what we are doing and what steps it will take to get us there. The design process may take longer, but with sparkling results and happy clients.

So when looking for a designer to aid you in your home projects just know that it isn't a TV show, but you will be extremely happy with the results as long as you do a little research to find that perfect designer for you.

Kitchen and Bath Trends 2010

Trends.What do you think of when you see or hear this word? Do you think they are worth your time or a waste of it? When it comes to Interior Design they are both and you really should hire the help of a professional to find out which ones are worth your time to follow and integrate into your home. Every year there are new ones and there are some that just stay year after year, the ones that stay are the ones to go with because ultimately they will help with the resale value of your home.

The NKBA or National Kitchen and Bath Association put out a list of the top 10 trends in their industry for 2010 and I thought it would be fun to talk about them.http://www.nkba.org/-NKBA http://www.nkba.org/press_releases_20100518.aspx- ARTICLE

1. Concealed Kitchens. This is one subject that we have talked about before and this is one trend I don't see going away anytime soon. Entertaining in our homes has become one of the main concerns for people in the process of buying homes. We want great rooms and a great room design should flow seamlessly throughout the kitchen, dining, and family room areas. This is one place where the concealed appliances in the kitchen have made such a big impact and given a lot more flexibility. Definitely one to invest in if you like the look.
2. Beverage Stations. You see these becoming more and more popular on a daily basis with undercounter refrigerators, wine coolers, and espresso or coffee makers. Within the same area you see coffee cups, wine glasses, cream and sugar, and silverware being housed as well. This really gives a fun feel to your kitchen and can be quite convenient, not to mention it helps to keep you organized.This is a trend that certainly wouldn't hurt your investment and may be worth the time and research if you are the type of person who would use it.
3. Scaling of Elements. This trend is to do with what you want your focal point to be and what you want to stand out in your home. This is all about visual balance and having your eye be carried from one end of the room to the other. It is important to know when the right amount of accent color is enough and when it has been taken too far. This is in my opinion not just a trend but a rule. Definitely worth the investment.
4. Color with Energy. This trend talks about making that accent really pop and stopping it before it becomes too much. You want to create something visually appealing, different, and fun, though, do you really want to have something be cool now and hideous tomorrow? This is all about knowing how far to go get a professional's opinion.
5. Soft Geometry. Here we are talking about soft and organic shapes and incorporating them into your design. This is yet another trend I don't see going away. Having and adding curves or angles makes the space more interesting and visually appealing.
6. Space Subtleties. This one in my opinion is not a trend, but a benefit to the age and time we live in. This speaks of having new products that can be mounted or placed in so many different ways, such as wall mounted toilets, floating vanities, and kitchen appliances in the island. Technology is amazing.
7. Design Framing. This is definitely something that designers have been doing for years and it is becoming another thing that is easier with new innovations and technology. Framing out a focal point, you would think of artwork in a frame, but what if the room itself is the art? Use architectural molding, cabinets, etc to make the whole room a focal point.
8. Varying Heights. This is a very interesting and fast growing idea for kitchens and baths, having countertops at different heights to create separate spaces and different work areas. It gives a beautiful counterbalance to the rest of the room just by switching the height slightly. Something different, but definitely not a waste of time or money to invest in.
9. Japanese Influences. Bold splashes of color, artwork, antiques, and screens. This is something that I think is gorgeous, yet should be done with more caution. I would do some Japanese influences mixed with traditional feeling accents and make it more eclectic.
10. Art Integration. This is something that is very common and I wouldn't consider a trend so much as a design concept. You want to make all of the elements of the room tie together and art is a great way to do so, it is even better when it is a more personal piece of artwork because the room then oozes with your personality.

These were the 10 trends for 2010 and my reactions. In my professional opinion if you are interested in any of these trends or others consult a designer to come and see how to integrate them into your home to prevent hurting your resale value and to help you pull them off flawlessly so you can enjoy them for many years to come.