 ...are YOU planning on building, remodeling, or adding onto your home? if so, here's how I can save you time, $$$ (usually LOTS), and frustration:
  irst, let me say, I've been there! After 20 years in the design trade, I had the joy of designing a house from scratch (along with my hubby) that will, God willing, be the last home I live in. For my own project (which began in 2005), I utilized my 3D (three dimensional) space planning software to layout each and every room to scale, including placement of all key furnishings (e.g. furniture I owned as well as planned purchases). Uniquely, as a direct result of this careful advance planning, we had NO change orders throughout our actual build. Not only does this represent a significant cost-saving for the process (ask ANY contractor if you're not familiar with the headache$ of change orders); but, more importantly, my house functions as well as looks the way I intended. My husband and I were Owner/Builders and I was actually the general contractor for the job which meant I sourced every single item and hired and scheduled all the subs.
(Once our plans, right, were finished, we utilized a structural engineer to create the necessary technical elements of the foundation and roof and then a draftsman rendered the final copy which the engineer stamped for the county's purposes. FYI, we also had NO revisions whatsoever once submitted for approval to the county.)
Moving day was also soooooo easy when it had already been determined where EVERY piece of furniture was to be placed (and everything fit perfectly!)
Alas, I have met with many homeowners who called me once their house was already framed and it was obvious at that too-late stage that a given room simply wouldn't accommodate the furniture they'd envisioned -- what a tragic disappointment!
So, to summarize, I am available as a RESOURCE for you during whatever phase of the project you need assistance -- I work with my new home clients as much or as little as needed and feel I can be especially of service to fellow Owner/Builders.
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I was interviewed for a nationally syndicated article by Chicago Tribune writer, Leslie Mann, entitled, "Setting Your Sights on the Right Site". |
You can view the link here or download the multi-page .pdf file. NOTE: link will open in new browser window. |
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I was interviewed by BobVilla.com for an article entitled "Should You Custom Build Your Home?" NOTE: link will open in new browser window. |
(Includes a photo of my own custom home when under construction) See more decorating articles in the library... |
During your build, remodel, or addition, do be aware YOU will
need to select or sign-off on:
 every single material including windows, doors (as well as hardware and finishes for each)
wall and ceiling design (including type, style, finish, and materials)
light fixtures (size, type, finish) and their placement
flooring
any built-ins including size, location, material, finishes, and hardware including all appliances, and plumbing fixtures (size, type, finish)
other building materials such as tile or stone which may be incorporated into the design
placement and/or finish materials and design of focal features such as fireplaces
selecting and harmonizing all color and materials
maximizing natural light and views (or blocking undesirable views)
exterior design elements including selection of materials, how to best highlight the architectural elements (e.g. "If we put stone on the front of the house, where will it go? How high up? On both walls or just this wall....or what?")
ensuring traffic patterns are sufficient for day-to-day living, that doors don't bump into furniture, an open apppliance door doesn't create a hazard or not open at all, hallways are sufficiently wide, etc. After all, the goal is the creation of a very livable space.
...as well as defining demarcations in between rooms, often a tricky task that trips up many homeowners going it on their own. These intersections between rooms are a key but often overlooked element -- until the last minute when some flooring installer pesters you to decide in 5 minutes so he can finish his work.
[eventually] placement of all furniture, art, etc.
and, lastly, selection of window treatments (as desired)
Are you READY?
There's a dazzling universe of products out there so it's also important to realize that if you're using a general contractor, he is liable to only show you a small selection of choices (e.g. "here are 3 faucets, pick one.").In reality, virtually everyone you'll be dealing with on your project will have a $take in your decision-making. Frankly, that's one of the best parts about working with me -- I do NO retailing whatsoever so I am most likely the ONLY person who will instead tell you what I feel is solely in the best longterm interest of your home....as well as your wallet's. And, as you hopefully already read on the homepage of this site, I actually give away To YOU my to-the-trade discounts so I can save you usually 10% - 40+% on an array of products including carpeting, furniture, lighting, tile, etc. (LEARN more about this unique feature of my business.)
"One of the best parts for me of working with both you and Roy (her contractor) was that you broke the project down into small parts. I found too many "things" on my plate at one time overwhelming for a newbie to the building process. Having those small increments (i.e. "homework") made for an orderly process rather than an overwhelming list right off the bat."
-- Nancy Lindberg, Grass Valley
Referencing our 3D space planning/design process for her yet-to-be-constructed home
As I also highlight when reviewing my design background, I will strive to bring your vision to life vs. imposing my personal taste. I work in every design style including vintage, European-inspired, country, traditional, and contemporary -- my eye is always focused on ensuring you, my client, achieve the look YOU desire -- it's YOUR home, after all! (You can read more about my orientation in this regard in the lead story in this archived newsletter of mine.)
Here's a recent article from my newsletter that I wrote on the topic of custom homebuilding. Having been 100% in the trenches, I can further smooth your building or remodeling project with my personal real-world experience combined with my 20+ years as an interior designer who has also assisted hundreds of homeowners with bringing the vision for their home to life. Read on to learn more about how we can work together...
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A major remodel created a new Master bedroom & bath retreat for homeowner, Janet Hessel, of Lake Wildwood(Penn Valley). For this project I helped Janet and her husband space plan as well as providing guidance on selection of cabinetry, bath fixtures, lighting, tile, countertops, sinks, flooring, and paint colors. |
Here's a more detailed 3D rendering of a planned kitchenette installation for the pool room of a Nevada City estate property (on behalf of a client who is a real estate developer). 3D renderings can be used in a very lean way, such as the "stripped down" version for Christine's stove area (see images further up on page, left).... OR, with more embellishments and realism such as this one which was used to interest prospective buyers for the residence. |
 * Member, Grass Valley/Nevada County Chamber of Commerce
 * Member, Nevada County Contractors Association
 * Member, IFDA (International Furnishings & Design Assoc.)
Serving Nevada & Placer counties since 2004
(in business since 1992)
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