a(DOOR)ation

Posted on by DCL

So often I see mismatched doors when touring open homes. The doors in your home should be complimentary if not an absolute match.

Salvage shops have just about every style of door imaginable. Carry your measurements with you and don’t forget the hinges and knobs as these should match throughout your home as well.


To get the proper fit and swing, hire a finish carpenter who will get the job done correctly. A talented carpenter will also be skilled at filling in voids both on the door and in the door jam.

Giving new life to an old door is good for the planet, easy on your wallet, and (most of all) adds value to your home!

D.

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Refrigerator 101

Posted on by DCL


Refrigerator mishaps are the result of poor planing or knee-jerk buying decisions and often leave home owners with a huge eyesore. The top and sides of refrigerators should always be hidden.

If it's worth doing, then do it right. Note the slight “miss” (above left) where the side of the refrigerator is exposed. This is easily fixed by recessing the water supply and/or electrical outlet. Limit side exposure to doors only (above right) to keep it from encroaching into the space.


Refrigerators are the largest appliance in the kitchen and thoughtful planning helps keep them from over taking the space. The poor placement of this refrigerator cuts the counter into two non-functional surfaces.


If 8-16.0k for a Sub-Zero is out of reach, use door trim kits and install cabinets around the best (size appropriate) refrigerator within your budget.



My preference is to use Over-Under (bottom drawer freezer) models. These wide counter depth models are classic and disappear when paneled. I hang the treasured gift of an original painting on the front of my refrigerator. This keeps it from imposing by turning the surface into wall space.

Avoid buying too big or too small, too trendy or complicated. Retailers merchandise appliances like fashion clothing. A unfashionable or ill-fitted outfit will soon be buried deep in a closet. Your refrigerator will be on display for 20 years.

Think about your overall kitchen layout when it's time to replace your refrigerator. Evaluate the life expectancy of the other appliances. In most cases, it's more cost effective to replace a suite of appliances. This is also an ideal time to make needed alterations to your kitchen which you will enjoy today and profit from when it is time to sell.

D.

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2949 Chestnut St, Oakland, CA

Posted on by DCL

This home has been a hangout for the extended family for many years. Recommend painting immediately to alter the appearance so people stop coming and going at will.

We are limited on color options due to the roof color but I think the body color should be green with lots of white trim, and red accent. Period appropriate colors will add the most value and attract tenants that appreciate the details.


Use drought tolerant vines on the chain link fence to create a green wall. Once established, ornamental grasses are very low maintenance, require no watering, and are showy. Recommend cutting planting beds out of concrete leaving concrete pathways.


Plant ornamental plums in the parking stripe on the side and front. This visually expands the property, breaks up the hard scape, and will add much need privacy in the side. These trees have already been planted in front of neighboring houses…on every block in four different directions. Urban Releaf forms are available online at urbanreleaf.org. Request trees and make a tax deductible donation.

Keep the cabinets and refinish the wood counter. Replace base cabinets (IKEA) on the sink wall and install honed granite to resemble soapstone. Removing the original icebox will allow for much need storage and require minimal patching. Buyers and hip renters really appreciate original details with sexy (farmhouse sink) upgrades.



Keep the bathroom simple and clean. Sinks with base cabinets end up disgusting in rentals and there is adequate linen storage in the hallway closet.

Period lighting is readily available, very inexpensive, and adds huge value because it looks original to the home.


Quick value-add is to spray out the entire inside of the garage. This enables buyers or tenants to visualize utilizing the space and white makes it look newer, cleaner, and much larger.

D.

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The Chaise Is On!

Posted on by DCL

Chaise from One Kings Lane

Chandelier from Gabby

Chaise from One Kings Lane

Chandelier from Acadian Home

 

Chaise from One Kings Lane

Chandelier from Aiden Grey

Adding a chaise to your room is adding luxury. These pieces a terrific way to add overflow seating without visually cluttering up the room or blocking conversation areas and windows.

D.

 

 

 

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Window Shopping

Posted on by DCL

Many home owners have difficulty deciding between repairing and replacing windows. A bargain replacements can negatively impact the value of your home. Quality custom replacements are expensive by comparison. When possible I prefer to restore existing windows and find everything I need at my local salvage shop.


Proper installation of windows (old or new) often requires the help of a qualified carpenter. I always use a professional windo glazier when replacing glass. A pro will give you a perfect painting surface and their work should last for decades.

D.

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Dena Dreamin’

Posted on by DCL

 

Replica Eames

Chair w/ Ottoman $985.00 Side table $437.00

 

Custom 71″ Sofa w/Ottoman $2,100.00 (est. depending on options)

34″ wide coffee

table $405.00

Low Pile Seating Area

Rug 5’x8′ $998.00

Dining/Side chairs – $275.00 set of 2


Mirrors “windows” – 30″-77″ $691.00



Choice of drapery accent panels $469.00

D.


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Mariposa Mirrored

Posted on by DCL

I’m a convert. I started studying Feng Shui years ago and that exposure has impacted every design direction. Mirrors are more powerful and impactful than you might think and so often misplaced and misused.


Think of mirrors as serving two functions; functional and aesthetic. The trick is in creating the perfect balance and sensitivity toward that which is being reflected.



Aesthetic mirror applications often make up for architectural voids. There are many effective ways of using mirror to create “windows” where windows ought to be. In some cases, I like to flank these installations with drapery panels identical to those used on the room’s actual windows.


Here I added mirror to the back of a 1912 built-in. I also love to create faux mirrored doors as a way to balance a room or faux transoms to add architecture and light to a space.


Keep in mind what will be reflected before placing mirrors. Mirrored backsplashes in busy kitchens, for example, can double the clutter and require constant cleaning. However, a mirror behind cooktop or windowless kitchen sink can bring life into a dreary kitchen and are worth the Windex.

D.

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Ikat…It’s All That!

Posted on by DCL

Ikat fabrics are beautiful, timeless, and fun to use throughout the home.



 


Ikat designed fabrics can be incorporated into many design schemes. These fabrics can be huge help when working to achieve either a cool or warm feeling space as well as helping to blend styles.


In main public rooms, a window of Ikat can be too busy and over power the space. Using Ikat accent panels tied into the room’s furnishings and accessories is often all that is needed. In private rooms, using full Ikat drapery helps to create a dreamy envelope of luxury.




Ikat in subtle hues and 2-tone hues have a more modern feel. Adding Ikat throw pillows or accent carpet adds warmth, texture, and character to subdued designs. Ikat patterns are also ideal for bridging masculine and feminine when creating a space. Try it, you’ll never go back!

D.

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Feel’in (Pea)cocky

Posted on by DCL


The tile surround of this gorgeous dining room fireplace in a charming 1908 bungalow provided the inspiration for my design recommendations.

When selling, it is important to highlight valuable built-in elements of you home. Here I kept the museum white on the wainscot and trim but opted for for a hint of blue on the upper 1/3 (from plate rail to crown) of the room.

I selected a light shade because this property was being listed and it was essential that these valuable tiles be the dominant feature of the space. I would likely take a different approach choosing a color for home buyers all the way up to a literal

interpretation of the saturated blue.



As the buyer, imagine the fun you would have designing a room around this fireplace.



This Brandolini Branch Chandelier is terrific investment for updating a room with heavy “period” architecture.



There is a great deal around every design corner. This <$1500 dining table is simply stunning and fresh. The dining table should ground the room and this one does while complimenting the fireplace time.

Mix it up. Blending traditional, mid-century, modern, and eclectic furnishings works to enhance the room’s 100+ year old architecture.

D.

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Downsize And Upgrade

Posted on by DCL

The term downsizing carries a negative connotation for many, but the benefits of downsizing are huge. Having a significant equity stored up in a mostly unused home is not beneficial to the home owner, especially when this
limits your ability to change careers, retire, travel, or simply follow your dream.

Downsizing often means selling a home that might need repairs or have deferred maintenance which requires investing money into the home before obtaining the optimum sale price. However, completing this work on your existing home is a very good investment in improving the eventual results of you wish to downsize.

Understand what your options are by looking at alternatives. You may always love that big old drafty house but a newer condo may actually be much a better fit for you today. Compare the costs of heating and cooling a new home with that of your older home. Saving thousands on utility bills might make a big difference in your life not to mention your comfort.

Vs.

Look at alternative potential locations for your new home. Priorities change over time. 20 years ago being close to great schools may have been important to you but may not matter much today. Think of not needing your auto to run every errand or just the convenience of living closer to the neighborhood amenities you enjoy the most.

The features of your home may have been essential when you bought it but may no longer work for you. Multiple bedrooms for children can be replaced by a well appointed guestroom in a new home. A formal dining room may no longer be a priority. How you entertain has likely changed over the years. Let your imagination take over for a bit and start visualizing yourself in a new setting.

Once you’ve made the decision to downsize consider rewarding yourself with upgrades. Take an audit of your current possessions and reduce them down to those most precious which you wish to carry with you to your new home. Moving household objects to which you are no longer so attached into your new space squanders a rare opportunity to upgrade. Huge matchy-matchy dining room sets, bedroom suites, and bulky living room furniture pieces may be traded-up for new furnishings less demanding of space.





Trade Up

Hire a designer consultant to edit through your home and avoid moving items that won’t work in your new space. I have walked through entire homes with seller who ended up taking almost nothing to their new home. The pieces that make the cut become the inspiration for the new design and can be made to stand out in the new setting. A good designer will also help you see hidden potential in your furnishings like outdated upholstery on an otherwise great sofa or chair.




Redo

Lightening the load for your new home can include parting with pieces which you have previously enjoyed. Possessions are not precious simply because you inherited them or receive them as gifts. If it doesn’t work in your new home and you don’t have an heir who adores the piece, then I recommend that you take it to an auction house or donate it. Better those objects be loved by a new owner than become unnecessary clutter in your new home. Your needs and comfort come as first priorities in your new home.

D.

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