Having trouble deciding how to design and decorate many parts of the house, but I'll start with the stairs
eyeondesignme
11 years ago
I'd like to faux, or paint the walls. And art, make it unique. I'll take more ics when I can.
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Comments (19)
PROkaren paul interiors
11 years agoRelated Discussions
design ideas for a very small house
Comments (43)hi, I agree that turning the kitchen into ensuite bedroom is a smart move, as the current layout means that you have to walk from the kitchen (with the meals) through the bathroom? Or maybe there's another access, but still open plan kitchen / sitting / dining room would work better. They often say, when buying furniture for a small space, choose the ones with built in storage (bed base with sliding drawers, puffs that open up, built in wardrobes if possible, etc.). Also when choosing tables, don't go for chunky pieces, but buy the glass ones, with thin legs, so they create the effect of bigger space. fix few mirros on the walls? Maybe large wall to floor mirror in one place (if you can stand them!). Plenty of shelving, tall, but slim units would work best. Also have you got a loft in the house? you can keep some of the stuff there. Last port of call is always just to rent a storage unit (you can find surprisingly cheap ones these days), and store the stuff you don't use every day. Lovely house and location btw!...See MoreHave you ever hired an interior designer?
Comments (11)Hi JA, We have two dogs and have just moved to a house that requires renovation including structural from top to bottom (and it's 5 bedrooms and 3 floors) We hired Gina from Create Perfect (on here) and she's been absolutely amazing. She prevented us from spending a fortune in unnecessary extensions and showed us how to reconfigure our space through working with a structural engineer to get the space we needed without extending. We were given 3D images of different layouts and floor plans with advantages and disadvantages of each to help us visualise and prioritise what was important to us. She created 3D images of all of our rooms and even shopping lists of the suggested items we should buy. (I've attached a few pics to try and show you what sort of thing you get) She was available 24/7 literally and was more help than I could ever have imagined beforehand. The cost was remarkably reasonable and a fraction of what we're spending on the house. We also benefitted hugely from here trade discounts, which she was happy to pass on. A good designer with me a huge help not only with decorating schemes but the plans and layout for your house, they will also put a high emphasis on what you need and design around it (including pets) so you get a house that fits your lifestyle and doesn't just look like a show room. Best decision I could possibly have made to hire Gina (Create Perfect in here) and can't recommend highly enough the advantages of getting a good designer on board; it made the whole process fun too! Pick the right person and they will be a pleasure to work with and super respectful of your budget and lifestyle. Good luck with your project...See MoreFirst house renovation, where to start?
Comments (16)Hi Shelley, In which case, I am not a professional but based on our experience my advice would be as follows; If you know you are going to extend then you will have to have an architect's drawing firstly for your builder (so he knows what to do and is the basis of the contract between you) but also for buildings regs and potentially for planning if the work doesn't fall under permitted development. You then have a choice on how to go about getting the drawings; Firstly you could use an architect and they will help you design the layout of the downstairs and the extension with all of their skills and knowledge (which they've spent many years gaining) and you'll pay accordingly for this service. They will be your creative input and I would expect to pay around 10% of the costs of the work to have that although it varies significantly so definitely get a few different quotes! Key questions we found useful when comparing architect's quotes; Does this include a survey (so they can get a super accurate floor plan of what's already there, so they can draw extensions etc- very different to a buildings survey) or would that be in addition? Does that include structural calculations or will that be in addition? (Ours were £1,200 on top) Does that include buildings regs submission or would that be in addition? (Ours were £500 on top) Does that include planning submission? (we didn't need planning) Alternatively you could work with a concept planner (like OnePlan or we used Gina from create Perfect on here, who I couldn't recommend highly enough) for your creative input, to decide what space you want downstairs and then just bring in an architectural technician to do you a set of drawings based on what you already know you want, lessening the emphasis on their input and certainly in our experience significantly reducing costs (we only paid £500 to our architect for plans as Gina had already done the design work- however (!!!) we were only remodelling not extending so didn't need to consider how it would look from the outside, which is where an architect or architectural technician would come into their own) Before you start anything, especially as you need to rewire etc I would personally get everything planned out, so you know the design of your kitchen, how each of your downstairs rooms will be used etc. It's SO tempting to want to get started but having everything planned out first, even down to where your pots, pans and dishwasher will go before you do anything downstairs will be the best thing you could possibly do for your enjoyment and bank account :) Make sure you have done the plan for your lighting, heating and electrics well before you start doing anything- there is nothing more frustrating or costly than doing the building work, then deciding on the specifics of your kitchen, utility or living room and realising your electrics aren't in the right place and you've got to have wires sticking out or extension cables etc! If you make all the decisions up front (even down to where you want the TV in the living room) you can have all your wiring and plumbing etc integrated and then nicely plastered over so you don't end up with ugly pipe work and electrics, or worse still having to amend your designs to fit around what you've got! Even if you decide to do the interior design yourself make sure you come up with a lighting and electrics plan that has all the detail on it and you can hand to the electrician! It will save you a lot on the long run! If you go with the architect route and are thinking of using a concept planner like OnePlan as you mention in your previous comment then whatever you do, don't wait until after the plans are done- get her on board now so she can help work with the architect! Also ask about her costs of a lighting and electrics plan for all rooms if you're not confident to do it yourself. As with anything definitely shop around and get two quotes for anything and make sure you know what you're getting for your money. As I mentioned before we used Gina from Create Perfect and she did all of our concept planning plus lighting etc, so I'd highly recommend her also when you're looking at different quotes. Key questions we found helpful to ask a concept planner when comparing quotes; What will I physically get at the end of the process to use with my trades? Will you be available to help me as the work progresses and how will I be able to contact you? What trade discounts can you pass onto me (this is a BIG one and saved us thousands!!!) Can you do my lighting plan? What's the costs and what will I get at the end of it to give my builder / electrician ? Will you come to my property to view it and see the light / plot / views to incorporate into the design and if so what's the cost of this? Also go with your gut- it's a brilliant but daunting process and you really need someone who you really like and click with you wants to help you and cares about your project! :) Hope this helps! Claire...See Morehard to decide on room scheme/design
Comments (12)Actually, scrap my last comments! We had a last minute change of heart re the utility and have decided to switch it all around. I think taking up the garden and light with the utility was concerning me so we have compromised and moved the kitchen to the other side (opens up the living space more!) and doing a cupboard like hidden utility off it from part of the bathroom. As an extra, we will build a long side porch so the front door will be on the front of the house instead and be deeper so we have space for coats etc. Then at the back will be an extra porch off the utility with enough space for an extra fridge freezer or washer/dryer or boot room. Also gives us a rear exit to the side garden where the bin store will be. Now we will have a more spacious living area and more doors across the back and a nice square garden space. Fingers crossed it all works now...See More
Darzy
11 years agoI think you need more color on the walls. What is the furniture/color/style in the LR? Oh..I think the fabulous chandelier in the stairwell, that can be seen from anywhere downstairs will make a great feature and conversation starter...like...ahhh. what a great chandelier. I love it!
Modern Staircase · More Info
latifeh hammad
11 years ago
lastplace
11 years agoeyeondesignme
11 years ago
Dan Daugherty
11 years agoImagine a very large custom created Wall sculpture on the upper stair wall... Maybe not like this one, but Unique is always fun and interesting. The lights change like the one in the video.
PRO
PROFoxy Fauxs
11 years agoHere is a simple faux finish done on a similar staircase - a faux finish can really help a space have a sense of belonging and create a beautiful background for art, photos, or furniture. I would stay somewhat neutral in color since the stairs are between rooms. I also agree with moving the vase to the middle of the staircase to draw your eye upward. Another idea is to have a design painted in that area that flows up the stairs - examples included.
- PRO
Foxy Fauxs
11 years agoOne final idea is to use a damask stencil in a subtle application (slight shade difference from wall color).
User
11 years ago
printesa
11 years ago
PROHolly Anderson Fine Art
11 years agoeyeondesignme
11 years agoHere are some more pics from the area! We are leaning more toward the faux finish on the walls, with some creative decor or artwork to finish it. We need seating down stairs, it's a billards/living room. 30 plus year old shuffleboard table in another room. Traditional, but fun. If that makes sense!
- PRO
karen paul interiors
11 years ago - PRO
karen paul interiors
11 years agoMartha O'Hare did this foyer with Benjamin Moore Putnam Ivory. I very much like the simplicity of the texture. It's just enough to make a statement without being a distraction.
Merilane Avenue Residence 2 Foyer · More Info - PRO
Foxy Fauxs
11 years agoThe photo karen posted would be perfect!:) It is subtle, but just enough. I would go just a little warmer with the color for your space. Maybe pick out the lightest tone from your flooring.
And if you do not want to go with a texture, you can still get a similar look from glazing. (like the first photo I posted of the grey glazed staircase - just modify it to your color palate.) Here is another example of a glaze finish...
Darzy