Pushing zonal limits
splaker
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
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ShadyWillowFarm
5 years agodbarron
5 years agoRelated Discussions
Relationship with Architect
Comments (7)Thank you all for taking the time to provide the comments. I wanted to take the time to read and consider before responding further. And all very valid points. 1. When we met with our now architects and others we considered, our brief strongly emphasised the need to meet the budget and solutions/plans/layout to meet our current lifestyle as a family. 2. Interior design was a bonus as the now architects differentiated themselves as a firm that offered both services and the fee/package reflected and included for both. 3. In terms of 3D rendering, it is indeed our lack of experience resulting us believing all firms provide the same output -ie drawings, models etc etc etc, which we now understand is not the case, but OK. 4. Taking matters in our own hands - there were many attempts at stage 1 and 2 when we flagged to them about the costs/budget not being met from what has been proposed. We were told, wait for the cost analysis. We did. The cost analysis came back at double the budget. We were told, wait, they would strip out the furnishes from the cost analysis and a separate FFE schedule would show the breakdown between the build and the fixtures and furnishings. We did. The FFE schedule came back even higher after the architects provided the details of the furnishes they proposed. Again, we flagged not just from a cost perspective but also the colour palette/scheme was not to the initial mood imagery they had provided and the materials were not practical for us as a family. Another example - we went to the supplier for the carpet they had proposed to have a look in person. The supplier said to us straight away he would not have recommended that carpet to anyone who has a pet and/or kids. And immediately said the product is popular from an aesthetic point but for us, it would not be practical at all and we would regret it. We have also flagged this to the architects, ie the proposed items require some level of functionality and practicality to suit this particular client ie us, a young family. 5. Changing the kitchen layout - we did everything we could to avoid changing the layout therefore we spoke to the gas engineers at the recommendation of the architects. In fact we feel that now having changed the layout, we ourselves have compromised on what we really wanted ie the first design we had selected. We were effectively told by the gas engineers that the layout was never going to work unless we did not have a boiler in the kitchen OR we end up with a floor boiler, which was pointless, as it was more expensive and wouldn't give us a better flow rate as it was the mains rather than the boiler that would affect in our case. And people who go the floor boiler mainly do us to achieve better flow rate or capacity. Whereas if we ended up with a floor boiler, it would purely be to force the layout to achieve. Plus, it defeats us moving the washing machine out of the kitchen to another room in the first place if we end up with a floor boiler. And finally, not only ending up with a floor boiler in order to make the original layout work, we would also have ended up with a stove at the kitchen island (initial design was a sink), which was also all along we told the architects, not something we would at all consider due to a young child. So therefore, the proposed solutions in order to keep to the original layout would not suit us. 6. Maybe we are asking for too much but we gave an itemised brief to the now and all the architects we initially met with as to what we wanted to cover for each and every part of the space. We have constantly referred back to the brief to ask what about this? has this been factored in? what about that? 7. In all our correspondences, we have taken care to explain where we are coming from and use a collaborative tone. The only one time when we really pushed back was on the kitchen layout and expressing our disappointment that we had to end up changing the kitchen layout because the boiler placement was not given due consideration prior to coming up with the layout. 8. Finally, of course we have lost some faith in the architects but we are all about moving forward and wanting to maintain their engagement and commitment to the project to the end which we are finding tricky. For instance, the hard part in getting them to see that us proposing alternatives or not wanting to go with the proposed furnishes for e.g. is not dissing their taste but is us thinking the big picture of getting the project done aligned to the budget and scope (again, suitable for a family). In ANY type of project management, budgeting is an integral aspect we would have thought? We were told "we don't project manage" by the architects which is also why we are now spending our time to do this ourselves and having paid for services which we feel have not been met (like selling meat to a vegan)....See MoreBedroom needs a facelift!
Comments (2)Oh my word, I've just speed my typo Of course, I meant previous owners. And I really hope I haven't offended anybody....See MoreBefore & After: A cramped kitchen re-modeled to an inviting open space
Comments (6)Hi everyone. We are sorry that you feel this way, so we have attached a few images below to demonstrate the entire kitchen before the makeover. We tend to use 1 - 2 images maximum for this type of post and we can see that this has limited the ability for full clarity on the kitchen before. We hope this helps and thank you for engaging with us!...See MoreMaking Small Rooms Seem Larger
Comments (0)They say good things come in small packages - sometimes it doesn't feel like it! When you are faced with a cramped room that just won’t cooperate with your interior plans, this couldn’t feel further from the truth. However at Decorbuddi there are a multitude of tricks we all use to create the illusion of space, transforming the pokiest of rooms into the most envious of places. This is a guide for doing exactly that, we hope it is helpful. PAINT Concealing the smaller size of a room can be as simple as applying a lick of paint if you are clever with how you do it. Create a seamless facade by painting all exposed surfaces the same colour – up over the ceiling across skirting boards, cupboard doors and book shelves. Painting skirtings the same colour as flooring in an excellent tip for making a floor seem wider, particularly in hallways. Should you wish to add some design detailing, do not be tempted by bold contrasts, but instead bring in similar toned colours so as not to distract the eye too much. Keep overarching patterns faint, and bring in a pop of colour or two as a focal point – perhaps in an artwork or accessories. With no broken lines of paint to distract the eye and finishing touches that are both subtle and chic, the overall effect creates the appearance of a much bigger space. WINDOWS Natural light is a true blessing to size-challenged rooms, so if there is a good source of natural light, be sure to use it to your advantage. When dressing your window, choose blinds or curtains that allow the maximum light in and assemble the fixtures up as high as they will go. Go the whole hog and choose wall to ceiling curtains that lift the eye, making ceilings appear higher, or even ditch the window dressings entirely – just add a frosty film to the lower section of the frame for privacy, and allow light to shine in from the top all day long. Play with reflections and add mirrors to double the luminosity from the window, bouncing the sunshine around the space makes a huge difference (even on a dull day). ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING If the room lacks natural light, consider embracing the darkness for a more dramatic effect. Attempting to conceal the shadows of a room by painting it a lighter colour, may only dull the space and highlight its gloominess. However, reaching for a deeper palette, a dark room painted a dark tone can become atmospheric and alluring, when carefully lit with striking lighting (this is a key component) and curated thoughtfully with home accessories. Layering the lighting is just as important in a small space as in a larger room. Though you may be confined by less surface area, you are by no means limited to just one light source. Combining overhead, wall and/or task lighting, such as a bedside reading light in a small bedroom or lights either side of a mirror in a bathroom, will be better both aesthetically and functionally. Use lights to add some drama – think bright spotlights striking the wall or moody low-lit lampshades that illuminate shaded corners and create a warming atmosphere. DECLUTTERING & STORAGE Overcrowding with ‘stuff’ always makes a room feel cramped, so make sure you have a really thorough declutter and then be careful not to fill the space with lots of little bits and pieces. When reintroducing items back into the room, choose one or two show stopping elements over smaller nicknacks. For the items you just can’t live without, tuck them away behind closed doors and capitalise on some clever storage space. Floor to ceiling push door cupboards, under eave, stair or sink drawers, are just some of the clever ways storage space can be maximised. Plan your layout very carefully for exactly what you want to house there and fit it bespoke. This doesn’t need to be expensive, and you can opt to use Ikea frameworks with custom fronts or MDF, all you need is a great joiner to bring it all together. FURNISHING & FINISHING TOUCHES There is a temptation to think that small rooms need small furniture and decor but carefully placed oversized pieces and patterns can con the perspective of the room into appearing fuller, and therefore larger. When tiling a bathroom floor, for example, go for the biggest size tile possible to give the illusion of more space. Take the same tile up the wall to widen the feeling of the room yet further. Apply this same theory to your furnishing, and supersize the final finishing pieces. Choose furniture with legs that leave space between the piece and the floor, and resist using the space for storage. Vacancies under a bed, chest of drawers, or bathroom cabinet will give a much greater sense of space than something that is boxed into the floor. Large art or art grouped together as one piece will look much more captivating in a small space than lots of separate pieces. See our tips on gallery walls for some inspiration on creating that feature wall. And finally, remember to play to your strengths in curating your small room. Whether it is highlighting the light or harnessing the shadows, decluttering your treasures or stashing them away, apply these tips to suit the space that you are working with, and transform that tiny chamber into a sensational suite that appears both bigger and fuller. See more helpful tips on our website...See Moremazerolm_3a
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