Initial Steps…

When contacted by a potential client, I mention my complimentary initial consultation as a first step. It’s a great way for the client and myself to meet, get to know each other a bit, discuss the scope of the project that the client has in mind, and talk about desired results. Potential clients often wonder what we’ll talk about or accomplish during that first meeting, so here’s an overview of what you can expect from an initial consultation:

We’ll meet at your home or office so that I can see the spaces and rooms that you’d like to update or change. This meeting usually lasts for about one hour.
We’ll discuss your thoughts and ideas, and your likes and dislikes. Starting a folder of things that appeal to you is a great idea when thinking about a project.
We’ll discuss possibilities without going into specifics. Specific solutions and recommendations usually aren’t feasible this early in the game!
If needed, we’ll discuss finding and hiring the right contractor. I prefer that clients interview contractors themselves, for the best possible match and fit. Asking friends, family or neighbors for recommendations can be invaluable. A comfortable relationship with your contractor will be key.
We’ll discuss your budget. Clients often want to hold off on discussing budget, but it gives designers an excellent framework for setting realistic project expectations. If you have no idea what your budget is, we’ll tackle that too!
We’ll discuss compensation and how we’ll work together – on an hourly basis or an overall fee basis, plus offering the advantage of designer trade discounts.
We’ll discuss my typical contract and terms for working together.
We’ll discuss your time frame and when you’d like to begin the project and complete the project. And then hopefully embark on a fun and rewarding project together!

On very rare occasions, I’ll meet with new clients to provide specs and suggestions right away. For example, I once worked with new clients who had a painter on site, but who were indecisive about selecting paint colors. Time was of the essence in terms of providing color specs to the painter. I agreed to meet with the clients for a set fee, and then met with them to look at paint color samples and make selections. It worked out well for everyone. On another occasion, I met with a new client who had worked with a kitchen designer and had all of the basic design elements in place, but wanted confirmation and reassurance that her choices would all work together and would be smart choices. Again, we agreed upon a fee and I met with her to review her kitchen design selections, make some recommendations, and help her move ahead with the project. That approach worked out very well too, with a happy client and nice results.

My initial consultation is a complimentary service that has proven to be a great start for projects, time and time again.

http://www.cl-interiors.com or contact me at (703) 209-3750

The Art of Repurposing

This article might seem a bit surprising coming from an interior design firm. I think the general perception is that designers want clients to have the latest and greatest—and to sell them these items accordingly. While in part that is appropriate for project needs, and we absolutely want your home to be current and the most wonderful version of you, achieving that goal doesn’t need to solely rely on new products and furnishings.

I recently met with a client who moved here from Maine with a houseful of mis-matched furniture. Some pieces were well-loved and others were only a year or two old. I asked them what pieces were of sentimental value and what could go. If I were to make this work, I needed a plan. I carefully selected what could be reused, what could be repurposed, and where we would need new selections. They had this giant sectional and posed the question to me if they should reupholster it. My immediate response was that the expense to reupholster would be actually more than purchasing new. Now, not the most environmentally friendly option, but if I were to do my job and do it well, this piece would have to go.

From another client, below is an example of repurposing that illustrates a mid-century modern piece reupholstered in a neutral gray fabric. It ties in so nicely now with the lamps, rug, and accessories!

I firmly believe that when there is a good opportunity to repurpose an item, let’s review options!

I’m always fascinated when we move from time to time and people ask me, “Did you purchase all new furniture?” My immediate response is “WHY?” I’ve moved 5 times as an adult (not including college or ‘pre-family’ living), and each time I have kept the majority of our furnishings. Granted, there are always a few items that just don’t look right or won’t fit no matter where you try to put them. And as we mature, we desire certain pieces for aesthetic reasons, or to fulfill a certain purpose, but to this day, I still have pieces that I had from growing up. I love the history behind each piece and they easily find a spot with every move.

Amidst saying all this, I do also enjoy mixing in beautiful new pieces too, but to us, some history and a story is what truly gives a home its charm. A blend of the old with the new. And some pieces are certainly better at finding new life than others.

For example, chests, tables, well-made dining or occasional chairs, desks and cabinets can all easily be passed down through generations. Sofas, beds and upholstery are a bit more tricky. Reupholstering can be costly and should only be done for well-constructed, high-end pieces or something with a strong sentimental value. Antique beds are another story. Just as cars have evolved and become roomier to accommodate the larger human body, beds have as well. Occasionally, antique beds can be passed down and repurposed, but sometimes the scale is not only too small for the room, it is physically too small for the humans as well. A lot depends on how old and where you might use them. Because older beds do tend to be smaller, they often make great beds for children.

The next time you are updating, renovating, building or moving, take time to think about what can make the transition smoothly, but more importantly, give serious thought to what items with a little modification could also have new life.

Think outside the box. Just because something was in a living room before doesn’t mean it couldn’t work in a study, office, or bedroom with a new finish or other adjustments.

And If you’re really ambitious, visit old salvage yards and find items that can be made into something totally new and different from its original purpose….an old interesting door can become a headboard, a window can be made into a fun mirror. The possibilities are endless, and we are more than happy to help you discover the world of artfully repurposing if you don’t feel you have the vision yourself.

Granite or Quartz. Which is right for you?

One of the most common questions I get when working on a kitchen or bath project is, “Which material is better for the countertops? Granite or quartz?”

Well, so far I haven’t been able to come up with the definitive answer for that because both are great choices depending on your functional and aesthetic needs.

Each project is different, and each client’s personal taste is different. I’ve had clients who have come into a project certain that they wanted one or the other and then changed their mind once they saw the actual slabs of material. I’ve also had clients who have had one material in their previous home and then switched to the other for their next house. That tells me there is no absolute right or wrong and that we need to weigh the pros and cons of the different materials and the lifestyle of each client in order to determine which will be the best fit for each individual circumstance.

Granite countertop

What is important to you?

• Is it the non-uniform one-of-a kind look of a natural material?
• Is it the uniform look you get from a man-made material?
• Is it stain resistance? Heat resistance? Moisture resistance?
• Do you want a timeless classic look or a cutting edge ultra-contemporary look?
• Does the environmental impact outweigh all other considerations?

Let’s talk about the differences between granite and quartz.

Granite countertop

Granite is a 100% natural stone that was formed as magma cooled millions of years ago. It consists of 10-50% quartz and 65-90% feldspar, but also contains mica and other trace minerals that give it distinct patterns and colors ranging from the more common off whites to more exotic blacks, greens, reds and blues. Being a natural material, each piece will be slightly different than any other piece so it has a one-of-a-kind quality. Granite is a very hard substance but is porous.

Quartz countertop

Quartz countertops are a man-made engineered stone produced by combining about 90% ground quartz with approximately 10% resins, polymers and pigments. The quartz used in production is white or clear and the color and pattern is added via pigments. Because of the production controls, each slab is almost exactly the same as the next so if consistency is your jam, quartz will appeal to you. Quartz has a very hard surface that is extremely durable and non-porous.

To determine the best product for your project, there are many things to consider regarding how it looks as well as how it performs. Let’s break it down into pros and cons for each.

Appearance/Colors

Granite

Pros:

• Natural appearance
• Many colors ranging from off whites to more exotic deep rich colors
• No two are the same
• Available in different finishes, polished, leathered and honed being the most common—honing it makes it more porous, so you will need to seal it more often

Cons:

• Seams are more visible due to the pattern variation
• Has naturally occurring imperfections, although they can be avoided during templating
• Only naturally occurring colors are available

Quartz

Pros:

• There is no end to the colors available as it is colored with pigments
• Slabs are consistent throughout which helps reduce the visibility of seams
• All quartz is available in polished and some are available in honed and leathered finishes—all are equally durable

Cons:

• Exposure to direct sunlight may discolor the resin over time
• Because of the more uniform look and size of crystals, it doesn’t appear as ‘natural’ as other types of stone
• Some of the patterned quartz looks a bit contrived—this works better in a contemporary setting than a traditional home—however, they are constantly improving the patterns and I’ve seen a few that look pretty realistic

Moisture Resistance

Granite

Pros:

• Resistant to moisture and staining when sealed with a quality sealer
• Granite will last the life of a home if properly sealed and cared for

Cons:

• Since it is a porous material, sealing is required to resist absorption of liquids
• Sealant should be reapplied every 2 years but it’s an easy process
• Spilled liquids should be wiped up quickly—the sealant will buy some time but it’s better to get drips and spills taken care of as soon as possible, especially with a polished finish that can become etched

Quartz

Quartz countertop

Pros:

• Being a non-porous material, it is highly resistant to staining and bacterial growth
• Does not need to be sealed

Cons :

• Liquids or foods that are dark in color can still stain the surface so wipe them up quickly

Granite countertop

Granite is a porous material

Quartz is non-porous

Strength and Durability

Granite

Pros:

• Resistant to chipping, cracking and scratches from kitchen implements—but don’t use it as a cutting surface, that’s not great for the counter OR your knives!

Cons:

• It may chip if struck with a hard object
• Edges and corners are vulnerable to chipping but easing the edge can help minimize the risk
• Care should be taken while transporting the slab as this is when it is most vulnerable to cracking

Quartz

Pros:

• Highly resistant to chipping, cracking and scratching but again, don’t cut directly on it
• Resins are a more flexible material than natural stone which makes it less susceptible to cracking or breaking during transport

Cons:

• Even though it is highly resistant to chipping and scratching, it can happen
• Scratches may be more visible due to the uniformity of color and sheen

Heat Resistance

Granite

Pros:

• It’s already been molten magma so it’s very heat resistant and a hot pan placed on the countertop won’t discolor the stone

Cons:

• The seam is a different material than the counter and will expand and contract at a different rate, so never put a hot pan directly on a seam as it could crack it
• Since it is composed of many different minerals, there is a slight possibility of thermal shock cracking it in an area where hot pans are repeatedly set on it, or if you set a cold item down where a hot item had just been–so it’s still a good idea to use a trivet

Quartz

Pros:

• Quartz is heat resistant, so putting a warm plate on it won’t be a problem, but whether it can withstand 150* or up to 400* will depend on the manufacturer

Cons:

• The stone used to make the countertop is resistant to heat, but the resin used to bind it together can become discolored when exposed to high heat, leaving visible rings or marks that are difficult to impossible to repair
• The counter should be protected from hot pans and utensils so definitely use a trivet and/or spoon rest to keep hot items from coming into contact with the counter

Repair/Maintenance

Granite

• Chips and scratches are less noticeable in a natural stone due to the irregularity of the veining and specks
• Honed or leathered finishes will help camouflage minor blemishes and etching better than a polished finish
• Chips and scratches can be repaired with an epoxy kit available at most home improvement stores or sanded out if they are not too deep
• It is possible to refinish or polish the surface if it gets multiple blemishes

Quartz

• Small nicks or scratches are more difficult to repair because the consistent coloring makes them more visible than in natural stone
• Heat discoloration in the finish is permanent

Cost

I won’t go into a detailed cost analysis because there is a wide range of prices for either choice. You may think that a man-made material would be less expensive than granite, but that is not the case. In my experience, the starting price for quartz is a little higher than the starting price for granite. However, if you go with an exotic granite, it could easily top the price of quartz.

Return on Investment

So, as beautiful as your new countertops are, will they help you sell your home? The experts say yes! Granite has a timeless look to it and can transition through many remodels by future owners. Quartz is pretty hot in the real estate market right now with its clean, sleek look. Either material may be the tipping point when a buyer is considering a home with stone countertops vs. a home without that feature.

The trick is to avoid selecting something so specific to your taste that it won’t appeal to future buyers. If this is your forever home, go for the bright blue heavily marbled piece if you love it! However, if you think you’ll be selling at some point in the future, it’s best to keep it classic and fairly neutral for a more timeless appeal.

Outdoor Use

On this point, there is no choice. Granite will withstand the heat and UV rays that come with an outdoor application. Quartz and UV rays on the other hand, don’t get along. The polymers and resins used in the making of quartz will fade and discolor in direct sunlight. Another option for outdoor countertops is concrete, but that’s a subject for another day.

Granite, outdoor use

With all this being said, let’s face it, we make most of our decisions in our home based on the appearance we want. Sure, performance is important but when you’re comparing two great products like quartz and granite, you will probably select one material over the other based on which one looks better to your eye. Either way you go, you will have an outstanding countertop that will give you many years of service and beauty.

Which is best? Please comment below with any real-life testimonials or questions.

A Glimpse at Farmhouse Design Details

The Farmhouse design trend seems to have greatly increased in popularity by Joanna and Chip Gaines with their hit show “Fixer Upper.”  I’ll admit I was hooked.  Their quirky personalities, friendly banter, well executed filming was exploding with followers.  But the real star of the show was the big reveal at the end.  True, as a designer myself, I loved seeing them take a worn-down sad and neglected home and completely transform it from the inside out.  There are a lot of fixer upper type shows on HGTV but this one seems to have stood out above and beyond all others.  They covered everything from the color of the exterior siding to the tiniest details of cute little flower plantings placed thoughtfully on the fireplace mantel.

Currently, I am working with a charming young couple who want every detail to exude a Modern Farmhouse feel.  They want the rustic hardwood floors, shiplap walls, white washed brick, and chunky minimalist molding.  We are in the process of selecting their interior and exterior finishes.  We’ve incorporated natural pebble stone floors in showers, soft curving and subtle tile accents, mainly neutral paint colors like Benjamin Moore’s White Heron and Revere Pewter.

BM HC-172 Revere Pewter   

HC-172

                                                                             

OC-57

   BM OC-57 White Heron

We are mixing shiplap materials with various textures and patterns.  The millwork details you see below are inspiration for the hallways on the first floor.

If you love Farmhouse design as much as I do, then continue to check back for new articles on my WordPress page for more exciting inspiration and images!

Are you a budding interior designer?

So I found this adorable product on Amazon.com that opens up the world of interior design and space planning to the ah’em, inexperienced designer. I wish they would’ve had this when I was growing up. I totally would’ve used it hours on end. I knew I was interested in interior design when I rearranged my bedroom furniture frequently (and yes I moved it by myself, much to my parents’ dissatisfaction and surprise), and loved visiting model homes and furniture stores. I was inspired by the beautiful colors and patterns on the furnishings; the coordinating wall paint; and seeing everything placed “just right.” Every detail was thought through – tidy, interrelated, perfect. As a professional designer I can now, even more so, appreciate the interiors created by the designers of the past.

The “Dream Space” tool is an incredible way to satiate that inner designer or test out your potential talent in design. It’s for people of all ages, and the suggested starting age is 6. This product enables you to create a layout, select furnishing, coordinate colors.

There are 40 designs to choose from. This is something you can do while you wait in the doctor’s office or are waiting to pick the kiddos up from soccer. Put down that phone and engage in creativity!

Check it out at amazon.com/Fashion-Angels-Interior-Design-Portfolio/dp/B003ESKIKC?th=1

Happy designing!!!

Carrie

Finding Your Style

Are you stuck finding your interior design style?

I love meeting with new clients and learning about their projects, but I’ll admit that at times I’m a little surprised to learn that most aren’t embracing their true interior design style. In most instances, I find the reasons are based on fear. Fear of not knowing where to start. Fear of not knowing how to put things together. Fear of not doing a good job. And fear of wasting money. 

Case in point:  A few weeks ago I met with a wonderful new client and was immediately smitten with her. She had such a warm & vibrant personality and within minutes I felt like we had been friends our entire lives. (LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these kinds of clients!!!) She was impeccably dressed, although not in a fussy way, just very stylish & hip. Her hair and make-up were perfectly flawless, yet very natural-looking (think Jennifer Anniston), and her taste in accessories were to die for.

Your Interior Design Style Should Be an Extension of Your Personal Style.

So, you’re probably wondering why I’m telling you about my stylish my client, and what this has to do with embracing YOUR interior design style, right? Well you see, I was a bit perplexed with her. Here was this beautiful, vibrant person sitting in front of me, yet her home was completely null and void of any signs of she and her husband’s personality. I couldn’t help but wonder…How is it that she seems so self-assured, looks so put together and polished, yet her taste and confidence hadn’t transferred to her interior design style?

Upon further probing, I discovered that she and her husband do love color and pattern, and desperately want to get out of “the beigedom”, as she called it. She also admitted that her personal clothing style took years of trial & error, but when it came to decorating her home she was completely terrified of making the wrong decisions. Or any decisions for that fact. So therefore, they chose the easy, boring way out…Beigedom! Sound familiar?

So, what prompted the need for change now? In her words, “I’m tired of living in blah beige-dom. I want and need color in my life. I want to be proud to entertain family and friends in our home. And with your guidance, we’re ready to embrace our true design style. We’re ready for our home to finally reflect us.” That was music to my ears!!! 

I’m happy to report that I’m working on a vibrant design plan for their family. One that speaks their personality! And one that they’ll be proud of for many years!

How about you? Does your home embrace your sense of style? Or does it feel like someone else lives there? I’d love to hear your thoughts. And of course, if you need my help, I’d be more than happy too!

Until next time…Happy decorating!

Spring 2020 Trends by CL Interiors

Every Spring, I typically post something about potential trends for the new season. This Spring I will share with you some of the trends that are budding up in the interior design world, particularly for homes. Enjoy!

As the trees begin to bud their new leaves and flowers start popping out of the ground, many of us are inspired by the changes happening around us.
Think blank canvas. The warm of the sun inspires us to bring the outdoors in. Creamy, light-colored walls are a great way to provide a backdrop that will reflect your individual style while also providing the option of change, as the seasons themselves change. While grey is still a very popular color, lighten it up and dismiss those dark deep tones.

I love the integration of warm woods for built-ins and kitchen or bath cabinets. We see a lot of gold featured in new products and I think this is an excellent complement to the warm woods. This can be illustrated in cabinet hardware, lighting and even picture frames.

The idea of incorporating natural textures in furnishings and textiles is also a big trend for Spring. Try thinking of the textures outside such as fresh cut grass, various flower species, and the interwoven vines of a clematis flower plant climbing up a trellis.
Simplify your surroundings. Do a good housecleaning and get rid of excess clutter.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Reorganize, giving yourself the opportunity to create a new happy living environment. Your home will be in full bloom before you know it!

Photo by Kaleigh Sawers on Pexels.com

8 Ways to make old furniture look brand new

Budget Decorator: 8 Ways to Make Old Furniture Look Brand New

Flashback to 1906

Written by Carrie Lehmann – Owner, CL Interiors, LLC

With the summer heat rising, the days getting longer, the gentle sound of crickets chirping, it reminds of me of summer visits to the South.  I adore old homes but even more so, the transformation that can take place when an old home is cared for an made new again.

You are likely to be enticed by this article written by Carolyn Canington for Progress Lighting, as was I.

Home design enthusiast Esther De Wolde had always dreamed of restoring an old southern home. But, living thousands of miles away in Canada, she doubted that this bucket list item would ever truly come to fruition.

When Esther came upon a 1906 Arts & Crafts bungalow in Mobile, Alabama – the pieces of her long-awaited passion project slowly started to fall into place. As the CEO of Phantom Screens, Esther began exploring the idea of marrying her remodeling dream with an innovative business idea. This is where the southern romance began.

The rundown craftsman home would soon be transformed into an idea house for Phantom Screens in an inspiring setting of the South. The structure of the home possessed all that Esther had imagined: massive white columns, a stately appearance and touches of Victorian design. It was the perfect canvas for her art to shine.

The Vision

“I wanted to make sure a blending of old and new was accomplished. The style would honor the past, while also reflecting the future. I desired it to be cozy, warm and lived in – not a show home that appears untouchable,” said Esther.

 

The Grand Reveal

Enter the home and you’re greeted with the vintage glamour of Progress Lighting’s Roxbury collection. According to Esther, the lighting sets the tone for what the visitor will experience throughout the rest of the home.

“It’s a perfect blend of old and new,” said Esther. “When it was hung, it was perfection.”

In the kitchen, occupants are greeted with a bright, open space. Our Academy pendants represent a new spin on an old schoolhouse look.

 

“The look is both classic and modern. The air-bubbled texture of the glass fit wonderfully with the character of the space,” said Esther.

 

From a lighting perspective, the master suite is Esther’s favorite room of the house. “I never tire of going into that bathroom and turning on the light. The lighting in this space is really breathtaking,” she said.

 

 

Beautifully restored with wallpaper, artwork and furniture, the dining room displays a merging of Arts & Crafts and Victorian styles. The design is finished with the Progress Lighting Savannah chandelier.

 

The exterior of the home involved a grand back porch, ideal for lemonade-sipping Saturdays in the South. The landscape was equipped with lights from Progress Lighting – that according to Esther “made the home a true show piece at night.”

 

“The full garden design involves symmetrical path and uplighting that really sets the home apart,” said Esther.

 

To view before and after photos, interviews with the designer and additional product information from the Southern Romance home, visit http://experiencephantom.com.

 

 

Mint Green – Perhaps your next favorite color

Written by Carrie Lehmann, Owner – CL Interiors, LLC

It might seem far-fetched to think that your next favorite paint color will be Mint Green.  Think again. This color is making a big comeback.  I’m referring to using it as an accent but I’m not talking walls or ceiling colors.  It’s all about furniture and accent pieces.  You’re going to see it in everything from pillows, to accent tables, to kitchens that have mint-colored cabinets.

I found recently that Pinterest named “minty home decor” as one of the top searches of 2016 so far. And I can see why — the serene hue instantly conveys a more calming feeling, mentally transporting you to a place like the beach. But mint’s real beauty is that it can easily be paired with other colors and patterns. Add some lilac blue and gray to a room for a gorgeous palette of cool colors.

Here are some of my favorite ways to decorate with mint:

This vintage cabinet was originally a warm brown.  A few coats of the perfect mint paint and it’s more delicate and charming.  Photo by CL Interiors, LLC

Shown above is the Belmont Mint Kitchen Island by Crate and Barrel. Retails for $499.00

Standing mixer by Urban Outfitters.  Retails for $70

Pillows and storage baskets make for an easy way to incorporate this new color into your home.  Photo by CL Interiors, LLC

Vintage painted photo frames are a great way to add this accent color to your walls.

This mint green bedding is soft, feminine and most of all a soothing way to fall asleep.

What will you do with Mint Green?