Remodeling is a different animal than new construction, at least in the beginning. There are two wild cards to deal with: the surprises and the restraints. Sometimes they are one in the same. The surprises are self-explanatory. Case in point: in our last home, we ripped off a wood wainscot and there was no sheetrock behind it. It's never fun … Read More »
Project Babbling Brook
Building a custom home isn't for everyone. Initially the idea sound fantastic, right? We imagine the joy we'll feel each time you walk through our dream kitchen and how wonderful it will be to finally have "x". Out of the gate, however, you realize that your budget requires adjustments to the dream. That's disappointing, and by the end of … Read More »
KBIS 2019
Draw the art you want to see, start the business you want to run, play the music you want to hear, write the books you want to read, build the products you want to use - do the work you want to see done.Auston Kleon, Steal Like an Artist Butler's Pantry, Wilsonart Showroom Butler's Pantry, Wilsonart Showroom Friends, I am back from a … Read More »
Something Old; Something New
The two-week vacation before and after Christmas is my favorite. The twinkling lights and time with friends and family is something I treasure, but I also enjoy making plans and projections for 2019. I love stewing about goals! Retrospect of 2018 (mistakes) gives me fuel for change, and I get butterflies planning for new adventures. To anyone … Read More »
Do I Hire an Interior Designer or a Contractor?
"Hi Tawna! This is so-and-so, and I'm remodeling my basement/kitchen/master bathroom. I need to figure out a floor plan and was wondering if I talk to you or a contractor first?" I get this question more than any other, and I would like to set the record straight today. Sort of. You see, it's not a straightforward as it might seem, and I … Read More »
What Sheen of Paint Should I Use?
After being in business for almost 10 years, this is still one of the questions I hear most. There are pros and cons to everything, but this is my standard formula: Moldings: semi-gloss or high-gloss. Why? That sheen is more durable and will wipe down easier when you are cleaning. Be careful of high-gloss, however. It is harder to touch … Read More »
Worthwhile Work is a Duet
I love the New Year. When the old year dies, it lets us forgive and let go of everything that didn't serve us. Then we have 365 days of new starts. As 2018 begins, I want to tell you I am thankful for you. Yes, you. You've trusted me to help you with your design work. On top of that, you've given me invaluable feedback about the things I … Read More »
Q&A: Too Much Beige
It's time for Q&A Wednesday, and we have a great question I'm sure many of you can relate with. Question: We built a small cabin in 2008 and painted all walls SW 6106 Kilim Beige. We never refinished our wooden ceiling beams, just left them untreated and figured we would get back to them when we had some money. We have hard wood floors and … Read More »
Q & A: Where To Use Dark Colors
This time of year is magic. The earth has patterned itself into a green quilt, snow has turned into frothing water, and we are enjoying the long light. It sneaks around us at 4:30 in the morning and we watch is linger until 10 at night. I think it wants to stay just as much as we do. Of course, if we have long light now we will live in inky … Read More »
High Point Market 2017
High Point Market is a must-see for anyone in the design business. I try to go once a year to catch up with vendors, colleagues, and learn from the many educational events. Trying to get from Wyoming to High Point, NC is always an adventure. No matter how I try to arrange my flights, there's simply not a convenient way to get through four … Read More »
