I've been in teaching mode lately, and it occurred to me that it might be time to do more of that on my design blog! The blog exists as an outlet ( i.e. brain dump) for me. I don't do as many as I used to because I'm busy, but also because I really don't want to add anything to the noise unless it's helpful. I'm currently in the thick of … Read More »
Respect What Is
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 »
Kitchen Renovation
Project Babbling Brook Hi everyone! This week I promised I would dive into my plans for the kitchen in our spec home. While we are carefully considering what should stay and what should go in the old part of the house, the kitchen was non-functional. The fridge was slammed next to the oven, and even though we assumed there was a dining table … 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 »
A Tribute to a House
Please forgive my personal indulgence today, but I need to write a few things about our old home. As I mentioned before (or for those who are visiting this blog for the first time) we listed our house last month and it sold in two days. It's been a crazy time filled with lots of emotion. I was doing another cleaning a few days ago with Dave … 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 »
How to Get Anything You Want From Your Interior Designer
When you hire a designer, what answers are you looking for? What results do you want that you can't get on your own? Interior design work is magical. Designers are dream makers, creative seekers, and guardians of the beautiful. We are also servants, psychologists, executors, fund managers, and problem solvers. Beyond that, we are … Read More »
