Tips and Tricks

Over the course of almost 15 years in the design industry, I have learned a number of tips and tricks that they didn’t teach in design school. I would love to share a few with you!

• Did you know that it’s not recommended to place a shampoo niche on an exterior wall? Due to the depth of the niche, little room is left for insulation which can cause condensation from cold or hot spots when temperatures swing.

• Try to place shutter or blind louvers up when downstairs and down when upstairs for the most privacy.

• Consider treating attic windows with interior shutters for consistency with the main windows on the front facade. Alternatively, a false wall can often be built behind attic windows to block a view of rafters without blacking-out the window entirely and trapping heat between the panes.

• When interviewing builders or remodelers, ask to speak with multiple references and walk a completed site or home. This can help to avoid paying for a “B” team and expecting “A+” work, or paying for an “A” team and receiving “B” level quality.

• Many people are aware of door locks that can be controlled remotely, but did you know that new garage door and sprinkler systems can be programmed through an app to allow a visitor access or monitor the weather?

• Make sure that you understand the grade of wood being used for things like Porch and Patio ceilings, interior stained paneling or trim work, and cabinetry to ensure that expectations are met.

• Consider motion sensors for lighting in a Pantry, back Hall, Laundry Room, and any space where you might have your hands full.

Building a new home or undergoing a major remodel can be a stressful, expensive endeavor. Let a team of professionals guide you through the process to it an enjoyable experience with a finished home you can be proud of!

A Necessary Evil

Grout. Equal parts friend and foe. This longtime enemy of all things clean and pure, is in fact necessary for interior tile installations both great and small. Why??

1. Grout prevents dirt and debris from lodging between tiles and becoming a permanent addition

2. Grout helps to emphasis orderly lines within the tile layout and can often de-emphasize disorderly lines based-on the color selection

3. Grout can protect the tile edges from exposure to cracking and shifting

Now that we know why these nasty little lines are needed, what can be done to optimize them?

1. Utilize smaller grout lines where allowed by the manufacturer’s recommendations. Rectified tiles (completely straight edges and corners) can often achieve 1/8” grout lines, whereas non-rectified tiles usually need at least a 3/16” grout size. Grout size recommendations can also be effected by the overall tile size.

2. Opt for a pre-made acrylic base or urethane grout. Unlike the typical sanded grout, these pre-mixed grouts are stainproof, consistent in color, and offer additional features such as no cracking. They can also be used with glass and stone tiles (sanded grout will scratch the material).

3. Select a grout color that blends with the tile in situations where you have a large surface area that is more of a background or the tile has a busy pattern or layout. Select a high contrast grout color where you want high impact in limited areas such as a backsplash, Powder bath floor, or focal wall.

With the material options now available, scrubbing grout with a toothbrush can be a thing of the past. Make sure to arm yourself with knowledge or lean-on professional help when making selections for long-term satisfaction.

Quirky Design Words

In any industry, there can be a litany of boring acronyms and often confusing jargon to wade through. Sometimes though there are fun word treasures to unearth.

Here are a few quirky design terms to drop into a conversation or two:

Binning: Sorting process for standardized quality control with LED chips in light fixtures

Boxed: Typically refers to customizing paint by mixing gallons to achieve a ratio for the desired color

Ferrule: Decorative cap on feet of furniture and cabinetry. Can be a great way to add a metal finish and interesting detail.

Splice: Often utilized in drapery hardware to connect shorter rods for a longer continuous length or with decorative trim to connect ends

Knurled: Texture of cross-hatching typically seen on metal cabinet and door hardware, lighting, etc. It can provide more grip as well as an industrial feel.

Railroading: Running fabric the length of the bolt instead of width. This can be a great way to maximize fabric on upholstered pieces while minimizing seams and maximize sheer fabric for drapery.

Odd Design Details (that matter)

1. Select a Kitchen venthood that will actually get used (not too loud but effective (adequate CFMs)). Turning-on the venthood prior to cooking, during, as well as 10-15 minutes after the cooktop is off, allows for smells, grease, and heat to be evacuated out of the surrounding space thus improving the indoor air quality.

2. Magnetic locks can be hidden on cabinetry for discreet safety or privacy (such as for child-proofing, jewelry storage, access to alcohol, etc.).

3. Toilet risers can be purchased for homeowners not wanting to replace an existing toilet but needing a taller overall seat height (for accessibility with aging, injury, growing kids, etc.).

4. Carpet runners on wooden stairs not only absorb sound, add interest in color and pattern, and provide softness underfoot, but they are a must for safely navigating wooden stairs sans shoes.

5. Decorative P-traps are available in different styles (bottle) and finishes to add a decorative touch on open/ exposed vanities.

6. When remodeling or building a new home, take into consideration upgrading light switches and outlets for cohesion with the surrounding materials.

7. Schluter profiles can be used as minimal trim pieces for flooring transitions and tile detailing instead of bulky saddles or raw tile ends.

With so many details to assess prior to and during a remodel or new construction, please consider how the items above could be of help in your home. If you are looking for assistance in guiding you through detail decisions, we would love the chance to talk with you.

You Are What You Drive

At first glance, that seems like a very shallow title. One could interpret it to mean a person’s value is inherently determined by their vehicle, but I have come to realize, at a certain economic level, what a person uses for transportation is often driven by their values. How does this relate to design? Good question. As much as I can tell which colors, patterns, and textures a person likes based-on their clothing choices, I now see the design elements a client gravitates to reflected in their automobile selection.

The client drawn-to neutrals, Scandinavian modernism and functionality= camel-colored Volvo SUV

The client in love with warm, organic tones and practical features= light sage Subaru wagon

The client moved by high contrast, drama, and shine= black, impeccably shiny Range Rover

The client who loves classic architecture, brightness, and luxury elements= white Lexus

So what do you drive? It may say a lot about what drives you.

"That's So Fun!"

Have you ever been to a party or event where people ask what you “do”? I imagine the CPAS and Lawyers of the world do not get immediate responses of “Oh! That’s so fun!” Designers do. Every time.

I have resented the carefree whimsy of replies that did not see me hauling tile samples, sweating it out in a slab yard, inspecting bolts of fabric or laboring over plan sets with a red pen. HGTV does not show the ordering process- items magically appear, unboxed with no damage and on time. It does not show accurate builder meetings where you’re passing-out protein bars because low blood sugar = high attitude. Unless you are in the process, most do not get a behind-the-scenes shot of the unglamorous aspects of interior design.

And yet, with all of the realities of remodeling or new construction, design is fun. Really fun. I get to be part of a couple or family’s life in an exciting and transformative season. I get to see potential, solve problems and create new things- daily. I have the privilege of helping clients in what can be a stressful, costly process find order, direction, time savings and their voice. So yes, with all the spreadsheets, paint swatches, and sheetrock dust, my job is fun. And I am so grateful.

Confessions of a Designer

• My car trunk is always full of tile samples

• Lighting with different color temperatures in the same space is my archenemy

• Decisions need to be made in context (we make selections as they relate to each other)

• Design is part psychology, part creativity, part business and part logistics management

• The process always evolves (backorders, broken shipments, discontinued selections, incorrect orders received….). Embrace the journey.

• A design emergency is almost never a true emergency, and I love creating solutions

• Samples are our friends

Perfect Pitch

Let’s talk about ‘pitch’ -not the kind that helps you carry a tune, but the aspect as it relates to home. Outside of music, pitch can be defined as “ the steepness of a slope.” Architects and engineers will determine the pitch of a roof based-on the look they want to achieve, runoff direction, accessibility to attic space, desired slopes of interior ceilings, and more.

Other components of a home have pitch as well. Many clients complain of an old sofa or chair that hurts their back. There could be a number of contributing factors, one of which is often the pitch. The slope of the back can be too great, causing you to extend back too far and then pull your head forward to see people or a tv. Alternatively, an overstuffed sofa can pitch you forward, making it a challenge to settle-in.

Tubs have a pitch also, which is why regular bathers should sit-in a showroom model when given the option, prior to making a selection for their home. 20 degrees- 42 degrees is the usual range of comfort. Ceiling blades likewise have a pitch. Though not as much of a consideration as it used to be, 12-16 degrees of blade pitch should provide for optimal air movement.

Tub with 29 degrees pitch

The aspect of pitch can certainly impact the functionality and comfort of items in your home and is worth consideration when making selections throughout.

You're the Boss...I'm the Guide

Interior Designers can sometimes be viewed as drama queens with no sense of concern for the homeowner’s opinion, sentimentality, and taste or often mere creatives with no real understanding of business acumen, budget, or care for timing. As with any profession, the negative stereotypes can certainly be true in limited instances, but after 12 years in the design industry, here is the value I see added from the interior design field:

1. Interior Designers empower homeowner(s) to make educated decisions in a methodical order within a given timeframe for their home project.

2. Designers give the client a voice in the necessary jargon (with contractor, architect, electrician, painter, carpenter, etc.) to avoid *MOST errors in communication.

3. Designers act as a third party on your behalf, giving clients a voice when issues/disagreements arise with a builder or contractor, to keep builder relations professional and not personal.

4. We help manage your time- always considering how meetings can be efficient and effective to best honor everyone’s schedule and ensuring selections are made by the desired deadline.

5. We keep data and decisions organized (meeting notes, photos, selection spreadsheets/ schedules, drawings, email responses…) so that all necessary parties stay informed.

If you think that any of these points could be of value to you in your own home project, please contact us for help in guiding you towards your design goals.

What Kind of Designer is Best for You?

As a potential client, knowing the options available to you can help narrow-down the type of design professional that can best fit your design needs. The realm of interior design has many niches from Lighting Design, Kitchen and Bath, Universal, Sustainable Design and more- each with their corresponding professional credentials. Perhaps you do not even need a designer, someone that has graduated with a degree in the field and is required to pass a board exam to be licensed in certain states. Designers usually think in terms of functionality for a space and often collaborate with architects, builders, and contractors for structural changes. A decorator on the other hand, is not required to have schooling or licensing/ certifications but can be very skilled in making a home look great.

When interviewing design firms, some will set a minimum budget in which they will work, and you may come across a waiting list before an initial consultation can be scheduled. Naturally, certain clients will gravitate towards certain personalities in the professionals they prefer to hire. Do you think of design as a business transaction or do you want to be involved in the details? How do you prefer to communicate and be contacted? Are you able to give trust when earned and make decisions, or do you need ample time for these to be formed?

Evaluating the type of professional you would like to work with can help to save time, energy, and money in curating the best fit to help achieve your design goals. If you perceive that Discerning Designs could be a company you would enjoy working with on your home project, please send a message to info@discerningdesigns.net so that we can connect.

The Relationship of Design

Design is about relationships- literally and figuratively. On a literal level, all selections are made in relation to each other. Design takes into account context, as nothing within the home truly lives in isolation. Paint color is determined in relationship to lighting - the amount, color temperature, artificial versus natural, shadow placement, etc. Rugs are selected in relation to the size of the space, furniture grouping(s), traffic flow, patterns and textures present (or lack of), budget, durability needed/ lifestyle...

Most homeowners have a committed relationship with their interior as it signifies the place they truly live (and often work). We spend many hours of the day in our homes even if only to sleep. During construction and re-modeling, the home sees a relationship of moving parts with many professionals working together (carpenter, electrician, plumber, painter, fabricator and installer for counters and flooring, etc.) When we recognize the relationship of design, we will find the value it brings to not only homes, but the people that live there.

Tangibility of Home

There is usually an emotional connection associated with the concept of ‘home.’ Whether it is the small-town feeling found in a Hallmark movie or memories of birthdays and special events surrounded by the coziness of being with friends and family, there is a psychological aspect to where we live. The beauty of this sacred inner response is balanced by the beauty of an outer response as well. Homes are made of many tactile elements contributing to the physical connections we experience. Consider the following:

• Fabrics- Linen will have a light, knubby texture compared to the plushness and warmth of a velvet

• Hardware- Solid brass hardware will have weight that can be felt and the brain computes with high-quality (as it often is). The texture of hardware (smoothly polished versus knurled, hammered or antiqued with pits) also reinforces the style of the home tangibly. How hinges operate and glides slide all support the overall feeling of daily operations.

• Flooring- Tile (cold, hard) will have a very different touch than wood (warmer, softer), and both will feel differently than carpet (warm, soft). Each material produces a unique reaction just as with honed or leathered countertops versus polished.

Tactile elements can not only be physical but also visual. Most people will not touch wallpaper, but they can feel the roughness of a grasscloth or smoothness of a vinyl, through their eyes. The same applies to plain glass versus etched versus seeded, our mind fills-in the texture of the surface.

Please consider the tangible qualities- visual and physical, of the home you want to create as selections are made.

Home as Office

In this unusual season in which we all find ourselves, many are blessed to be currently working from home. Being gifted with more time at home, allows us to evaluate what is really important where we live. Pretty finishes, inspiring artwork, and relaxing paint colors all have their place and inherent value for creating a hospitable environment to work and live, but are they vital? In sharing an office with my newest “co-worker,” my husband, I am reminded yet again the necessity of the following for a comfortable work space:

• IAQ- Indoor Air Quality. We need control over the temperature of our working areas for optimal productivity.

  • Humidity control plays into this as we see the scientific evidence of maintaining RH levels between 40-60% helps to fight viruses.

  • Another layer to HVAC is air purification. Whether you opt for a whole home unit (Remi Halo, Air Oasis, etc.) or a portable unit (Dyson, Molkule, etc.), we can all benefit from clean air.

  • With that “in mind,” the finishes and furnishings we allow into our homes will impact the IAQ.

• Lighting- The level and amount of lighting is crucial, but quality (CRI), color temp (K), and placement are also paramount. Many people will buy inexpensive can lights without a thought towards if they are too blue (4000k +) or yellow (below 2700K) or poor quality (low CRI) until they have already installed them.

  • Outside of ambient lighting, task lighting is also essential for getting work done. Whether a lamp, directional sconce, undercabinet lighting or other, we all need adequate lighting on our work surface(s) that does not cause eye strain. Natural light is ideally situated perpendicular to computer screens to avoid glare issues.

• Seating- You might not know you have a “bad” desk chair at home until you sit in it for 5+ hours straight. Make sure you invest in an ergonomic chair that will allow control over height, pitch, lumbar support, and more.

  • The material(s) selected will play a part in the level of comfort also. A breathable material can keep the seat from getting warm over time versus a leather that absorbs heat.

If you find that your (perhaps temporary) home office is lacking in any of these areas, decide to prioritize the areas you can control for work efficiency and comfort.

Designing Around the Holidays

With school back in session and September peering around the corner, many people start looking around their home with the stark realization that the Holidays will soon be upon us. Whether you love hosting or loathe the impending company, preparing in advance can certainly help entertaining to go more smoothly.

If you find that the Guest Rooms need an update or the Dining Room seating is looking shabby (not in a chic way), keep “in mind” that many furniture manufacturers have a cut-off date for guaranteed completion. For Thanksgiving delivery, most orders need to be placed by September 13th. For delivery before Christmas, October 11th is typically the latest date to order. Since most custom furniture manufacturers close the week of Christmas and many stay closed into mid-January, planning to receive an order for New Year’s festivities should abide by the Christmas deadline.

Though most of us are probably not ready for the upcoming Fall and Winter celebrations, my fellow Texans are more than likely counting down the days to cooler weather. If you find yourself in need of design guidance as the seasons change and before your Holiday guests arrive, I would love to talk with you!

"Housal" Support

As a designer, I analyze how a home can best serve my clients. I also recognize that within the homeowner relationship, lies the necessity of supporting the home in which you live.

As we start-off the year, I would encourage you to take a few minutes to place on your calendar dates or appointments for routine home maintenance chores. Apps such as Upkeep Tasks can help to keep your personal calendar free from home care reminders. Whether you hire a handyman service or have a contract with your local HVAC company, keeping your home on a schedule can prevent a host of issues in the future.

Here is a list of what I have found to be some of the more crucial (though certainly not all-inclusive) home items to check and maintain:

• Smoke Detector Batteries- every year if alkaline, but there are some 10 year lithium options on the market. It is best to replace them all at one time so as to avoid the ubiquitous “chirping” at 1 am in the morning.

• A/C Drain Pan-check at least seasonally (in Texas) to make sure the pan is not damaged or overflowing and add an enzyme to the drip line monthly when AC is in use

• Dryer Vent- in addition to cleaning the lint trap in your dryer, have the dryer line cleaned-out professionally every year to prevent build-up in the line and therefore a fire hazard

• Air Filter- depending on the system that you have, filters are typically replaced every 90 days (more or less depending on the quality of filter, allergens present, number of people in the house, etc.). If your thermostat does not remind you based on use time, try to check monthly to gauge the frequency with which your filter(s) need to be changed.

• Venthood Filter- if you cook frequently, try to clean the filter monthly if not sooner. Metal filters can soak in the sink to de-grease or be placed in the dishwasher for routine maintenance.

A home is a wonderful adventure, and given the proper “housal” support, it can serve you well for many years to come.

Luxurious Warmth

Now that the temperatures have dropped (even in Texas), we can pull-out the Winter wardrobe and linens. As the Summer duvet insert gets exchanged for a cooler-weather version (higher tog rating), what other ways can we warm-up our personal retreats?

Heated towel racks are a wonderful way to get toasty towels after a steamy bath or shower. Many options are available as plug-ins so that they can be easily installed, though having an electrician hardwire the device is usually more visually appealing. These versatile products are a great way to warm a bathrobe or socks in the evening as well as dry (lightly) damp underlayers after wading through the snow.

A heated toilet seat is another luxurious addition no one regrets when the weather gets crisp. What might seem to be an extravagance, soon becomes a necessity in colder climates. An outlet will need to be close-by to allow for the product to plug-in, and most manufacturers recommend keeping the seat closed until in use to retain warmth.

For those looking ahead to re-model or planning for new construction, heated floors can be an upgrade you never knew you needed. Electric, webbed mats can be cut and placed in front of key areas such as vanities, by the shower and/or tub (even IN the shower for wet-rated varieties), or spaced continuously for an even distribution of warmth. Make sure that the flooring material selected is compatible with a heating element and determine your preferred control location prior to installation.

Whichever products you select to make your home cozy this season, may you stay toasty!

Has the ship sailed for shiplap?

The modern farmhouse look is beloved by many for the warmth and nostalgia it provides with relative ease. With a variety of textures and finishes that can play into this style, shiplap seems be the topic of many design conversations. The understated yet fun treatment can instantly add character to walls and ceilings. Though a relatively simple process of nailing fitted 1 x 6" boards to the wall, modifying surrounding trim, prepping, then painting or staining, are there other solutions?

A number of vendors have perfected the look of wood grain planks in their dimensional wallpapers. This application is a scrubbable surface, mere millimeters thick, and can be removed when tastes change. Some vendors such as Koroseal, offer a true wood veneer paper sold in 6' x 9' sheets that can be cut and applied to a myriad of surfaces for customers desiring a less rustic wooden surface.

Stikwood developed a peel and stick plank system of pre-cut boards in everything from weathered pine to pressed bamboo. Not only does this allow for consistency of finish, but being able to remove an adhesive tab and mount directly on the wall, makes the install go quickly.  Whether you hire a skilled carpenter, wallpaper installer, or opt to tackle the project on your own, "touches" of wood can be a welcoming element in any home.

Re-Model Fun?

Aside from the now popularized "demo day," how can the remodeling process be an enjoyable experience for you and your family? Here are a few ideas to consider when approaching the process with your home.

1. Begin with the end in mind. Bring a professional onto your team to help capture your vision and needs into a cohesive story that a contractor can execute. Remember, designers speak the lingo of construction and can be useful liaisons in project meetings.

2. Lean on others. Whether it's a neighbor willing to watch your kiddos while you select hardware with a designer or a family member offering a spare room when your plumbing is shut off, learn to say "yes" to help from those around you.

3. Prepare properly. Have a plan in place for meals without a kitchen or mornings without a working shower. An outdoor grill, game room mini fridge, or garage freezer can be useful tools when eating at home; a guest bath or even a few nights at a hotel should be considered when plumbing is out of commission. 

4. If your kids are old enough, let them join the "crew" one day. Whether they get to wear a helmet and swing a hammer or paint artwork on the soon-to-be destroyed floor prior to reno, their involvement can serve as a great memory.

5. Donate. Being able to salvage materials such as cabinets, faucets, hardware, lighting, appliances, etc. not only keeps unnecessary waste out of landfills but can be a huge blessing to someone else. See previous posts on local resources for donated items.

Where do all the photos go?

Unlike previous generations subject to waiting days for a roll of camera film to be developed, we currently have immediate access to viewing our photos. The ease of taking 'pics', editing on a whim, and instantly sharing or posting for the masses is a new phenomenon. The days of scrapbooking parties suddenly seem laborious, and aside from Christmas cards, few can imagine having photos printed at a store to then manually mail (at the post office) to friends and family. This new realm of tools and convenience begs for the questions to be answered of 'where do all of the photos go?'

I personally love getting to create virtual scrapbooks of previous years (after uploading the 6500 photos not backed-up yet.) Shutterfly, Snapfish, Apple Photo Book and more are great resources for collecting important photos in a book format to peruse at your leisure. I create a coffee table book for every year so that guests can see the story of our lives if they feel inclined. These serve as great gifts for special occasions too.

Photos highlighting your exceptional camera-wielding skill or sentimental moments can be printed for a gallery wall, mounted collage, or shelving display.  Whether printed at a local store such as Costco, or ordered online through companies such as Mpix, memories can be put on paper in almost any size. If the idea of selecting various, coordinated frames for a wall collage seems overwhelming, stretched canvas prints can be a simple solution. Whichever route you go, having printed images of life's beautiful moments is a necessary element in any home.

Prop Your Feet Up

To recline or not to recline? That is the question. Everyone deserves the option to sit back, relax, and kick their feet up! Elevating your legs can be as simple as propping them on the coffee table or stretching-out across the sofa, but what if you want your own special spot to unwind?

The ubiquitous recliner has long been the goal of many men and the scorn of many women. Thankfully, we have made great stride since the designs of the 1800s and even the Lazy Boy prototype (with optional magazine rack). We now have discreet recliners with hidden mechanisms, incliners for those with limited space, and power options for lift assistance or enhanced home theater experiences. With zero gravity recliners readily available, your chair can provide not only comfort but ergonomic support.

There are a number of factors to consider in making a decision for or against a recliner including small pets, allowable space from a wall, the need for flexible seating, etc. If you find yourself with a recliner dilemma, let a professional help to narrow down options to the best fit for you and your space.