Design Matters (Nine Design Group)

First-Ever Survey & Analysis of More than 1.2 Million Members Reveals Top-Rated Professionals and Current Design Trends from Across the Country

2012-05-06T18:59:00.000-07:00

Austin, TX – March 21st, 2012 – The Nine Design Group, Austin, TX has been awarded "Best of Remodeling" 2012 by Houzz, the leading online platform for residential remodeling and design. The Nine Design Group was chosen by more than 1.2 million registered members of the Houzz community.

The Houzz "Best of Remodeling" award for 2012 is given in two categories: Customer Satisfaction and Design. Customer Satisfaction winners are based on homeowner members who rated their experience working with the remodeling professionals in 12 categories ranging from architects, and interior designers to contractors and other residential remodeling professional. Design award winners' work was the most popular among the 1.2 million members, also known as "Houzzers," who saved more than 16.5 million professional images to their personal idea books via the Houzz site and the iPad/iPhone app.

"I am thrilled and honored to have won such a prestigious award” States Jill Gruner, President of Nine Design Group.

"With 3.5 million monthly unique users and 80 million monthly page views, Houzz has rapidly become the largest community of the active remodelers, providing homeowners and design enthusiasts with first-hand advice from Houzzers who have been through the renovating and decorating process," said Liza Hausman, vice president of marketing for Houzz. "This is a real stamp of approval for Nine Design Group from the Houzz community."

Kitchen Hearth

2012-05-04T19:21:00.000-07:00

A new hearth is the focal point of this kitchen mini-remodel. The clients chose to keep their existing cabinets and flooring. We updated the oak cabinets by simply painting them white (although new cabinets were added to the hearth area). The color in the existing tile floor allowed us to incorporate the client's favorite color, red, on the island. The travertine tiles wrap the interior of the hearth. New granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and a fluted farmhouse sink are some of finishng touches to this bright and airy kitchen remodel.

Kitchen Before

Kitchen After

Four Hands Warehouse Sale

2012-02-14T21:25:00.000-08:00

Four Hands Home will be having a sale on overstock, discountinued and slightly damaged items on the weekend of February 24th. Note, this sale will take place at the old Lacks Furniture Store at 2020 W. Anderson Lane (next to Sofa and Chair). Get there early....always a crowded event.

Nadeau Furniture

2012-02-14T21:14:00.000-08:00

Nadeau, furniture with a soul, recently opened up a location in Austin right behind Whit Hanks on 6th Street. Nadeau is an importer of furniture from Indonesia. Their pieces are sold at wholesale prices.

Angie's List Super Service Award 2011

2012-02-05T19:38:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all of our clients who gave Nine Design Group positive feedback on Angie's List! Again, we have received the Super Service Award. This award is only achieved by 5% of businesses on Angie's List.

We are honored to have received this award and appreciate our clients for their business and feedback.

Walking on Sand in a Master Bath

2012-02-05T10:35:00.000-08:00

In this master bath remodel, we removed the carpet, wallpaper, cultured marble countertops, oak cabinets and shower.

To stay within budget, we kept the existing tub, but framed it with tile for a built-in feel. We raised the countertops and added a built-in laundry hamper next to the tub. The client says that the new floor tile make her think she has escaped and is walking along a sandy beach. We are now working on a window valance and artwork to keep her on vacation when relaxing in her new master bath.

Entire House Remodel

2012-02-04T22:54:00.000-08:00

The clients had lived in their home for over twenty years and were ready for an entire house remodel.

In the kitchen, new alder cabinets, granite countertops, pendant lighting, hardwood flooring and a travertine backsplash make for a beautiful and functional space:

Kitchen Before

Kitchen After

Here are some photos of the master and guest baths:

Master Bath Before

Master Bath After

Guest Bath Before

Guest Bath After

Gorgeous Master Bath Remodel

2012-02-04T22:23:00.000-08:00

On this master bath, the husband was attempting to do much of the work himself. After two years of an inoperable bath, the couple called and asked for design assistance.

The results are dramatic. We added travertine for warmth and beauty. New cabinets added much needed storage. A larger, frameless glass shower expands the room. Mosaics on the floor, in the shower and on the tub backsplash provide a wow factor.

Changes Add Value

2012-02-04T22:00:00.000-08:00

Our clients asked us to help them update the kitchen on a new home they had just purchased.

Keeping the existing oak cabinets, but painting them white, lighted and brightened the entire room. We then added a quartz countertop that resembles marble without the worries of staining or maintenance. Then to bring color to the white kitchen, we added soft blue/gray subway tiles. A new wide plank hardwood floor and updated appliances completed this renovation.

In addition to the kitchen, we took the hardwood flooring throughout the first level. Then, updated a 1/2 bath, laundry room and painted throughout. The agent who sold them the home was shocked by the changes and told them that the home's value had increased by $100,000. Yea!

Design Ideas for the New Year

2011-12-29T18:19:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

It is a time for resolutions and change. We all resolve to take better care of ourselves. We promise to exercise more, eat better and get more rest (those are a few of mine anyway).

Why not make this new year's resolution different? Take the focus off yourself and make it about your home! Make 2012 the year you make your house a place you LOVE to come home to.

Need some inspiration? Here are a few ideas....

Update your kitchen.

Add some color to your life.

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Get dramatic with wallpaper....(yes, we said wallpaper - don't be scared:).

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Go graphic.

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Get rid of the carpet and install the wood floors you have been dreaming about.

(another of my personal resolutions :)

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Update your bathroom.

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Style your built in's by painting them a color.

Switch out your boring light fixture with a dramatic chandelier.

(This room would not be the same without it!)

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Nor this one....

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Make a photo collage wall with your favorite family pics.

Houzz

Need more ideas or inspiration? Contact Nine Design Group today!

Happy New Year!!

Bright and White Kitchens

2011-09-01T08:28:00.000-07:00

If you read interior design magazines or peruse decorating blogs as much as we do, it is hard not to notice the latest trend in kitchen design. The bright white kitchen is back! White cabinets and countertops are actually very classic and never really went out of style but have seen a recent reemergence. Below is Jill Gruner of Nine Design Group's classic version of a white French Country kitchen that was featured in Austin Home Magazine.

Nine Design Group

A white kitchen can look great in all types of homes. Pairing white cabinets with a dark painted island makes for a great contrast. The stainless appliances and light fixtures make the look modern and current.

Houzz

Nothing says crisp, clean and classic like Carrera Marble. This kitchen is so bright and airy.

Traditonal Home Magazine

Another mix of light and dark cabinets.

Decorpad

Marble comes in many different colors. Carrera Marble is white with gray veining like the photos above. One of my personal favorites is called Crema. It tends to be a bit warmer than Carrera with more brown and cream tones.

Centsational Girl

Another recent trend in these beautiful white kitchens is the use of subway tiles for the backsplash. The rectangular, white, ceramic tiles are named for their use in the New York City subway system in the early 1900's.

While marble countertops are timeless and beautiful, they do come with some challenges. Marble has a reputation for being extremely high maintenance. It requires sealing, special cleaners and can sometimes scratch and stain easily. Some argue that the natural patina it takes on over time is part of it's charm and character and should be appreciated. If you like the look and feel of marble, but want something that requires less maintenance, you are in luck. We have uncovered a few options that might be what you are looking for.

White Kashmir is a light colored granite that works with white cabinets and even looks great with subway tile. It probably won't fool anyone into thinking it is marble, but looks great and is relatively low maintenance. A quick spray on sealer (as easy as spraying your countertops and wiping it as if you were cleaning) a couple of times a year keeps it looking brand new.

Decorpad

Another option is a quartz countertop. The kitchen countertop below is Misty Carrera by Caesarstone. CaesarStone provides the beauty of stone with enhanced properties for stain resistance, durability and strength.

House Beautiful

Silestone has a new color called Bianco River. Like Caesarstone, Silestone is a compound made up of natural quartz, which makes it extraordinarily hard and resilient. This is the one and only countertop made of quartz with bacteriostatic protection, giving it hygienic properties that are not to be found anywhere else on the market.

Silestone Bianco River

We just finished a kitchen using Silestone Bianco River. It is beautiful and looks even better in person!

Nine Design Group

Cambria is yet another quartz countertop manufacturer. Torquay is their version of a Carrera Marble option. It has the same white and gray coloring.

Cambria Torquay

If a bright and cheery kitchen is in your future, there are many options out there for you. Clean and pristine or full of character. Nine Design Group can help uncover your needs and make the right choice for a kitchen you will love for years to come.

Houzz

Here Comes the Sun!

2011-06-14T08:38:00.000-07:00

Sunburst mirrors are both timeless and beautiful. They have been around for hundreds of years!

School may be out for summer, but there is always time for a quick history lesson:

"We start to hear specifically about the sunburst mirror in the 1600s, during the reign of Louis XIV of France, who was known to the world as the “Sun King”. Apparently, King Louis liked to gaze into a sunburst mirror when he woke up in the morning so that he could see the rays of the sun radiating out from his head. The sunburst was found in mirrors and other art throughout the world during the Renaissance period and up until modern times."

To learn more, you can finish reading the article at http://bigonarticles.com/the-history-of-the-sunburst-mirror/.

A Well Dressed Home

Sunburst mirrors are a great way to fill an awkward space. Especially when grouped in clusters or paired together.

They are also a great alternative for those who can't commit to artwork.

Decorpad

Sunburst mirrors are super versatile. Whether your decor is modern or traditional, they work either way.

Decorpad

Sunburst mirrors can be found almost anywhere these days. The prices vary widely depending on the size, craftsmanship and where you buy them. Here are a couple reasonably priced options.

Ballard Designs $25-$119

Pottery Barn $199

If this beautiful driftwood version from Pottery Barn gets your DIY wheels a turnin'. Check out this one made out of painted twigs.

Isabella and Max Rooms

I don't know about you, but this makes me want to run out to the greenbelt, wrangle up some twigs and make one of my own! (Okay, maybe it's just me.)

Emily A. Clark

So whether you are just looking to fill a space on the wall, want a fun DIY project, or you want to see the rays of the sun radiating from your head like Louis XIV, the sunburst mirror might just be what you are looking for!

Smartstrand Carpet--Stain Resistant

2011-04-05T19:30:00.000-07:00

Mohawk recently introduced Smartstrand, a carpet with a LIFETIME Stain Resistant Warranty Yes, it is true! This carpet, was challenged by Ricko the Rhinoceros. It was placed in his cage for two weeks, where he lived and did his "business." At the end of the two weeks, the crew came did a through cleaning and ALL stains were removed.

This carpet has become the new "go to" product for homes with children and pets. In addition to being stain-resistant, Smartstrand carries a 15 year warranty on texture retention, abrasive wear and fade resistance. Keep in mind, you will need to include moisture resistant padding.

Available in many styles, colors and textures, this reasonably priced carpet is surprisingly very soft underfoot. Our clients love it! If you'd like to take a look at Smartstrand for your home, give us a call.

Angies List Super Service Award Winner!

2011-01-31T07:05:00.000-08:00

What is the Angie's List Super Service Award?

Each year, Angie’s List honors companies that have achieved and maintained a superior service rating from our members with the Super Service Award. This is the highest honor given annually to companies by Angie's List, who have achieved and maintained a superior service rating on Angie's List throughout the past year. There is no fee to accept the award and be considered a winner. Angie's List members look for Super Service Award winners when they check Angie's List because approximately 5% of service companies on Angie's List meet the eligibility requirements to be considered and even fewer actually receive the award.

Sweet Charity

2011-01-10T10:10:00.000-08:00

If you’re looking for unique decor solutions consider ‘Sweet Charity’. Located in the 26 Doors Shopping Center, across from Seton Medial Center Austin, Sweet Charity is project of The SFH Volunteers with proceeds benefiting charity care at Seton. The charity provides funding for healthcare services to low-income families served at Seton’s three community health centers in Austin: Seton McCarthy, Seton Kozmetsky and Seton Topfer. That’s why they say your support of Sweet Charity is a gift that keeps on giving.

This unique store offers a variety of fun and eclectic gifts, collectables, and home accessories, including collectables from Mark Roberts and Christopher Radko.

Visit them at:

Sweet Charity Gifts

1206 West 38^th Street, Ste. 1101

Austin, TX 78705

Or check out their selection online at:

http://sweetcharitygifts.org

Wall Decals

2011-01-10T06:33:00.000-08:00

Do you happen to have a wall in your home that you just aren’t quit sure what to do with? You know it needs something but aren’t sure what and the idea of artwork can sometimes turn out a little pricier than you’d like.

Consider removable wall decals, a quick and easy solution to add decoration to any space. Wall decals can be used virtually on any surface and are super easy to apply. Perfect for you DIY enthusiasts! There’s also no mess involved and it’s an inexpensive alternative to paint techniques, murals, stenciling, and stamping. These adhesive wall graphics are as easy to remove as they are to apply, and are guaranteed to not leave residue, perfect for home owners, apartment dwellers, or college dorm rooms.

They are also perfect for those of you who can never commit to a new purchase for fear it may be wrong...(you know who you are!)

A simple web search of ‘wall decals’ will bring up numerous sites that offer wide varieties of inspirational quotes, graphics, murals and much more. Or, visit local stores such as Target, Wal Mart, and Hobby Lobby and you will find several wall decals as well.

Here are a few sites I liked:

www.modernwallgraphics.com

www.wallsplots.com

www.wallies.com

So go ahead and start filling up those blank spaces - you'll be amazed at how much it will add to the overall style and finished look of you home.

Bermex Custom Dining Tables

2010-10-20T06:13:00.000-07:00

If you’re looking for that perfect dining room table and can’t seem to find exactly what you’re looking for, then Bermex custom tables are perfect for you. Bermex custom tables and chairs are crafted in Canada and are available in a wide selection of wood stains and finishes with durable fabrics and a numerous range of sizes and styles. There are 4 easy steps to create your perfect table on their website:

www.bermex.ca/products

1. Choose the model type, size, shape and number of sleeves.
2. Pick a profile/edge.
3. Apron style.
4. Choose from a leg or base model and leg size.

The step-by-step design guide on the website will allow you to easily design your custom dining table. Or, visit your local dealer at Collectic Home, where you can see these beautiful tables for yourself. Collectic Home is conveniently located just southwest of downtown Austin. You can check them out on the web at: www.collectichome.com

How to Make an Outdoor Fire Pit

2010-10-20T06:05:00.000-07:00

It is starting to finally feel like fall in Texas - where the evenings are just chilly enough to think about pulling out a sweater. But with clear skies and beautiful sunsets, there is still plenty of reason to be outdoors. Enjoy your backyard even more by adding a fire pit - nothing draws people together more than sitting around a fire. It's magical! And surprisingly easy to make...

HGTV.com posted this concise "How To" article that walks you through the steps of making your own cozy outdoor space for the fall season! What you will need: cast concrete wall stones cap stones sand shovel tape measure level tamper steel rake Steps

Before building a fire pit, check the building codes in your area to get the proper specs and regulations. Choose a spot that is away from your house and away from any low-hanging trees or other structures. Take precautions when digging holes, so that you don’t hit utility lines.

1. Lay out your pavers in a circle in the approximate size and shape of your fire pit. Fire pits should be about 36 to 44 inches in diameter. Our surrounding patio is made from recycled rubber pavers. We laid the fire pit stones out to the correct dimension then pulled the pavers out of and away from the pit.

2. When you have your circle roughed out, dig a 12-inch-deep hole in that location.

3. Pour sand into the bottom of the hole and tamp the sand level.

4. Begin to lay your wall stones around the perimeter of the hole. Continue stacking the stones so that they are 12 inches above the surrounding ground.

5. Pour a layer of sand into the ring of stones so that it covers the first layer, approximately 4 inches deep. This DIY project should be fairly inexpensive and will transform your outdoors to a cozy place for entertaining and add seasons to your outdoor living.

Fall Home Organizing Tips

2010-09-03T07:10:00.000-07:00

With summer coming to a close, it’s time to organize your home and get ready for a new season. Here are some organizing tips from professional organizer, Estelle Gee.

· The Rubbermaid garage system has plenty of components to store and organize everything from hoses to sports equipment

· Wall shelves to help keep your children’s after-school life organized

· Before the new school year really gets going, sort through your children’s art and schoolwork and decide which pieces you want to keep and store away

· Hooks are an easy way to organize clutter in your entryway

Fall is a busy season and one of the most common problems between you and an organized home is the ability to establish a routine. Put systems in place to minimize the time spent cleaning clutter and running around searching for misplaced objects. Keeping an organized home will help the whole family out and save you a lot of time and stress in the end!

If you need help figuring out how to deal with all the school folders, paperwork and clutter, contact CONQUER YOUR CHAOS ORGANIZING for help. Heather Bland-Ho is a professional organizer and a mom of three very active kids. She'll be happy to get you back in control. www.conqueryourchaos.com or call 512.797.1727

BuildASofa

2010-09-03T07:04:00.000-07:00

20% Off Sale Until September 6^th!

BuildASofa has been making beautiful custom sofas and sectionals since 1996 and recently opened a showroom in Austin, on Burnet Road and Anderson Lane across from Northcross Mall. To celebrate, there’s a Grand Opening sale lasting until September 6^th with 20% off everything! In the showroom you can choose from over 140 different models and 1,500 fabrics and tailor your sofa to be exactly the way you want it. Orders are typically completed in less than 4 weeks. Just take your room measurements to the showroom and they’ll help to make you the perfect sofa! Hurry now, sale ends Labor Day!

Check out their website at www.buildasofa.com

Change a Room Size with Paint

2010-08-19T14:21:00.000-07:00

Most of us know that paint is the simplest and most affordable way to change a room our home. What you might not know, is that paint color can change the appearance of the size of a room. Different colors absorb light in different ways and by using darker and lighter colors you can make a room look bigger or smaller. You can create the illusion of having a wall move further away from you by using paint colors.

Light colors will generally make a wall recede while darker walls tend to bring a wall closer, which closes a room in. Of course darker colors can make a room look warm and cozy, and lighter colors can make a room open and a little cold. When used correctly, either of these techniques can work to your advantage. If a room feels too long and narrow, you may want to paint the narrow walls a warm shade to bring them closer together visually and paint the long walls a cooler color to visually open them up to give the room a more square and balanced proportion. If you have a room that you want to bring down in size, you will want to bring the walls in and keep the ceiling lower. Painting the room in warm tones will help it feel more intimate and cozy.

Clients are continually amazed at what a difference that color can make to a room - don't underestimate the power of paint!

Remodeling Can Promote a Healthy Lifestyle

2010-07-11T09:22:00.000-07:00

This article comes to us compliments of KitchenKool and offers a great summary of alternatives to a full-fledged kitchen remodel!

"Have you ever stepped into a fresh, new home with new kitchen, bath, or living and felt the urge to live and create? For example, we all know that a home-cooked meal is superior in health and nutrition to any frozen meal or drive-through pickup. Unfortunately, we find that our busy lives leave us unmotivated to cook, and the kitchen often seems tired and old. This will drag our energy down. Home remodeling can solve this problem easily! All the influences that you add to your home make up the look of your décor. So what happens if you need to spruce up an outdated look? The answer is that you remodel. Often this does not have to be as expensive as you think.

Yes you can do a complete overhaul of your look, or gut out a kitchen. But if your budget does not call for it you can do simple things such as paint or reface the cabinetry. Even changing up the hardware in your bathroom or anywhere else can make a difference. All of these aspects include fixtures, cabinets, hardware, paint or other materials you decorate your wall with. There is also the flooring material and the overall layout of the room. All of these aspects come together to define the style and feel of the new and updated space you are creating for your home.

When remodeling your home, you need to keep three things in mind: Space, Work Flow, and Budget. Everyone wants a spacious home. You can remodel a home without spending too much money. And kitchen or bathroom has to be useful. Everyone wants a spacious home. Even if you do not have a lot of square footage to work with, you’ll find that you can create plenty of counter space and a feeling of openness if you just use a little creativity. Minimize appliances & fixtures that you keep on your counters. If there is an option for an appliance you can hang from overhead cabinets, do it! You will always want room to work. Make sure that there is plenty of light in your home, as that also gives a feeling of space. Avoid cluttering windows with light-blocking curtains. Choose bright colors that reflect light and make sure you choose light fixtures that brighten the home.

Work flow is simple. It means: how you work in the space. If you cook alone in the kitchen, for example, you’ll have a different work flow than someone who regularly cooks with a helper. You want to make sure that when you’re considering kitchen remodeling that you consider where work spaces will be. Do you want to be able to cut vegetables near the sink? Do you want to have space for a helper to drain the pasta while you’re cooking up the sauce? This will help you decide where to put appliances, whether or not you think a kitchen island might be a helpful thing for you. Believe it or not, you can remodel a home without spending too much money. Decide on how much money you have to spend, and then decide what you want most out of your kitchen. You’ll find you can remodel your home beautifully and get exactly what you want out of the project. Do you need a new fridge? Would better counter space be more helpful? What about hooks to hang pots and pans to give you more storage space for food, pots and pans? All of these kitchen remodeling options will help you get a great kitchen or bath that you’ll be eager to cook in and help your family to a healthier life.

Another option to spice up your area is to not replace the cabinets but replace the doors which are called refacing. Drawers, doors and handles are all removed and replaced. The finish can be adjusted and it is a good option to give your kitchen a face lift. This is a project you can also do yourself if you are up for it. One of the most popular materials for cabinetry is wood. This is because of its long lasting durability and beauty as well as strength. It comes in a wide range or colors and looks. From maple to hickory to oak and many other styles you can create an interesting looks with their colors and grains. Wood also has a high dimensional stability which means your dinnerware and glassware will be on a sturdy surface when they are being stored between uses. You can keep them in the cabinets knowing they will be protected as they are an investment.

Laminate is another popular cabinet material and can be customized to fit in with the décor in virtually any space. There are different glazes available and finishes. Some of these can create a dramatic effect in the way the cabinets look. Another idea is paint. Paint is one of the least expensive and easiest ways to improve a home. Color wheels and color families make it stress free for the average consumer. Most people take the task on themselves; however, some hire contractors to complete the job. The results may be stunningly dramatic or clean and simple, depending on the atmosphere desired.

When you are choosing paint you will want to consider how the room will be used. You will also want to consider the lighting in the room. Walls look different in dark rooms than in bright ones. Lighter colors work well in smaller rooms. Larger rooms can handle bold colors easily. If your kitchen is not what you want it to be then there are steps you can take to fix it without dropping a small fortune on your kitchen. This can be done with ease and with little effort except your imagination with the home décor you use to make your spaces more inviting to be in.

Lighting and window fixtures can give your rooms a facelift without the scary price tag. Adding new hardware can also be a way to change the way it looks. A small definition to your spaces can greatly enhance the look of it drastically. Replacing your curtain rods, hinges and the handles on your drawers and cupboards can give the impression of a much larger renovation project without the large price tag. When you do this and not change the physical elements of it can make a big difference. Wall lettering is a nice design tip as well. It is easy to do when you want to jazz up a wall. Even painting one wall can be inexpensive. This is a great way to add flair and not spend a lot of money."

Times, they are a changin’…

2010-04-16T09:18:00.000-07:00

Spring is known as the season of change, and we are experiencing plenty of change ourselves. The good news is that it’s a positive evolution, thanks in no small part to you and the wonderful referrals you’ve given us. We’ve grown tremendously over the last year so it’s time for our own Metamorphosis. Here are the highlights of what’s unfolding:

First – we are experiencing tremendous growth with our Commercial clients. When I formed the company, three years ago, my intent was to stick to residential work. But having spent almost eight years working in the arena of medical and commercial build-outs, it isn’t too surprising that it caught up to me again. What started as just a few projects as favors to friends and colleagues has grown into a substantial portion of our business. So while we love the name Metamorphosis, the “for homes” part is no longer strictly true.

That combined with some confusion over the fact that our company name and our email address are different (Metamorphosis vs. RoomsULove) has led us to seek an official name change. The paperwork is complete and we are working on updating (and upgrading!) our website to our new name: Nine Design Group. Eventually all our correspondence will be directed toward this new name and it will be consistent across all mediums. But we’ll be sure to offer a clear transition process so clients, past and present, can continue to find us.

At the same time, our team continues to grow. Many of you have worked with me and Jill, and we will continue to be here to serve you. However, to keep up with client demand, we are adding another skilled professional to our team: Vicki Schnell. Vicki comes to us with a unique set of design skills and a great eye for remodels. I won’t steal her thunder here so be sure to look for her photo and full bio on the new website.

We also have a wonderful graduate of the UT School of Architecture and Design, Chauncey Robinson, collaborating with us. Having worked abroad on large-scale hotel and resort projects she is now back in Austin and brings her impressive design aesthetic to all our endeavors.

Last, but not least, is a “Metamorphosis” of my own. I recently married and am in the process of changing my name as well! So rather than Janine Charland, you will begin to see the name Janine Nicholson appear. But it’s still the same old me!

It’s definitely been exciting times on all fronts! I want to say a heartfelt thanks to all of you for the trust you place in us. We understand that it’s not an easy decision to allow someone into your home and personal sanctuary. We are grateful every day that we’re given the opportunity to be part of your very own Metamorphosis!

Tips for Remodeling

2010-02-22T08:26:00.000-08:00

The remodeling process can be quite overwhelming and confusing. From choosing a designer and selecting a style, to picking a contractor, to establishing and sticking to a budget, kitchen and bath projects can be daunting to any homeowner. The hardest part is often deciding exactly what you want, as the options at the outset seem limitless. If you do a little homework upfront, it can make things much easier down the line.

Here are several tips from the The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), and our own remodeling experience, to help simplify the process:

1. Look closely at the space. The first step is to decide what is the main purpose of your remodel. Are you looking to add extra space, upgrade the kitchen/bathroom, improve security, make changes for health reasons or just to improve your living space? Is there room to expand or redesign the existing floor plan? Get input from all members of your household to find out their wants and needs. Be sure to consider the short- and long-term implications of your renovation decisions. For example, will you choices increase or decrease the house's resale value?

2. Map out the terrain. As you make your observations, write down your daily routine on paper. The best way to evaluate the functionality of a space is to create a clear picture of what works and what doesn't work. As you do this, be sure to note all obstacles that now keep your current kitchen or bathroom from meeting your needs. Start to look closely at how you and your family use the kitchen and bath. Note traffic patterns and how accessible the important features are to all family members. It is important to decide what you want to change most and what you can keep or update later. Question everything. Don't overlook the obvious.

3. Start gathering ideas. Look through magazines and save photos of rooms, products and floor plans that catch your eye. Collect fabric, wall covering and surface samples. Visit design centers and manufacturer/supplier showrooms. Don't limit yourself to what you think you can afford at this point. Build an idea file of the things that appeal to you. The idea file will help you create a context, a look and feel that best reflects your personal tastes and will act as a stimulus and constant reference point for your plan.

4. Set a budget. You've seen what you like. Now you're getting a sense of how the things you like coincide with how you actually use the space. The next logical step is to look at what this will cost. Money is always an object, so this is a good time to determine how much you want to invest in your kitchen or bathroom. What is the total amount you are willing to spend and how much can or are you willing to borrow? Establishing your priorities early will help decide where to spend the money.

5. Find a qualified professional who can add value to your investment by applying their experience and expertise to the job. The National Association of Remodelers (NARI) have a website where you may find certified and qualified individuals who specialize in remodels (versus new construction). That website is www.NARI.org/austinchapter/members.asp

6. Have a set of scale drawings created that will allow you to obtain several comparable bids. It is very difficult to compare contractor bids simply based on a walk-thru where you articulate what work needs to be done. If there is any ambiguity, the contractor will necessarily add to the quote, to ensure his bases are covered. The more that you have clearly spelled out in advance ensures that all parties understand exactly what the end-product looks like and will enable the contractors to give you a specific quote. This means you’ll be comparing ‘apples to apples’ when you review the bids. It might cost a few hundred dollars to have these done but you will recoup that easily in more precise bids and fewer work-order changes throughout the construction process (which are very costly!)

7. No matter how prepared you are, there will still be a myriad of decisions to be made and a substantial investment of your time. Having a designer / project manager in place can definitely reduce this workload, but at the end of the day only you can make the final decisions on the overall look and materials being used. Do not schedule a remodel during your busiest season at work or at home.

While all this sounds daunting, a remodel is still one of the best ways to grow the value of your home, and also make it more functional. Not to mention that is gives you the opportunity to update your style and create a beautiful environment. If you’re thinking of remodeling but want a little more guidance as to next steps or what to expect, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll be happy to hear about your project and help you formulate a plan of action.

Trends for 2009-2010

2010-01-08T07:09:00.000-08:00

This article comes to us compliments of 'Decorators Secrets'...

If 2008 was the year of lime green, what is the hot color for this year? What do I avoid so I don’t end up with the harvest gold of the 1970’s syndrome? Here are the hot color trends for the 2009-2010 season….

Hope and Inspiration

Not only is it in the White House, but it’s in your house as well. Yellow is THE color for this year’s decorating palettes. "The color yellow exemplifies the warmth and nurturing quality of the sun, properties we as humans are naturally drawn to for reassurance," explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “yellow also speaks to enlightenment, as it is a hue that sparks imagination and innovation." We imagine this is a hot color that’s here to stay with a sunny outlook for the future. If sunny yellow is too hot to handle in your home, tone it down to get the look without the heat.

Going Green

Green is not only the environmental word of the day, it’s also a color trend for the year. Moss green in particular is making an appearance in many of the upscale home magazines taking the place of the kelly and lime greens of yesteryear. Don’t even think of toning it down to the sage green of the 90’s, that was SO last decade.

The Luxury of Lavender

Lavender is the newcomer on the scene for this year. Bright purple just doesn’t cut it – it made a brief appearance in the color forecasts and fizzled. People just chickened out when they saw eggplant and amethyst colors hitting the walls. Lavender is the must-have color for the bedroom, signifying elegance and luxury in a toned down fashion. Americans are looking for something uplifting, says Patricia Call, an interior designer and a board member of the Color Marketing Group in Alexandria, Va. - and that translates to purple power. "Historically, purple is associated with royalty. Now it's being use for everything from cooking ranges to washing machines," says Call. "In a bad economy, it gives you a lift to feel royal in the kitchen or laundry.

Going Gray

Slate and charcoal grays are the new neutrals. Browns and beige are slip sliding away and going gray. From pewter to ash – place a cool gray with almost any color for a hot pairing.

Aqua Cool

Aqua slipped into the scene in 2008 and has shown some staying power. Aqua will be hot, hot, hot for the summer, but may fade into the sunset come fall – try it as an accent to make the transition. Scared to make the big leap to be a trend-setter? Accent colors in the hot colors of the year make the grade when watching your budget.