Inspired @ 4:21 pm
Get a fresh start to the year – start planning your new kitchen. Call us today to schedule your complimentary in home consultation. If you choose to proceed with Inspired Interiors for your kitchen remodeling project, we will credit you up to three design hours (valued up to $375.00). Save money planning your space with a professional. Get your project done the right way… the first time!
Some conditions apply. Please contact Inspired Interiors for further details.
Inspired @ 3:12 pm
Q: I am in the process of remodeling my bathroom – can you give me any ‘exclusive designer tips’ to cut my costs?
A: Absolutely! Here are three of my favorite tips for savings money on bathroom remodels without compromising style:
1) VINTAGE VANITY FIND: Stop by a second hand furniture shop or low-end antique shop. Find a table that has a shape & style that you find appealing. You can find one that is small and fits the space exactly, or one that is larger and use half of the table (see image on lower left). Re-paint or re-stain the table to suit the chosen color palette of the bathroom. You can also find some pieces that can be retro-fitted and used as a vanity – these make great conversation topics (see image on lower right). Get creative and you will have a vanity that looks unique while saving you a fortune.
vintage vanity - 1/2 table used
antique shop find for vanity use
2) REMNANT COUNTERTOP: Most stone fabricators have a large selection of ‘remnant’ pieces of marble, granite, quartz, and more. These pieces are left overs from large scale projects. Bring the measurements of your vanity, pick a ‘remnant’ piece that suits your bathroom’s color palette and ask the fabricator to price the stone top. You are will likely save more than 50% of the cost you anticipated for your countertops.
3) CRAIGSLIST: Peruse the many items available on Craigslist. You would believe the things you can find: overstock on faucets, rain shower heads, vintage claw foot tubs, overage of tile, and MORE! Don’t be too proud to hunt do your bathroom goodies! Be smart and spend wisely for you space. Craigslist even has an app for your iphone – LOVE it – use it!
Happy Hunting & Happy Savings!!! Don’t forget to send us your questions for our next newsletter!!!
Sincerely,
Emily Mackie Norris, ASID
Inspired @ 12:38 am
Classic Kitchen - view 1
Classic Kitchen - view 2
Classic Kitchen - view 3
Classic Kitchen - view 4
Luxurious spaces can include environmentally friendly features. Emily Mackie Norris and Inspired Interiors incorporate ‘green’ features into your space while maintaining a gorgeous and elegant interior. Few designers can create spaces that are stunning while comfortable, unique while within your budget, and ‘green’ while decadent. It’s only a masterpiece if it represents your authentic personality and lifestyle. Dare to know perfection.
By blending English architectural details into a space for a young family of four, Inspired Interiors provided an inviting environment for cooking and entertaining. A custom designed hood, vintage hardware, reclaimed lighting, and recycled marble countertops balance the warmth of the English countryside with this modern Chicago home.
Both custom designed by Emily Mackie Norris, the rich texture of a coconut palm breakfast table and the delicate lighting of an Italian chandelier were crafted with this client’s style in mind. The subtle incorporation of a dark alder desk area provides a much-needed space for the family’s active lifestyle.
Dare to know your perfect self — let us design who you are in your new space — call 773.728.0419 to schedule your consultation.
Article written by: Emily Mackie Norris, ASID
Inspired @ 11:56 pm
KITCHEN BEFORE
KITCHEN AFTER
Upon entering this existing kitchen I felt as though I was at Mike and Carol Brady asked me over to update their kitchen. Many interior details illustrated a ‘Brady’ décor: wood spindles dividing the rooms, chunky stone work around the fireplace, oak cabinetry dividing the breakfast rooms from the kitchen, and of course floral wallpaper! When I began to draw a floorplan of the existing conditions, I realized that the square footage of the breakfast room was almost EQUAL to the kitchen. I had to create a secondary space for the home owner to use that would absorb some of the square footage in this oversized breakfast room. A built-in hutch area was just the answer! However, the client was budget sensitive. We used an inexpensive cabinet line but added thoughtful details to all of the cabinetry that created harmony between the rooms. As most home owner, the client really wanted an island. Due to the limited overall size of the kitchen, an island was going to be difficult. We compromised by creating a visually light furniture-type island. This allowed the circulation to be ergonomically correct while adding the ever popular island for future resale value. Additionally by eliminating the soffits and existing peninsula the room instantly looked larger. Finishes were selected that gave a transitional look to the kitchen. The color palette is simple, elegant and well refined. What an amazing transformation of space!
KITCHEN BEFORE - VIEW 2
AFTER - VIEW 2
This kitchen is a perfect example of allowing a professional to guide you through a renovation process. Thoughtful details and assistance from an expert can save you money, while gaining a gorgeous space!
Call us today to schedule your complimentary in-home consultation. 773-728-0419
Article written by: Emily Norris ASID
visit www.inspiredinterior.com to view the entire portfolio!
Inspired @ 10:18 pm
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Study Shows Need for Creative Medicine Storage Solutions
The aging of the Baby Boomers will continue to drive demand for storage solutions that provide safe and easy access to medicine. That’s the key conclusion of a new study, conducted by the Research Institute for Cooking & Kitchen Intelligence, whose findings suggest a need for better storage solutions for much-needed but potentially dangerous medications. Traditionally, medicines are stored in the kitchen or bath, yet high humidity in the bathroom and heat-producing appliances in the kitchen can both cause medicines to deteriorate. Additionally, child-safe storage is critical to protecting children and grandchildren. Creative design solutions will be increasingly relevant in the coming years, creating new opportunities for designers and manufacturers, the study reports. |
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Universal Design Study Reflects Differing Views
A newly released survey shows that home builders and older (55+) homeowners have disparate views on the importance of various Universal Design features. Conducted by the National Association of Home Builders and the MetLife Mature Market Institute, the survey indicated the builders are placing more value than 55+ homeowners do on such features as lever-handled doors, wider entryways and ground floor full baths. However, these same consumers do want such amenities as non-slip floors, larger medicine cabinets, lower kitchen cabinets and emergency call buttons – features that are not as widely included in new homes. The survey also showed that, while consumers say they support builders’ efforts to create greener homes, they are not willing to pay significantly more for these features. |
Source: Kitchen & Bath News – October, 2009
Contact Emily Norris, ASID, at Inspired Interiors (773.728.0419) for more information.
