Interior Design Facts Design In the Real World
CONTENT • • • • • • • • • • • • •
BUDGET BATHROOMS/SPECIFYING/DESIGN CARPENTRY DOORS FLOORING FURNISHING WINDOW TREATMENTS ELECTRIC ACCESSORIES A/V BBQ DESIGN APPROACH ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY
BUDGET
Keep in mind Always begin a project with a budget in mind. We use our PROJECT WORK BOOK which is a great tool to use throughout the project.
Be as specific as possible Update item by each area Update qty. for item Materials
In Square foot In Linear feet – baseboard
Window treatments
List room by room
Black out roller shade
Decorative sheer
Closets
List by each area
BATHROOMS/SPECIFYING/DESIGN
Always measure the space on site. If adding new tile, take into consideration the dimensions for the thickness and mortar of the tile. **we have had many instances where the new tile takes up more space on the wall and the AutoCAD dimensions do not coordinate with the onsite dimensions
One piece toilets are better for cleaning. Toilet seats and top are usually sold separately, always make sure manufacturer includes them in the order.
It is difficult to drill items into glass tiles, they usually crack. Maybe be better to not do on walls where there are many wall accessories(towel bar holder, shelf, etc)
Glass shower enclosures Standard height the most companies specify is actually quite low. Client should be aware of height and approve Matching new trims to existing
When applying all tile large format tiles use 245 platinum thinset
Matching new trims to existing rough can cause complications. Always try to specify a whole new system
Make sure wall sconces and medicine cabinets do not interfere with each other when opening
Make sure to think about where the Jacuzzi access panel will go when designing.
When specifying showerheads, make sure to consider if it's a rain head what the drop will be, for example 4 inches, and that it is high enough when installed at a standard height to accommodate the client.
You specify a tub spout make sure that it is long enough when installed on the deck to reach the drain inside the top.
when specfying grout on glass tile look into Bostik grout - Diamond color is clear - flor decor http://www.bostik-us.com/ourbrands/dimension
For shower curbs, think about how wide you want your shower saddle. if you want it less wide, specify it vs. letting the conventional 2” high X 4” wide wood that once tiled becomes more like 2.5 high X 5” wide. Or specify for the 2X4 for be layed on its side then its will be taller but less wide.
Selecting plumbing fixture: when in doubt ask a plumber or manufacturer.
Always use epoxy grout in areas like bathrooms or high traffic areas it helps keep the grout clean
when specfying grout on glass tile look into Bostik grout Diamond color is clear - flor decor http://www.bostikus.com/our-brands/dimension
What is your number one rule when taking on a bathroom renovation? Make sure to thoroughly discuss with your client what their wants and requirements are for the bathroom. Once plumbing is engineered and tile is placed over, it is very hard to make any changes so we make sure to review all possible functionalities for the bathroom in advance.
Are there any need-to-know measurements for a bathroom? Yes! Measurements are key when selecting hardware and assigning placement - we have learned all of these the hard way! i.e. Faucet spacing - the space between where your hands go and where the hardware is placed; Shower Faucets – make sure to know ALL of your client’s heights because a short shower head could cause problems ; and Toilet Spacing – In order to accommodate certain toilet models (i.e. the fancy electric ones), there is a different standard of spacing required. Make sure to consult your plumber with all specs in advance.
What are your top three tricks for small bathroom storage? Can you give a tip for linens, beauty supplies, and kid’s bath toys? Staging – If you don’t have space for a linen closet, we often roll up towels and place them along the tub or inside the shower for a “spa-like” look.
Go vertical – don’t be afraid to add height to your storage space, allowing for more areas to place stuff.
If the budget is tight what are the places to spend and where should you save?
Splurge on hardware finishes, such as faucet spouts, knobs, shower heads and door handles. These pieces when selected in the right color and shape can really make a room look more expensive that it is Save on tile selection – there are so many affordable and beautiful glass tile options as well as porcelain tiles out there that will make a bathroom look beautiful without having to use marble or more expensive materials.
Do you have any rules when it comes to tile selection? Our only rule is that all materials used are fully
functional in a wet
area/bathroom. Be especially careful when applying wallpapers and window treatments – these need to be selected with great detail.
What should you know before hiring a plumber? Come prepared with specs for all plumbing fixtures. Every item is guaranteed to require something different from the other to function so your plumber needs to know all technicalities in advance. Know where the tile is going and how the fixtures work with or around the tile so that you don’t end up with a messy end result
CARPENTRY
always coordinate with electrical locations on walls, floor and and ceiling measure on site!
When bringing a carpentry piece to the ceiling, look up to make sure it does not mess up/or interfere with anything existing; recessed lights, wood (we love wood), fire alarm, a/c vents etc.
when reviewing shop drawings, take your time! Make sure all hardware (ex. push latch, handles) all finishes (interior and exterior) and critical items are specified on drawings. Never assume
When adding a refrigerator or an appliance or carpentry peace, send the specifications to the carpenter and get an approval from them. Make sure we don’t need any
ventilation and if so plan on it.
Draw your carpentry on the same elevation that the outlets and switches is on to make sure you don't have anything in the way
When making cabinet drawings make sure appliances or sinks fit properly-put it on plan! Make sure the desired sink size exists.
look into http://www.led-lighting-systems.net/extrusions.html for lighting extrusion kits
In Desk areas offer client the option of glass tops from the beginning
Make sure custom desks are standard heights otherwise remember to order adjustable chairs
Keep in mind Periodically visiting the carpenters to make sure that everything is looking good and they are actually in production.
Periodically following up via telephone or email with the carpenter to see if they have any questions and if they are still on schedule.
If any other vendors have to work with the carpenter during manufacturing; for example and GC (electrician, plumber, etc.) for the outlets, plumbing and installation of the refrigerators, make sure they are both aware of each other’s scope of work and they know how to reach other with any questions.
DOORS
Keep in mind Make sure that the door swings on furniture and/or doors do not affect anything on the ceiling such as recessed lights or fire alarms.
When purchasing or specifying exterior doors and windows do not rely on existing conditions. Review the existing condition to make sure that it makes sense. This is the opportunity to make changes.
Double check openings where doors are getting installed. Make sure the doors we ordered fit
In specifying door hardware stand from the exterior side of the door and identify the location of the hinges, either left or right. If the hinges on the right then it is right hand if it is on the left and it is left-hand.
When using flush doors that blend in with the wall, make sure to specify the same color as the wall as a door paint finish on the door schedule
Double check openings where doors are getting installed. Make sure the doors we ordered fit
FLOORING
FLOORS
Keep in mind Make sure thresholds correspond with door swing locations
When specifying large format tile, make sure to ask in writing to the manufacturer if this flooring tends to boe
With second story homes we should recommend whisper matts/sound barriers
Try to avoid white tile in kitchen areas
FURNISHING
Keep in mind When making re-selections make sure to place on plan, don't assume because it's one single piece it will "probably fit."
If custom making chairs, request that there be fastened felt to the bottom of the legs. The ones you purchase in the stores will eventually fall off. When ordering desk chairs make sure they are the correct height for the desk. When adding a grommet to a desk or table make sure it will work and can be installed before purchasing. Always space plan!! Especially when using clients existing furniture make sure it fits where you want to put it. Go and take dimensions of the piece and the area where you intend to put it. Make sure bedding fits that mattress you bought (Euro, regular, cal king , regular king)
WINDOW TREATMENTS
Keep in mind
Notch out in baseboards for roller shades
When applying roller shades to tiled areas, use the tile as a fascia by running it 3-4� past the upper window ledge. This will provide a cleaner look.
ELECTRIC
Keep in mind Have electrician specify switches
Whenever specify recessed light trims on ceiling or wall make sure to specify they be painted powder coated
Decorative lights: always check lengths in desired application. Are they long enough or does it have to be special ordered? When applying a grommet to a store bought furniture price, make sure it fits through leg or centerpiece.
Double check in closets and kitchens that recessed lights or decorative lights don't hit the shelves When specifying a light fixture, always place on elevation, not only on plan‌ it may fit on plan but be too tall or too short and then we are trying to cut or order extension cables. When specifying art lights on plan, make sure that there is sufficient clearance to the art piece to illuminate the art piece. Always do an electrical walk through and take your time with the electrical and id plans. Better to do it in 2’s. Make sure light bulbs throughout the house led, recessed and decorative are the same color light. (bright white, soft white, etc) A/C when doing linear To a trim
ACCESSORIES
Lots of our accessories are purchased on consignment at the end of the project for staging. Make sure to create a detailed spreadsheet by room with the vendor, photo of the item, and price so that you can easily review it with your client at turnover. When incorporating A/V make sure that you are reviewing and working off plans that have the furniture and the RCP on it so that you can coordinate to be aligned with everything. This way your speakers and any other ceiling A/V equipment all align Make sure to get final measurements on rack and correspond w space available This space needs ventilation and a/c slats should go at top of door
BBQ When designing a BBQ make sure to consider that you have to use a concrete block of 8� X 16� to build the structure. just like using Legos.
DESIGN APPROACH
David Keller - founder of IDEO said empathy for people. (our client) is the best catalyst for design. When a diverse group of people join together for design thinking it involves into the building new ideas rather than sitting alongside likeminded people from the same background. There is a lot of value in bringing an idea to the thinking table ( or a collaborative environment) that is still in the development stage versus bringing one they is already in an individual's eyes "fully developed." When you bring a " virgin " idea to the table, you allow for its potential to multiply with its collaborators. Adobe study: state to create "Guided mastery" Can be used as a teaching method for young designers and/or when training our methods
ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Video vs photography When you have a still image, you're able to embed an image into the mind of the viewer. An image has a stronger impact on a certain look rather than a video moving through a space. Licensing
Use this as a tool to reduce cost of shoot. Split the coats with vendors and dictate how you want to allow them to use it. Photography technique and tips Use three dimensionality to create interest in a photo by creating dimension ; bringing objects forward and back
Placing a familiar object within the shot can provide a sense of scale when needed (tall ceilings, over or under scale design feature. Artificial Lights from fixtures within a bright naturally lit space can be used: turned on and shown. Natural light will always dominate. Take the time to study it in each space and plan the shoot around it. When using or adding artificial light try to have it make sense. Look for existing lights and try to enhance them rather than just having a light come out of nowhere If you have to take a photo specifically for a banner type application on a website, he used a trick by applying tape to top and bottom of projector to really see what it'd look like at the end.
When choosing the shot, understand the story of the shot and not the specifics... If you're not selling furniture, don't worry about the fabric... Think about the way you feel in the shot... How it depicts the concept. Also consider this same theme amongst all the spaces within the home. Tell the photographer the backstory so that they understand the concept and process it took to get there.
PRESENTATION POINTERS:
1ST SLIDE: CLIENT NAME, BACK GROUND IMAGE, AND WHICH PRESENTATION IT IS
2ND SLIDE: CONCEPT
COME UP WITH A GOOGLE ABLE CONCEPT
POINTERS WHEN PRESENTING: o ALWAYS BRING IT BACK TO THE CLIENT o DESCRIBE EACH PHOTO IN THE SLIDE AND HOW TO TRANSLATES TO THE CLIENTS WANTS AND NEEDS AND THE CONCEPT. BRIEFLY HOW IT IS INCORPORATED INTOT HE DESIGN o TALK ABOUT WHAT THEY LOVE AND WANTED (FROM THEIR INITIAL CLIENT INTERVIEW) AND HOW IS TRANSLATED INTO THE IMAGES AND THE CONCEPT 3RD SLIDE: MATERIALITY o ACTUAL MATERIALS 4TH SLIDE: COLOR MOOD
· TALK ABOUT COMMON AREAS VS PRIVATE AREAS (WHERE THE BEDROOMS ARE) · MENTION A GREAT ASPECT ABOUT THERE FLOOR PLAN – REMEMBER YOU ARE SELLING THE FLOOR PLAN – MENTION THE SELLING POINTS RIGHT OFF THE BAT – GET THEM EXCITED!!!!!! SPACE PLANNING: · GOOD TO PRINT OUT THE FLOOR PLAN AND THE DIFFERENT OPTIONS FLOOR FINISH SLIDES: · NICE TO RENDER TO THE FLOOR PLAN · ADD SIZE OPTIONS · MENTION PRACTICAL AND FUNCTION ELEMENTS – AND HOW IT RELATES TO THE CONCEPT · ALWAYS GOOD TO HAVE FULL SIZE TILE OPTIONS FOR THE PRESENTATION · TALK ABOUT FLOORING LAYOUT AND WHY IT IS LAYED OU THAT WAY – IT TAKES TIME FOR US TO DEVELOP AND FLOORING LAYOUT SO WE SHOULD DEFINITELY LET OUR CLIENT KNOW OUR THROUGHT PROCESS · WAYFINDING THROUGH THE FLOOR LAYOUT GENERAL: · GOOD TO ADD SPECIFIC NOTES AND DETAILS TO THE PRESENTATION – EXAMPLE SIZE OF TILE – THIS BECOMES OUR RECORD AND RECORD FOR OUR CLIENT · ALWAYS HAVE A MEASURING TAPE AT THE PRESENTATION · GOOD TO SHOW A KEY PLAN WHEN BEGINNING THE DISCUSS A NEW SPACE THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE.