Big Box Design Services

Many designers in the industry often talk poorly about big box design services, like Home Depot and Lowe's.  While yes, many times you have a store or location where the design services aren't taken seriously, and the staffing isn't supported, but many times these designers are fully capable.  When selecting a designer, or doing your foot work, it is always best to take advantage of the free design services, just to see if what you want is doable.  Here are some tips when looking for any designer, whether it's an independent, or in a large retail chain:

1. Are they experienced?  Many designers from both backgrounds are experienced.  I would be a little shy if the designer was just put in the position from a cashier or another department, however other designers have been there for 10+ years and are Certified Kitchen and Bath Designers from the NKBA, the same certification program available to independent designers.  
2. References and Referrals?  If your neighbor has a stunning kitchen designed by an independent designer, and your other neighbor has the bathroom of your dreams, designed by a big box designer, then why not interview and meet with both?  Your relationship with your designer is just as important as their experience.  
3. Portfolio:  A portfolio is the showcase o the ideas and product the designer can generate.  If you want something "Outside the Box" but your budget can't afford an independent designer, then find a designer in the big box that has that outside of the box thinking, and the portfolio to prove it.  

Remember, many independent designers started out in the big box.  Especially in today's economy, staying put in a retail design setting is much easier for someone than trying to step out on their own and making the transition from employee to small business owner, or making the transition from a guaranteed paycheck to commission only.  Your designer is your friend, no matter where their actual paycheck comes from.  

The Tiled Fireplace

While trying to find a new home, I keep seeing a white painted fireplaces in many of the homes.  There isn't anything wrong with a white painted fireplace, as long as it's maintained, and kept clean.  Many that I have seen have been used a lot, and not cleaned, so the white paint has black soot above the fireplace.  One of the houses I have an offer on has one of these fireplaces, and I have decided that a great alternative to the white paint, is to tile the fireplace.

This diagram from This Old House shows any DIYer how to tile over their own existing fireplace in order to create their own updated and modern fireplace.  

This fireplace showcases a natural slate tile installed by Rey Brenes of Creative Tiling in San Diego, California.  This style of installation as well as this particular tile can compliment both modern decor as well as something more rustic.     

This stainless steel mosaic tile is a great addition to a fire place as well.  It highly modernizes the design, and gives a great contemporary update to the space.  

This lovely design was installed by T.C. Tile and Stone Services in California, shows how you can take a  brick fireplace and create a new focal point in your room with tile. 

A beautiful glass mosaic tiled fireplace by DIY Network's  Home Crashers. 

Note: I will be sure to put up pictures of my fireplace once I get it done.  Now that you realize that tiling a fireplace is easy, and easy to do on your own, fee free to take some inspiration, and update your own space.  

Finishing with Moldings

Some of my clients don't realize that the finalizing touch on cabinets includes moldings.  Especially when bringing your cabinetry all the way up to the ceiling, molding is an important aspect, and finishes off the space.  Another great place for molding is under the cabinetry, used to hide under cabinet lighting, as well as a finished product. Other places that molding and accents are great for is under the cabinets, using decorative toe kick moldings, as well as decorative legs, corbels, and feet.  

This crown molding by Kraftmaid Cabinetry is a simple installation that finishes off wall cabinets nicely.  You can even place a small insert into this molding, such as a rope molding, dentil, egg and dart, etc.  

This lovely design by Mitre Contracting Inc. shows a rope molding paired with a classic crown molding design, as well as a decorative on-lay over the hood.  On-lays are great for adding interest to a focal point like over the range hood, as well as over the sink or refrigerator.  

This toe space molding by Vigilant Inc. is a great way to finish off the back of an island, or even an entertainment center or other furniture style pieces.  

This under-cabinet molding hides any under-cabinet lighting, as well as finishes off the bottom of the  cabinetry, and this style of molding can also hide the not so pretty bottom of the cabinets.  

And this design, also by Kraftmaid, shows both a decorative toe kick molding and a decorative foot under the cabinet.  

Even if the budget is limited, most moldings aren't going to push you over the top.  When comparing a kitchen with and with out molding, side by side, it's agreed by all of my clients, that the kitchen really does look better with molding.  Even if the budget is tight, a single molding is much better than no molding at all.  

Over the Top Childrens Rooms

As many of you know, I am about to enter the world of mommy-hood, and as a designer and new mom, that nursery needs to be suitable for my little one, and my portfolio!  Of course I have surfed the net for great theme's and inspiration, and I have found a lot of crazy over the top children's rooms, that are a great inspiration for any parent.

Children's rooms aren't just for sleeping, they are for playing, and inspiring creativity.  A place to call their own, and a place to flourish.  From sleeping, to playing, to inspiring creativity, the child's room is a great place to start.  Below are some fun spaces, that accomplish fun and play and creativity.  

This room from MOCO Designs, inspires the play with a slide and rock climbing wall.  While the wall isn't the safest thing for the kids, it's still a fun idea.  The slide would be a fun way to escape a bunk bed, or even as an alternative route into a finished basement.  

This amazing bed, by Amy Wolf Interiors, LLC shows one of my favorite ideas for kids rooms.  A raised bed with a place to play and be a kid under.  This bunk bed shows the idea of a slide as a way to vacate the bed, inspiring fun and play.  When the child grows older, the bed can even be raised, and a desk area can be placed under.  This idea maximizes floor space, which is good in smaller rooms. 

This room, inspired by Cinderella, is a beautiful and inspiring room for any little princess.  

And now for the truly over the top!  How about a pirate ship for your little pirate?  This is an amazing design by Steve Kuhl, that any kid would love to call their own.  [I think most parents would love to call it their own also!] 

Another well done and over the top design fit for any princess.  

Or how about this indoor tree house?  

Now that you have a little inspiration for a great kids room, it's time to go create that amazing inspiring space.