Pricing Your Bathroom Project

Hello all. It's been a while since I've posted from personal experience, but today I'd like to discuss real life events because I feel they help today's homeowner understand that they are truly not alone in their thought processes.

I just recently designed a master bathroom remodel for a lovely couple in East Mesa. Their last remodel was a good ten years ago and their master bathroom was well appointed with a massive deck for a whirlpool tub, a long walk in shower with a ceiling suspended rain head and multi-spray body massage jets, his and her sinks in a separate area, his and hers closets set into their bathroom hall. Their home is nicely done but in need of updating to a more modern look. The tile in the shower is showing wear and the grout line along the bottom of the shower is dark and discolored. Their tile is ceramic, which was the most common tile at the time. It came in limited colors and textures and can now be replaced with a much more durable porcelain or even upgraded to a travertine- which we selected. Where the problem usually lies with such a remodel, is exactly what occurred with this client. You know that your bathroom has all of the basic components of a luxurious space and it really just needs a new "skin" as my client called it. So, you don't expect it to cost so much, perhaps a few thousand dollars and it's done. The problem with this theory is that there is no less labor in replacing items than starting from scratch... in fact, there's more.

There are lots of key factors to consider when looking to update your master bathroom. Here are a few of the most major:

Tile-
When considering tile, labor is your most important factor. First, the old tile must be demolished and disposed of. Then prep work may need to be done to accept your new tile. This can cost as little as a few hundred dollar, but must be considered.

The average professional tiler (in AZ) charges between $12.00 and $16.00 a square foot to tile a shower wall. Walls are a bit more complicated than floors. They require more materials- usually backerboard or metal lathing (depending on the preference of your tiler). Although your tile, as in the case of my clients, may be only $6.00 a square foot, combined with the labor, you are looking at an average of $18.00 to $24.00 per square foot. A shower is a large item. Let's say your shower is 3' x 5'. Let's say your tile goes up as high as 7'. Let's say your entry into the shower on your 5' wall is 30". This leaves you with approximately 94 sq. ft. of shower wall. If you have a tile that is $6.00 a square foot and a tiler who charges $12.00 per square foot, you are at $1,692.00 to tile your walls and that is just including your basic tile, no trim, no decorative listello, no shower cut outs, no benches and no shower floor.

Each addition to this equation adds additional cost. This is why the average 5' shower remodel can be anywhere from $2,500 to $4,000, including just basic plumbing fixtures remaining in the same place. Here is a link to a homeowner in Oklahoma asking this same question on a forum for Do-It-Yourselfers. http://www.doityourself.com/forum/designing-kitchens-bathrooms/335472-approximate-cost-replace-3ft-x-5ft-tile-shower.html#b

Plumbing-
This couple wished to swap out their current plumbing fixtures, as they were unhappy with the massage jets and the husband always felt cold while his wife showered under the one rain head. We designed a very basic system, per his request of 3 rain heads coming from the ceiling at a whopping 13.8" each head. It will literally RAIN in their shower and they will love it once it's done. We even have a very affordable source for our great quality plumbing products, but even this good source has you spending nearly $200 per rain head (the average rain head of this size costs no less than $250) and then there is the stem and cap coming from the ceiling. Even more importantly one must focus on the amount of water that has to rush through your overhead pipes to ensure that each head pours down with rushing water versus a trickle. A standard shower head is made to accommodate 2.5 gallons of water per minute. The more you add to that one source, the lower the amount of water pressure and volume you have coming from the multitude of heads. Anything beyond a standard shower head increases the cost of the system and the behind the wall work to install it. Usually, when switching faucet brands or types, the valve behind your wall must be replaced, requiring opening up the wall to do your plumbing. This will cost you no less than $250 for the labor, plus, in our client's case, another $750.00 for the two shower valves/ diverters and single sprayer. Plumbing is always a costly project, whether it be the cost of the products or the labor.

Decor Upgrades-
Now you have the items that truly "make" your bathroom. These include your cabinets, countertops, your sinks, faucets, mirror and lighting. In my client's case, we were using pre-made granite countertops. They are a great way to save a little money versus purchasing a custom granite counter. They come in limited colors and can cost as little as $300 each, but understand that they must still be cut to size, have faucet holes and sink holes cut into them and should be professionally installed, if possible. Your countertop has now gone from $300 to $500 per piece. Add to it your $300 sink, in our case beautiful travertine vessels, and then another $250 per faucet in a basic chrome (more for finish upgrades) and consider that we need two of each and we have now added another $2,100 to our bathroom remodel. Yet, we still have not included the cost for our mirrors and lighting and then the installation of each piece. MORE LABOR COSTS...ugh!

I try to make light of this all to make this remodel a little easier to swallow, but the truth of the matter is that doing it well and doing it right costs money. It's a worthy and wise investment to upgrade your bathroom every 7-10 years. Not only does it increase the value of your home, but it also gives you a pleasing and relaxing retreat that you very well deserve. My client's master bathroom remodel came to a very conservative $11,600 before taxes... yes, there's also those darn taxes!

For every $10,000 invested in a basic bathroom remodel, when done right, you recoup $16,000 in value in today's market. That's not too shabby. But, considering the slow jump to our economy, I would urge you to remodel fro yourself and not your future prospective homeowner. Chances are, they will only gut and remodel what you have just done. Trust me, they normally call me to do it!

Now that my clients have a realistic number in their head for what their seemingly simple remodel will cost, they must save for a little while longer to do their project; and that's OK with me. I look forward to working with them in the future and will be sure to post pictures for you all to enjoy!

Coffee Table Talk- How to Select The Right Coffee Table

It happens so often that I enter a home and see an odd pair- a mismatched sofa and coffee table. Alas, the couple are not speaking to each other because they have nothing in common. One is too large, the other too small, one is contemporary, the other traditional, or the shapes don't work together... It happens all the time, homeowners put sofas and coffee tables together that are not a perfect match and they end up looking like an unhappy married couple sitting in the center of the living room giving each other the evil eye!

Creating the perfect balance of these furnishings takes understanding scale, shape and style and there are certain basics which should not be ignored. The most basic math you will need to know is that a coffee table must sit close enough to your sofa that you can use the top to place your drink or reading material where it is easily reachable, yet far enough away that you can easily walk around the space. You want to make sure that your coffee table sits comfortably at 16"-18" away from the front of your primary seating group- whether it is one sofa or two sofas sitting adjacent from each other, or a sofa and loveseat or chair. There are also end tables that can come into play, but let's focus on the coffee table first.

There are different reasons designers select one style of coffee table from another to create the perfect mood. A glass table in any setting will give the illusion of more space, but you wouldn't place a glass table in front of a heavy or bulky piece of furniture because they are not evenly matched visually. The "weight" of your pieces must be similar. In this same scheme, do not pair a table with slender legs or thin metal base with a chunky sofa. You get the same undesirable result. So, your first rule is:

#1. Match the weight of your sofa to that of your coffee table. 
If your sofa is thick, get a table with thicker base. If the sofa has clean lines, go for clean lines in your table. If your sofa is more delicate in look, search for thin, swooping features in your table. The pieces do not have to match, but do have to compliment each other and proportion is the start.

#2. Select the right style for your table. While it is certainly fun to create an eclectic mix of styles within a room, you must be careful to understand the two styles you are combining together when creating your eclectic vibe and then know how to balance out that look with other pieces in the room to create a theme. In other words, you cannot take a country style table and put it in front of a contemporary sofa without carrying out that same mix of these two odd styles throughout the whole space; and even then, it can easily be done badly. The easiest way to achieve a cohesive space, when going it alone is to use similar styles together. If your room is modern, go for a streamlined table, if it's Mediterranean go for a chunky, ornate piece, if your room is rustic, go for natural, earthy wood...I'm sure you get the idea.

#3. Remain with this style for your end tables, but they DO NOT have to match. One idea that is difficult for homeowners to break out of, is that all pieces in their home have to match. Simply put, they don't... they just have to coordinate with each other- and there's a difference. Check out the pictures below and notice how the coffee tables and end tables are different shapes, but they are similar styles, so they work well together.

#4. Make sure it's the right size. This is a very common mistake that homeowners make when pairing a sofa and coffee table- the wrong size or scale. Not only does style have a say in this, but you have to select an adequate width and depth for your room and the pieces framing (around) it. The general rule of thumb is that your table should be no smaller than approximately 3/4 the width of your sofa. Thankfully coffee tables come in such large widths that they can now accommodate the many longer sofas that exist on the market today; but if you can't find one that's large enough, there is another way! Use more than one table or even several ottomans to create the look, and width you need. Below I used 2 end tables to create an interesting coffee table.

#5. Ottomans make great coffee tables, but don't forget the tray. I love to use ottomans in front of a sofa, and I have a great deal of fun creating looks with different colors, fabrics and shapes grouped together to add interest to a room. 

Here is a living room design showing a nice printed large ottoman but see what else you can do with this space.

Here I've taken the same nailhead drum ottoman and duplicated it with enough to span the width and depth appropriate for this sofa and room. With them all packed closely together, it's easy to place a tray atop of several without worrying about it tipping over.

Above is a third way to work with this same space, by using two mid-sized round ottomans, spaced a bit apart from each other to take up the necessary width for a table space.

Using ottomans instead of a coffee table can serve as both functional and beautiful. Not only are they soft enough to rest your feet upon, but, with the addition of a nice tray above, they are practical and supportive enough to hold your drinks or snacks, which may spill on the fabric without them. You can find a great supply of trays at furniture stores, accessory shops and even art supply stores. 

I hope these tips and visual aids have helped you to find that PERFECT coffee table or perhaps play with other looks for your existing living space. 

The Hottest Accessories for 2012

I LOVE a well placed grouping of accessories in a room. There's nothing like the perfect design of a thingumabob in just the right color and scale to create a dramatic focal point to draw you into a gorgeous space. My most favorite are the quirky shapes and unexpected angles of out of the box pieces you can get, for utilitarian reasons or for no purpose at all; a great vase to hold air, a set of boxes to store wishes and dreams. OH, HOW I LOVE ACCESSORIES, and the World Market Show had no small amount of gems to show you. Here are some of my most prized finds.

One of the most fun type of accessory is that which spells out for you it's exact intent. No chance of putting anything else in here!

I can see into the souls of this adjoined family. I love that piece!

My most favorite little item of the show- slanted cube vases by Global Views. 

A long fetch of water for a long stemmed flower or just add imagination to this vase.

I enjoyed the sea urchin-like wall art, I saw in several places.

A Haute shell bottle grouping.

Lazy Susan had some of the most impressive displays at the show. Such great raw textures and organic moments!

Great vases with forms from the sea and fun takes on classic elements.

More organics. Wood timber slices attached to a table runner and placemat.

There's nothing like adding some fun and unique conversation starters among your everyday knick-nacks to liven up a space. Perhaps a few of these hot new decor trends will work their way into your hearts and homes?

Tuesday Treasure- Black Hand Painted Front Chest

Every once in a while, I find a piece that I have to share with as many people as I can. As a designer, I have so many great pieces at my disposal to use for my clients, but so many of those gems never get used in their homes, because of the sheer massive amount of options. Therefore I am going to start posting one item every Tuesday, called my Tuesday Treasure. This item is available for purchase through me and many can be shipped across the country for additional shipping.

Here is my first great find. As I have just come back from the Las Vegas World Market Show, I'm brimming with interior design ideas and going a little bit nuts! One look that remains timeless, regardless of the newest design trends of the year, is classic black. Cabinets with embossing or hand-painted designs continue to add designer touches to barren walls and small niche areas across the country's most dramatic spaces. This gorgeous bow front cabinet has a matte finish with glossy hand painted designs and a pullout shelf at the top. It's 28" W x 17" D x 32.5" H. It's cost is just $459.00. If interested, please contact me at fashionhouseinteriors@gmail.com and I would be happy to work with you to get this piece.

This chest can work well on any narrow wall or as a dramatic nightstand!

Design Trends 2012- Black Chandeliers & Bright, Bold Colors

When your room is nearly complete, done with subtle touches of splendor, nothing says DONE like the crowning jewel of the perfect light fixture. Chandeliers have been gaining strong popularity over the last seven years or so in the world of design, but the last few years have really brought about show-stopping forms and colors- especially bold and beautiful black.

My trip to the World Market Show in Las Vegas did not disappoint, providing me elegant shapes, lots of hanging crystals and textural twists in glass that dazzle your eyes. Take a look at some of my favorite black chandeliers from the show and then a special treat from my friends at www.Black-Chandelier.com.

A black rectangular shade with see-thru pattern houses lovely shaped dangling clear glass.

Want drama? Got it with this massive black chandelier- 8' wide and 7' tall, adorned with clear crystals and a price tag of $40,000.

I love the twists and turns from this black shaded chandelier with ribbon striped clear glass. FUN!

This was one of my husband's favorites of the show. Black, floral stems and bright up-lighting.

Black chandeliers add a classy, elegant feel to ANY style of decor. It can be a statement piece in a simple, clean lined contemporary space, add drama to a traditional room or quirk to Mediterranean decor. A black chandelier can be demure and understated or powerful and fierce, gothic and mystical or just plain sexy! Everything looks better in black. 

Take a look at some of the most popular pieces from Black-Chandelier (www.Black-chandelier.com). Their display at the January 2012 JA Jewelry Trade Show at the Jacob Javits Center in NY showed off their best sellers in style. You have to love the impact of placing these black beauties in front of a red, showy background. AMAZING! 

The shades on these chandeliers are SOOOO darn sexy in any room!

I'd love to work with this fantastic company on your space, so if you are ready to move your home to the next level of luxe, call me and we can throw drama into your space with an amazing chandelier from this great company!

This Murano glass chandelier is one of my most favorite pieces by Black-Chandelier for $889.00

Scared to get into the trend? Start with this elegant 3 Light Black Chandelier for $289.00.

Besides "Anything but Basic" black, the World Market Show gave us fun shapes and colors that can punch up your room with bold beauty. Here are two of my faves...

This bold blue piece by Cyan Design boasts ribbon-like curls of glass and comes in other colors as well.

Loving this wacky fixture by Bel-Air, a well priced lighting company I carry.

Lighting has really stepped up a few notches to becoming a focal point and not just a way to illuminate your space. Black chandeliers are a safe, timeless addition to any room. For more information or to purchase the fantastic pieces by Black-Chandelier, go to www.Black-Chandelier.com. For more information on how to put together a great room design using these pieces, contact me at 480-227-1832.

Design Trends 2012- What's Hot This Year in Upholstered Furniture

For upholstery, my favorite design trends were the unique shapes in chair frames and the great colorful prints. My most favorite (and many other designer's favorite too) way to style a living room grouping reared it's beautiful head during this World Market Show. If you still have a matching sofa, loveseat and chair, you are behind the trend about 10 years! The look of ultimate home fashion is solid colored sofa and patterned chair. Here are some of my favorite examples of this look.

This traditional lined sofa gets a fun slant with a more contemporary streamlined chair. The high back is a current trend which bodes well for taller people who desire comfortable, yet hip seating. This bold stripe is still neutral, yet fun!

I love that this style of sofa, around for a good 6 years now, has finally gotten a modern update by Lazar. The straight, high sides give it pizzazz and, when paired with this great printed wing back chair and solid, modern ottoman, it's gorgeous!

One of my favorite vignettes at the market. This set up by Robin Bruce features a stately worn leather contemporary sofa with more traditional details and accent chairs. The fun print on these aqua chairs says "look at me", yet the more laid back squares on the opposing chair are just as great to look at. 

Tangerine tango at work in a traditional living room with modern touches.

Unexpected Details-

One of the most fun and unique looks at World Market 2012 were the unexpected touches and the expected ones used in new, refreshing ways. The two most exciting ideas in design for 2012 are door knockers and nailhead, but...it's not your girlfriend's old Tuscan style nailhead! 

Nailhead is being use in everything from contemporary pieces to mirrors to creating fun designs on accent cabinets.  

Gold nailhead trims the edges only on a Lazar contemporary sofa.

Door knockers were one of the most fun and exciting elements to see on furniture at this year's show. At first glance, they may appear to be circular pulls, but these door knockers were everywhere from cabinet drawers to my favorite and completely unnecessary yet "gotta have it" spot--- on the backs of dining and accent chairs! Too fabulous!

Here are some of the other design trends for upholstery I found at the World Market Show 2012:

Acrylic

Embossed or stitched patterns in leather

Bling by way of crystals

One trend that has been a personal design staple of mine is uniquely shaped pieces. I love an interesting carved leg, a funky frame or exaggerated back on a piece of furniture. Here are some of the greats!

Shaq would just love this!

You can sleep in these!

I'm sexy and I know it!

I love unusual backs on chairs and bar stools. What a cute, tiny tuft of leather!

Another fave from the show. I love the lines of this piece and what better way to show it off, then to repeat!

How to get these looks: Take a risk. It will pay off because designers have been creating these looks for years and they aren't going anywhere. Replace your boring living room "set" by breaking up the monotony and investing in a fun, bold print chair or two. Then accent your plain sofa with colorful pillows, using hues you find in your chair's print. It's just that easy and looks AMAZING when you're done! If you need help with any of the looks you've seen on this post or any other new styles featured on my World Market Show posts, please call me at 480-227-1832 and let's schedule a consultation to discuss your needs.

Design Trends 2012- What's Hot in Wood Furniture

In the world of wood, there are SO many looks making a name for themselves in our worlds. Let's take a deeper look at a few.

Dyed Colors-

Dyed woods have been slowly emerging as a trend in furniture for the last three years. Colors are soft and subdued and gray leads the pack, from very pale and washed out to deep charcoal. It's a neutral that is classy and classic.

Metallic Washes-

Many casegoods that we saw at the show had metallic touches mixed within their dyes, paints and stains. In addition to this, many pieces were colorblocked, having two entirely different finishes and creating multiple levels of interest.  

Exotic Woods- Macassar Ebony RULES!-

Macassar Ebony is my most favorite wood species. While many who are unfamiliar with this well loved designer wood, think it's stripes are manufactured, it is a true natural wood. Macassar Ebony is an African wood with a deep black center that, when cross cut can produce wavy to very lineal black ribbon-like stripes on a tan or yellowy base. The result is a stunning wood that cabinet and furniture makers use on everything from tables to kitchen cabinets to beds. Here are a few of my faves from the World Market Show 2012.

Blanched Wood-

Woods making everything from traditional to rustic contemporary pieces have been stripped of their color or have white or bleached overtones and light distressing. Natural, more organic looks with no stains are growing as the desire for sustainable furnishings continues to gain in public opinion. For finishes, the look is matte. Top coats are no longer shiny and showing off. They now relax and let the beauty of the wood be the focal point.

I LOVE this piece with the door knocker pulls, another huge trend this year- more about this in  'Details' blog.

No matter which one of these wooden design trends you choose to incorporate into your home, you won't go wrong. The best way to use these looks is to add one piece along a focal wall and give it some meaning with great decor and a bold color on the wall. If you are ready to change furniture groupings in your home, such as your table sets or bedroom furnishings, I'd focus more on the dyed pieces or naturals- they're not going anywhere. I believe the blanched, bleached woods to be a trend that will pass in the next few years.