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Articles by Lori Gilder

• The Elegant Beauty of Arches
  Embellishing, enhancing and styling your home's interior by incorporating specific architectural details into the mix will help you achieve your ideal home environment - and undoubtedly set your home apart from the rest.
  Published 02May2011, viewed 108 times

• Master Bathroom Renovation - Why To Create A Concept First
  I've lost count but I've probably designed close to one hundred bathrooms over the years. They've come in all shapes, sizes and budgets, yet at the end of the day each of my clients share one common goal: To re-design their tired, dingy and dated master bathroom by improving its overall function and bring it into the 21st century.
  Published 25Feb2011, viewed 143 times

• Home Design - What's Hot For 2011
  Happy New Year! It's hard to believe that a year ago I wrote an article "What's Hot And What's Not For 2010". I had such a huge response to this piece that I thought it was only fitting to share a similar version of the home building, renovation and design trends that are topping the charts for this year.
  Published 10Feb2011, viewed 183 times

• 2011 Home Design Color Trends
  As a Designer it's so important to be well versed on all upcoming home design and renovation trends - from building trends to paint colors and everything in between. Benjamin Moore's 2011 Color Forecast was released to Architects and Designers last month - and I wanted to share their findings with you.
  Published 06Feb2011, viewed 204 times

• 5 Ways ToTake Your Home From Bleak To Chic This Winter
  With the temperatures plummeting and blizzards pounding the Midwest, now is the best time to escape indoors to your own private winter hide-away. It's easy to cozy up your home with some chic and affordable finds to suit your family's lifestyle and your design style.
  Published 19Jan2011, viewed 106 times

• New Remodeling Trends For 2011
  Interior architecture and design is a continually evolving industry. Just like fashion, we can't help but notice the ever-changing design trends of the season particularly when magazines, newspapers and television shows keep us abreast as to what's hot and what's not from one year to the next.
  Published 17Jan2011, viewed 143 times

• Top 5 Kitchen Remodeling Questions
  To give you an idea of how important kitchens are to the value of a home - here in the US, the kitchen remodeling industry is a $15 billion dollar/year business. And even in today's market you could expect to yield a return on investment of 75-100%.
  Published 02Dec2010, viewed 376 times

• Renovating Your Master Bath For Maximum Profit
  When you live in a home long enough, eventually some neglected areas will beg to be repaired, upgraded or completely remodeled - the basic wear and tear of the property.
  Published 30Nov2010, viewed 224 times

• Smart Closet Designs For Two
  Planning the perfect closet is never an easy task particularly when you have to share with your spouse. Often one partner has more "inventory" shall we say than the other and rarely are they willing to give up an inch of linear space.
  Published 30Nov2010, viewed 130 times

• Interior Design Tips - Downsizing Inside And Out
  According to the National Association of Home Builders, single-family homes are continuing to get smaller and all indicators show this trend is likely to continue. So it only makes sense that this trend applies to the interior of your home as well.
  Published 30Nov2010, viewed 225 times

• The Benefits Of Adding Skylights To Your Home Renovation
  Consider implementing a skylight or two into your next home renovation project. Not only will they add architectural style, detail and natural light to your space - they are also an excellent way to increase the value of your home.
  Published 30Nov2010, viewed 165 times

• Adding On To Your Home - Does Bigger Mean Better?
  It's important to realize that bigger doesn't always mean better, particularly when it comes to increasing the square footage of your home. Adding only a few extra feet to your kitchen, master bath, or bedroom, if designed well, can provide you with exactly what you need and cost substantially less than a larger home addition.
  Published 24Oct2010, viewed 179 times

• Should You Build Up Or Bump Out
  It's now time to add that master bedroom suite for you and your growing family. But is it best to build up or bump out?
  Published 23Oct2010, viewed 289 times

• Design Tips - Furniture Layouts That Work With Your Fireplace
  Nothing makes you feel more comfortable and cozy than a crackling roaring fire on a cold winter day. A fireplace instantly infuses character and charm into any room and gives the space its personality.
  Published 22Oct2010, viewed 150 times

• Finding Your Kitchen Style
  Committing to a specific style of kitchen can be an overwhelming decision to some. It's not only an expression of your personal style it is also a reflection of the overall architecture and design of your home. So when you begin the process of selecting the style of your kitchen, make sure it fits in seamlessly to its existing environment
  Published 22Oct2010, viewed 228 times

• What Is Your Color Instinct
  Invigorate your outdated family room and energize your dreary bedroom with one of the new color trends of the season. A fresh coat or two of paint can instantly change the mood and energy of a room.
  Published 22Oct2010, viewed 241 times

• New Home Design Trends For Fall 2010
  If you're thinking of hosting the holidays this year or just want to infuse some warmth and comfort into your interiors, here are a few of the must have fall design trends for your home this season.
  Published 22Oct2010, viewed 193 times

• Add a Touch of Luxury to Your Bathroom
  You don't need to be rich and famous add a true touch of glamour to your bathroom and add some of that hotel luxury
  Published 10Oct2010, viewed 143 times

• Coping With Construction - While Living Through Your Home Renovation Project
  I was having a conversation the other day with a friend about the pros and cons of staying or leaving during the construction phase a home renovation project.
  Published 10Oct2010, viewed 210 times

• Designing With Mirrors
  Sometimes the simplest changes can create the greatest impact in your home - and adding mirrors to your design scheme is one of them
  Published 25Sep2010, viewed 139 times

• How To Identify Your Home's Best And Worst Features Before You Sell
  1. ANALYZE THE SPACE - Walk through your home and look at each room in the context of the overall property. - Is your kitchen very dark and compartmentalized with an inefficient floor plan and layout? - Are the cabinets just worn out and refused to stay closed? - Do your appliances only work when they want to?
  Published 23Sep2010, viewed 222 times

• How To Avoid Costly Kitchen Mistakes
  Whether you're doing a major kitchen renovation or a moderate upgrade, planning a kitchen remodel can create an extremely stressful and challenging environment for everyone in the household. So before you hire the contractor or pick up a hammer consider these valuable insider tips to help you make the best choices when tackling your kitchen re-design and avoid costly mistakes.
  Published 23Sep2010, viewed 174 times

• Which Stair Type Best Suits Your Home?
  Whether you're planning to renovate your two-story home, adding on a second floor or just revamping your main floor entrance/foyer, your staircase becomes the focal point and a main architectural feature of the space it occupies.
  Published 23Sep2010, viewed 407 times

• Using Your Space - Big Ideas For Small Spaces
  Small spaces can be big on style. You just need to know how to implement some tricks of the trade to give it that look of grandeur.
  Published 23Sep2010, viewed 154 times

• 5 Major Home Renovation Projects That Offer The Best Return On Investment
  When it comes to renovating your home for re-sale there are a few major renovations that top the list.
  Published 23Sep2010, viewed 145 times

• 5 Signs It's Time To Upgrade Your Kitchen
  I met with a wonderful couple last week to discuss their home renovation plans. Their home, which is nestled in the hills of a lush canyon, has a view that is nothing short of spectacular. The house itself - is quite the opposite - as they inherited all kinds of issues from the previous owners. This project will require a tremendous amount of re-planning, renovation work and TLC
  Published 22Sep2010, viewed 169 times

• 5 Modern Bathroom Design Ideas
  Would you say your overall design style sleek and chic? Do you enjoy the true architecture of a space with its linear simplicity rather that an overly adorned and accessorized space? If you'd like to translate your modern vision into your Master Bath here are a few design ideas to help get you started.
  Published 22Sep2010, viewed 166 times

• How To Decorate A Formal Dining Room
  Dining spaces can be formal, casual, or a combination of both. Many traditional homes have both a formal dining room and an informal eat-in kitchen. When planning for a remodel of this area, whether you're converting an existing space or adding on, consider:
  Published 22Sep2010, viewed 143 times

• 3 Design Strategies That Will Set Your Home Apart From The Rest When It's Time To Sell
  In today's super competitive real estate market its more important than ever to impress potential buyers within the first 5 minutes and do whatever you can to make that first impression unforgettable.
  Published 22Sep2010, viewed 128 times

• Benefits Of Having A Kitchen Island
  Back in February of this year I wrote an article entitled: The Top 10 "Must Have" Features In Today's Homes. The results were based on a survey taken by Market Watch a consumer group at the Las Vegas Home Builder's Show. Number one on the "Must Have" list was Large Kitchens With Islands.
  Published 22Sep2010, viewed 143 times

• How Much To Spend On Renovating Your Home So Buyers Bite?
  If you want to spend your money wisely and make your renovation dollars work the best for you - having a home renovation strategy could potentially save you thousands. When determining how much to spend on your home improvement projects, it requires some research on your part, as there are a few variables that come into play here.
  Published 22Sep2010, viewed 146 times

• What is Your Interior Design Style?
  Did you know that each of us has a unique interior design style? And that particular style directly reflects our personalities. Knowing your unique style before you begin your home renovation, addition or decorating project is all it takes to save you valuable time, money and stress down the road. Arming yourself with this knowledge will provide every inch of your home with an underlying sense of cohesiveness.
  Published 22Sep2010, viewed 132 times

• Don't You Love Window Shopping?
  When it comes to a renovated home - the truth be told - It's all in the details! One of the most important details that dominate the interior and exterior of a home remodel is selecting the perfect windows. They define the architectural style on the exterior and provide character and beauty to the interior while keeping you connected to the outdoors.
  Published 01Sep2010, viewed 154 times

• Calculating How Much Paint To Buy
  Whether you're painting the interior of your home yourself or hiring a professional to help, estimating how much paint to buy in advance will save you valuable time and money. It's an easy process involving 3rd grade math skills - which I'm sure many of you have brushed up on over the years while helping your kids with their homework.
  Published 01Sep2010, viewed 158 times

• Your Retreat, Your Sanctuary, Your Home (Part2)
  Since we only have one chance to make a good first impression, it's very important that the front entrance of your home be welcoming, open and exude positive energy - all in an effort to provide you with balance and harmony the minute you enter your home, Welcome to your sanctuary.
  Published 01Sep2010, viewed 148 times

• How To Identify Your Home's Best And Worst Features Before You Sell
  ANALYZE THE SPACE - Walk through your home and look at each room in the context of the overall property. - Is your kitchen very dark and compartmentalized with an inefficient floor plan and layout? - Are the cabinets just worn out and refused to stay closed?
  Published 29Aug2010, viewed 131 times

• An Outdoor Lover's Paradise
  Summer is just around the corner and everyone is anxious to spend some serious time outside enjoying the warmer days and evenings with family and friends. Here in Southern California warm summer weather tends to last a good 7 months or so - substantially longer than many other parts of the country - so outdoor living is a way of life around here.
  Published 29Aug2010, viewed 143 times

• Time To Create The Bath You Always Wanted
  With everyone's hectic lifestyle, the bathroom is the one place to escape from it all to retreat and relax. Whether you're renovating a main floor powder room, the kids' Jack and Jill, or your master bath, you want to make sure you create that sanctuary that provides you with a sense of peace you crave at the beginning and end of the day.
  Published 29Aug2010, viewed 178 times

• 7 Tips To Consider When Designing Your Ultimate Outdoor Escape
  Outdoor kitchens and living spaces are gaining in popularity particularly in parts of the country with more temperate climates. Summer is just around the corner and if you love entertaining family and friends, what better way to make that happen, than by transforming your back yards, decks and patios into spectacular living spaces. It instantly expands the architecture of your home and seamlessly connects you to the environment.
  Published 29Aug2010, viewed 124 times

• Eco-Chic Materials For Your Home Renovation
  Here are just a few material considerations for you to research before you get started on your kitchen or bath renovation. Educate yourself on all the available green and sustainable products available today, as they will provide you with a greener home and a much healthier lifestyle.
  Published 29Aug2010, viewed 136 times

• What's The Best Kitchen Plan For You?
  The kitchen remains the most popular home renovation project. On average a kitchen remodel will yield a return on investment of 75 to 100 %. So as you plan, begin by generating a design concept, one that fits the new or existing space and your family's personality.
  Published 29Aug2010, viewed 152 times

• The Value Of Remodeling And Living Smart
  The green movement is here to stay and hopefully inspires all of us to realize that the choices we make inside our homes impact everything around us. We have a responsibility to our kids to set the example and encourage them to live a more environmentally responsible and healthful lifestyle.
  Published 29Aug2010, viewed 131 times

• The 5 Top Home Renovations to Tackle This Year
  This year the more popular home renovations tend to be smaller in scale - where function trumps flash. According to Remodeling Magazine's 2010 cost vs. value report, the smaller tweaks and midrange interior and exterior projects are yielding the biggest bang for the buck. In other words the more moderate home improvement projects prove to be the most cost effective.
  Published 28Aug2010, viewed 211 times

• The 10 Best Ways To Design A Solid Floor Plan
  Planning and designing is the most creative part of any home renovation, remodel or addition project, as it allows you to express yourself truly and honestly.
  Published 28Aug2010, viewed 148 times

• Top 5 Decorating Mistakes - And How To Avoid Them
  Whether you're ready to re-design your entire home or just intend to redecorate a single room, make sure you have a master plan. Here are the top 5 decorating mistakes and how you can correct them.
  Published 28Aug2010, viewed 129 times

• Your Retreat, Your Sanctuary, Your Home: Part I
  When I design a home, it's my desired goal to create a personal experience, inspired atmosphere and enhance my client's quality of life. Developing a plan that integrates the interior with the exterior and invigorates a daily renewal of mind, body and spirit is more important now than ever. Not only should your home reflect your personality, it should envelop you, calm you and make you say "Ahhh" the moment you walk through the door.
  Published 27Apr2010, viewed 242 times

• 9 Simple Ways to Keep Your Sanity During Your Home Renovation Project
  If you want to start your renovation off on the right foot and set the tone for the next several months or more, then consider a few of these sure-fire ways to win over your design team - and make your renovation experience a great one.
  Published 22Apr2010, viewed 162 times

• 5 Quick Home Makeover Tips You Can do Now!
  You don't have to sink a lot of time or money into updating the décor of your home. Particularly when it's the mood and ambience you're looking for. Use the following quick makeover tips to express changes in your style whenever you feel the need.
  Published 14Apr2010, viewed 182 times

• DIY or HIY Contracting
  Spring is a time for renewal, a time for recharging, and time to start planning your summer home renovation project. Whether it's that gourmet kitchen and family room you've been dreaming about, the outdated master bathroom you've been putting off, or the new bedroom addition you desperately need, spring is for planning and summer is for building.
  Published 07Apr2010, viewed 239 times

• Are You the Right Personality for DIY Contracting?
  Are you control oriented? Are you self motivated? Are you well versed in construction? Are you detail oriented? Are you extremely patient? Are you highly organized? Do you have nothing but time on your hands? If you answered yes to these questions (and more to come), then I would recommend you start reading up on the logistics that come with acting as your own general contractor.
  Published 06Apr2010, viewed 174 times

• The Top Ten "Must Have" Features in Today's Home
  In an article just released, according to Market Watch, consumer experts told audiences at the Las Vegas Home Builders Show that homeowners here in the U.S want smaller homes and are more than willing to downsize from the McMansions of the past few years. Today buyers are ready to be authentic - realizing how their families really live.
  Published 05Apr2010, viewed 198 times

• 10 Ways to Transform Your Family Room This Spring
  You've been collecting photos, articles and all kinds of inspiration from magazines and websites for years. You've imagined, visualized and dreamed about your "ideal" home for as long as you can remember (and you have the files to prove it).
  Published 05Apr2010, viewed 170 times

• 5 Quick Tips to Transform Your Dining Room this Thanksgiving
  It's hard to believe that it's this time of year again and that Thanksgiving is here! Some of us are traveling and others are hosting - so for those of us who are acting as chef, host and sommelier this weekend - these tips are for you!
  Published 05Apr2010, viewed 155 times

• 5 Ways to Make Your Home Dog-Friendly
  For the 43 million of us who have dogs in our lives we understand that special bond that exists. Studies have shown that living with pets directly relieves the daily stress and lowers the chances of heart attacks and strokes.
  Published 05Apr2010, viewed 138 times

• What's Hot and What's Not For 2010
  Staying home is a booming business, so why not update your favorite spaces with some fabulous, new and exciting home design trends? This is THE year to clear away the cobwebs, and add some fun and excitement into your life and infuse tons of personality into your home!
  Published 05Apr2010, viewed 158 times

• Design Inspiration for 2010!
  Whether you're renovating, remodeling or re-decorating your home, sometimes the toughest part is actually taking that first step and coming up with a concept or idea - that suits you and the way your family lives. When you draw a blank, consult with the experts for inspiration. By that I mean the dozens of design magazines out there on the market today that can help you with your design dilemma.
  Published 05Apr2010, viewed 168 times

• Make the Most of Your Eat-In Kitchen With a Cozy Banquette
  I learned what a "banquette" was at about 6 years old. (Although I wasn't aware of the term at the time.) It was at my childhood friend Bobby's house on Waverley Street - right there in his kitchen, sat two built-in upholstered benches, with a shiny white table in between - just like the ones you see at the diner. It was small, cozy, and the most unique thing I'd ever seen. I loved it!
  Published 05Apr2010, viewed 562 times

• How to Turn Your Home Office Into a Guest Room
  Let's face it. Space can be at a premium these days so creating rooms in your home that provide more than a single function is becoming the norm. With some slight modifications and implementing a few key pieces of furniture, your home office could easily be transformed into an inviting guest room.
  Published 05Apr2010, viewed 151 times

• 10 Ways to Enhance Your Home's Curb Appeal This Weekend
  We've all heard the saying "You only get one chance to make a good first impression." Proudly showing off your home's exterior sets the stage for what's to come, and gives the impression that it's loved inside and out. Whether you're planning to sell, or live there for years to come, there are very simple cost effective ways to spruce up your home's curb appeal.
  Published 05Apr2010, viewed 256 times

• 3 Money Saving Strategies That Will Save You Thousands on Your Home Renovation Instantly!
  Plan Ahead - Avoid the guesswork down the road. Use your time wisely, don't panic or race against the clock.
  Published 01Apr2010, viewed 172 times

• Home Office Design Trends For 2010
  Did you know that more than half of all U.S. businesses are home-based? Did you also know - according to the Small Business Association - they estimate approximately 6.6 million of these businesses provide more than half of their household income? The homeprenuer trend is growing, and will only continue to intensify.
  Published 12Mar2010, viewed 988 times

• Make Your Kitchen Work For You
  Even though times are tough, more and more homeowners are taking a good look at their current situations and are finally ready to turn their houses into homes! Which renovation projects have you been putting off? What remodels are you ready to tackle?
  Published 11Mar2010, viewed 164 times

• 5 Easy Steps to a Stress Free Home Renovation Project
  Now is the perfect time to start planning for your spring home renovation project. Take the next several months to analyze, research and evaluate your current home to find out what you really want and need. This will eliminate costly mistakes and wasted time down the road. Whether it's that gourmet kitchen you've been dreamin
  Published 11Mar2010, viewed 178 times

• Venus and Mars at Home
  Believe it or not, when it comes to redesigning and renovating your home some men really do enjoy participating in the decision making process. Don't be afraid to ask the guy in your life his thoughts on space planning, lighting design or even which paint colors he prefers. You might be surprised by his insights and even more by his "taste."
  Published 11Mar2010, viewed 211 times

• 6 Ways to Go Green When Renovating
  Whether you're planning a home renovation project this year, or just redecorating your family room, going green has never been so simple. Product manufacturers are making it easier than ever for us to incorporate eco friendly materials, finishes and furnishings into our homes.
  Published 11Mar2010, viewed 171 times

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