Home Decor Ideas

You should ask several questions before working with an interior designer for the first time. Image: Toronto Interior Design Group | Yanic Simard

Working with an interior designer is a positive — and dare we say game-changing — experience for many. However, if you haven’t done it before, the idea of hiring someone to undertake this task can feel intimidating. That is, if you don’t know what to expect from the process.

With that in mind, we’ve created a first-timer’s guide to hiring an interior designer. If you think you’re ready to take the plunge, please continue. We’ve outlined what you need to know to determine if going the professionally designed route is right for you.

Set your expectations realistically. Image: Toronto Interior Design Group | Yanic Simard

Have realistic expectations

Most designers will tell you that, as much as we all love to watch home design shows, their prevalence has done them a bit of a disservice. Thanks to TV magic, the designers on those shows pull off projects with tight deadlines and shoestring budgets that would never fly in the real world.

On TV, there is often a team of laborers working behind the scenes to complete the work in record time and their salaries are built into the budget for the show, meaning design recipients only need to pay for the cost of materials. Realistically, you should be prepared to cover the cost of materials plus any additional labor cost. Keep in mind that hiring additional labor can help get the work done faster, but it will also increase your bottom line.

Of course, every project is different. The best way to get a handle on an anticipated budget and duration is by asking potential designers for this information upfront. Don’t be afraid to reach out to more than one to get a realistic picture of what to expect.

Don’t give up until you find someone who’s the right fit. Image: Elizabeth Metcalf

Take the time to find the right fit

Not all designers are created equal. Like all of us, each designer has his or her own unique personal tastes, quirks and business practices. To make sure your project is a success, it’s important that you and your designer are on the same page with a lot of these details. You may need to interview a few before you find someone who’s the right fit.

In the design world, this interview is called a consultation. It can be an in-person meeting or held over the phone, and it can be paid or unpaid. You can use this time to ask to see samples of the designer’s work, learn more about their process, and ask about business practices, such as their preferred methods for communication and billing.

You can also use this time to let the designer get to know you. Feel free to bring in a few photos or items you intend to use for design inspiration. Let the designer know about your specific quirks and personal preferences. By the end of the meeting, you should have a good sense of whether the two of you will work well together.

Billing practices vary among designers. Image: Martha’s Vineyard Interior Design

Billing isn’t standard

Billing is another feature that varies among interior designers. Since most own their own businesses, they are free to set their own fee structures. However, it typically works in one of two ways. Either the designer charges an hourly fee — with or without the cost of materials built in — or charges you the retail price for merchandise and takes the upcharge as the fee.

Both methods are considered typical. You just want to be sure you’re aware of how much you’re paying for services. Reputable designers will provide you with a thorough budget before they start making purchases, so seeing a cost breakdown shouldn’t be that difficult. If your designer seems resistant to the idea, you may want to look elsewhere.

Great communication is the key to success. Image: Michele Safra

Communication is key

Above all, good communication is the key to making sure your project comes to fruition the way you’ve been hoping. Sometimes, newer clients are hesitant to make their true opinions known because they feel they’re less knowledgeable than the designer, but at the end of the day, they’re the ones who need to be happy with the end result.

Good designers actually prefer decisive clients. Definitive opinions make their job easier in the moment and they know that happy clients are more likely to lead to future business. So, if you want to request changes from your designer, go right ahead.

That said, the earlier you give feedback, the easier it will be to make changes. Particularly, if it’s given before purchases have been made. Purchases can be returned or just remain unused, but that privilege may come with an extra fee.

Use these tips to make your designer experience a good one. Image: Elizabeth Metcalf

For those who have never hired an interior designer before, the idea of doing so can feel out of reach, but it doesn’t need to be. We’ve created a first-timer’s guide to working with an interior designer to help you take the plunge. Use the advice in this post to make an informed decision as to whether hiring professional help is the right choice for you.

Have you ever hired an interior designer? If so, do you have any advice to add? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

The post What to Expect When Working with an Interior Designer: A First-Timer’s Guide appeared first on Freshome.com.

Let us help you make your small kitchen work for you. Image: L-ONE DESIGN LLC

Odds are, you’ve wished you had more kitchen space at some point. Those of us who have truly tiny kitchens know how difficult it can be to get these spaces to meet our needs. While it might be a little more difficult to design a small kitchen that’s equally functional and aesthetically pleasing, we’re here to tell you it’s far from impossible.

Continue below for tips from our ultimate small kitchen guide. Take these suggestions and adapt them to fit within your interiors. With a little planning and forethought, you can create the space that best suits your needs.

Keep only the essential items in your kitchen. Image: Myrica Bergqvist Interior Stylist/Decorator

Embrace (realistic) minimalism

Embracing minimalism is probably the most unpopular tip we have to offer, but it’s also incredibly important to mention. The reality is if you have a small kitchen, you won’t be able to store as much as someone who has more than enough space. One of the best things you can do to ensure your cooking area remains functional is to commit to storing only the essentials.

First, take stock of all the items in your kitchen. Sort each one into three categories: frequently used items, occasionally used items and rarely/unused items. Donate or recycle any rarely or unused items. Then, do your best to find an area outside the kitchen to store your occasionally used belongings. Make sure your prime kitchen space is reserved for supplies you need day to day.

Ideally, kitchen cleanouts like these should be added to your regular rotation of home maintenance tasks. All of us have a tendency to collect more belongings over time. Whenever you feel your cabinets getting overstuffed, it’s time to do another pass through.

Use up every space. Image: Olivia van Dijk Architecture

Use every inch

When you’re working with less square footage, it almost goes without saying you have to make the most out of what’s available. Where small kitchens are concerned — and where the countless pots, dishware and spices need to find a home — it’s even more critical. For example, remember to think vertically as well as horizontally.

To do this, start by making a list of any empty areas in your kitchen — and we mean every area. These days, storage options are incredibly flexible. Back walls like the one in the picture above are often left blank, but you might be able to add additional storage here. Empty corners can take on shelves. With the aid of the right caddy, even the back of a pantry door can hold surplus dry goods.

Once you know which spaces you have at your disposal, do some research. Sites like Freshome and Pinterest are gold mines for creative storage solutions. Odds are, you can find an existing organizational system to meet your needs. If not, you can always consider a DIY creation.

Think about how each item can do double-duty. Image: Blue Eco Homes

Make it multi-functional

Whenever possible, small spaces benefit from the addition of pieces that can pull double-duty. Take, for example, the table in the picture above. While its primary purpose is for sitting down to meals, it could easily double as an added workspace.

Pieces that offer additional storage are a great fit for this. Think about adding a dining bench that allows for storage underneath or a kitchen cart or small island that can store extra pantry items in addition to being used for meal prep.

If you’re really short on room, don’t hesitate to get furniture from other rooms in on the action. As long as they’re easily movable — either by being modular or put on wheels — these pieces can be brought into the kitchen area as needed. For instance, a long work desk can be brought in for additional seating when you’re hosting guests.

Make storage part of your aesthetic. Image: Finch London

Blend storage and aesthetics

Many professional interior design photos have you believe that every item in your kitchen should be hidden behind closed doors. In reality, though, this is rarely the case. Particularly when you’re working with limited space, it’s important to embrace the idea that displaying your belongings can add an aesthetic flair.

Use this photo as a source of inspiration. You can clearly see the pots hanging above the stove and the knife block fixed to the backsplash. Yet, none of it looks out of place. Try to re-create a similar situation in your own interiors. Think about which items can be hung beneath shelving, situated above the appliances or left out on the countertop.

The caveat to this is that too much chaos can look messy and even get in the way of day-to-day cooking. We recommend adding these storage options one at a time. Each time you do so, take a step back. Ask yourself whether or not the kitchen looks full enough, as is, and be honest with yourself about the answer.

With a little planning, you can make your small kitchen work for you. Image: Scandinavian Homes

Small kitchens are an issue for many of us, renters and homeowners alike. However, that doesn’t mean making them work is an insurmountable task. If you’re looking for ways to get the most out of your tiny cooking space, our small kitchen guide is for you. Use our tips to help build the space that best suits your needs.

What do you think of our small kitchen guide? Do you have any of your own tips to add? Tell us all about it in the comments.

The post Use Our Ultimate Small Kitchen Guide to Make Your Space Work for You appeared first on Freshome.com.

Sicart & Smith Architects is an international boutique design firm in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Led by Franck Sicart and Julien Smith, two French architects, the company develops modern and tropical designs.

The concept of 180 Samui started with the careful analysis of the site: a breathtaking view of Chaweng Bay in Koh Samui, Thailand, and a massive rock that needed to be integrated in the project. The result is a horizontal design, low roof-lines and a simple material palette.

The villa is organized around an impressive pool overlooking the view, set perpendicular to the main rock and offering a dramatic feel. A three-sided infinity edge merges the pool, the sea, the sky and its reflection; it seems like the swimming pool is floating in thin air.

The villa accommodates five bedrooms with further facilities such as a spa room, a gym area and a rooftop chill-out terrace. The swimming pool is surrounded by an open kitchen and pool lounge with library and pool table.

Terrazzo and teak wood are the main materials used for the design with subtle variations and accents of black, cream, polished and raw finishes for the terrazzo.

Most of the furniture has built-in features. The sofa in the lounge is sunken into the floor so that when seated, the inhabitants have a clear view of the horizon. Beds are centered in the middle of the bedrooms to maximize sea vistas. A light touch of aquamarine has been added to complete the balance and  harmony of the project. Information provided by Sicart & Smith Architects. Photography courtesy of Johnny McGeorge & Julien Smith.

The post Modern Villa Captures Sea Views in Koh Samui, Thailand appeared first on Freshome.com.

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Ready for some adulting? Nothing says sophisticated more than a chic bar cart stocked with all the right libations. Even if you don’t drink, the best bar carts are versatile enough to work as a side table, serving tray or upscale snack cart. You may want to keep one nicely stocked and ready to offer your guests a little something.

A clear lucite bar cart doesn’t compete with all the colors and patterns in this mod living room. Image: Elle Decor

How to set up a home bar

Depending on your drinks of choice, the key to how to set up a home bar is organization. What supplies do you need to keep on your bar cart so you or your guests can make a cocktail or drink? Don’t forget to include:

Once you have your favorite spirits and accessories ready to go, display them in a way that’s artful and appealing. Add splashes of color to your bar cart with flowers, books, colorful drink glasses or a bright tray. Hang a large, bold painting or framed image over your bar cart to set the stage.

Bar cart display ideas

If you have lots of wine or champagne bottles, insert a bottle rack into the lower tray as shown in the left image. Place drink glasses upside down to keep them from collecting dust inside. Images: The Rinfret Group and Katrina Stumbos

Leave a small spot for flowers or a plant. Don’t drink much? Why not use your bar cart for tea or coffee accessories? Images: Kriste Michelini and Laura Garner Design

Best bar carts under $300, in stores now

Small space bar carts

Ernest Chrome and Glass Bar Cart at CB2, $159

Mid-century modern bar carts

Parker Mid Century Bar Cart at West Elm, $300

Modern brass and gold bar carts

A bronze bar cart is set up for entertaining in this contemporary living room. Image: Metropolitan Home

Industrial design bar carts

Zona Bar Cart at Birch Lane, $250

Chrome and glass contemporary bar carts

Rustic modern bar carts

Art deco-inspired bar carts

Oh Joy! Round Bar Cart at Target, $130

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere … What bar cart is your favorite and how will you stock it?

The post Lush Life: 26 of the Best Bar Carts Under $300 and How to Trick Them Out appeared first on Freshome.com.