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Drew Carney from KGW was at the show this morning and featured the IDS booth on the morning news.  If you didn’t catch, here’s the video for you to view.  Thanks Karen for a job well done!

Click here to view the video!  Out & About at the Home Improvement Show

The video is divided into 4 parts.

• Segment #1 is the introduction of the show.
• Segment #2 features our own Brian Kemnitz from Pearl Painters who has a booth promoting his artistic finish school
• Segment #3 features the IDS booth and our own Karen Linder
• Segment #4 talks about the primary feature of the show – the Make – a- Wish Foundation and the treehouse brought in for the show.

MAKE YOUR LISTS AND MAKE THEM COMPLETE

Designer Diane Plesset, author of “The Survival Guide: Home Remodeling,” advises the same initial approach.

“First and foremost,” she says, “is to think about the budget and range of investment that you want to establish, and be ready and willing to test the reality of it.”

Plesset, of D.P. Design + Associates, says many first-timers don’t have a clue about what renovations will cost, and the only way to begin is to make a list of everything you want.

And she means everything.

Instead of saying, “We want to remodel the living room,” Plesset says to frame it this way: “We want the remodeled living room to include …”

Tangible items can get realistic price tags, which start to establish your budget.

Also, Plesset suggests having some visuals to supplement your lists. And be specific with what it was in the photo that appealed to you.

Having photos can also guard against launching a remodel that might be too grand for the value of your home.

“It’s human nature to want the beautiful picture we see,” Plesset says. “But the neighborhood may not support that.”

A designer, Plesset says, will then be able to see what you want, but pull it to within your budget and the house’s value, which is a huge deal.

Additional comments from Diane:

“Not everyone is a “list person,” but making lists helps to clarify many things, especially if we take the time to prioritize the items. If the room being remodeled is used by the entire family, i.e., the living room, family room, or kitchen, everyone in the family should make a separate list, then allow time to discuss the lists openly before talking with a designer, so any issues can be resolved. All of us have had to be a family or marriage counselor as well as interior designer, because there were unresolved issues.

Another suggestion I make is for the homeowners (or the designer) to keep an accurate spreadsheet for all products and labor. Following my advice when we built our home, we stayed within 1% of the established budget for all products we purchased, and within 3% for all labor.”

Diane Plesset, CMKBD, CID #5818, NCIDQ, C.A.P.S.
D.P. Design + Associates
503-632-8801
diane@dp-design.com
Look at my award-winning book:
“THE Survival Guide: Home Remodeling”

A great home doesn’t have to be worth millions or have the finest surfaces and finishes.  What it should be is a place that reflects your lifestyle, personality and sense of style.  If your home isn’t all you want it to be, why not hire a designer to help you achieve a great space?  Nope.  This isn’t the interior designer your rich auntie used for her New York apartment in 1975.   Today’s designers are a great fit for the middle class professional.

Why do clients need an interior designer for their space?  Consider working with an interior designer when….

• You know what you like when you see it, but you aren’t sure how to put it together.
• You want help connecting to quality resources and trades professionals
• You have existing pieces to incorporate into a new look, but don’t see the common thread.
• You don’t know what your room is missing or needs to look exceptional.
• You absolutely do not want to buy something you don’t like, don’t need, or won’t use.
• You aren’t sure where to start in your home or room for a great look.
• You don’t want or can’t afford to make mistakes that need fixed or redone.
• You have a budget and it is important you stick to it.
• You aren’t sure if your tile, carpet, paint, (insert item) will look great in your room once finished.

You deserve a great home and it doesn’t need to cost a small fortune.  Let an interior designer create a personalized space for you that relaxes and rejuvenates your soul?

This guest post was written by Angela Todd of Angela Todd Designs.