Featured Article Archives - Randi Destefano

How To Avoid Costly Mistakes On Your DIY Home Project

Most of us love to tackle a DIY home project every once in a while. Maybe we do it to save money or to feel that sense of accomplishment that comes from a job well done. Maybe we do it because design TV makes it look so easy. Even though it can be fun (and sometimes stressful), there may come a time when you’ve messed it up and want to know how to avoid costly mistakes on your next DIY project.

As an interior designer, I often get the SOS call to fix it. You know what I mean. The sofa from an online store that looked great in the photograph, but feels like a rock when you sit on it. Or the window shades you ordered without help that don’t fit the window. These mistakes can be costly, both in money and the time it takes to fix them.

I know because it’s happened to me when I wasn’t paying attention, and then waited to long to examine my purchase. What started out in my mind as a fun window treatment sewing project soon became an energy vampire, sucking my time.

Because I know how to avoid costly mistakes that can happen on a DIY home project, my ego was more than a little bit battered. I was embarrassed to admit that I messed up. And now my goal is to help you prevent it.

Rule #1: Have a plan in place before you start…and follow your plan.

Know what you’re goal is and write out all the steps in the process before your begin.
Do your research. What will it cost? What quality of product are you looking for? How long will it take?
Check all the dimensions before you order anything online.

Rule #2: Measure twice, cut/buy once

Double check all dimensions before you cut/order the wood, fabric, or blinds.
Custom orders can not be returned
Will the piece of furniture fit through your doorways? Will it fit in the room?

Rule #3: Pay attention when making your purchases.

Watch as fabric is unrolled
Read the sales receipt before you commit to the sale. Don’t assume that the sales associate has written exactly what you asked for.
Read the fine print, and be sure everything you’re expecting has been included
In the image below, I hate to admit that I was so excited about getting a great price on this normally expensive fabric, that I didn’t follow my own rule. Notice how the design is printed crooked on the fabric. Fortunately there was just enough fabric to make the window treatments so the pattern matches all across the windows.

Rule #4: Have a Designer On Your Team to help you avoid costly mistakes.

gives you advice before you make your purchases
validates your choices…or guides you in a better direction
tells you how much fabric, paint, etc. you need to order, as well as all the parts and pieces
can place the orders for you
connect you with trusted trade partners

Costly mistakes seem to be broken down into two categories. I like to call them the “Oh no! What was I thinking!!!” mistakes. Let’s take a look…

Purchases you regret later because you realize you don’t like them:

You had a “love at first site” moment and just HAD to own it
You didn’t really love it, but had a “hole” to fill and thought it would work. You were in a hurry to just be done with it!
Oops! You forgot to measure.

Purchases and decisions you made because you didn’t know better or didn’t think it through:

Appliances that will be placed against a wall and the impact that will have on opening and closing doors and drawers.
Adding expensive new counter tops and then realizing you should have purchased new cabinets too.
Not checking the specifications of appliances to see how they will affect the cabinet.
Buying on line,which we all do, and realizing you don’t have all the parts and pieces to finish the job correctly.

Here are just a few examples of DIY home project mistakes (sources unknown):

Bathtub at the top of the stairs?

A mantle over a pedestal sink, complete with a towel ring

Exterior door hung upside down

A chandelier not installed in the center of the medallion or tray ceiling.

Your Design Action Steps:

1. If you’re in the “information gathering” phase of your project, remember to study everything. That means look over the plans when you have them.

2. Review the specifications and dimensions of each item you hope to purchase.

3. Hire an interior designer to be a part of your team. The peace of mind you’ll get from relying on someone you trust will be well worth the investment.

9 Easy Tips to Avoid Holiday Stress and Distractions

by Randi Destefano, ASID

Have you ever wondered why, as soon as Halloween is over, to-do lists get longer, the days get shorter, and holiday stress creeps into our lives? The holiday season has arrived, and with it comes some stress and a lot of distractions.

If you’re anything like me, the holidays are meant to be a fun time celebrating with family and friends. I love finding the perfect gifts and tying them up with a beautiful bow. I love getting Christmas cards from friends and family, and sending out our own. (Though sometimes at our house they become New Year’s greetings!) We love hosting parties.

But thinking about all the things that need to be done to make the perfect holiday a reality can be overwhelming. Every little distraction pulls us away from “the List”. We fall behind and begin to panic and stress out. What a holiday buzz kill…for us and everyone in the house when it happens!

With all the craziness, and sometimes chaos, we all need some coping skills to get out of overwhelm and into fun! That’s where some easy tips to avoid holiday stress and distractions comes in!

Start small with this list. Choose one or two that seem easiest for you right now. They’re here to help you avoid the holiday stress and distractions that are creeping into your life.

Tip #1: Ease Holiday Stress by planning ahead and setting goals

Remember the vision you had in your head for the perfect holiday? Now is the time to get it out of your head and onto paper. Then you can start the action plan.

Get organized with your decorations. Pull out everything you have and decide what you need to freshen it up a bit for this year.
Plan your tabletop and table settings. If you need some ideas, you can find a few on this blog post (Fall Tabletops That Set the Mood).
Plan your menu and your guest list
Start your gift list
Set a goal for when you want these things completed. Be realistic about these goals, give yourself enough time to finish…and then add a few hours or days. It always seems that most things take longer than we think they will.
Make sure that the spaces you’ll be using for prep, meals, and guests are clean and orderly, especially your prep areas. Remember that it’s hard to get things done when the space you’re working in is a cluttered mess. If not, be prepared for chaos, a lot of setbacks, and…STRESS!

Tip #2: Decide what your holiday budget will be

Make a budget and stick to it
Have the right tools and resources before you start, and list the cost.
What do you need to buy?
What can you re-use or repurpose?

Tip #3: Say NO when you need to. Don’t feel guilty

Make it your “best NO”. You don’t always have to say NO to requests from friends or family. And you don’t always need to decline a party invitation. But when the pressure of completing your own holiday plans is getting to you, a gentle “NO” to the request that doesn’t make you excited is your “best NO”.
Delegate your to-do list between family members
Your “best YES” is similar to your best NO. Use it after you’ve considered the time it will take away from your own priorities. And you need to be excited about it.
Busyness is not a virtue, and it is NOT a sign of productivity. If you are taking on too much, the truth is, you’ll probably focus on none of it and risk the chance of doing a horrible job at what you manage to complete.

#4: Set boundaries to avoid distractions

Ask family to stay away during specific stressful times or tasks (In my case, it was wrapping our stair railings with garland)
Take a break to be with them later
When holiday overwhelm is stressing you out, remember that you don’t have to do it all
You don’t have to see everyone or do all the things
If you’re not excited about going to an event, or if it drains your energy when you think about it….don’t do it!

Tip #5: Create relaxing surroundings/environment

Have a supportive environment to keep you motivated and excited. Play holiday music to get you in the spirit. Light scented candles. Open the windows on a nice day for some fresh air.

Organize your work space to make each task you need to do simple and easy. That means having all the tools you need ready and waiting so you don’t have to stop and run to the store for a glue gun or a bag of sugar at the last minute.
Clear your work spaces and de-clutter you home. Knowing that you have a calm space around you will definitely calm the chaos of the holiday season.

Tip #6: Maintain your healthy habits

Don’t skip out on your workout or walks with friends
Make sure you get enough sleep
It’s tempting to “test” all the cookies and desserts, but remember your veggies!

Tip #7: Seek a fresh perspective

Take a break when you’re feeling overwhelmed
Make a change. I like to call it a mind-flip. Instead of thinking of the project you “have to do”, tell yourself that you “get to bake cookies today”.
Take one task that drives you crazy during the holidays and tackle it in a new way. A fresh approach just might make a difference. For example, if you dread having to send out holiday cards, enlist your spouse or your kids and split the list.

Tip #8: Be OK with Good Enough

Be willing to focus on what’s most important
Be willing to modify family traditions. Decorating our stair railings to the hilt always looked beautiful. My family begged me to do it every year. Since I couldn’t compromise by letting them help (It’s a designer/perfection thing!) I finally used my best “NO”. Holiday decorating is much nicer with that stressful task no longer on my list.
Don’t always go for bigger and better, when planning your holiday. Do you really need the 10’ Christmas tree when you’re going to be away for most of the holiday?

Tip #9: Remember to Have Fun Along the Way

Let’s face it. It’s a lot more fun to be with people when you’re not stressed to the max, or so exhausted from working yourself to the bone that you just want to sleep.
Turn off the devices and start building positive memories. When you think back over your life, you’re not going to remember that you didn’t get everything finished or you missed a text message. Though everyone might still be talking about the turkey that was burned, or the time your pies were eaten by the neighbor’s dog. But that’s just part of the cherished memories created in your home during the holidays. And isn’t that what life is all about?

Thinking about a home renovation or makeover project, but don’t know where to start? Now is the time to get those ideas out of your head and onto paper, so your plans are finished when you’re ready to start! And the best place to begin is with this free guide.

3 Costly Mistakes #2 cover straight with spiral

Get Your Renovation Guide!

DIY Home-Project Burnout and How To Prevent It

by Randi Destefano

Have you ever taken on a DIY home project that really excited you? You know, the project you saw on Pintrest or Facebook that motivated you to rush out and purchase all the supplies, and filled your head with visions of how beautiful it would look? You started working on it with enthusiasm and a lot of energy, spent a few days focusing on the end results, and then it happened…..DIY home-project burnout! Has this ever happened to you?

DIY Project Burnout is a state of physical and mental exhaustion when the work demands constantly exceed the amount of energy that you want to give on a daily basis. Complete project burnout usually happens when overwhelm takes over, your productivity declines, and there is a lack of motivation/boredom.

That is exactly what happened to me recently with a project I started this summer. I love chalk painting with Amy Howard Home products. And I hate knowing that nine million tons of furniture goes to landfills each year. So I’m an advocate of either donating or repurposing. But what began as a fun way to repurpose our 25 year old kitchen table and chairs, soon became a daunting task that I wish was finished.

Chair after and Chair before

My first goal was to finish painting and reupholstering one chair a week. We have six chairs, so that should have been an easy goal. Until some problems popped up… along with the boredom! This project has been on my To-Do list for weeks, and I get excited each time I can place an updated chair around our kitchen table. I know it’s going to be beautiful when it’s finished. But I admit that I have DIY home-project burnout.

Stuff that gets in the way:

not having a step-by-step plan before you begin
tools that aren’t easy to operate
not having enough supplies to complete the project at once
not having the right supplies to get started
setting unrealistic goals for completing the project
life, work, family commitments

Solutions:

Re-focus your mindset and your energy
Set an intention to finish it…NOW! Playing energetic music helps.
Make a step-by-step plan. (ex. do you want to paint all 6 chairs at once, then wax all of them, then cover the seats)
Watch any videos you can that will help you before you start
Purchase all of the items you’ll need before you start so you won’t have any starts and stops
Make an appointment with yourself to work on your project when you know you’ll have the most energy…and keep that appointment
If you feel yourself getting bored or overwhelmed, take some time off to take your mind off of it. Quiet periods aren’t negative. Sometimes stepping back, can lead to fresh ideas and renewed motivation.

Moral to the story:

DIY Home Projects sound great when you start out
Be realistic about the time and cost involved
Be realistic about your skill level
Be honest with yourself about why you really want to do this. For me, it’s the satisfaction of turning something old and outdated into something beautiful and useful. And doing my part to save the environment by re-designing, repurposing and re-using outdated items.

Time For a Countertop Makeover? Follow These Top 10 Designer Do’s and Don’ts For A Stress-Free Project

by Randi Destefano

When you’re dreaming of a beautiful kitchen, and know that buying new cabinets is more than your budget will allow, maybe it’s time to consider a makeover that includes new countertops. If your cabinets are in good condition and the the space plan works well for you this might be your perfect solution!

There was a time, in my old EXPO Design Center days, when I was known as the Queen of Countertop Remodels because I helped so many clients with them. And because of that, I learned exactly what to do, so that stress was kept to a minimum.

Let’s take a look at my list of Designer do’s and don’ts that will help you with your own countertop remodel.

Do: One of your first decisions to make is what material do you want to use, because you have a few options. There are natural stone products (granite, marble, quartzite) and there are quartz composite products (Cambria, Caesarstone, Silestone, etc.)

Do: Know what “look” you want to achieve in the space. The material you choose will help you get there.

Do: Decide if you want a lot of movement (veining) in your countertop material.

Quartzite Mont Blanc

Don’t buy a slab that has a lot of movement and imperfections if you think it will drive you crazy. Stone is a gift of nature, and definitely not perfect. Also, if you need to have a seam because of a large area to be covered, the veins will not match. If that is a problem for you, then choose a slab/pattern that has less movement and a quiet pattern.

Do: Decide on your fabricator (the person who will template, cut and install). They often display granite, marble, and quartzite slabs in their warehouse. But sometimes they’ll send you to look at a larger showroom that has more to offer. These showrooms typically do not sell directly to you, the consumer. So this means they won’t be able to quote you a price. They’ll give the price to your fabricator who will then factor in the additional labor costs before giving you a quote.

Granite Colonial White

Don’t visit a granite showroom without a designer, contractor, or fabricator name. They can call ahead to let the showroom know you’re coming, or they can go with you to help you select. Sometimes a showroom will recommend a fabricator if you don’t know who to use. A few showrooms/warehouses will let consumers come in to look without an appointment. Your fabricator will contact them for pricing.

Do: Find out your fabricator’s price levels before you visit a granite showroom. Since most of them don’t sell directly to the consumer, they won’t give you a price. But they can point you to the slabs that will be in your approximate price point. Many large fabrication companies have enough space to have countertop slabs on display. In that instance, they’ll be able to give you a quote.

Don’t: Assume that the initial quote is the final one. Your fabricator will send someone to make a template, and that will determine the final cost. But before they schedule you, they will need a countertop plan with the shape of all your counters, and the dimensions.

Do: Make sure that you have your sink, and sometimes faucet, when they come to make your template. They will take it with them back to their shop.

Do: Know that some fabricators require you to purchase an entire slab, and some will only charge you for what you use. Be sure to check this out in advance. Quartz composite products seem to require purchase of an entire slab. But this is also at the discretion of the fabricator.

Don’t: Ordering less than 25 square feet is not acceptable to most fabricators. Sometimes they have a scrap yard to choose those pieces. If they do, it’s your luck day!!!

Don’t: Order countertops when you’re in a rush to have it installed. From the time they make the template, until the time it is installed could take anywhere from 5-15 business days.

Don’t: Have your heart set on a slab too early in the process unless you’re prepared to make a deposit so they will hold it. Also, make sure that your fabricator is going to hold onto the unused part of your slab. I have had slab “scraps” sold before projects were installed, only to be upset when they made a mistake cutting. Time was lost while they waited to find another slab to match.

Don’t hang on to a sample that you love and expect it to look the same in 6 months. The look of natural stone is determined by where it’s mined in a mountain. Even though it has the same color name, it can look completely different in pattern and color.

Granite sells quickly in certain markets and new shipments aren’t always cut from the same area of a mountain. Always inspect your slab before purchasing! If you need more than one slab for your countertop, make sure that there are more in the stack. Sometimes they’ll be labeled by the order they’ve been cut.

Do: Know that there are options to choose from for your countertop edges. Standard edges are included in your quote. Non-standard edges are sold by the linear foot.

There are a lot of things to think about when making your countertop selection. And it probably seems like a lot to remember. But Do’s and Don’ts are meant to guide us in the right direction and keep us from making painful or costly mistakes.

If you’re still confused and unsure of what to do next, feel free to leave a comment below, or email me at Randi@RandiDestefano.com with your questions. I’m here to help!

Time For A Home Makeover? Here’s A Transformed Master Bedroom Gone Sleek and Modern

by Randi Destefano, ASID

Finding the perfect house for your family can be fun and exciting, especially when you’re moving from the “burbs” into town. But many times the houses available to you aren’t exactly your style. When that happens, it’s time for a home makeover! I know because I’ve been there a time or two.

Since most homeowners want to move in and get settled before tackling any major renovations, it gives them a chance to get a feel for their new home. And it also lets them take their time and put some thought into what’s most important to them. This is exactly the path my client travelled when she hired me to transform her classic white master bedroom into a room that was sleek and modern.

Design Dilemma:

My client purchased this existing home and was never happy with the dental molding throughout the house. Since she preferred clean lines and darker wood, replacing the traditional white bookcases with flutes and rosettes was the number one change to be made.

The open shelves had become a clutter magnet, when what this couple really needed was more storage for clothing and linens.

Because the wet bar was never used, they also wanted it removed and replaced with cabinetry.

cabinets with wet bar

What I noticed immediately in the space, and was anxious to change, was the soffit and cove built around the room. It was used to house recessed can lighting, but it also made the ceilings seem lower and the room smaller.

cove molding image

The last design change my client wanted was a more contemporary fireplace with a TV that blended into the wall.

outdated fireplace wall

What we did:

The white traditional bookcases and bar were replaced by smooth, sleek Shaker doors
Polished nickel tubular cabinet pulls in sizes proportionate to the cabinets were installed.
A new fireplace wall was constructed so that everything is pulled forward and flush.
The lower section is stacked split-faced travertine.
The black horizontal firebox has a flame strip inside and uses ethanol to burn.
The homeowners wanted the fireplace to be high enough to see from the bed.
A sleek new mantel was created from cabinet material.
This same material was used to frame the new niche for the TV and equipment, keeping cords hidden from view.
New carpeting was installed
Paint colors were changed

master bedroom fireplace wall

Replacing the crown molding around the room became a problem when it came to matching angled corners. So to stay with the contemporary feel, we all made a decision not add it to the new room.

Your Design Action Plan:

Does your home have a room or two that’s in need of a makeover?

Make a list of the features that you don’t like about the room.

Next make a list of the features you do like about the room.

Compare the lists, and start a new list of everything you would like to change.

Create an idea binder or folder where you keep photos from magazines or online sites.

7 Key Ingredients of a Summertime Porch

by Randi Destefano, ASID

Outdoor living spaces, are becoming more and more popular and are a wonderful way to enjoy nature, relax, and watch the world go by. There was a time when a front porch was the place to greet your neighbors after dinner, or spend a lazy afternoon reading.

Today the nostalgia of the front porch is showing up not only in new in-town homes and walk-able neighborhoods, but in the way we use our backyards, screened porches, patios, and decks. What I’ve noticed is there are 7 key ingredients of a summertime porch that seem to show up again and again. Maybe you’ve discovered this too.

Every spring, as soon as the pollen slows down, I’m craving some time on our porch. You see, until a few years ago, none of the homes we lived in had a covered porch. Now I’m making up for lost time by dreaming, planning, and shopping to make even small improvements to what we have.

The best way to get started is by taking an assessment of what you already have. Do you still love your existing colors or would you love to have a brighter color combination? Ideas are everywhere, including photos of porches in magazines, social media, and websites. And don’t forget visiting decorator show houses!

Ask yourself, “what do I really want”? What do you want your porch to look like, feel like? And then let your imagination kick in.

Let’s get started!

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Southern Living Magazine

#1: Seating

No matter how large or small the space is, seating is the first thing to consider. Whether you prefer a sofa and chairs, or only chairs, it’s your choice. Do you want a private space that’s just for your family? Do you want a cozy romantic area for two?

#2: Accent Tables

We all need a table to place a drink or a book while we’re enjoying our outdoor space. The size and number of tables you need is based on how many people will use the porch…and how much space you have.

#3 Rugs

Rugs are the anchoring point for any seating group. They pull everything together and create a more inviting space. An added bonus for using a rug is to cover up unsightly decking.

#4 Accessories to Make It Yours

Adding your own accessories will truly make the space your own. They also set the tone for how you want your porch to feel. Pillows, outdoor draperies, and flowers all add to a room that says “Let’s relax here.”

#5 Plants

Everyone knows that plants and flowers add beauty to our spaces. But plants add a sense of calm to any space, and outdoor rooms are no exception.

Credit: Laurey W, Glenn; Southern Living Magazine

#6 Dining Table and Chairs

#7 Lighting (and a ceiling fan)

Summers can be hot, humid, and stifling, with no breezes to cool you off. When you include a ceiling fan into your porch design plans, comfort is always just a click away.