From Clutter to Custom

April 26, 2018Leave a comment

Bathroom with places to put away the necessities without being cluttered.

The opportunity to declutter is a great additional benefit of renovating your home. Shopping for tile, faucets or flooring and selecting grout colors can be a lot of fun but, as demolition day gets closer, homeowners have an opportunity for something even better than fun… purging!

Completely clearing out your living areas can seem overwhelming but the chance to go through your belongings and get rid of things you don’t need can have an empowering effect. You just decided to re-imagine your home, so why not re-imagine your life into the clean and efficient condition you’ve always wished it could be?

Organized and appealing pantry

Here are some things to think about and the steps to take in clearing out your home before a remodel.

First, seriously consider if there is somewhere else you can live while your home is being renovated. There are many reasons for this suggestion. Generally, the reason people want to stay in their home during a remodel is to save money but it is worth a financial sacrifice to have a place to go that is not a construction zone. This suggestion is for your mental, emotional and physical well-being.

Second, decide how and where your belongings will be stored during construction. Banker’s boxes or plastic bins with lids are good options for packing the things that you are keeping and they neatly stack for storage during the project. There may be some room in your home (away from the renovation) where you can store the boxes or you might consider renting modular storage spaces that can be delivered to your property. Some people rent a storage unit for this purpose or have their belongings packed and stored off-site.

Third, clearing out every shelf and drawer takes time so, please, plan for it. Adjust your schedule as necessary so you don’t end up in sitting in a pile of chaos at 3AM the day work on your house is scheduled to begin.

Fourth, assemble what you need before you start. Besides the boxes or bins, you will need garbage bags, labels, markers and three large bins (or a laundry-sorting cart with three sections).

Fifth, pick a room to start in (you might want to bring a water bottle because you’re going to be in there for a while). Staying in the room (not running in an out and getting distracted) will help immensely. Bring the three large bins, a few of your banker’s boxes and some garbage bags with you into the room and follow these steps:

1) Select a bin for “PUT AWAY” a bin for “GIVE AWAY” and a bin for “THROW AWAY.” You may want to line the “throw away” and “give away” bins with garbage bags.

2) Start in one corner of the room and quickly sort items into one of the three bins. Go with your gut and don’t spend a lot of time on individual things. (Try not to hug items, sing about them or cry because that just takes longer and makes sorting them agonizing and emotional.) You can judge if things are going well by whether the “throw away” and “give away” bins fill up quickly. When needed, reline those bins with a new bag and keep going.

Dejunked and custom designed closet.

3) Try to stay right there in the room to finish as much sorting as possible before you need to empty the “put away” bin.

4) When you need to empty your bins, start with the “put away” bin and anything that belongs in the room where you are cleaning can go into the banker’s boxes. Label each box with the room’s name to make unpacking easy. Anything that is left in the “put away” bin should be quickly taken to the room where it belongs. Toss the “throw away” bags into the trash and put the “give away” bags in your car (so you can take them to Goodwill).

5) When your bins are empty, come back into the room you were working on and start the process over. Keep going until the entire room is sorted.

6) The last thing to do in the room is to put the labeled banker’s boxes into your storage area. Taking each of them from that room at the same time means that they’ll all be together when you unpack (making it easier and more efficient).

Now, you’re ready to start on another room. It feels great to empty them out one-by-one.

Going through everything you own can be stressful but it can also make you feel great. Here are some tips to keep you thinking positively and to help you not get overwhelmed during the process:

Picture your future home.

1) Picture the future. Daydream about how beautiful your home will be after you clear out the mess and construction is complete. Imagine yourself enjoying the clean, organized rooms you are creating.

2) Think of all the good you are doing by donating unused items to people in need. You are making a difference and (if you request a receipt when you drop off your items) getting a tax deduction too.

3) Remember everything you own is a responsibility. Think of your possession’s as rocks that are a weight you carry around with you. This will motivate you to get rid of the dead weight so you can really enjoy the things that you actually use and need.

Science has shown that clutter doesn’t just affect us physically; it affects our emotions, intellect, ability to rest and more. Chances are, you’ll sleep better, be more creative, feel happier and have more motivation if you find the courage to let things go.

Custom closet with organization.

The opportunity to declutter and enjoy the benefits of orderly living is a great reason to consider updating your home. If you’re ready to re-invent your environment call Perry Newman Design today at 801.971.0868. He’ll take your cluttered mess from conception, through construction to completion so you can have the custom designed “a-place-for-everything-and-everything-in-its-place” place that you have always dreamed of.

The right tile adds value and beauty to your home

March 5, 2018March 6, 2018Leave a comment

Not everything that people do to update their homes ends up bringing value to the property but tile is something that adds beauty and can increase the price of a home. It’s a great way to update or even upscale the look of a house. Tile gives homeowners a chance to be whimsical, express their individuality or make a bold statement. The options in style, shape and color are virtually limitless and homeowners can find smart ways to utilize tile throughout their property. From floors and backsplashes in kitchens and bathrooms to wainscoting (where a wall needs protection or a splash of pizazz), tile can make it happen, beautifully. Here are five types of tile to consider:

Unique, handmade artisan tiles make your home one-of-a-kind and come in an amazing array of styles and colors.

Artisan Tile

Sometimes referred to as “handcrafted tile”, artisan tile is a beautiful choice that can be made in whatever colors, patterns or shapes fit the project. This type of tile is unique because it is custom designed and can even be one-of-a-kind. Often eco-friendly, these tiles can be made of recycled materials or natural materials. Because they are handcrafted (and glaze is brushed on by hand) when these tiles are fired in the kiln different hues and unique attributes come out of the material. From old-world, painted tiles to glossy, shaped tiles artisan tile could be the perfect touch for making a home spectacular.

Ceramic tiled bathroom

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is made of thin layers of clay that are hardened by firing and glazed. They are easily mass-produced and readily available. They are easy to clean and don’t harbor germs (so they are a great choice to use in the interior of a home). They come in an unending variety of styles, colors, shapes and sizes and are usually a more economical choice than porcelain. In fact, they are the least expensive type of tile. Perhaps that is why this type of tile continues to be so popular in home renovations and remodeling projects.

Porcelain tile flooring in living room.

Porcelain Tile

Porcelain tiles are made of finer and denser clay than ceramic tiles which makes them more durable. They can be used for flooring and are more waterproof than ceramic tiles. The strength of these tiles (and the fact that they are very easy to clean) make them a popular choice. As an added bonus, they are not expensive to repair and maintain. They also come in colors, shapes and styles to fit almost every project. As is illustrated in the photo, combining different tiles (or the same tile in different colors) can create a stunning and dramatic look. Tiles can also be more subdued and elegant, combined and arranged to express whatever style pleases the homeowner.

Glass tile shower niche and wall.

Glass Tile

Glass tile is non-porous and can be used on the interior or exterior of the home. They are also great for swimming pools. Glass tiles are gaining in popularity because of their beauty and the fact they can be used in mosaics. They come in many different finishes like polished, frosted, etched, cracked and reflective and they come in thousands of colors, shapes and sizes.

Metal Tile

Metal tile backsplash.

For something different (or to add sparkle and richness) some homeowners are looking to metal tile. Traditionally, this type of tile was used for accents but more and more people are trying them where they used to utilize other types of tile. These tiles may be solid metal or may have a metallic glaze. Copper, bronze, silver, titanium, pewter and stainless steel are just a few of the options available in metal tiles. Depending on what type of metal tile is utilized (and where the tile is located) there may be specialized maintenance or cleaning required to keep the tile looking like new.

Because of the limitless possibilities available in all types of tile, you may want to consult with a designer to help you find the perfect tile for your project. Tile selection is one of the services offered to Perry Newman Design clients and is just one, small piece of the process that takes homeowners from conception, through construction, to the completion of their unique home remodel. Click to call Perry now and get started!

What’s cooking? The microwave decision

August 17, 2017Leave a comment

Since the 70’s, the microwave oven has been an American household staple and for many people it is the primary way that they cook, defrost and reheat food. However, microwaves are not especially attractive so careful planning and placement of this go-to, time saver are key when creating the kitchen of your dreams.

Different types of microwaves are available to complement a variety of kitchen styles so your designer will help you select the placement and walk you through the decision-making process to choose the right unit. What you decide about placement will also affect the type of appliance you choose but, generally, your choices are between setting the microwave on the countertop, mounting it over the range, setting it into cabinetry or having one built-in.

To enhance the beauty of the kitchen, many re-modelers are choosing to put the microwave into the island by designing the cabinetry to hold a traditional microwave underneath the countertop or installing a microwave drawer. Although this might be a new concept (and test your sense of tradition) there isn’t a lot of bending involved in using a microwave in the island. Controls for a microwave drawer are easily accessible and, for safety, it makes sense to lift food up a few inches onto your countertop instead of reaching up into a microwave to bring hot foods down toward you before carrying them to a safe landing zone.

If a traditional microwave isn’t for you (but you still want to be able to cook and reheat foods quickly), you have some choices that might work better for your kitchen.

Convection/microwave combo ovens are a mix of microwave technology and heat energy, so they can brown, roast and grill. They also have a heating element in addition to a fan that aides in the circulation of hot air. This means that you get the quick, internal heating of microwave technology combined with heat that keeps the outside crispy (or whatever consistency the food should have). A microwave-only unit sometimes makes food soggy or rubbery so you can tell it has been heated that way.

Another option is to select a steam oven. These can be used to steam, reheat, bake, defrost or to cook so they are extremely versatile. You can even cook rice in them. They take a little longer than a microwave but the condition of the food when it is finished is incredible. If you are reheating leftovers it will be hard to tell that they are leftovers after being heated in a steam oven. Also, because of the many features this appliance offers, you can set the oven and walk away from foods that would traditionally take more effort to create. A steam oven is a wonderful tool and a viable choice for replacing or adding as a companion to a traditional microwave oven. If you are remodeling your kitchen it is worth taking the time to look into the benefits of this type of oven.

When planning your kitchen don’t forget to ponder the importance of selecting the right quick-cooking appliance and think about choosing to place it in a convenient location that doesn’t distract from the look of your new kitchen. Perry Newman Design clients get educated on their microwave options and all their appliance selections. Plus, they get someone to walk them through every step of the planning, selection and construction process. Perry Newman Design guides you through your home renovation project from conception, through construction, to completion in less time than you imagine. Call 801.971.0868 today and experience the peace of mind that comes from letting someone else take care of getting all the little details right.

10 Tips and Tricks for Exceptional Interior Design

July 20, 2017August 2, 2017Leave a comment

Getting ready to remodel or maybe just feeling like updating and freshening the look of your home? Enjoy these ten, professional interior design tips that will help you get it right.

The most important renovation tip is: Always, always, always have a plan before you start. Whether it’s a big construction project or just a few changes you should think the project through thoroughly, make all your design selections, create a schedule and have everything on hand before you begin. Having a plan means you have thought through and prepared for each step of the project. If you’ve done that, you can deal with the hiccups that inevitably come along. But if you haven’t, the project will take longer, cost more and may not turn out the way that you hoped it would.
Many interior designers say that the most important aspect of a room is the lighting. It makes a room. Perry Newman likes to restate “In great design it’s all about the light.” Get the lighting right and it will elevate the experience of living in your home.
Speaking of light, sunlight is a wonderful tool. Add windows (or at least clean the ones you have so they shine). Remember that glass sparkles and sunlight gives the illusion of a bigger space. Natural light is warm and inviting, it relaxes people. Choose accent pieces that accentuate the light. For example, yellow pillows or window treatments are bright and cheerful. In fact, the color yellow actually stimulates conversation in your gathering spaces.
Mirrors are another tool that can increase the light in a room. They gleam and sparkle and they make the space expand so it appears larger. Think carefully about the placement of mirrors. Be sure that you arrange them so they reflect something beautiful. They can even be combined to form a point of interest or replace art on the walls. Most of the time even quality mirrors will be cheaper than art.
When it comes to art bigger is not necessarily better. Selecting appropriate art to use in design can be intimidating and the whole process is subjective. People like what they like and what one person considers incredible may not be interesting to someone else. Since art can be expensive, it is common for homeowners to get overwhelmed or frustrated while making these selections. If you find yourself in this situation consider using a collection of small prints and having them framed in matching frames. Then, carefully arrange these on the feature wall to make an engaging point of interest.
There is no such thing as clutter in a well-designed room. There can be many things in the room but each piece should have intent and purpose. In most instances, a good rule for homeowner’s is “less is more.” The personal items that you do display should be carefully chosen, have a purpose and a story. You should like the items that surround you in your home and they should reflect your personality and passions.
But, what do you do with all the rest of the junk you’ve collected? Simple, plan for storage in your design so the treasures you can’t bear to part with each have a designated place where they can be tucked away. “A place for everything and everything in its place” is a good guideline. If you don’t have room for it in your home then you probably don’t have room for it in your life.
Layer your space. Your home will look cold, commercial and uninviting if you do not have rugs and furnishings. So, plan for these things when you are first making your selections and your budget. Getting the construction done is important but without furniture what use is a living room? It’s hard to live there if you don’t have anywhere to sit down. In the photos below you see an example of a Perry Newman Design room complete with furniture next to another Perry Newman Design room where the client had not budgeted furnishings into the cost of the project. Although both are beautifully constructed homes, not having a finished room will decrease the satisfaction of an otherwise stellar remodel. At minimum, be sure to include rugs, furniture and window coverings.

Perry Newman Design bedroom

Perry Newman Design renovated room without furnishings

When considering paint choose a base color and then purchase a 50% lighter mix as well as a 150% darker mix of the same color. Use these in your room to simulate texture (as would happen if you striped a wall) or to add interest with accent pieces. Another tip with color is that if your room feels dark (because of color or cabinetry) you can paint the ceiling a lighter version of the wall color and it will instantly brighten the room.
People think that designer homes are all about “the look” but great interior design engages as many senses as possible. As discussed in a previous Perry Newman Design blog, textures add interest and help create the feel of a room. Another way to elevate your home is through fragrance. Fresh flowers bring the outside in to make your home lovely. The smell of clean linens gives people the impression your home is spotless, fresh and well taken care of. Whatever fragrance suits your style can become part of your home by using scented candles, air fresheners and other products described in the “Eleven easy ways to make your home smell better” blog.

Careful planning is the key to a successful renovation or redesign project. One way to plan carefully is to meet with a professional and Perry Newman Design offers a free consultation for homeowner’s who are seriously considering a remodeling project. If you want a new kitchen, master suite, or bathroom or if you are ready to finish or redesign your basement, give Perry Newman a call and we will spend an hour in your home going over your options. As part of our renovation experience, we take you from your conception, through all the planning and construction, to the completion of your designer home.

Four renovation tips to customize your home

June 23, 2017August 2, 20172 Comments

Sample of timeless design: Grand kitchen with custom cabinetry, wooden floors and under-cabinet lighting.

A renovation is an opportunity to take your home from ordinary to extraordinary by customizing your residence to work for you. Perry Newman says one of the biggest mistakes people make is focusing on a particular color or item (because it ends up dictating the whole design). Seeking timeless design for expensive, permanent elements (like tile, cabinetry and fixtures) is a smarter choice because if you choose those things based on a certain color, or a painting, or even a counter-top then you are modifying all your selections around something unimportant. Instead, seek to makeover your home in a pallet that will allow you to pull in patterns, textures and natural elements to give you a designer look. Then, hang that painting and add pops of your favorite color with furnishings and accent pieces. That way, when you tire of the color or the painting doesn’t appeal to you anymore, you simply change the furnishings and have a whole new look to your home. (Click here for more information about achieving timeless design.) The options for customizing your home are endless, from installing light switches in areas that work for you to changing the height of doorknobs, however, here are a few favorites to consider:

Sample of custom bathroom with innovative features.

Bathrooms—Remodeling a bathroom gives you an amazing opportunity for customization. Your bathroom can become your retreat, a place to unwind and rejuvenate yourself. Some clients prefer to create a spa-like setting and others are interested in simplifying and making things efficient. A professional designer can help you think out-of-the-box and let you know about the latest trends in luxury, form and function. Many times, the traditional way of arranging a room is not the most efficient and expense in furnishings, maintenance costs and time cleaning can be reduced with smart design choices and thoughtful selections. For example, niches in the shower can eliminate racks and soap dishes or an oversized shower with a bench can give a luxury spa experience now while providing a solution for the future (when someone is elderly and needs a wheelchair).

Sample of kitchen with custom lighting.

Lighting—In design, “it’s all about the light.” Perry Newman says, “You get the right lighting and you are 75% of the way to great design.” Lighting sets the mood for your residence and customization allows you to adjust that mood to your needs at different times of day or different times of life. The type of lighting you choose affects paint color and how people see and perceive their surroundings. Fixtures should be carefully selected so they fade away and are invisible when appropriate and stand out as an accent or point of interest when that element is a feature of the design. Dimmer switches can give you control and help your house work well for different functions. For example, under-counter lighting in a kitchen can help brighten the room and make your kitchen more functional by giving direct light above the counter-top where you are cooking. It can also be used for safety, as a night light, or can be used for ambiance to help set the mood by dimming the lights in the evening.

Sample of custom shower with multiple shower heads and a bench.

Plumbing Fixtures—A great place to customize and make your home work for you is in your plumbing selections. There are so many features and options that it can be overwhelming but one tip is to not spend a lot on your sink. Choose something functional and then dress it up with gadgets like racks in the bottom, soap dispensers and a faucet with features that make you say, “Wow!” Because there are so many possibilities, you don’t have to spend a lot of your budget to get flexibility in function and a style you find appealing. Extra shower-heads in the bathroom, pot fillers and industrial sprayers in the kitchen, or even a retro, copper-colored faucet that looks just like the one your grandma had in her laundry room can all be yours with careful planning and smart selections.

Sample of custom cabinetry and professionally designed laundry room in Utah.

Cabinetry—The best tip to cabinetry selection and customization is to trust the pros. Meaning, you may have an idea about how you want your kitchen, laundry or bathroom laid out but keep an open mind and listen to the person representing your cabinet company. They have seen it all! They have experience with what works and what doesn’t. They are in and out of kitchen’s every day so they know about the trends and what great ideas people are coming up with to make houses work better. At least set aside your preconceived notions and really hear what they are recommending for finishes and designing your room for the best functionality. Trust them to create the layout. For example, tradition has taught people to put plates in upper cabinetry (because that is what they have always done) however, a smarter solution is to put heavy plates in a drawer that is as close to your dishwasher as possible. It’s easier to put things away down low, instead of lifting them, and these days upper cabinets may not be deep enough to accommodate your large plates anyway. Clients hesitate at making these changes and then, after using their kitchen’s for a while, come back to tell us how wonderful and easy it makes things. They wonder how they did it the old way for so long. Since your cabinetry will probably be one of your biggest expenses, it’s worth taking time to listen and get it right. If it’s done correctly, you’ll be happy living with your choices for a very long time. Another opportunity that comes when you replace cabinetry is the chance to change the height to meet your needs. For someone very short or tall it is a luxury to have the counter-top at a height that makes it comfortable.

When a remodel is in your future, remember it is a great time to plan and think about how to customize your residence. Make sure that the changes you choose for expensive items are ones that can last over time and you can be happy with for the long haul. Feel free to play with color and accent your rooms with favorite items but don’t design a room around something temporary. Think about the little things and how they affect the way you live in and move around your house. Brainstorm creative ways to improve the function and features of your home. You’ll be surprised how much getting the little things right can improve your mood and enjoyment of your rooms. As always, the professionals at Perry Newman Design are here to help you through the process of making the best choices and taking you from your home to the home of your dreams. Give us a call at 801.971.0868 or fill out the contact form at perrynewmandesign.com to get started.

It’s shocking how much a great electrician can improve your quality of life and the beauty of your home

June 15, 2017August 2, 2017Leave a comment

Sample lighting under cabinets, highlighting shelves and beneath the island counter top.

One benefit of a Perry Newman Design renovation is pesky, little problems with your home that have worried you get fixed and updated as part of the remodel process. Without you needing to research, make calls or hire them fantastic contractors will come improve your home as part of the Perry Newman team. At the end of the project, you will have a list of high-quality professionals to call on to keep your home running in tip-top form. For example, an electrician coming in to work on your project can address problems in the remodeled area and you can say good-bye to issues like:

Circuit breakers tripping—This happens because the breakers automatically shut off power to the wires if something goes wrong. Most of the time the fuse or breaker is just doing its job when it trips. It’s designed to turn off if the circuit is attempting to draw more power than is safe so it protects your electrical system from being overloaded. It will also trip if there is a short circuit (meaning electrical current is flowing where it shouldn’t). When too many appliances are turned on at the same time it may cause the breaker to trip. There may also be a wiring problem or an appliance that isn’t grounded properly.
Heat generated from lighting fixtures—You may be using the wrong bulb wattage or the wrong kind of bulb. There are newer options for lighting that can eliminate this problem by changing the bulb, updating the wiring or replacing the fixture.
Burning odor near plugs or fixtures—The National Fire Protection Association says discolored outlets or a slight burning odor is caused by “arcing, smoldering, burning happening behind your outlets, damaged or improperly installed wiring in the outlet or a problem with the receptacle itself.” If you are experiencing these issues in your home please do not continue to use the outlet. You need an electrician to safely make some upgrades.
Buzzing sounds— A buzzing sound in a light can be caused by a short in the lighting circuit or may be a rheostat that is not all the way on or all the way off. Dimmers also tend to buzz more often.
Warm light switches—Another issue that sometimes happens with dimmers is the switches getting hot. The more dimmers there are, the more likely this is to happen. It may help to replace plastic trim plates with something metal or there may be a bigger problem that needs to be addressed.
Sparks from outlets, switches or fixtures— A spark from a plug could damage the outlet or start a fire. If this is something that is happening on a regular basis then stop using the outlet and get a professional in to assess the situation. This might be causes by loose wiring, an overloaded circuit, a defective outlet or a dirty wiring connection.
Flickering or blinking lights— Usually, this problem is caused by a poor connection in your electrical system. It may be in an outlet, light or switch box but a poor connection can affect the entire circuit. If several areas are affected at the same time, there may be a problem in the panel, main breaker, meter or with the power company’s lines.
Shocks when you touch appliances—Your appliances probably haven’t been grounded properly.
Lack of GFCI’s (ground fault circuit interrupters)—These are important because they protect you from shock in areas where water may be present like your kitchen, bathroom, basement or garage.
Dead outlets—Sometimes outlets literally burn out. A fire or a flare or surge can cause an outlet to stop working. There may be discoloration around the outlet when this happens. If you have an outlet that is not working then do not plug things into it or into the connected outlet. The problem needs to be identified and it needs to be replaced.

Your electric system isn’t a glamorous part of your home but planning for and installing proper wiring, panels and outlets can help your home elevate your quality of life. Lighting can be dramatic, functional or elegant as part of the overall design of your renovation but it is also important to make sure that unseen systems in your home are properly installed and maintained. The service of professional electrician’s is part of the Perry Newman Design remodeling experience. You’ll sleep great in your designer home knowing that even behind the freshly painted walls, everything looks great and is in working order.

Perry Newman Design: Conception, through construction, to completion

Tag: Perry Newman Design