Homeownership comes with its own set of challenges, especially when embarking on renovations or building projects. While we dream of stunning transformations, reality often hits harder than anticipated, particularly when budgets go bust. This happened to a close friend recently, and their experience offers valuable lessons for anyone navigating the world of design professionals and consultants.

We’ve had introductory meetings with several potential clients who are enthusiastic about remodeling their new homes but, after doing some digging, then find out that the dreams for their new home aren’t possible. Of course, it can be heartbreaking to the new owners and, honestly, we hate delivering bad news like that. If only we all had done that research earlier!

We often hear from clients that communication is a concern based on horror stories or past experiences they’ve had. This is not due to a lack of trying, it’s a challenge of expectations and what expectations are realistic vs. those that are not, as well as communicating those expectations!

Freestanding bathtubs are stunning. We see them on the covers of magazines and posted all over Instagram (with low-hanging pendants and chandeliers - another topic of concern), and we are seeing so many homes pull out those tried and true alcove tubs to replace them with the lovely freestanding tub for the experience of soaking.

Let’s be honest though, how much are we thinking about that bathing experience and what surrounds this experience? There are many reasons people get freestanding tubs, and many reasons why maybe it's just not worth it.

Style is a particular way of doing things, a distinct appearance determined by design principles. It is a way of arranging your appearance and the appearance of the spaces around you. It may be influenced by environmental factors, cultural influences, and economic factors among others.

The burning question is often, “how long will it take”, and understandably so! A home renovation can mean displacement or incredible discomfort. Most of our clients come to us hoping the design will take a week or two and we can jump right into construction. What we forget is that it takes time to work through all those details and thoroughly consider each goal and need to tailor your home specifically to you!

One of the most challenging requests we work with on a daily basis is the desire for wood coupled with the desire for very little visible grain. Read on to find out why this is a challenge, specifically for a firm that specializes in sustainable design.