Here you will coordinate all of the layers of your Interior Design Project. This can be overwhelming at times.

They will include color and style of carpet, correct paint colors and color blends, unique wall finishes, Italian Venetian Plaster, Faux Finishes, and Wall Paper.
 
Type of ceiling finish, knock down style, crows feet, Italian Venetian Plaster or a Tin Ceiling, type of drywall finish, orange peel or a Level 5 finish.
 
Flooring selection, tile, marble or wood floor. Choice of wood, style of doors and wood trim.

Lighting decisions, style of fixtures, kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets, counter tops styles, granite or marble.
 
All of these decisions are difficult.More importantly, all of these design elements must flow congruently, if you wish to create a dramatic effect.

Sometimes this can become overwhelming. Your Home Builder can help you with many of these decisions, but keep in mind; most Home Builders do not have a background in Interior Design.

I would strongly encourage you to discuss your project with an Interior Designer. We are fortunate to have a number of talented Interior Designers in our area. Ask around for names and referrals. Everybody loves to share, when they have had a great experience working on a project.

Interview a few Interior Designers.Share your project with them, ask them about some of there previous work and discuss their fees. Most people do not think they can afford an Interior Designer. This is not true. Fees can vary from nothing, to an hourly fee, or a percentage.

One final thought; make sure that the final effect is a collaborative decision.  If you are not comfortable with an idea, then keep looking for other options.  The best results are when all members of your design team, Homeowner, Home Builder, Interior Designer and Professional Faux Finisher are involved in this fun, yet challenging Interior Design process.

Go through the seasons, reviewing how all areas of your home will be used. Will a bedroomsomeday become a future office? Garage receptacle locations,separate light switch for outside holiday lights, entryway outlets, deck or outside activities, TV/Internet locations, Plasma TV wall outlet, ceiling speakers, (note, the speaker you don’t put in will be the one you regret) outside deck speakers, correct location for main stereo equipment, present and future wiring for speakers in your current and future media rooms. 

Like many of us, who are serous about their media room, I would strongly encourage you to discuss your project with a Home Theater Specialist. Their expertise will ensure that your media room is ready for the present and future systems not on the market.

Another thing to keep in mind, lighting is so important, when you are staging a room to create drama.

There are so many options available today, whether it is a wall sconce, rope lighting in a tray ceiling, rope lighting in a bathroom, or a wall and floor outlet in a unique area.

Discuss the various lighting options available with your supplier of Lighting Fixtures. Also meet with your Home Builder, Interior Designer, Architect, and Electrical Contractor, so that you do not miss the many lighting opportunities for drama.

Unfortunately, many times during this process, you will feel like you are rushed through it.  If you invest the needed time and do your homework, you will be well prepared when you get the phone call to meet with your Electrical Contractor.

Keep in mind these words…Drama, Effect, and Staging. If you truly wish for your home, not to be like every other home in the area, then you must designate some of your budget for “The Wow Effect”. The opportunities that you have drafted and designed into your floor plan will not create the dramatic effect, if you have not provided a budget to fund them.

Finally, we have all been through the annual Parade of Homes.You will view many new homes that are truly incredible. But there are always a couple of homes that will stop you in your tracks.

“WOW... that is really something.” 

“Did you notice the effect of the Drapery next to the Venetian Plaster?”

“I loved the finish on that room, what are those colors?”

“Who did the finishes?”

“Did you see the barrel ceiling finish, is that a Venetian Plaster too?” 

“That was so neat. I loved the hallway niche. It almost looked like marble.”

“I never thought of having a Tin Ceiling in our office.”

“That is the first time I have seen “Italian Venetian Plaster”, what an amazing finish.”

“Did you notice the movement of the bedroom ceiling? What was that?”

“Italian Venetian Plaster is so subtle, I love how it works with the fabrics and draperies.”

We have almost completed our next article titled,“How to Create The WOW Effect ©”.  Here we have tried to identify “The 7 Principles of WOW ©”.The WOW Effect is by far the “Pinnacle for Home Builders and Interior Designers”. It also is the most elusive. If you are interested in receiving this information, please give us a call or email us.

Building “Your Dream Home” is an important goal for most families. They will save for many years, before they can finally achieve this dream.

But a word of caution, the Home Building process can also be very stressful.Ask anyone who has every built before, they will echo this sentiment.

Almost everyday, you will be asked to make long term, and sometimes critical, home design decisions. Your emotions can run the gambit, from highs to lows, as couples try to negotiate the many Home Building decisions.

Before, you begin the Home Building process, if you are married, I would strongly suggest that  you discuss the following rule.

 “Preferably, over a glass of wine and some Great Italian Food.”

“THE MARRIAGE SAVING, HOME BUILDING RULE” ©

“As a couple, if you cannot agree on a Home Building Decision, then wait on the decision. Sleep on it that night. The next day, begin to look for a better idea. You will not be as Emotionally Charged, and together, you will come up with a much better solution.”

When emotions are high and each side has dug in, you will be glad you have discussed this rule. This will give you a reason,to set aside a difficult Home Building decision, preventing it from becoming a bigger issue than it really is. Trust me...it Works!

Finally, study your floor plan all the time. Carry it with you and try to visualize all the activities in your new home. There are so many opportunities that you will miss, if you do not... “Live In Your Floor Plan”. Your new house is in constant motion. Your opportunities for any change in design are very...brief.

You may not use all of them, but the few ideas you do use, may help to ensure that your dream home is well on the way to creating... “The Wow Effect”.

The “New Home Building Process” is a great experience. You will never forget the Memories, the Lessons, the Laughs, and the New Friendships you have made.

Enjoy this Fun Walk!