Brittany and Judy recently went on an installation of a home here in Raleigh. The pictures below are of living room. To see more on what we do check out more current projects on our blog or head to our portfolio on our website.
Why Should You Hire An Interior Designer? { Part 1 }
Although interior design is a creative field it has a very complex business model. For years, people have associated interior design with fluff and the affluent demographic.
To us, being an interior designer is about being our client’s life activist. We are about design and quality, not just about selling furniture. We are not here to tell you what kind of style you are, or make you stick to a specific trend. Ultimately it is our mission to make your life easier, more fun and more functional. It is our job to bring your dreams to life and visions of where you call home. It is through our 30 years of proven business practices and special technical and creative knowledge that we can be curators and innovators of good design. We are qualified by education, experience and examination.
According to ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) interior designers should receive their education from a CIDA (Council for Interior Design Accreditation) qualified schools. ASID’s website has a wealth of information about selecting accredited schools and picking the right interior design program. Here are a list of CIDA accredited schools in North Carolina.
All of the interior designers at Design Lines come from accredited schools and are members of ASID. Molly & Ashley hail from ECU, Judy calls Florida State her alma mater, Lauren received her degree from Meredith and Brittany graduated from the interior design program at BYU-Idaho.
Check back next Tuesday for {Part 2} on “Why You Should Hire an Interior Designer?” We will help you identify your goals and determine what you would want to achieve when working with an interior designer.
Raleigh Remodel: Before & After
Over the summer, I had the chance to partner with Taylor Building & Development to remodel a house in Raleigh for a young artist and film-lover, Jeff. The house, located inside the beltline, was built in the seventies and is situated beautifully in an untamed landscape that’s perfectly private.
On our to-do was a general update of the entire house–new hardwood floors throughout, an update on finishes, and swapping wallpaper for a fresh coat of paint. We transformed both bathrooms with an emphasis on functionality, installing new countertops and appliances for the kitchen. A few longterm changes also manifested, that will continue to enhance the house–like removing a closet and a platform in the foyer that didn’t work, and reconfiguring the Master Bathroom.
The lighting became my favorite change. Before, the house was craving light–only getting it from slivers of existing windows. We began by adding a pair of windows in the Master Bedroom. Then much-needed recessed lighting was added, as well as updated decorative fixtures. The transformation is quite remarkable. The whole house is illuminated, making the evenings especially pretty; and the new light fixtures suit the personality of both the house and the client, Jeff.
I asked Jeff a few questions about the project, his answers to my survey, below:
My style:
clean, simple lines & surfaces. comfortable, unfussy elegance.
Inspiration:
contemporary European with a dash of Asian design.
Favorite Element:
probably the kitchen. I didn’t like anything about the original kitchen and now I love everything. Changing other bits made an existing element like the white cabinets much more beautiful and appealing whereas I never really liked them before. Like every other room now, the kitchen has it’s own unique vibe but integrates perfectly with the rest of the house.
What Friends Say:
Wow! It doesn’t look or feel like the same house.
Biggest Indulgence:
Master Bath. The most extreme transformation, we spent the a lot of time discussing the smallest space, and in the end, every element, from frosted pocket door, to custom vanity, to frame-less shower, came out beautiful and striking.
Best advice:
Trust the process and your designer. A remodel can stressful and there are lots of decisions and deadlines but try to have fun and enjoy each step.
Next week I’ll share my interview with Rob Taylor of Taylor Building & Development. Don’t miss out on his tips for remodeling!
-Brittany
{High Point-Baker Showroom}: “The History of Luxury”
Judy, Ashley, Brittany, Lauren and Hilaire traveled to High Point, North Carolina yesterday to hear a talk on “The History of Luxury” by James Caughman, who is currently the senior marketing executive for the Kohler Interiors Group, responsible for the Baker, McGuire, Ann Sacks, and Kallista brands. This event was an ASID Carolinas CEU Community event. Thank you to the team at the Baker Knapp & Tubbs Showroom for hosting such a wonderful event!
The talk was very informative and further explored the history of luxury. Below are four great takeaways that we thought you might be interested in knowing from the presentation.
- What is luxury? Luxury is about good design, wonderful materials, crafted by artisans but most importantly luxury is about an experience.
- In the world of luxury we (Americans) look to the so called “captains” for aspiration and emulation.
- In the past, luxury was reserved for the court, but today luxury is much more accessible. It’s changing from conspicuous consumption (buying because I can) to conscientious consumption.
- “We live in an opaque world. We need to create transparency.” As in, it is our role (interior designers) to educate on quality and to share our knowledge.
What is your perspective on interior designers and the history of luxury? To you, how has luxury evolved over the years?
Check Out the Newest iphone Application: Paint Color Technology
Check out the newest and latest trends from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams, Brittany found on Friday.
Be among the millions who can now with the click of a camera phone reproduce the color that caught your eye. This new iphone application allows you to take a picture of the color and automatically match it to a paint color. You can even store your favorites too!
Now how easy is that? How do you show the paint store your favorite color?
Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore both allow you to download the application for free.
(Image found on google.com)
Business After Hours Chamber Event Hosted By: The Plaza Condominiums
Brittany, Lauren, and I spent some time at the Business After Hours Raleigh Chamber Event this past Thursday, which was hosted by The Plaza Condominiums in downtown Raleigh. These condominiums are a part of the RBC Centura building.
The tours of the 1,2 & 3 bedroom models were terrific. The spaces are a splash of modern sophistication that our downtown skyline has been anticipating for a long time.
I must say the view from the top is pretty !
High Point Furniture Market: Book Signing Event with Metropolitan Home
At High Point Furniture Market yesterday Judy, Brittany and I had the opportunity to get an autographed copy of Donna Warner’s, Editor-in-Chief of Metropolitan Home, newly published booked called “Glamour.”
What a great way to end the day!
Click here to order a copy.
Stay tuned for more posts on our awesome finds at Spring Market.
Audio, Video & Technology- Oh MY!
On Monday Molly, Stephanie, Ashley, Brittany, Lauren and I went on over to Neuwave Systems for a lunch and learn. Immediately, as we walked into the studio we felt as if we were in our parent’s basement-we felt completely at home.
After a delicious lunch Mark, David and Andy wowed us with all the latest and greatest in home entertainment technology. The Neuwave Studio is very impressive and allows homeowners to experience their various products before they buy.
When working with our clients on producing the best entertainment center in the neighborhood, it’s a must to be knowledgeable in every tech savy way.We learned about T.V.’s, subwoffers, sound systems & control systems such as: Itouch & Control 4. Check out their cool website: here!
Thanks guys! We look forward to building a partnership!
A View From the Top
A new and exciting business venture for Design Lines, Ltd. has been our recent membership of the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce.
This morning-Judy, Brittany, Lauren and I attended the GRCC New Member Breakfast at the Cardinal Club in Downtown Raleigh. From the 28th floor of the Wachovia Building we enjoyed the spectacular morning view while also making many new contacts. Two of our favorites were Sally from The Special Event Company and also John and Damon from Triangle Blvd.tv.
We are looking forward to networking and deepening these business relationships in the community of Raleigh, which has been the backdrop of our company for over thirty years.
Pear Square Event
DESIGNER FAVORITES ON SALE!
What could be better?! I don’t know maybe Godiva Chocolate but that doesn’t matter. All fall Lauren, Brittany and Hilaire have been planning the first ever Pear Square Event here at Design Lines, Ltd.
Every detail from the graphics to the hand-written notes for selected pieces to pear shaped cookies and square-shaped chocolates will make this event one you will to remember!
Mark your calendars for:
November 1-8, 2008 between the hours of
9-5p.m. (excluding Sunday.)
So come on by our office-we have everything from showhouse samples, furniture market finds, and designer favorites. This includes but not limited to lamps, tables, art, chairs, buffets, consoles, towels, pillows, and vases all at significant savings!!
In the days approaching our event, please continuously check our blog for pictures of selected pieces and specific updates will be posted about the event!
9-5p.m. (excluding Sunday.)
So come on by our office-we have everything from showhouse samples, furniture market finds, and designer favorites. This includes but not limited to lamps, tables, art, chairs, buffets, consoles, towels, pillows, and vases all at significant savings!!
In the days approaching our event, please continuously check our blog for pictures of selected pieces and specific updates will be posted about the event!
Make it a good one!