Client: First, we want to thank you for your honest opinions and suggestions regarding our cabin upgrade.  We would like to have you give us some more feed back and ideas based on your experience.

Client: You mentioned the outside could use a lift.  What did you have in mind for that and how much difference would it make?

CDI: There are several things I can suggest that will enhance buyer interest in the house.  The river location is wonderful.  The exterior can use a little “lift” but it is generally attractive.  My advice regarding your questions is to do the following: 

Client: 1. What are your thoughts for improving the impression of the outside entry?  The door into the laundry I think is supposed to be the “back door” and the porch entry is to be the front door.  When we were there everyone used the porch as the entry door.   I don’t know how the Realtors are bringing in possible buyers, but instructions can be made that the porch is where they bring everyone in at or advise the client that they are entering through the back door.  That would change the entry impression.

CDI: 1) Create an approach to the outside entry that is appealing.  The first impression is key to gaining serious lookers.

An example of adding trim to enhance the exterior look.

Client: 2. If we do have the laundry as entry, how do we fix the problem of the water heater etc?  You mentioned the utilities need covers and visual enhancements made.  We would need some help on how this could be done and still maintain functionality of the appliances.  

 CDI: 2) The laundry/mud room is what introduces the interior of the house.  The nice cabin entry is not noticeable…the eye is drawn to the hot water heater.  The utility area needs be covered, and a pleasant entry area created with color and other visual enhancements.

Client: 3. We understand the carpet concept.  What kind of flooring would you suggest and what kind of $ are we looking at for that?

CDI: 3) The Berber carpet down the hall and into the living room is the next obvious problem.  I don’t want to have you spend $$
unnecessarily…everything should be done in order to gain the biggest value increase possible.  The things that make the place unique are the lovely deck with the river running by and the beautiful bar area.  The carpet creates a “tunnel” effect, making the living room and dining area quite long (35′x9’6″ at the dining side) and with the high ceilings, the effect is exacerbated.  If you were to have new flooring installed down the hall, kitchen and dining, cutting the carpet and leaving it intact in just the living room area, that would serve to “square up” the living space as well as help showcase the bar and cabinetry, which are the features that need to be emphasized.

Client: 4. The blinds we’re not sure about.  Can the one that is broken be restrung?  The blinds help keep the heat in during the winter and we wouldn’t want to keep moving them each winter till the place sells.  Any more thoughts?

CDI: 4) The white blinds in the living room wash out the room when closed.  They are good quality Hunter Douglas Duettes so are worth keeping. I would suggest removing them in order to show the house, in order to not distract from the view. They can be stored so a new owner would have the option of putting them back if they wish.  

Client: 5. The wood wall is warming.  I think the color is natural at this time.  Were you thinking of something like a white wash effect when you suggested lightening the color?  If we removed it I’m guessing it would be drywall.  Then that wall would need to be painted because it is in both the living and dinning/kitchen?  Could the area above the hallway and kitchen be removed and that area drywalled?  And if so how would that look?

CDI: 5) The wood paneled interior wall helps warm up the living room, but has the disadvantage of making the already long and narrow room even more narrow.  Adding a large mirror will not only create a feeling of greater width, but will also reflect the beautiful river view.  

Client: 6. Paint the walls, of course.  We need help in colors that blend well and are yet neutral to appeal to most buyers.  Are you also suggesting colors for the bedroom and loft area?

CDI: 6) The lack of color in the house is a drawback in this current market, and it dates the house. The end wall of the living room (where the stair landing is) needs to be painted an accent color (Sorry that it is one of the highest points!) to bring that wall forward in order to square up the room, as well as provide relief from the monotony of the color throughout.  I would have all other walls painted a tone that would provide a sense of warmth and serenity.  The paint color selection is critical. I would put together a palette that would do the most to give the cabin its best showing.  

Client: 7. As for furniture and accessories we’re guessing you have some ideas for that as well.  Do you have a so called “theme” idea?  We know that less is more so that the buyer can envision their things in the rooms.   Plus we don’t want to put a lot of $ into something they don’t want and will throw or give away.

CDI: 7) The items I have listed are my first recommendations.  Staging the interior with furniture and accessories would come after, and in that case, “less is more”.
 

Client: We look forward to hearing back from you with your thoughts.

CDI: Take time to discuss what you would like to pursue in regard
to the suggestions I’ve made.  I am happy to respond in more detail to any questions you may have.     

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Custom design your own bathroom! 

Add value to your house by custom redesigning your existing bathroom.  Save money on remodel costs by these ideas from a professional interior custom designer.  Before beginning a custom designed bathroom renovation create a plan.  Ask yourself these interior custom design questions;  Who uses the bathroom to be renovated? (Children or one+ adult?) How frequently is the room used?  (Guests only, family or master bath?) What kind of custom interior design expense is anticipated?  A bathroom custom design remodel can cost anywhere from $400 to $40,000 depending on what is desired.  Address storage issues.  Do you need places to store bathmats, towels, extra toilet paper or toiletries? What about the dirty clothes? Storage can be built-in or freestanding linen cabinets, medicine cabinets or  open glass shelving.  Open up options for storage by creating alcoves in the dry wall for baskets or rolled up towels.  If the bathroom to be remodeled is small, look for other options for towel and supply storage such as a rack above the toilet at head height.  Another important consideration is lighting.  If there is no window for natural light,  attention needs to be paid to lighting in the tub or shower area, around the sink or vanity, and adequate lighting as one enters the room. 

Custom design renovation options:

Does the custom design renovation project require “gutting” the entire room?  Consider expanding into another space like a existing closet or bedroom if the current bathroom interior isn’t functional for your needs.   Today’s bathrooms offer more options than ever before, such as tearing out the old tub, and creating a shower room out of tile and simple fixtures for sink and toilet.  For comfort in colder climates, in-floor heat can be added before tile, wood or laminate flooring is installed.   If flooring tile is used, it important that it is slip-resistant when there might be standing water on the floor.  If wood or laminate flooring is used, it is important to be aware that standing water needs to be dried quickly to prevent water damage.   

Custom design sinks and toilet decisions:

Toilets and sinks all range in price from $100 to hundreds of dollars, and all will serve the same basic purposes.   The difference will be in the design and the materials used.  A currently popular sink is the vessel bowl that appears to sit on top of the counter.   This requires a special faucet high enough to clear the bowl edge or a wall mount faucet.  What type of sink and faucet used is determined by the answers to your first questions…who uses the space and how often?  Someone holding a child will not want to have to turn two handles to get warm water from a faucet.  If someone has difficulty using their wrists due to arthritis they will want a faucet that operates easily without too much wrist rotation.  There are equally important considerations when selecting toilets.  Some of the water saving models flush more efficiently than others.  Some toilet bowls are higher than others and would be more comfortable for taller people to use when seated.  Then there are the different shapes….elongated or round. 

Custom design cabinets and counter top options:

Cabinetry can be anything from freestanding furniture, to ready made do-it-yourself cabinets to custom designed and built wood or laminate covered cabinets.   Countertops have a similar range.  Laminate is easy-to clean and practical.  Tile can be sophisticated, casual or playful, using color or deco pieces to create a unique custom design.  Solid surface countertops (polymer-based material) are more expensive but, because color is integrated throughout the material any dents or scratches can usually be removed with proper care.  Granite as a countertop is elegant, natural  and can be found in many  colors to enhance room design.  Granite tiles are less costly than a solid granite counter and can be used like regular tile.  As you custom design your bathroom, consider similar ideas on custom designing your kitchen.

Related posts:

1. Custom Design Interiors 321 New Site

Custom Design Interiors 321 New Site

Welcome to the new website for Custom Design Interiors 321! We are glad you stopped by. Though we are still under construction, do come back soon for fabulous tips for creating a beautiful home.

Related posts:

1. Bathroom: Custom Design