Spring time gives many people an itch to go outside and enjoy the sun, flowers and greenery all around. It also gets many people "itching" to freshen up their homes, clean out the old, and bring in the new. So we're going to devote this issue to sprucing up your home and garden - and really putting the "green" into your green spring. |
Takin' It Outdoors
The few sunny days we had make me feel like spring is just around a corner. Spring makes me think about flowers, gardening and parties. Here are some ideas for putting a little "spring" in your outdoor areas.
Starter pots - Make your own starter pots from newspapers. This video will show you how - Starter pots.
Outdoor furniture - If you want to recover your outdoor furniture - here's some good news. Your old Sunbrella fabrics can be recycled through the Sunbrella recycling program. Go to Sunbrella for more information.
 Shapeless space - Modular everything is hot. It allows you to reinvent your space whenever you want. These aluminum modular walls give interest and shape to a lifeless space. The walls can even be backlit for an added twist. Check it out at Flora.
 Outdoor cooking - A modular kitchen that lets you design the perfect outdoor kitchen for your space. Available throughout the California area -- for dealers check Fuego. |
| Greenabulous Finds
 Spring Showers -- Bring the spring rainbows inside with the magic showerhead. The showerhead that uses LED lighting to brighten your morning with color.
 Revolutionary tile -- This new eco-friendly tile by Dialoghi is kind to the earth and extremely beautiful. Recycled wood and tile makes this a uniquely interesting installation. Check it out at Agile.
They are not like us -- I suspect that a majority of us will never own this shower but it is so beautiful that I just had to share. For more information, go to Egg Shower.
Creepy Art -- How would you like this mural on your ceiling? |
Demystifying the Design Process
Part II - Initial Consultation
You have contacted a designer and scheduled your first appointment. The initial consultation with the designer will vary designer by designer. Some designers may charge for the initial meeting while others may use it as a way to determine if he or she is a good fit for your project. As the homeowner you can also use this first meeting to determine if this is the designer with which you want to share personal details of your family life and home.
The first meeting with a designer should be a productive one. If you are being charged by the hour, you should expect the designer to use the time effectively. The designer should ask questions regarding the scope of the project so that accurate estimates may be given. You may also be asked about your budget for the project. The designer should also ask about how the room functions, what pieces or architectural features you would like to preserve and determine the schedule or timeline for the project.
At the close of the meeting the designer may present you with a contract that outlines the services that will be performed as the fee schedule for these services. Once the contract is signed the project can begin in earnest.
Sincerely,
Marie L. Brown, LEED AP
Eco-Chic Design |
