Debriefing Design

This week we chat about how we partnered up with our friends to update the master suite of their Uptown Dallas Airbnb.  See what all we considered in designing this project to accomplish goals for both the ownership and transient guests.  We also discuss shower design trends and how we were able to incorporate high-end materials into our budget.  Learn about the major differences between hospitality/commercial design and residential design.  Finally, we discuss the evolution of window shutters and what the current technologies are.

This week we talk about about how we transformed a 100SF master bath into a colorful showstopping masterpiece using the latest in tile trends: Zellige tile.  See how we made minor space planning corrections to maximize the function in this formerly personalized bathroom.  We also briefly discuss planning for a closet and also taking time to execute design updates in phases when customizing an entire home.

This week we talk about updating a home in order to get it ready for sale without breaking the bank.  See how we transformed our clients' two bathrooms and brought it into the 2020's by using premade vanities and helped open up their existing space plan.  We also discuss cost saving tips when it comes to buying fixtures and cabinets.  Join us as we vent about current freight and delivery issues that plague the industry.  We also talk about what we learned this week with the 811 service.

This week we discuss the various factors we consider when designing a full furnishings package for a client.  We also go way off-topic and have a lengthy discussion regarding laundry room design, pros and cons of front load vs top load washer/dryer, and stacked washer dryer vs unitized combinations.  Learn about the different table bases we consider when selecting a dining table and how it affects the number of seats you can place at your table.  Also hear why we like to specify larger base furniture pieces in neutrals.

Find out how we were able to save our clients tens of thousands of dollars by convincing them not to do an addition onto their 1950's cottage and instead achieved all of their goals by playing space plan tetris with the center core of their house.  We also chat about pet peeves with current home layouts, along with money saving tips for making inexpensive countertop material look like a million dollars.

To celebrate our 7-year anniversary, we discuss how a horrible freak accident impacted the design of our most recently completed master bathroom renovation.  See how we modified our proposed design to help hide away clutter and safety features to keep a modern aesthetic.  We also talk about how the recent snowmageddon changed part of our design process and different features to help our clients stay safe and warm in their newly designed master shower and how we came up with the design of his and her custom closets.

For this snowmageddon week in Texas, we discuss different ways of accentuating the kitchen island while working with a budget and discuss current trends we're seeing in kitchen islands. We also chat about our design tip regarding cabinet hardware.  This week, we're currently working on a feasibility study for a new project and discuss the history of the trash compactor and also design tricks of making a space appear visually larger.  Finally, join us for a couple of tidbits on how to select a designer.

Happy new year!  To kick off 2021, we discuss the disappearance of the breakfast nook from home planning and what is taking over its place.  We have an in-depth discussion regarding the design tips featured in this episode: getting the look of 'built-in' refrigeration without spending the associated costs, and also upholstering with 'indestructible' fabric to withstand kids, stains, and wear and tear!  We also circle back on the discussion of color temperature (kelvins) vs. brightness (lumens) when it comes to lighting.

For our final podcast of 2020, we have an in-depth discussion regarding value engineering and what exact it is.  We review the tricks we used to save money on this master bath oasis by reducing LED lighting and re-engineering the floating wood soffit.  We also talk about economics and why furniture costs so different based on different retailers.  The pantry project also gets wrapped up and we chat about our personal lessons learned along with the ones for this project.  We wish you a safe and peaceful holidays and will see you in the new year!

This week we discuss a very delicate topic that doesn't get discussed often: planning for disability and handicap.  Disability doesn't necessarily mean wheelchair bound as many physical changes we experience as we age puts us in a handicap category.  We talk about how our background in commercial design has helped us in preparing our residential clients for universal or 'aging in place' design.  We revisit the pros and cons of a wet room design for our disabled veteran clients and talk about current organization trends in a home.

Join us as we discuss one of our favorite design topics and challenges: small spaces and expand a bit further on these two almost identically sized laundry rooms and the two completely different directions we took the design.  We revisit budgeting using IKEA vs. custom cabinetry and discuss the pros and cons of gas vs. electric.  Catch up on our latest project and the proper steps of designing a custom new build home from scratch.  We also discuss some storage solution ideas when it comes to closets and staircases.

Join us as we discuss the difference between styling and staging and how we approach the two differently.  We also talk about the process of designing a custom home and the roles of an architect vs. an interior designer vs. a decorator.  Listen to a couple of funny design stories/lessons we've learned from our careers.  We also give some DIY ideas for sprucing up existing cabinetry and mixing in vintage pieces with new furniture.

Join us as we chat about the additional scope of work on Operation Wider is Better that wasn't discussed on the YouTube episode and discuss the different aspects of interior design when it comes to a project.  We also have a deep discussion of IKEA cabinetry and further discussing how to save and splurge on a budget.  Get a sneak peek at an upcoming article discussing returning to work in the coronavirus era and some of the implications this important decision will have on workplace safety.

We share our favorite parts of the final before and after reveal of Operation Give Me a Bath and discuss the custom features we splurged on.  Ever wonder how to make your budget go further?  Check out our tips on tile and grout and learn about the different options available.  We also chat about our kitchen habits and explore the evolution of the kitchen sink.  On real estate, we continue our discussion on first time homebuying and what not to do when financing a home purchase.

With 5 Tuesdays in June, we thought it would be fun to feature our first guest ever, Fraser Realty's broker, Matthew Fraser.  Join us as we learn about Matthew's real estate beginnings and reminisce our own origins.  We also talk about the reality of the real estate business versus the perception based on reality television.  Finally, we discuss homebuying and trends we are currently seeing as a result of coronavirus.

Join us as we explore the permitting process for a renovation.  We also discuss how different types of foundation allows or limits the creative extents of a design.  Find out what problems we ran into during the construction process for Operation Give Me a Bath and how that affected our clients' contingency fund.  We also continue our conversation regarding buying for a first-time home buyer and what to expect during the option period.  Finally, what we learned recently regarding solar panels on a house may shock you.

Join us as we dive further into the space planning process that occurred on Operation Give Me a Bath and talk about designing with pocket doors vs. barn doors vs. sliding doors.  Find out why bifold doors are one of our biggest design pet peeves.  We also chat about our own homebuying experiences and go in depth into the first-time home buying process from a design and also real estate aspect.  Finally, what is an eBuyer and what to be aware of when using an online selling/buying real estate service.

We respond to your questions and feedback on Operation Casa Madera and discuss in detail color psychology, lighting terminology, rolling ladder design, and radiant heating! We also go over some tips for showing houses during the coronavirus and tips and tools to help with virtual showings.

Join us for a special episode discussing all things coronavirus.  What is the coronavirus/COVID-19 and what are the symptoms?  We review some best practices as the majority of the US is under 'shelter in place' orders.  And go over ideas for parents who are needing to homeschool or keep their children occupied during this hard time.  Be sure to check out Instagram for additional resources.  Be safe and remember #socialdistancing helps us #flattenthecurve.

We respond to your questions and feedback on Operation Hexpansion and dive into more of the custom cabinetry features that we did not get to discuss.  We also discuss the features of the awesome kitchen faucet, LED vs. traditional lighting, and the blue color we used in this modern kitchen masterpiece!  Get some insight for best practices to working with a designer and how to budget for a renovation.  Also get some tips on maintaining a slab foundation and how properties are appraised.