Where to start with design process
Jesper Brickley
8 years ago
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Starting basement finishing process-???
Comments (7)apdnj - Thanks, hope some ideas will be helpful. I designed ours years ago with a graphics software loaded on the computer I used then. There are floor planning programs available for modest investment but I haven't used one to offer a recommendation. My earlier suggestion to begin with graph paper, record dimensions and get a scale layout of the space would, in my opinion, be the place to begin. Then you have that necessary information to pass along to a planner should you enguage one. I will say I gained a respect for space planners while designing ours because it was necessary that I go measure sizes of things and make certain items would fit. With their experience, knowledge is at hand. For example, how much area is necessary for playing pool? Or, how much space does a bathroom require? But, I can definitely say I did it myself. You can do that too since time is not pressing. Good luck, come back with questions....See MoreStarting the remodel process
Comments (7)Well, It's nice to hear to that people like Ikea. My biggest reservation with Ikea was that it's the same quality as their furniture. I'm happy to hear people here tell me otherwise. There's one not far from me, and I always do drool over their kitchen designs. LaxSupermon.. That's a great idea about the soffits. I don't think there's anything behind there, only because all the other units in the building have them as well, and many of those units have different structural layouts. I've been looking at the galleries as well, and I've found quite a few that I like. I'm really concerned with making my kitchen look as open as spacious as possible, but I also want to use neutral colors so I'm flexible if I I ever repaint. Because of that, I'll most likely go with white cabinets, or a light shade of maple. The rest of my condo has Armstrong Tiger Maple laminate floors so if I go with a wood grain, I'd like the finish to be similar to that. I'm fine with MDF and a finished surface. I don't need it to be solid wood. Again I'm more concerned with durability/longevity After seeing how well my floors hold up to abuse in comparison to my neighbors real hardwoods, I'm all for engineered/synthetic products. I entertain a lot and I tend to be hard on things, so durability is paramount. Here's a pic of the floors For countertops, I want something that's low maintenance, can be used as a cutting surface, is seamless(no grout or valleys for dirt to collect), is impervious to hot pans, and allows me to use an undermount sink. I'll add another caveat.. My water heater for the entire unit is located underneath my cabinets in the corner behind the dishwasher. I will have to have an access panel on the counter to get to the shutoff valve. In the pictures, you see the outline of the current panel. Whatever countertop I choose will have to address that issue. I actually find granite too heavy looking. I love the look of butcher block, but not the maintenance so that's out. Colorwise, it would again be a light neutral color that contrasts well with white cabinets and appliances. I'll most likely go with glossier cabinets, so I'll want a flat finish on the countertops. I think I'd like to put down grey slate for the floor, so perhaps something in a lighter shade of grey. I've looked at many of the countertop options, and honestly, they all had finishes I'd be very happy with. Considering how small the countertop space is, I didn't really think price would be an issue there. BBSTX... I've also been playing with Google Sketchup, and I think it's quite powerful, (The ability to import detailed appliances was nice) I'm just wrestling with figuring out how to use it. At the moment, I can make a box (my kitchen) but I can't make a box with 5" thick walls. Every time I try to extrude the inner dimensions, it subtracts the space from the outer box. I'll figure it out eventually. :) I briefly played with the Ikea software but quit when it seemed kind of limiting. If I do go Ikea, I'm sure I'll spend some more time in it. Some examples from the gallery I like Thanks for everybody's input! Chris...See MoreStarting the process - existing and planned layout inside
Comments (6)I knew I was forgetting to tell you something! Thank you. The fridge is going to be a french door style. The ones we're look at have a total depth of about 45" when the doors are open 90 degrees, so that will be tight, but doable. We checked the oven door and dishwasher door clearances as well. Tight, but doable. The "island" is essentially a separate table that my DH will build. It's not going to be attached and will be completely movable. In fact it'll probably end up smaller then we have drawn up (3'x3') and/or have built in drop down leaves. it's going to be compatible with the kitchen table which he will also build so that they can combined into one larger table for hosting family dinners. We don't do a lot of entertaining, mostly because there's currently no where to seat everyone. We have no dining room and our living room is so small we only have seating for 5 people comfortably, 6+ is a REAL squeeze. We'd like to be able to have at least our extended family (total 6 people) over for dinner once and a while and allow everyone to be in the same room. We currently have a round drop leaf for 4 people (and there's no way to open the leaves and fit anyone around the table in our existing kitchen, it also has a center leaf that can be added). We're going to continue using that after the kitchen is done while DH builds the other items. Since there is no storage in the island other then maybe a lower shelf (the intention is to have a place to put things when you're at the fridge and as a separate prep area) we're not losing out by not having it in the kitchen right away. I hope that clarifies things. I know it'll still be tight, and once the wall is out and the new cabinets are in we're going to re-evaluate the island/table situation so we are flexible on that. Thanks for the input!...See MoreHow did you start your remodel process?
Comments (3)Blueostrich's advice about taking your time is a good one, and I think figuring out what you like is definitely the first step. I think one of the hardest parts of coming up with a design is limitless possibilities. Knowing what you like helps narrow in on where you should go. In addition to living in the space for awhile, I like to do mockups or pre-visualization. Either with drawings, Photoshop, or Sketchup. Sketchup is the most useful to me but the most time consuming. Admittedly it's not for everyone, but it makes it easy to see approximately how things will work, spatially, and makes it easy to swap elements in and out. I find that the design always evolves from the first thought. I either change my mind or refine it over time. So not having the time or money to do something you want immediately I actually think can be a good thing because it gives you an opportunity to sit on it. Renovations can be expensive and it's good to have a very clear picture of what you want and what the final product will look like, in my opinion. I recently renovated a small bathroom, and I'd say I spent about 6 months thinking about it and picking out materials and furnishings, and about 2 months on the actual labor. For inspiration I use some of the sites you mentioned, as well as furniture magazines which often have their furniture staged in spaces that can be used as inspiration. I try to DIY everything I can. Not only can it save money, but it feels good to have had a part in bringing the design to life. The only times I've contracted stuff out is if it's simply going to take me way too long (I have a full-time day job and a kid after all), or I'm worried I'll severely screw something up. While I probably could have attempted any of these, I've had plumbing, flooring, and tile work done by professionals because they are experienced and can accomplish it much faster. Sometimes with larger tasks it can be worth the money. I'll throw in, with any project, but especially if you plan on relying on DIY, it will always, always take longer than you think. And probably cost more, too....See MoreJesper Brickley
8 years agoVirgil Carter Fine Art
8 years agoVirgil Carter Fine Art
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