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7 Top Essentials to Add an Epic Touch to Your Master Bedroom

“A room should never allow the eye to settle in one place. It should smile at you and create fantasy.”

 – Juan Montoya, architect and prolific interior designer

Your master bedroom is your sanctuary where you start and end each day. Making it stylish and supremely comfortable is a must, whether during a home renovation, seasonal makeover, moving into a new home, decluttering, or a significant life event.

Whatever the reason, you are in the right place. From a tranquil color palette, as seen in this soothing blue bedroom on Elle Decor, to smart storage like The Container Store’s closet systems. Let’s explore the seven top essentials to transform your master bedroom. 

Mood Lighting

Creating the perfect night begins with setting the right mood. 

Whether you are looking for a relaxing or romantic atmosphere, lighting design can instantly transform the ambiance of your master bedroom. Dimmable lights and lamps are the perfect combo to create different effects. 

Smart lighting systems like Philips Hue or LIFX allow you to adjust the color and intensity of your lights with a tap on your smartphone. For inspiration, check out Blisslights’s guide on mood lighting to create a romantic atmosphere.

Add accent lighting like these Eclipse Terrazo sconces to create a spa ambiance. Portable lamps allow flexibility to highlight artwork or reading nooks. 

You can also add some candles or a lava lamp for a more atmospheric touch. 

Aromatherapy Diffuser

An aromatherapy diffuser adds a pleasant fragrance and promotes relaxation and better sleep.  It’s also a great way to promote calmness and well-being. 

The Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine establishes that aromatherapy can boost physical, mental, and emotional health. It can be beneficial during significant life changes and transitions.

You can opt for stylish ultrasonic or reed diffusers that blend seamlessly with your bedroom decor. These are low maintenance, require little to no power, and emit a steady, quiet mist. Place them on a nightstand or dresser to circulate relaxing scents. Keep it on while sleeping for ongoing benefits.

Elle Decor has an excellent guide and list of modern aromatherapy diffuser options.

Functional and Chic Night Stand

As with any functional furniture, this bedside accessory is a decor accent and storage. 

A set of drawers is excellent for keeping everything you need within reach, such as a lamp, a glass of water, and your favorite book. Go the extra mile and include lighting, a tray for items, and a plant for a layered look with purpose. 

Other considerations include the size of your bedroom, the style of your décor, and the items you need to store. Lastly, choosing a nightstand made from a durable material that will last for years to come.

A King/Queen Cloud Mattress and Bed

A king or queen-size mattress and bed is the perfect way to create a luxurious and relaxing oasis in your master bedroom. Invest in the ultimate comfort with a cloud-like bed. For examples, brands like Casper or Tempur-Pedic offer luxurious options. 

Sleeping on a cloud mattress is like drifting off to sleep nestled within the wispy embrace of a cumulus cloud. It envelops you like a fluffy, white fog, transporting you to dreamland upon a cushiony plane of weightless comfort.

You awake feeling refreshed and renewed after a night spent sailing upon the soothing seas of slumber. Furthermore, the Sleep Foundation’s guide can help you choose the right mattress for your bedroom. 

A Conveniently Located Closet

A well-designed closet should provide more space on the inside than it appears on the outside. Consider custom closet solutions from companies like a luxury customized closet or budget friendly IKEA’s PAX system. 

First, work with your designer to locate the closet conveniently, such as the bedroom entrance, for grab-and-go access. Next, install organizing systems like container store’s Closet Spaces helps you neatly store clothes, shoes, and accessories hidden behind sliding doors. 

With smart organization systems, it keeps your items visible, organized and within reach.

To see how homeowners creatively maximize closet space, dive into Elle Decors guide on Crafting Well-Organized Closets. The size of your bedroom, the amount of storage space you need, and your style are some factors to consider when designing the perfect closet.

Hanging Garden

Did you know you spend over 85% of your time indoors? Indoor hanging gardens can infuse your bedroom with nature’s beauty, making it more inviting. 

According to Time Magazine, indoor plants:

  • Reduce stress and anxiety
  • Sharpen your attention
  • Help patients heal faster
  • Boost your happiness
  • Improve air quality
  • Make your indoor life more pleasurable. 

Create a living wall gallery by displaying potted succulents, ferns, or herbs on floating shelves. Or go for frame mounts that can attach plants directly to the wall without taking up space. 

Check out Spruce’s Vertical Garden Ideas and Designs to help you choose the suitable hanging garden for your bedroom. 

A Vanity Table

Nothing adds a touch of glamour to your bedroom while serving as a functional space for grooming and makeup than a vanity table. The table should have a mirror, several handy drawers and shelves to store your makeup and hair products, and a comfy chair. 

Modern vanity tables allow you to hook up various devices, like speakers, to listen to your favorite tunes while you apply your make-up. The long-life LED wall lamps make all the difference. They are covered in stainless steel, resulting in a reflective effect that reduces shadows. 

Check out Vocal’s guide on choosing the perfect vanity table for your bedroom. After that, explore vintage and modern vanity designs on websites like Etsy, IKEA, or CB2.

Accessorize Your Master Bedroom With OPENUU

Redesigning your master bedroom is an opportunity to create a space that truly reflects your personality and dreams. While Fixr estimates it can cost you $20,000-$40,000 to transform your bedroom, it doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. Combining these seven mindful upgrades and others from OPENUU’s interior decor collection can unlock your bedroom. Whether expert guidance, inspiration, an expansive art collection, mirrors, or lamp accessories, we can help. 

Sign up for our home renovation checklist to help you craft your dream bedroom. 

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In Blog

7 Different Types of Lighting Design to Enhance Your Living Space

Artful lighting design is one of the best ways to make any house feel like home.  Beautiful light fixtures and illumination will brighten the corners, and make each room more welcoming to both family members and guests. Your choice in lighting can also help to personalize the space, ensuring that your home matches your personal style and unique taste in decor. 

You know better than anyone else how each room in your home could be enhanced with the addition of stylish, ambient, and properly illuminating lighting. You can replace your current light fixtures, install new fixtures, and craft a layered lighting design to suit any mood you’re in. Let’s explore seven different types of lighting that you can use to enhance your living space.

1) Light Troughs for Ambiance

Light troughs are diffused lines of light hidden behind a “trough” – usually crown molding or a ceiling recess. Trough lights are a classy, beautiful way to provide indirect light to any room. Trough lights can be used around the upper corner of your walls or, if you have ceiling molding, they can be hidden behind and around your molding structures.

The right light trough design can make your room glow without the glare of exposed bulbs or even the need for visible ceiling lights. They make wonderful ambient light, mood lighting, theater lights, and nightlights.

2) Dimmable Lights to Control Settings

Dimmable lights are a must-have when taking control of your home lighting design. Your lighting isn’t limited to darkness and brilliance, you can enjoy the moody yet visible ranges in-between. With dimmable lights, you can set the light level to match the weather outside, your indoor activities, energy level, or social setting inside your home.

One option is to have light switch dimmers installed. However, you can also add a far wider range of control over your lights with smart bulbs and smart light sculptures instead. Smart lighting gives you flexibility and control over light color as well as brightness.

3) Wall Sconces for Hallways and Accent Lighting

Sconces are extremely stylish in the right setting. Wall sconces are most popular in hallways, corridors, porches, and walkways. In comparison, a hanging light is difficult to place or would make the space feel cramped. However, a decorative wall sconce can also be perfectly placed when flanking other features like a large doorway, fireplace, mounted television, hanging wall art, or a bed’s statement headboard.

The right wall sconce design can help transform a space from plain to eye-catching, and can add personality to any room.  Wall sconces are also perfect for unusual spaces that are difficult to light traditionally.

4) Pendant Lights for Decoration

Pendant lights are popular options for any room or space with ceiling coverage. Pendant lights tend to be decorative, but also give you wonderful control over light distribution throughout your house. For example, some pendants provide a spotlight of illumination directly below, while rows of pendants can be used to light an entire room.

Pendants look excellent in a stairwell where high ceilings accentuate the long stem. They are a popular choice for kitchen island lighting as well. Pendants, like sconces, are also great for nooks and odd spaces where only a small light will do.

5) Ceiling Lights for Full Illumination

Ceiling lights, either flush light fixtures or canister lights, are the classic choice when your goal is complete illumination. Pendant and dimmable lights are certainly stylish, but sometimes you need to be able to see every detail of a room. Flush lights can add subtle elegance to a room depending on your choice of light cover. On the other hand, canister lights are designed to ‘disappear’ until their evenly distributed brilliance is needed.

Ceiling lights are often layered with other types of lighting due to their understated utility. Many dining rooms, for example, have a statement chandelier, complimented with a grid of canister lights. This combination is great for mood-lit dining and well-illuminated clean-up afterward. Not to mention family project or homework time under clear and glimmer-free lighting.

6) Lamps for Reading Nooks

One of the best ways to make your home feel cozy is to decorate with lamps. Table lamps, floor lamps, and lamp-style sconces make any seating area look like a welcoming reading nook.  Lamps are comfortable and often can be set to three or more brightness settings. You can set up lamps from your reading library to living room between seating areas. For example, to encourage evening conversation, or place a lamp in a nook with a bookcase and chair for the perfect quiet escape.

Lamps are a popular choice in bedrooms. It provides a place to read in bed, or a special comfy chair for reading by lamplight in the bedroom’s corner. Table lamps can put empty surfaces as a statement decoration. While floor lamps can transform inaccessible areas of the room (for example, blocked off by chairs) into a layered lighting design.

7) Chandeliers for Formal Spaces

Last but never least are statement chandeliers. Chandeliers are a long-standing tradition in home decor, but their design has evolved a great deal from the candle-lit fixtures of our ancestors. There are many different styles and even eras of chandelier design:

  • an Art Deco chandelier
  • abstract Post Modern chandelier
  • a sustainable recycled-items chandelier
  • a classic candle-style chandelier
  • a glittering crystal masterpiece

Chandeliers are traditionally hung in the dining room, but any public room can feature a breathtaking or fun chandelier. They are increasingly popular above kitchen islands, and in high-ceiling living rooms. In the bedroom, you can install and admire your favorite chandelier as you relax in bed.

Each chandelier defines your space differently, so be sure to explore your options and your personal sense of style when choosing a chandelier for your formal or social rooms.

Explore Unique Lighting Designs with OPENUU

At OPENUU, we have a delightfully stylish collection of lighting designs to enhance your space. From pendants and sconces to eye-catching light sculptures, discover the perfect lighting style to truly personalize your space.

Contact us today for Custom Designed Lighting for your home.

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In Blog

7 Essential Items for a Cozy and Safe Baby Nursery

When designing a dream baby nursery for your little one, here are 7 must-have items you should include:

1. A Crib With a Comfy Mattress That Can Grow With Your Baby

When it comes to baby nurseries, a quality crib and mattress are must-haves. To make things easier, you may want to get an adjustable convertible crib that can grow with your child from infancy through toddlerhood—a bassinet near the bed is also convenient for frequent nighttime feedings. A good quality mattress ensures both safety and comfort for your little one!

2. A Nursing or Feeding Chair

A comfortable, supportive nursing or feeding chair is an important item to have in any baby nursery. Having a dedicated spot to nurse or bottle-feed your little one can help create a relaxed and soothing environment while providing physical comfort for both you and your baby. You may want to look for a chair with adjustable heights and armrests, as well as plenty of back support.

3. Easy-to-Clean Floors

If you are looking for a flooring option in your baby’s nursery, then something that is easy to clean should be at the top of your list. A carpet is an inviting and comfortable surface for those tiny feet; however, if you do go with a carpet make sure it has anti-allergen features and low VOCs. A washable play mat will also provide a fantastic soft space where babies can explore without any worries.

4. A Closet, Dresser, or Changing Table

A dedicated changing table is an essential item in any nursery and you should look for one that has plenty of drawer space and adjustable shelves. That way, it can hold all the items you need while keeping everything organized. A closet is also a great item to include, as it will provide you with plenty of room for storage.

A closet, dresser and changing table that can grow with your baby is an invaluable item for any nursery. Look for one that has several adjustable shelves and drawers so you can easily store diapers, wipes, and other items you need as your baby grows.

5. Paint, Wallpaper, Wall Art

When considering paint, wallpaper, or wall art for a baby nursery, it’s important to choose colors and designs that create a calm and soothing environment. Soft pastel tones such as light blue, pink and yellow are often popular choices as they can evoke peacefulness and tranquility. Additionally, look for non-toxic paints that are low in VOC, which will help keep your baby’s air clean. When it comes to wall art, you may want to look for pieces with soft colors and abstract designs that can complement the overall decor of the room.

6. White Noise Machine, Speakers, or Something to Soothe Baby

If you’re looking for a way to help your little one sleep peacefully, consider investing in white noise machines or speakers. White noise machines can provide an array of relaxing sounds that will ensure baby gets quality rest, while speakers are ideal for playing lullabies and other calming tunes. Either option can be very helpful in creating a peaceful atmosphere within the nursery.

7. Baby Monitor

As a parent, you want to make sure your baby is safe and secure at all times. Investing in a reliable baby monitor can provide both safety and peace of mind for the whole family. When shopping for one, look for features like two-way audio, night vision capabilities and temperature sensors: perfect additions if you’d like to keep an eye on your little one from any area in the house!

3 Extra Optional Items

1. An Extra Pullout Bed

Transform your baby’s nursery into a multi-functional wonderland by adding an extra pull-out bed. Having family and friends stay over is much simpler when you can combine convenience with style; giving them their own sleeping area while also allowing the space to be used as a playroom.

2. A Shelf for Books, Toys, Montessori Style

Having a shelf for books and toys in the baby’s nursery is a great way to encourage imaginative play. You may want to look for shelves that are low to the ground, as this will help ensure your baby’s safety. Additionally, you could opt for more Montessori-style wooden shelves, which can provide an aesthetically pleasing and practical solution.

3. An Air Purifier or IQ Air Monitor to Check PM 2.5

If you live in a location with poor air quality, you may want to consider investing in an air purifier or IQ air monitor for your baby’s nursery. This can help ensure that the air is free of pollutants such as dust, pollen, and smoke. An IQ air monitor is especially helpful as it can detect the levels of PM 2.5 in the air, so you can be sure your baby is breathing clean air.

Conclusion

From a crib with a good mattress to an air purifier, these items will help ensure your baby has everything they need for a safe and comfortable space. And if you have the extra space and budget, these three optional items can add even more comfort and convenience for you and your little one.

OPENUU provides a full range of baby nursery design services, helping you create the perfect room for your little one. Contact us to find out more today.

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In Blog

Why It’s Worth It to Pay for a Designer

Whether you’re a retail business development manager looking for ways to revitalize an existing storefront or are looking to expand and open a brand-new and seamless retail space, partnering with, and paying for a designer can positively benefit your journey in ways you may not have thought of.

While you’re in the midst of budgeting your renovation, planning a budget, and figuring out how you can accurately demonstrate your brand to your target consumers, a designer can help bring together the details and create a visual storytelling experience like no other.

Not completely sold on investing part of your design and construction budget on a retail design expert? We’ll discuss the reasons that it’s worth it to pay for a designer below, from the start of your latest project through to completion.

What a Designer Can Help You Achieve

The overall design process of your storefront matters when it comes to persuading customers to browse your products and make the decision to move forward with a purchase. From the predetermined customer flow to the window displays that beckon foot traffic from your shops exterior, a retail designer can focus their attention on the smallest details which have the biggest impact on your sales.

Additionally, a best-in-class retail designer can infuse fresh energy into your retail projects, sharing their industry insights and providing connections that will help you streamline your revitalization process and align your branding throughout your retail shop’s built environment.

How to Choose a Designer to Fulfill Your Retail Design Needs

Designing an engaging retail space is no small feat, and as such, your first step in the design process is hiring a retail designer with the expertise and connections you need to cultivate an ideal customer experience. When choosing a designer, make sure that you review their design portfolios to ensure that they do in fact specialize in retail and commercial design. Only industry professionals will know how to work with construction companies and navigate the inevitable barriers and obstacles that can plague design implementation processes.

Why Is Investing in a Designer Worth It?

Only designers have the network, knowledge, and experience to weave your brand, vision, and product together seamlessly in the built environment of your store. Additionally, retail designers are in tune with what fixtures and non-visual cues impact the customer experience, including sound, texture, and ambiance.

A professional designer will sit down with you to generate new ideas, educate you on retail habits, and even help you optimize your budget for a cost-effective project. Design is a constant movement forward, and a professional designer can help you consistently innovate and create your ideal customer experience for your unique retail space.

For more information on our retail design services, contact us today.

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In Blog

Why Choosing a Retail Store Layout is Important

According to Big Commerce, 51% of Americans would rather shop online, with 96% of Americans sharing that they’ve made at least one online purchase in their lifetime. With statistics like this, it’s no wonder that many retail stores are rebranding and renovating their storefronts to encourage foot traffic and reconnect with a lost customer base.

Part of this retail revitalization process is choosing a retail typology that aligns with a shop’s target consumer while optimizing sales. The layout of a retail shop can make a major difference in customer shopping habits, visual aesthetic, and overall profitability of the store.

Whether you’re in the midst of a retail redesign or are interested in working with a retail designer to incorporate a best-in-class layout into your new retail location, acquaint yourself with some common retail design typologies that can impact your branding, customer experience, and business success.

Why Choosing a Retail Store Layout Matters

The layout or floor plan of your retail store impacts how customers flow through your store. Retail designers are experts in understanding how customer flow can help stores optimize their sales process and can guide you towards the right store layout for your unique brand and products.

Types of Retail Store Layouts

In the modern market, there are four typical store layouts that are often used by retail storefronts of all sizes:

Free-flow store layouts: These layouts encourage customers to browse freely with no predetermined customer flow. This layout allows for maximum creativity, allowing for retail and shop owners to play around with product placement to see what customers organically wander towards.

Grid store layouts: Grid layouts are one of the most popular layouts in major grocery chains. With designated aisles, product always in sight, and areas of the store where themed or related products have their “home,” grid layouts are often put in place to maximize sales and encourage last-minute purchases.

Loop store layouts: Loop layouts are a spin on the grid layout for retail environments who want their customer flow to see as much product as possible. In this layout, customers are guided through a store “loop” with targeted products placed in specific locations.

Herringbone store layouts: Herringbone layouts are ideal for long and narrow retail spaces often seen in dense downtown cores and malls. This particular layout again takes after the traditional grid layout of large stores, but add space for comfort and relaxation in the midst of so much product in a small space.

If you’re trying to find the best store layout or retail typology for your unique retail space, take the time to think about the types of product you have, your location, available space, and how you want your customers to flow through the store. Retail designers can be of benefit to shop owners who want to maximize their sales and create a welcoming retail environment.

For more information on what kind of retail design will work best for your new retail store, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

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The Benefits of Having a Retail Designer in Your Corner

Although there are plenty of sales being made daily on online shopping platforms, there is still something to be said about the comforting and engaging experience of shopping in a well-designed retail store.

To maximize a retail shop’s potential, many shop owners are turning to the expertise of retail designers to help them make informed decisions, plan their budgets, and work their brand into every aspect of visual storytelling that they can.

Whether you are opening a new retail store or are interested in rebranding to align better with your customer base, consider partnering with a retail designer who can provide benefits that you may not have thought to be possible through design.

What is Retail Design?

Retail design is the way in which aspects of your brand and story are integrated into your shop’s built environment. From the lighting in your store to well-designed window displays, retail design works to capture a potential customer’s attention and encourages them to step foot in your shop.

What Are the Benefits of Partnering with a Retail Designer?

Retail designers are industry professionals dedicated to helping you create a visual storytelling process that is custom tailored to your unique brand. When done correctly, best-in-class retail designers can help shop owners increase their return on investment (ROI) by ensuring that:

·      Product information is accessible to potential customers

·      Branding can be seen in all details of the retail environment

·      Customer flow is optimized to encourage purchases

The general floor plan of your retail shop has a major effect on your customer’s buying habits. Retail designers help store owners design a floor plan that showcases core products and encourages casual browsing.

Retail designers are also specialists in helping you voice your brand and create appealing visual aspects that reflect your values and products. The interior design fixtures and features of your shop play a big part in how a customer feels in your shop. By discussing the pros and cons of specific environmental choices like lighting, furniture, and sound in your space, a retail designer can help you create an ambiance that invites in your ideal customer.

Your vision may not always match the results when you take on the retail design process alone. However, when you work with a retail designer, you can generate new ideas, communicate your vision, and have it executed functionally and incorporated seamlessly into your retail environment.

Standing out amongst the crowd is key to retail success. A retail designer can help you establish yourself as a best-in-class shop that your ideal customer base will be drawn and create brand loyalty.

Want to know more about the benefits of hiring a retail designer?

Contact us today, and we’ll happily answer any questions that you may have.

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In Blog

Why Hire a Designer to Help with Your Retail Design and Management

The design and management of your retail store is part of a greater collective of people dedicated to opening a top-notch shop. The interior design of your retail store has a much greater impact on your potential customer’s experience than you may think, so choosing to invest a percentage of your budget in a professional retail design studio can deliver a high return on investment (ROI).

From your store layout to effective retail signage, your retail concept should be represented continuously in a well-designed and managed store. By working with a design expert to ensure that your store is inviting and inspires purchases, you can streamline your sales processes and create a best-in-class customer experience.

ADesigner with Retail Design Experience

A retail designer is an experienced professional who helps shop owners cultivate their retail brand in the built environment. From signage to window displays, a retail designer will help you manage varying aspects of your store’s design concepts.

How Can Your Store Benefit from a Retail Designer?

Because a retail designer has a diverse skill set, they can help businesses create effective retail environments that promote sales and create an inviting and comforting experience for shoppers. They can also benefit your storefront in the following ways:

·      Retail designers will help you avoid mistakes. Because of their experience and knowledge in the industry, a retail designer is often equipped with a network of contractors and connections that can streamline your renovations and help you make the most out of your design and construction budget.

·      Retail designers can help you manage and make well-informed budget decisions. Creating a well-rounded and efficient budget for your retail store can be a painful process ridden with obstacles and challenges. However, retail designers boast their knowledge of regulations, zoning, and industry research to help you account for all budgetary needs to create a budget and future-forward plan to get your retail space off the ground.

·      Retail designers can help you manage your brand and create a cohesive design flow throughout your store. Your retail shop’s branding doesn’t stop with logo creation. Retail designers realize that your store’s story and brand should be woven into every detail of your store, and will work with you to manage your decision-making process and create an ambiance that reflects your brand.

Are You Ready to Optimize Your Retail Design and Management Process?

Choosing to work with a retail designer and manager is a worthy investment that both current and future shop owners should consider. Whether you’re in the midst of a rebrand or simply want to open a shop that entices your target consumer, your retail design will help you capture and retain a loyal customer base.

Want to learn more about what a retail designer help you with your new store?

Contact us today to discuss our future-forward services.

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In Blog

Renovation Time: How to Plan the Duration of Your Home Improvement Project

How much time should you allocate for a new home renovation?

Home renovations are each a unique project to the space and the changes you want to make. Naturally, renovating a small bathroom will take less time than the same depth of renovations in the kitchen. Repainting your cabinetry will take less time than rebuilding the whole cabinet set.  No matter how big or small your renovations, it is vital to know the real time estimate for the duration

Time Your Renovation in Stages

How long will your renovation take? This is easiest to answer in stages. Consider each state necessary, from ripping out the old features to building brand new features – each stage takes time. Roughly, you can allot 2 hours of time per day per team reliably and up to 6 hours of rotating shifts. The number of tasks, in total, that make up your renovation project will determine how long it will take to complete. 

You can also look up each type of renovation task to determine how much must be built before other features are built around it.

Example Renovation Stages 8-20 weeks

  • Planning & Design Stage – 2-4 weeks
  • Supply Delivery – 2-8 weeks
  • Tear-Out Stage – 1-2 weeks
  • Utility Line Stage – 1-2 weeks
  • Fixtures and Features – 1 week
  • Structures, Cabinets, and Countertops – 1-4 weeks
  • Paints, Finishes, and Sealcoat – 2-5 days

It can be as small as a quick bathroom renovation, to the whole gut renovation, which could be 6 months long!

Make Plans to Stay Somewhere Else

Most home renovations are less than enjoyable to live next to. Homes are often open with sheets of plastic and privacy is not guaranteed. Once you have determined how long your home renovation is likely to be, you can make plans to safely stay elsewhere. Pack up the family and catch a stay-cation at a local resort, visit relatives, or stay with a nearby friend. You can also book a vacation rental – temporarily renting a vacation-style home in the suburbs for comfort and convenience without the complexity of living in a hotel for a few weeks or months.

Causes for Home Renovation Delays

  • Design changes
  • Supplier shortages
  • Shipping delays
  • Poor weather (outdoor work)

Another serious consideration is that delays happen. Most contractors will advise you to add a few extra days to your schedule to account for delays.  Project delays can come from a variety of sources. If you have a project exposed to the outside, then weather plays a role. Lately, we’ve faced widespread manufacturing and transport shortages, leading to supply and shipping delays. If the homeowner makes a design change, this can also result in a delay as plans change.

Calculate and plan for delays so that a late shipment or poor weather doesn’t throw off your entire estimated schedule for completion.

Ordering Furniture for Your Renovated Home

When your work experiences no delays and contractors can arrive throughout the week, often deliveries are the one thing you have to plan furthest ahead. Special ordered building materials can take weeks or months to arrive.

Home renovations also tend to pair with redecoration and new furniture. Ordering new furniture for your home can take 6-8 weeks for delivery. This is part of the reason why it’s important to have a complete design plan before you begin. By ordering your furniture and building materials early, you can optimize their delivery time for when your renovation project is ready to put them to use. Ordering furniture early ensures the furniture is available when the work on your house is done and you’re ready to redecorate.

How long does a home improvement project take? It depends on the stages of home improvement and the shipment times for the materials, fixtures, and furniture your project needs. Work with your contractors (or DIY your plan) to order your goods early. You can choose to start work when your materials arrive or time their arrival as you move through the stages of your home renovation project.

Looking for trendy, beautiful furniture for your new home design? Contact us today.

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In Blog

4 Home Interior Design Tips for Cozy Living

Nothing is as inviting, heavenly, and comfortable as a well-decorated home with a cozy living area. Maybe it’s how the furniture is arranged or how the lighting casts a warm and welcoming glow. Whatever it is, there’s just something about a perfectly decorated home that makes you want to curl up with a good book and never leave. 

Picking a home interior design style is your thin line between an inviting and comfortable home and a cold, sterile one. It’s essential to choose a style that reflects your personality and allows you to feel comfortable in your home. 

While the process can be daunting, we’ve compiled a few tips to help you smoothen your interior design process for your home.

What to Prepare Before Meeting with Your Interior Designer

Like any other important meeting in your life, there are a few things you should do before meeting with your interior designer for the first time. Prior preparation will make the session more productive and allow you to get to know your designer and see if they’re a good fit for your project. Here are a few key things you should do before meeting with your interior designer.

1. Define your project scope

The first step is to define the scope of your project clearly. Are you renovating your whole home or just one room? What is your budget? When do you need the project to be completed? These are all important questions that need to be answered before meeting with your designer.

2. Gather inspiration boards

Inspiration boards are an excellent way to communicate your design preferences to your designer. Collect images of rooms or designs you like and compile them into a board. 

This will give your designer a better understanding of your style and help them to better cater to your needs. Pinterest is a great place to start when looking for inspiration images. Create a board and start saving images that inspire you.

3. Know your design style and aesthetic preferences

Design styles vary significantly from one person to the next. What kind of look are you going for? Classic, modern, or eclectic? Be sure to have a good understanding of your design style before meeting with your designer. 

Your aesthetic preference is also an important factor to consider. Do you prefer a minimalist look, or are you more drawn to traditional designs? Be detailed in your descriptions to ensure that your designer knows exactly what you’re looking for.

4. What’s Your Budget

How much are you willing to spend on your home interior design project? This is an important question to ask before meeting with your designer. They will be able to give you a better idea of what is possible within your budget and help you to make the most of your money. Be realistic in your expectations, and don’t be afraid to ask for discounts.

What Files and Documents Do You Need?  

You’ll need to have a few key documents and files before your interior designer can start working on your project. These include:

  • A floor plan of your home (or the room you’re renovating)
  • Measurements of all the rooms in your home
  • Photos of your home (or the room you’re renovating)
  • Samples of materials you’d like to use in your project (e.g., paint, flooring, color scheme, furniture, etc.)
  • Any design preferences or inspiration boards you’ve created
  • Any sketches or ideas you have for the project

Ensure to have all of these documents ready and organized before meeting with your designer. This will help them better understand your project and make the design process much smoother.

The Value of Good Interior Design

A well-designed home looks good and reflects your personality, allowing you to feel comfortable in your home. Investing in quality interior design can also increase the value of your home, making it a wise investment for the future. 

While choosing an interior designer can be daunting, it’s important to remember that their job is to make your dreams a reality. You can rest assured that they will deliver a stunning finished product by providing them with a clear vision and all the necessary information.

How Working with a Designer will Save You Money

Interior design can be a costly affair – especially if you’re not familiar with the process. Besides the many benefits of working with an experienced interior designer, they can help you save money in the long run. How do they do this? You may ask.

  • They will help you avoid bad contractors who can do more harm than good, resulting in more costs for repairing and fixing stuff.
  • Interior designers know where to find quality materials at a fraction price as they are well connected with suppliers.
  • An interior designer can also be a great asset in helping you stay on budget. They will work with you to choose finishes and materials that fit your budget and meet your needs.
  • Designers also have a keen eye for detail and can spot potential problems before they become costly.

Let OPENUU Help You Design Your Next Project

Partnering with a reliable and experienced interior designer will help you create a beautiful and functional space that you will love for years to come. They will help you stay on budget, navigate the design process, and avoid costly mistakes. 

At OPENUU, we understand that each project is unique and take the time to get to know our clients so that we can create a space that reflects their individual styles. With us, you’re guaranteed a finished product that is stylish and practical.

Contact us for a free consultation today to learn more about how we can help you with your next project!

OPENUU
In Blog, Renovation Resources

Estimating a Renovation Fee Before the Renovation

When starting a renovation project, figuring out the cost is one of the most daunting tasks. Estimating the renovation fee involved in remodeling your home, your office or your business can be stressful and make you want to tear out your hair. Thankfully, there are tools out there that can make the process easier.

Before starting your home remodel, you can estimate the cost your project by using an online remodeling calculator. Most calculators, like the one linked, will ask you for a few specifics regarding your project (is it a bathroom remodel? Kitchen? What’s the square footage involved?) and your ZIP code to give you general costs for your area. For instance, say you were doing a remodel of your 300 square foot kitchen. You want mid-range materials and appliances, and there’s some partial demolition involved. You happen to live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area of Texas. The average cost would come out to be around fifteen thousand. You must remember though, that these numbers are including the compensation fees of the workers you’ve hired, not just the materials needed to complete the job. These calculators are often able to be used to estimate costs for businesses as well, so don’t think they can only be used for home renovations.

If you don’t want to trust a computer, however, than you can always look at the average prices of work and material in your area. You can generally expect to pay around $70 an hour for a carpenter, while a painter would be paid around $25 to $35 an hour. Electricians, if your job calls of one, can average between $70 and $90 dollars.

Cost of materials are generally simple to figure out by simply perusing the hardware and do-it-yourself stores in your area, such as Home Depot. Do some research on your contractor to find where they get their materials and how much they cost. Paying more than $2 per square foot of fiberglass insulation is much more than the national average, so make sure your contractor allows you to know the materials and costs as a way to keep track of where your funds are going.

Don’t forget to factor in costs that aren’t usual for simple renovations. According to the Houston Chronicle which recently posted an article about renovation costs:

Factors that can raise your costs include rezoning issues, seismic upgrading, installation of new air conditioning, exterior refinishing and the addition of handicapped-accessible entrances.

Knowing these costs ahead of time will help in your renovation cost estimation. Always be thorough in your checking of your home or business before your start your project, so you can anticipate additional costs ahead of time. However, as a buffer, try to put aside a small part of your budget for contingency: a just-in-case fund, for any unforeseen problems that may occur.

If you are planning a future remodel for you home, office or business feel free to contact us.