RCI BlogTalk To Us

Red Couch Interiors

Dwelling. Sharing. Living.

About Red Couch Interiors

Why Hiring an Interior Designer is Your Next Smart Move

By

Why Hiring an Interior Designer

is Your Next Smart Move

Hiring an interior designer is not just for the rich and famous.  Projects of all shapes and sizes can benefit from the trained eye of a professional.  Most homeowners are unaware that a designer is a jack-of-all-trades and can offer his or her expertise in any number of ways that are helpful, from the big picture to the smallest detail.  Here are four reasons why hiring a designer for a project is your next smart move.

Pierce Residence

1. An interior designer can save you money.

Sound like an oxymoron?  Well, it’s not!  Hiring a designer does not mean you are locked into paying exorbitant fees.  Many designers are available for consultations charged at an hourly rate so you can avoid being tied down to a contract.  You don’t necessarily need an architect for every project; designers are qualified to draw up preliminary plans and help you cast vision for making your dreams a reality.  Homeowners are often hesitant to share their budget for fear of being taken advantage of, but a designer can help you stay within your budget by assisting you in making wise selections.  They see the broader scope of a project and can help you eliminate, scale down, or substitute one option for another.  The cost of making a mistake or regretting a choice is well worth the money spent up front for their skills.

2. An interior designer has connections.

Simply put, a designer knows things you don’t!  They have an established network of trusted subcontractors and can assist you in hiring the right contractor for your project.  They are “in the know” when it comes to new materials and technology and can make suggestions for things you are unaware even exist.  They have access to products, fabrics and resources not available to the general public and may even be able to find better deals than you would on your own.  These connections can save you time spent researching your options, which means less stress and risk on your end.

3. An interior designer works as a liaison.

An interior designer acts as a go-between for you and your contractor.  They speak the industry language and are able to interpret what your contractor says into information you can digest and process.  If you choose a contractor they have recommended, their already-established rapport will make the project run more smoothly.  A designer can manage the construction phase while simultaneously assisting you with design choices.  When problems or miscommunication occur, your designer will handle things on your behalf so you don’t need to carry the stress.

4. An interior designer balances details and design.

A designer has the unique ability to balance form and function.  They can oversee the master plan without overlooking minute details.  They have knowledge about structural considerations and building codes, but they can also identify small things that might get missed, such as unusual outlet placement or door width.  A designer can help you visualize furniture placement, introduce options for couches and chairs, recommend colors and patterns, and suggest additional accessories.  Space, color, and aesthetic … they weave it all together seamlessly because they understand that details matter just as much as the overall design.

Including a designer in your next renovation could make a world of difference to your budget, stress level, and finished product.  Whether you need someone to help you get started, tie all the details together, or do the things you don’t have time to do, an interior designer may be just the person to help your project go from figment to fact. 

 

 

Pet-Friendly Homes

By

Pet-Friendly Homes

According to a recent survey by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 68% of U.S. households own a pet.  Homeowners are increasingly aware of the need to make their houses conducive to pet ownership.  Both pets and their owners benefit when the details take center stage, and you don’t have to compromise on style in order to make room for your furry friends.  Consider some of the tips below to make your pet-friendly home sensible, attractive, and organized.

STORAGE

Create a “pet central” area in your home, whether this is a particular room, such as the mudroom or laundry, or a specific cabinet where food, toys, and leashes are kept.  Store pet food or treats in colorful or patterned canisters that blend in with your overall esthetic.  If storage space is at a premium, invest in attractive bins where items can be quickly tossed for tidying up or quickly retrieved for walks or play.  Color-coordinate your pet’s bed, leashes and supplies to keep a streamlined, less cluttered look. 

SAFETY

Some basic, simple steps can help keep both your pet and your home safe from harm.  Use a safety gate to detain pets from certain rooms or to block floors where they are not allowed to roam.  Eliminate any toxic plants from your home and place a lid on your garbage can so pets can’t get to bones or other sharp objects that could harm them.  Make sure electrical cords or blind pulls are located safely out of reach.  Store cleaning supplies, detergents and medications behind closed doors. 

SURFACES

There are numerous ways to pet-proof your home for essential sanitary and functional reasons.  Purchase upholstered furniture treated with a stain-resistant product or use indoor/outdoor fabric to re-cover existing furniture.  Consider slipcovers that are washable and bleachable.  If your pet sleeps in your bed, invest in a waterproof mattress pad in case of accidents.  Use carpet tiles instead of wall-to-wall carpet.  This allows you to remove and replace any areas that are damaged or stained.  Ceramic tiles hold up well to paws and claws; if you prefer the warmth of wood floors, stick with hard woods such as oak or mahogany, which better withstand heavy use.  If an area rug suits your style, a seagrass or sisal rug is a durable and less expensive option.

STYLE

Good news!  You don’t need to compromise on style in order to make your home a haven for pets.  It’s possible to add practical pet care that complements the rest of your décor.  Buy a colorful, geometric rug to place under your pet’s food and water dishes to protect the floor.  Purchase a pet bed that matches the surrounding environment. Food and water bowls come in all sorts of materials and surfaces; steel, aluminum, metal and stone options are both durable and trendy.  Hang a series of fun, graphic leashes on hooks beside the door.  Purchase a table dog bed or retrofit an existing side table to pull double duty … room for lamps, books and décor on top, space for a “napping nook” on the bottom.

It’s possible to create a pet-friendly setting that combines both functional and fun elements for storage and style.  Whether it’s a soft rug, a new bed, or an eye-catching storage bin, you and your pet can feel equally at home in the same space.

 

Sense-Sensitive Design for Seniors

By

Sense-Sensitive Design for Seniors

“Aging in place” is the prevailing catchphrase for adapting a home to accommodate those who are growing older and wish to maintain their independence in a familiar environment for as long as possible.  In such cases, design is focused primarily on implementing practical ways to create ease and comfort rather than spotlighting an inevitable but unpredictable decline.  When possible, it is prudent to make adjustments before a crisis occurs so the homeowner can gradually adapt to the changes.

As people age, their five senses will ultimately begin to decline, causing potential safety issues in addition to hindering their ability to care for themselves.  Many factors beyond mere age contribute to this, among them poor circulation, medication side effects, skin or nerve damage, or neurological disorders.  Thankfully, the market continues to introduce new solutions, technologies, and design elements that are easy to use and fit naturally into an existing environment.  This month RCI presents 20 safety tips for seniors, keeping the five senses in mind.

  1. Choose appliances with easy-to-read fonts and stark color contrast on display panels.
  2. Install toe kick lighting on a dimmer in the bathroom and kitchen. These can be adjusted to double as night lights.
  3. Use contrasting colors on walls and floors or on walls and outlets for those who are challenged with spatial and depth perception issues.
  4. Use matte finish paint instead of gloss to reduce glare.
  5. Arrange furniture so light falls over the shoulder when seated. Create wide paths between furniture for easier walking, especially for those who need the assistance of a walker or wheelchair.
  6. Look for a refrigerator with bonus lighting so those with a low sense of smell can see outdated or moldy food.
  7. Make sure the outdoors is well-lit and that the path to the front door clearly contrasts against the landscaping for an after-dark return to home.
  8. Use lever or touchless faucets to avoid twisting or turning of knobs.
  9. Furnish the kitchen with a comfortable high stool to allow for sitting at the counter while chopping and prepping.
  10. Invest in an induction cooktop, which is cool to the touch, to prevent burns or fires.
  11. Make sure cabinetry has white or light interiors so the contents are clearly visible.
  12. Purchase a refrigerator with slide out and see-through shelves and bins.  
  13. Install grab bars and rails in the shower or tub and near the toilet.
  14. Install adjustable light controls in task zones so they can be modified according to need or task.
  15. Remove thresholds and install a curbless shower to eliminate hazardous falls.
  16. Add pull out shelves to lower cabinets so items can be retrieved easily.
  17. Connect a Sensi-Smart Thermostat, which can be adjusted via smartphone or synced with Alexa for voice-control.
  18. Use a showerhead with a sprayer attachment, making sure it has a long, tangle-free cord and buttons on the attachment itself.
  19. Install a video doorbell, which is helpful for the hearing impaired and adds a safety element for the elderly who live alone.
  20. Choose appliances with alarms that indicate completed cycles.

Implementing thoughtful changes ahead of time will make things less stressful if and when an emergency situation occurs.  A little bit of research, combined with a few purchases and adjustments, will bring ease to those who are aging and peace of mind to their loved ones simultaneously.