But what does it cost?

Last year I met super cute blogger and designer, Lauren Liess, from Pure Style Home at the Design Bloggers' conference in LA. One of my favorite posts is her article Reality Check on what it actually costs to furnish a room. I thought I'd go through a similar exercise.

This week we will look at furnishing a standard living room complete with a sofa, two chairs, an entertainment center, curtains, and all accessories. I am assuming you have had a fire and need to replace everything!  Most of my clients come in with some items to re-purpose, and I design with a mix of price points to reach their budget numbers.  Creating a realistic budget is one of the first steps towards a successful design.

With so many design choices available, how much does it all cost? Look for my next few posts on Low, Medium, and High End design.

Ikea

Pottery Barn


 

 Restoration Hardware

Custom Design

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Window Primer

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If you've ever contemplated a remodel, you know it is all about the windows. Not only do they need to fit your home architecturally, they must function!

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They are a key player in energy usage, air quality, and light control. And did I mention they can be one of the most expensive components?

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The chart below shows all the types of windows. They each have different functions and work with different styles of homes.

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Fixed: Cannot be opened.  They are a good way to save money in certain places in your home.

Double Hung: These have two panels that slide up and down past each other. They are the traditional choice for east coast style homes.

Sliding: Usually seen in motel bathrooms, but starting to show up in modern home.

Casement: These pivot out either with a crank hinge or just a push. They are the easiest to operate.

Awning: Similar to a casement but they hinge at the top. These are often used for higher windows in kitchens and bathrooms.