Browse Lighting on Houzz- For Example:
hixon interiors blog
February 1, 2012
January 4, 2012
Accessorizing Ideas
Browse Storage And Organization on Houzz- For Example:
January 3, 2012
Bathroom Remodel
Before
After
Before
After
This small bathroom, built in 1976 was considered custom at the time. New sensibilities reign in 2011 as well as new homeowners.
The checkerboard pattern tile in the shower and dark vanity cabinet made the space feel even smaller than it’s 5′ x 8 1/2′ size. A common trick, used by designers to enlarge the space is to set the floor tile “on point” and bring the same tile up the wall as a toe kick. White plumbing fixtures help lighten the space. The new vanity cabinet is taller with a solid-surface top and undermount sink. For added texture and interest, vinyl wallcovering was installed to bring in a warmer feel.
December 2, 2011
The Difference A Change Can Make
Here is a great example of the sort of change that can happen with your fireplace wall. What was once a very rustic look, now has a more sophisticated and polished design. The actual fireplace box and wall color remained the same, but in creating a more symmetrical design with cabinetry and stone surround, the wall is better pulled together. The television is still housed on this wall, but is located behind the cabinet doors on the left.
June 3, 2010
Why A Designer
Brunshwig & Fils is excelling in its efforts to inform the industry and growing numbers of consumers who know nothing of designers and the important role they play in the design process.
The Importance Of A Designer
Just as composition defines a fine painting so, too, does it define an exceptional interior. An interior design professional is one who is thoroughly trained in matters of color, scale, and texture and how these basic elements of design translate to home furnishings. Such experience is crucial in creating interior designs that effectively mirror a client’s lifestyle and personal design preferences.
There are many benefits to working with a design professional. Access and exposure to the nation’s leading design centers and the ability to buy “to-the-trade-only” luxury home furnishings is chief among them. Here both the experience and vision of a design professional is crucial in keeping one from making costly mistakes. Since fabrics, trimmings, wallcoverings, and upholstered furniture can be custom-ordered, the designer acts on his client’s behalf insuring that all products are ordered and completed to appropriate specifications- including scale, color and finish.
Working With A Designer
Most people choose their interior designer through referral or based upon review of a designer’s past projects and/or “signature” look. A good designer is one who is able to guide a client through the design process and ultimately create an interior reflecting that client’s own personal point-of-view. Brunschwig & Fils will provide designer referrals upon request.
Designer fees and associated methods of compensation vary depending on the interior designer and/or his specific client relationship. Some of the basics are:
*Hourly fee
A fee based upon a mutually agreed upon hourly rate
*Fixed/Flat fee
A predetermined project fee based upon stated parameters
*Commission
Also referred to as cost plus- designer adds percentage markup to all materials
**Any combination of the above
©2010 Brunschwig & Fils
http://www.brunschwig.com/whydesign.php
February 4, 2010
Tips for Getting Started on a Kitchen Remodel
If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, there are several items that you should consider. Follow these and you can expect to save time and money as well as achieve the best possible result: A beautiful and functional kitchen.
- Figure out what you like. Go through magazines and tear out anything that appeals to you. Don’t overthink it, let yourself have some fun. You can edit later.
- Sort through the pictures and ask yourself what you like in each one. With a Sharpie write on the photo why you selected it. Could be the color combination, the tile pattern, the bookshelf for cookbooks or the flooring.You will end up with lots of magazine pages and this helps you communicate what you like to your designer.
- Get organized. Start a notebook or a file folder to hold inspiration photos, paint chips and business cards.Post a piece of paper on the fridge to make notes on how you use the space. Is there a specific view you want from the sink, is there enough counter space next to the refrigerator, are half your gadgets located in the garage?
- Make a budget. Know from the start how much you can spend. Most remodels go over budget by about 14% according to the National Kitchen & Bath Assoc. Don’t be afraid to talk about budget. Working with a designer might cost more on the front end, but can save a rookie client from costly mistakes.
- Look at traffic patterns. You might want an island, but will it block the path from the garage to the fridge? That could be frustrating.
- Make three lists: Need, Want, Would be Nice. A refrigerator is a must, but do you really need a separate ice-maker? You want two ovens, but could you live with one?
- Assemble a team you trust. Ask friends and neighbors who have remodelled for referrals. Get references from contractors and designers. If you feel uncomfortable with someone, trust your instinct and keep looking. You will spend a lot of time and money with these people, you need to trust them.
- Start with appliances. Whether you buy ready-made or have custom-built cabinets, they can be fit around the fridge, stove, oven and dishwasher.
- Think about how much you will spend on food while you can’t cook. If you’re doing a big remodel plan on being without your sink for a couple of weeks. Set up a fridge-microwave-coffee area and plan to use paper plates. It’s hard to wash dishes in the bathroom.
- Ask questions. Get a timeline from everyone involved so you know what to do first.
February 3, 2010
The High & Low in Flooring
Typical pricing (per square foot) followed by typical installation cost (also per square foot).
- Stone tiles: $7 – $20 plus $6 – $8
- Hardwood: $7 – $15 plus $2 – $8
- Ceramic tiles: $5 – $15 plus$6 – $8
- Linoleum: $2 – $3 plus $5 – $7
- Laminate: $1 – $6 plus $1 – $5
- Vinyl sheet: $1 - $5 plus $1 – $2
- Vinyl tiles: $1 – $4 plus $1 – $2
December 15, 2009
Hixon Handcraft Show a Success
Felted pillow by Sylvia Ashley
Felted stocking by Sylvia Ashley
On December 9, 2009 we held a Handcraft show featuring work by Gary Hixon, Sarah Bashore, Sylvia Ashley, Kimberly Noel, and Lesli Tanski. Despite the bitter cold evening, we had lots of guests and great sales. Gary brought his one-of-a-kind jewelry, Sarah had knitted vests, scarves and hats, Kimberly had fun drawings and Lesli made tea cozies.
Hixon Interiors has started their bi-monthly Art Shows. Be on the lookout for your invitation to our next show in February, 2010.
Contemporary Craftsman Kitchen
Contemporary Craftsman Kitchen
This montage shows a kitchen where I needed to combine the two apparently opposing styles of the husband and wife. A good designer can help couples meet somewhere in the middle, so that both parties are satisfied with the result.
People Don’t Always Know What They Want
I can’t say it better than Penny Drue Baird, owner of Dessins. “People don’t always want the things or look they think they want”. Part of a designer’s job is to help clients discover what they do want. I find in almost all cases that the process becomes a learning experience for the client; their view is broadened as they are shown new and different solutions from those they are used to. Usually they experience an ‘aha’ moment, for better or for worse.