Close encounters with a home improvement artist
by Roger Faris
I just picked up a copy of a new magazine about Seattle. It was no great surprise that several pages were devoted to the kitchen in the home of my neighbors, John and DeAnne Brennes. He is an architect and she is an interior designer. They share a love of color and light, and have the ability and confidence to use it in spectacular ways. This was not the first article to show their work, and I'm sure there will be many more to come.
When I'm planning a home improvement project I often borrow ideas from photographs in home and garden magazines. I also read the photo captions to see who was involved in the design and construction. I've realized that beautiful projects don't happen by accident. Several years ago I began to meet design professionals. I like to attend their lectures about the design process, and learn a little about how artistic results are achieved.
A good designer can contribute tremendous value to a home improvement project. A big challenge, though, is to find the right person for the job. For residential work most people will not be well served by a designer of skyscrapers, sports arenas, or fast food restaurants. We need expert help from someone who pays attention to the needs and concerns of home owners.
Most of us want to avoid working with a design expert who is focused on making an architectural statement or an art object, rather than creating attractive and convenient living space. The new energy codes no longer allow cold, life in a fish bowl, glass houses, but unwary clients are still getting stuck with buildings that leak.
A pleasing visual appearance is only part of the job when all of the needs and goals of the customer are being considered. The location of various functions and circulation patterns are a crucial part of a convenient and workable design. Countless technology details must also be considered.
Another concern is cost. Too many people invest in detailed plans that turn out to be useless. The architects didn't have accurate ideas about construction cost, and the result is frustration, anger, and a set of blueprints gathering dust on a closet shelf. Good designers keep the budget under control by providing options in the scope and quality of the project. An expert can also avoid potential problems or expensive mistakes. The final result of the careful planning is value that far exceeds the cost of the professional assistance. Fortunately, it is possible to find this kind of help.
Rena Klein is a residential design remodeling specialist who meets all expectations. She helps find great design solutions that they can actually afford to build. Another customer friendly designer is Alan Ness. He possesses the combination of talent and thoughtfulness that people really appreciate. There is also something so likable about him.
A few days ago we were able to resolve a number of paint color decisions at our house with the help of expert consultant Robin Daly. I'd known about her for years. She has knowledge, talent and good taste from growing up in the family business (Daly's Home Decorating Centers) and from years of professional training. Over the years I've been in many homes where I had a feeling that there was something special about the colors and contrasts. I always ask questions about what went into remodeling successes. More than once the answer was that Robin had been there. Since I have made a number of almost, but not quite right paint choices in the past, I knew we could use her help. She really came through.
Out in the garden there is only one Kate Martin. She calls her business Northwest Yard and Garden Guidance, and makes "informative housecalls for do-it-yourselfers." I've lost track of how many people have called to express their enthusiasm about her skills. One day I decided to drop by her own garden to see what this was all about. It's a small, and beautifully landscaped yard. A feeling of complete harmony is hard to describe, but I certainly felt its presence. I'm determined to hire her to help plan garden improvements at our place. I'm not interested in making any more unsuccessful landscape experiments. My back can't take it.
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