In this series we’ve focused on individuals who are taking on a massive home renovation project themselves (link 1, link 2 and link 3).
The results can be stunning, but to renovate a whole house, no matter the size, is a huge commitment of time, energy and expertise that not everyone has. And maybe you don’t need to remodel your whole house. It’s livable as is, you just need to freshen up the kitchen … but you don’t really know what to do, where to start or what you want it to look like. That’s not an uncommon problem, and it’s one that Row House Interiors, a Baltimore interior design firm, can help you solve. The owner, Marianne, was kind enough to answer a few questions.
UDL: What initially drew you to interior design?
Row House Interiors: I have always believed that how we feel and function in our day to day living is directly affected by our surroundings. Through interior design I can make a positive impact on how people live.
UDL: What do you find is typically the biggest challenge in remodeling a
row home?
RHI: The proportions! Many row homes that have been rehabbed have an open floor plan. The lack of walls presents the need to make zones out of each area and create interest with furniture, color, and accessories. There are several design tricks that I use to increase the feeling of width and avoid a “bowling alley” look.
UDL: Do you have a favorite room in a house to remodel?
RHI: That’s a tough question. I enjoy working on several different projects at any given time. Family rooms are fun, and next to a kitchen they are the heart of most homes. A great family room is comfortable, has personality and caters to the needs of all of the members of the household.
UDL: What services does your firm offer?
RHI: Redesign of any room, including kitchens and bathrooms. We also do custom window treatments, bedding, reupholstering, design and color consulting.
UDL: What is the typical size of a design project for your firm?
RHI: Most projects are a room or suite of rooms. The majority of our clients have used us year after year as they are ready to embark on each new project, and some have used us as they move from one home to the next.
UDL: Could you take us through your process on a project? What happens first when you start a new project and how does it progress?
RHI: The most important step in the design process is to meet with the client, usually a few times. I ask many questions and listen carefully to what the client needs and wants. The design is only a success if it works for the client’s lifestyle and will stand the test of time in style and durability-and is also beautiful.
The next stage involves coming up with a design plan with colors, fabrics, finishes, etc. There is quite a bit of background work in design, many ideas are worked out and items sampled before they are presented to the client. We meet with the appropriate contractors and tradesmen and gather quotes. When the work begins, very often there are some changes to the plan-pipes in walls that need to be moved, fabrics that get discontinued, anything can happen, but the final product will still turn out fabulous if you are working with a pro. There are so many details that need to be addressed as the work progresses and it is important for the designer to have a running dialog with the client and the contractors.
UDL: Any big tips for people thinking about remodeling their home?
RHI: Do the projects that will make the most positive impact on how you live, and make sure that you budget enough money to complete it down to the last details. Don’t plan a remodel around a party or event, you will have your finished room for a long time so it’s important to do it right and not be rushed. And of course hiring a professional designer is invaluable. Aside from aesthetics of the design, we have the experience to solve design problems, we work closely with our contractors to execute the design properly and we can visualize the finished product before anything is started. Remodeling is extremely time consuming but with the right designer your time will be your own and the completed project will fit your taste, budget and lifestyle.
Posted in: House Tour1 Comment
i am an interior design student studying in school of interior design,cept uni,india. i doing my residence project on row house and this interview has really answered a lot of questions.
but in my view point the redsign of a row house becomes trickier with services .
in many row house projects . the issue of adequate storage is not been addresed and that affects the width,height and the overall open space.