Page 110 - Southern Oregon Magazine Summer 2021

welcome home | design

Hire an architect if it is a big job. They can render the space for you,
make sure codes and building requirements are met, and provide a
workable set of documents for your contractor to get right to work. I
am currently working with my favorite architect on new builds and the
creative collaboration has been amazing. We are a solid team between
the client, the architect, the contractor and me.

Take time to get the best contractor you can, and wait if you need
to. Building is stressful and can be a big invasion into your family
life, so make sure you feel the relationship is strong with excellent
communication.

Understand that specialty materials require special installers. For
AFTER example, cement tiles are beautiful but thicker than standard tiles, and
BEFORE this can create uneven thresholds if it is not viewed and planned for in
advance.

SUPPLIES

Limit your shopping choices to your favorite stores or brands, use the
expertise of our local stores, and even if you are interested in some
higher end or more unusual items, many local dealers will get the
product for you happily. For example, local plumbing supply stores will
put together all the parts, making sure you’ve ordered all the proper
pipes, valves, or couplings. This is far better than trying to put it all
into a shopping cart online. And, you get the pleasure of working with
real people, not an automated phone system when there is a problem.

SAMPLES are everything! Order samples of your metal finishes, paint
colors, wallpaper, flooring, countertops, etc. You need to lay it all out
and see it together in person. I have never done a project without my
tote full of samples to bring to the job site. The trades appreciate see-
ing the real deal as well. Do not rely on internet pictures for quality
of finishes.

Splurge where you can. Things like flooring, lighting, quality plumbing
fixtures, and countertops are items where you won’t regret spending
extra dollars in the long run.

SPACE PLANNING

Make sure to have a full layout/ drawing of your space with furnishings.
And remember, kids grow up fast, so design kid friendly spaces with lots
of flexibility, and don’t install lower height bath countertops in their
baths or other juvenile built-ins. Just use a footstool when they are little.
Analyze the space for aging in place if you are considering your home
your forever space.

I think space planning is one of the most important elements of all. I
have seen beautiful homes designed only to be called after they are built,
and then worked with the client struggling to figure out where to put
RENDERING BY KELLY INGLEDEW DESIGN a sofa, or the master headboard. This is the area we analyze the most.

108 www.southernoregonmagazine.com | summer 2021