Solutions to Common Design Problems
In the
Bay Area, many of us dwell in small places or live high-tech lives in low-tech
spaces. More than half of San Francisco's housing was built before 1939;
another 25% dates from 1940 to 1950 -- before computers, big screen TV
or food processors. Making our lives fit our dwellings can be a problem
when multi-tasking days leave little time for decorating, shopping, organizing
or moving.
Whether you're remodeling, downsizing, or just updating a
room, Interior designer Nicolette Toussaint can help you find solutions. Nicolette,
the veteran of multiple home renovation projects, is happy to solve problems
such as:
- Disorganized rooms
- Lack of office or desk space - papers and books everywhere!
- Poor lighting - shadows falling on your reading or counter space
- Cramped hallways and passages
- Disorganized closet space, clothing clutter
- Visually unappealing rooms
- Windows that lack privacy, have drafts or poor light control
- Messiness due to loved pets or children (keep the pets and children
- fix the room!)
Help! Room clutter? Space Planning?
Color Problems? What will Help?
Unsure what kind of help your room might need? Take our diagnostic room-grading
quiz and find out!
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 Something
Old, Something New
In this 1906 house, we removed an unsafe, improperly
vented fireplace. We wanted to save the mantle and add
period detail. After framing, a flame-proof steel unit
was installed. The original mantle was remounted over it,
decorative trim at left was added, and then all parts
were painted to produce a safe and attractive "new" fireplace. |
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Closet
Problem Solved!
Why
did 1930 contractors build closets just 10 to 12
inches deep? That's far too shallow for hanging
clothes! Here, a new closet was built at the end
of a room, allowing enough space for clothes hangers
to dangle perpendicular to the bar, keeping garments
neat. The room's ten foot ceilings allowed us to
add extra storage space above the clothing closet,
while triple mirrored doors prevent the room from
looking closed-in.
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An
existing 12-inch deep closet was remodeled; it now
offers convenient storage for shoes, belts, and
(unseen) bags and sweaters.
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Heads Up on Bathroom Storage: Modern pedestal
sinks and designer vanities look sleek until
they get cluttered with toiletries. The problem
is that they usually lack storage space.
Here's a solution! A hotel shelf that can be mounted
on the wall or even over a doorway. An attractive basket
hides your backup bottles of toiletries.upkup bottle
of shampoo, boxes of hand soap and other bulky it |
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