Home decor: 6 basic interior design concepts

Home decor and furnishing are exciting, and today I’d like to give you some tips that can help you do it to the best for a home that represents you deeply!

Good design is not only about aesthetics; it is not enough to put beautiful things in a room for it to be lovely and comfortable.

More importantly, it is about how each element can communicate with the other.

So it is not just a matter of “beauty,” but it is a proper interaction between the elements of the same environment.

Some basic concepts are crucial to designing or transforming any environment, making it unique and wonderful.

Each thing must be connected to the other and give a sense of unity.

These concepts that will help you best decorate your home are 6: let’s see them together!

1) The first home decor basic concept is to create EMPHASIS.

Said like this may sound tricky, but it is not: it is about creating a focal point!

So it is having something outstanding that grabs attention.

If everything in the room has the same importance, everything will seem somewhat unconnected, monotonous, or boring.

There is a need for something that attracts, that somehow breaks the patterns.

That can be a wall with a bold color, a painting or a particular object, etc.

                 

(credit archimadestudio.com)                                                                        (credit etsy.com)

2) another concept is creating CONTRAST

In order to create movement, it is relevant to put elements close together that contrast with each other through color, shape, materials, or sizes.

It can be done in many ways, for example, by combining light and dark colors, huge elements with small ones, shiny and matte surfaces, and so on…

These contrasting plays enliven the environment by giving it character!

(credit ludexo.com)                                                                                (credit neptune.com)

3) RHYTHM is another essential concept.

In furniture, rhythm is achieved by creating repetitions and contrasts: it is like in the combination of musical notes, only this one is visual!

The repetitions create a flow that guides the eye through the surrounding space.

You can do it in various ways:
– a repeated architectural detail, object, or complement
– use the color of a painting in the patterning of a pillow and in some objects.

The latter will create rhythm precisely, but it will also help create balance and tie all the various elements together.

                  

(credit shootfactory.co.uk)                                                                       (credit elledecor.com)

4) speaking of BALANCE, this is the fourth concept for a perfect interior project

Balance is the proper distribution of different visual weights.

Some colors, shapes, or sizes attract more than others and are said to have a greater visual weight.

To achieve a harmonious environment, it is paramount that these do not overpower what has less visual weight but that there is indeed a balance.

On paper, the perfect balance is symmetry, which is when dividing a room in half, the two parts are furnished in the same way; it is as if there is a mirror!

 

(credit Flanagan Lawrence source yellowtrace.com)

Why did I write “on paper”?

Because it is not mandatory that everything is symmetrical to achieve balance: on the contrary, asymmetry could make everything more dynamic!

A color with a high visual weight will balance well with a neutral colored element, but perhaps very large…

 

(credit Abramson architects)

Or, again, when elements are duplicated.

 

(credit Knoll)

5) SCALE and PROPORTIONS are basic home decor concepts when designing furniture!

SCALE takes into consideration the size of an object relative to the room in which it is placed:

Small rooms with furniture that is way too bulky will suffocate the space (and therefore you!); conversely small furniture and objects in large rooms will get lost!

                        

(credit Meridiani living)                                                                                       (credit Bronxes Studio)

PROPORTION takes into consideration the size of one item in relation to another.

A rug that is too small next to a large sofa will look out of place!

You cannot think only about the size of the room and the main furniture, but you will have to think about the size of each element and the correlation between them.

       

(credit artheco.it)                                                                                              (credit artheco.it)

6) Finally, the last concept is HARMONY.

You can achieve harmony when all the elements in the environment communicate with each other, creating a unique and balanced whole.

One must have the impression that each piece nicely matches the other.

As always, this does not mean using only one style or color, but it is paramount that each piece seems to belong to the other in some way!

To do this, you need, as mentioned before, for the pieces to communicate with each other, picking up the material or color, for example!

          

(credit casavogue.globo.com)                                                                         (credit jessicabrigham.com)

 

These six home decor concepts go hand in hand, and if followed carefully, they will help you decorate your home by creating unique and spectacular environments where you will always feel at ease!

I hope this article was helpful and you love it; in case, let me know in the comments!

Feel free to share it with anyone you think might be interested, I will be honored, and it will help me get my name out there.

If you feel that your home, or some environment of it, does not reflect you enough, do not wait any longer and book your consultancy!

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And at the end of renovation work, what happens?

And at the end of renovation work, what happens?

“I finally enjoy the house!” you’ll tell me!

Whether it is your permanent home or a second home…

And you’re right!

AND AT THE END OF RENOVATION WORK?

But I take inspiration from a fact that happened to me a few days ago, to make you understand that the end of the work and the handover of the keys does not mean that everything is finished and ok.

Some time ago, I followed the renovation of a farmhouse for foreign clients, their holiday home, and the work was finished about a year ago.

As you can easily imagine, living away from Italy, they can’t live in the house every day.

They, therefore, relied on a person who can open and check the house from time to time. And they rely on her for the management of the part used as a guest house.

This person has, as it should be, all the references of the companies and professionals who carried out the work so that she can face any problem…

In theory, at least.

BUT IT DOES NOT ALWAYS GO AS WE WOULD LIKE

Yes, because unfortunately, there was some malfunction:

– a leaking toilet,

– a shower that discharged badly,

– internet which was often absent.

Nothing really serious, just a big bother, but things that need to be fixed!

The lady, therefore, tried to call whoever had made the implant, unfortunately often IN VAIN!

Although she knows both plumbers and electricians, rightly, this person didn’t want to call them because it’s obvious that whoever made the installation knows it better and, therefore, knows where to put his hands.

I’ve tried to call them too and send them messages, which were read, but to which I didn’t receive an answer!

I honestly find this unprofessional behavior!

Sure, you can be busy at the moment, but is it possible that throughout the day, or at most the day after, you can’t find a moment to call back?

PAY ATTENTION TO THE CHOICE OF THE CONSTRUCTOR OR PROFESSIONALS!

You know how much I insist on the design phase, on how important it is to really define the project in every detail, even including the furniture (or rather, starting from that).

Once this is done, however, it’s vital to choose the right constructor or professionals!

As I explain here, it must be done after studying the project to choose highly qualified professionals in the work you have to do.

Once you have found a list of specialized technicians, you need to do a further investigation to understand which one is really for you and it will always be there… even after the delivery of the keys!

It is not easy, because, as in every field, there are serious, mediocre professionals… unfortunately also real “criminals” (yes it’s a strong term, but there are also those!)

Sites and reviews are elements that already give you a first idea, but it is not enough:

– on the sites, they could have purchased photographs and not of works actually done

– the reviews could be from friends and family!

TELL THEM ALL YOUR DOUBTS

It’s important to have an in-depth interview!

At that moment you must be able to express all your doubts, even what seems silly to you, prepare a sheet with all the questions that come to your mind.

In some ways, this is a test: if they know how to answer all your questions exhaustively, really trying to dispel any doubts, they will show you their availability!

Availability that they easily will always show you, even once the work is finished!

You must be able to be sure that if something happens, you will always have someone who can help you!

Someone who will answer you when you call, if not immediately within a short time.

And if for any reason he cannot come immediately, he will move to solve the problem anyway!

It’s not easy, let’s face it, it’s a bit of luck, but the more careful you are in this choice, without being in a hurry to start work, the more likely it is that you won’t have too many surprises during, but also afterward!

For any doubts, do not hesitate to contact me, or if you want to write to me in the comments!

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How to combine colors at home?

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How to combine colors at home to create a palette that makes the environments unique?

Let’s see it together!

Color is a very powerful element with a deep psychological meaning (I tell about it here) that allows expressing one’s personality!

Proper use of color in the home will allow you to experience every room to the fullest because you will always feel represented!

A BIT OF THEORY

Let’s start with color theory, which divides all colors into three categories:

– Primary colors: red, yellow, and blue
They are colors that cannot be produced by mixing other colors.

– Secondary colors: orange, green, and purple,
they are obtained by mixing 2 primary colors (green, for example, is obtained by mixing yellow and blue!).

– Tertiary colors: the six colors obtained by mixing a primary color with an adjacent secondary color.

 

These three categories of colors, put together, form what is called the color wheel, and it is the one we will use to figure out how best to match colors!

SMALL PREAMBLE

Before we look at the various possible combinations, I would also like to give a very brief explanation of some of the terms that are used when talking about color:

– saturation or intensity: indicates the intensity and strength of the color.
We could say that it indicates color in its purest form; the more saturated a color is, the more vivid and bright it will be; the less saturated it is, the more muted, softened… tending to gray!

– hue: it is the pure color.

– tint: it is a color to which white has been added, which has therefore been lightened.

– tone: it is a color to which gray has been added.

– shade: it is a color to which black has been added.

In the color wheel, we find, for each color, its hue, tone, and shade.

 

Finally, colors are still divided into warm colors and cool colors:

– warm colors range from yellow to violet-red and are so defined because they are associated with the heat of the fire and the sun.

– cool colors range from purple to green-yellow, which are so defined because they are associated with the sea, sky, and glaciers.

AND NOW LET’S SEE HOW TO COMBINE COLORS AT HOME

After making this necessary introduction, let’s now see the possible combinations!

1) MONOCHROMATIC matching

You choose a single color, but of this color, you use the various tints, tones, and shades.

It’s a scheme that definitely emphasizes that color a lot!

To avoid the risk of falling into monotony, I recommend playing with different patterns, fabrics, and sùrfaces to add movement!

Also, remember to add natural fabrics or metals to give more three-dimensionality.

(credit Elledecore.com)  

(credit posterstore.co.uk)

2) Matching by ANALOGY

           

Once you have chosen a color, you match it with those immediately to its right and left on the color wheel.

These colors are also called adjacent colors.

Having the same undertone it will give a sense of harmony to the color scheme.

There is also the extended analogy, that is combining the first two colors to the right and left of the chosen color.

This combination will make the color scheme a bit more dynamic than the pure analog.

(credit AD)

   

(credit eminza.it)

3) matching by COMPLEMENTARIES

 

In this type of combination, you choose the colors that are at opposite poles of the color wheel.

It is a decidedly dynamic, high-contrast combination, so it is a good idea to use it in small doses or at least calm it down with neutral colors!

(credit 4betterhome.com)

(credit countryliving.com)

4) matching by SPLIT COMPLEMENTARIES

 

It’s the combination of a color with the two colors on the right and the left of the direct complementary.

Also, in this case, calming the contrast with neutrals is a good rule!

(credit welovehomeblog.com)

(credit thekitchn.com)

5) TRIADIC matching

As for matching by analogy or split complementaries, you use three colors, which are obtained by drawing an equilateral triangle in the color wheel.

The primary colors and secondary colors form, between them, a triadic!

That is a dynamic and often unusual pairing!

(credit homedit.com)

(credit homedit.com)

There is a small rule that might be useful in matching colors of these various combinations to the best effect: namely, the 60-30-10 rule.

It means choosing one color as the “dominant” color and using it 60% of the room, perhaps on walls and in larger items.

Another color will be secondary and used at 30%, perhaps in curtains and less large items such as an ottoman.

Finally, one color will be an “accent” color and used at 10%, perhaps in pillows and objects.

6) TETRADIC matching

It is a 4-color match that you obtain by drawing a rectangle or square in the color wheel.

Honestly not an easy match that might give pleasing results, but the risk of a loud and unpleasant result is just around the corner!

(credit nzawa)

(credit Ingrid Rasmussen)

SMALL TIPS:

Before concluding, let me point out a few suggestions:

– it does not have to be all colorful: if you are a person who likes neutrals but you are drawn to these color schemes, you can include them in small elements, in decorations, such as pictures and pillows, in textiles, and other objects.

– with shrewdness and moderation, you can combine several palettes: for example, in a predominantly monochromatic room, you can give vibrancy with objects and decorations that have another type of palette, perhaps complementary!

– if you have different colors in the various rooms, tie them together with an accent color: it will act as a common thread making the various rooms, more harmonious and balanced.

For any doubts, do not hesitate to write to me in the comments, or book your consultancy!

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Open-space kitchen / living room? 7 ideas for optically dividing spaces

Open-space: ideas for dividing kitchen – living room…

The kitchen and living room are two rooms with quite different functionalities, but are now often seen together in one open-space!

There are pros and cons to having the kitchen and living room in one open space: on the one hand, we have more space, not having dividing walls, brighter rooms, and you definitely increase conviviality because you can talk to guests even while cooking.

On the other hand, the classic clutter in the kitchen, when preparing food, absolutely cannot be hidden, and even all the smells cannot be “enclosed”!

But how do you furnish an open space?

It is a good idea to try to keep, at least optically, these 2 environments separate, emphasizing their different functionalities.

There are at least 7 different ways to create division between these two areas…

Let’s look at them together!

1) USE OF FALSE CEILING and/or PLATFORM

Lowering the ceiling of either area (tends to be better in the kitchen) and perhaps using spotlights will give the impression of an effective division.

You can also do the opposite and decide to raise the kitchen one or two steps: this, too, will divide the two areas.

If the final effective height allows, you may decide to use both the platform and the false ceiling, thus creating two different rooms!

Open-space: 6 idee per dividere cucina e soggiorno                                   Open-space: 6 idee per dividere cucina e soggiorno

(credit iversonsignaturehomes.com)                                                            (credit Paul van de Kooi)

2) THE USE OF COUNTER, ISLAND, OR PENINSULA

If the room is large and spacious, you can place a counter, island, or peninsula (depending on the shape of the kitchen) that delimits the cooking area from the living room.

It will also be super functional as a work surface, and why not as well as a snack table!

In this case, placing the stools so that you sit with your back to the living room looking at the kitchen will emphasize this division even more.

Using lights that “fall” on this top will further help to give the idea of separation!

Open-space: 6 idee per dividere cucina e soggiorno                                 Open-space: 6 idee per dividere cucina e soggiorno

(credit  Aubrie Pick)                                                                         (credit elmueble.com)

3) PLACE THE SOFA WITH ITS BACK TO THE KITCHEN

The couch placed in this way, so that whoever sits down has his back to the kitchen and looks at the living room will act as a dividing “wall” between the two areas!

Adding a beautiful large rug in front of the couch will, even more, help keep these two spaces optically divided.

If, by chance, the back of the couch is not too visually appealing, you can always put some console table or, even better, a container cabinet, which, in addition to dividing the two rooms, will give more storage space!

Then if the space is tiny, you can lean the couch against the long side of the dining table!

Open-space: 6 idee per dividere cucina e soggiorno    (credit lesh-84.ru)

        Open-space: 6 idee per dividere cucina e soggiorno

(credit lesh-84.ru)

4) USE OF DIFFERENT FLOORING

Using different colors or materials for the floors of the two areas will give the impression of two divided rooms.

It is always a matter of optical!

Of course, a sharp line separating these two floorings is not mandatory, but the two surfaces can also meet in a playful and “softer” way by playing with different shapes.

Open-space: 6 idee per dividere cucina e soggiorno

(credit dezotti.com)

Open-space: 6 idee per dividere cucina e soggiorno

(credit socooc.com)

5) THE USE OF COLOR

Color is quite an incredible ally!

You may decide, for example, to divide the living room and kitchen by using a different color for the walls.

As with flooring, platform, or fall ceiling tiles, it is a matter of optics: the eye, seeing different colors, perceives different environments!

You can dare by coloring with the same color as the walls, even the ceiling creating a kind of box effect for the kitchen!

Open-space: 6 idee per dividere cucina e soggiorno          (credit Ban architecture)

       Open-space: 6 idee per dividere cucina e soggiorno

    (credit Melissa DiRenzo/apartmenttherapy.com)

6) USE OF VERTICAL PARTITIONS

Open (that is, bottomless) bookcases can be extraordinary dividing elements.

They, indeed, will delimit spaces, but without totally closing them off, allowing glance and light to pass through.

If there is not enough space for the thickness of a bookcase, you can create different open partitions, using, for example, wooden slats, or creating honeycomb or lattice structures…

The important thing, in this case, is that they are full height and create a visual separation, but not a sharp one: you must be able to glimpse what is on the other side!

Open-space: 6 idee per dividere cucina e soggiorno(credit roomandboard.com)

                Open-space: 6 idee per dividere cucina e soggiorno

(credit casaegiardino.it)

7) USE OF GLAZING

Stained glass windows are a great alternative to divide the living room and kitchen.

They create separation but keep the brightness intact!

They are ideal for those who would have liked two separate rooms because you also have the option of totally and effectively closing off the kitchen!

That will allow you to really have two separate rooms, but without losing all the advantages that open space offers!

Open-space: 6 idee per dividere cucina e soggiorno (credit fantastic frank)

                        Open-space: 6 idee per dividere cucina e soggiorno

(credit decorazione.mobelideen.com)

As always, with a bit of caution and balance, you can also create divisions by using two or more of these listed solutions together!

If you have an open space tell me how you furnished it in the comments, I’d love to get to know you better!

Also, write if you are furnishing it and have any doubts, I will be happy to answer you!

I hope this article with ideas for dividing an open-space the kitchen – living room was helpful and you love it; in case, let me know in the comments, and if you like this kind of tips you can find more on my YouTube channel!

Feel free to share it with anyone you think might be interested, I will be honored, and it will help me get my name out there.

If you feel that your home, or some environment of it, does not reflect you enough, do not wait any longer and book your consultancy!

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How to face a renovation in the best possible way?

Knowing how to face at the best a renovation, small or large, is really important to prevent the dream from becoming a nightmare!

We have said it several times, restructuring is not a picnic, and it can be very stressful, but some tricks can “facilitate” this path!

THREE TRICKS TO FACILITATE THE PATH

Let’s see them together, in order:

– CHOOSE AN ARCHITECT OR SURVEYOR:

If you need to renovate, unless you just have to redo the floors and/or whitewash, you MUST turn to a professional for the project, for the bureaucratic part, for safety on-site and, indeed, follow the work!

Be careful that not all professionals do everything I have just mentioned, so I recommend making sure that it can follow every part, not to risk any kind of sanctions!

– MAKE A DETAILED PROJECT:

I know, it’s not the first time you’ve heard me say it, but that’s because it’s really the cornerstone of the whole process!

Where to start?

If you don’t build from scratch you must surely start from the current state map!

From there, if you rule out any load-bearing walls, you can really go wild!

But I suggest you start with the furniture!

I know it sounds counterintuitive, but if you study the rooms from the furniture you’ll be able to create really functional settings!

Once you have identified the furniture, you can decide on the appropriate size for each room.

Once this is done, or at the same time, you can choose the materials and finishes, so that they will match the chosen furniture!

Then you can study the various systems, the electrical one, in particular, will be studied ad hoc for the position of the various elements present, making the environment even more comfortable!

– CHOOSE THE CONSTRUCTORS OR THE VARIOUS CRAFTSMEN:

having clear the work to be done and the materials you want to use will make it easier for you to search and find the right professionals!

I know that often we start from the choice of the constructor, but it is unthinkable that everyone can do everything!

Laying a resin, for example, is certainly not the same as laying tiles and requires different skills!

If you have a clear idea of what you want to do you can choose a constructor or craftsmen SPECIALISED who will surely know how to do a good job!

Better a single constructor or individual craftsmen?

It always depends on the works you want to do, there are the pros and cons in both cases:

– with a single constructor, you have only one contact person and the professionals working inside already know each other, this could save time,

– if turn on individual craftsmen you may get lower prices, because, easily the company will add a more or less large percentage on the quote of the individual professional!

In any case, if you choose a constructor, make sure that it does the work directly and not subcontract to another company, in this case, you can be sure that the prices will be much higher!

OTHER ADVANTAGES OF FOLLOWING THESE THREE TRICKS

Doing this will allow you to have a clear understanding of the costs you are about to face, and the picture is total!

So, not having yet “lifted a finger” you can always fix things!

Once you’ve done these three things, you can start work!

Will everything go smoothly?!

Well, it’s really hard because a few hitches and a few unexpected are easy to happen, it’s part of it!

If you invest some time in the research for the right professionals, but especially in the project, you will surely reduce the problems!

And the stress that follows and you will surely be able to face your renovation in the best way!

Even at an economic level, the possible cost increases are reduced, because the quotes for the works are based on a well-detailed project, and therefore, unless there is a change in the race on your part or something unexpected, the prices will remain the same!

TO DEAL AT THE BEST A RENOVATION IT’S POSSIBLE!

To face at the best a renovation is possible, the important thing is not to be in a hurry to start the work without having clear ideas!

Among other things, when everything is well planned, it allows you to speed up the whole process and not just a little bit because everyone will have clear what to do and so there will be no waste of time!

The investment made in the project and research will pay off!

If you’re going through a renovation and you’re feeling a little lost, don’t hesitate to contact me!!

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Why in home furnishings you should NEVER chase the fashion of the moment

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Today I would like to tackle the topic of “trends” with you, even in furniture, in fact, I would like to explain to you why in home furnishings you should NEVER chase the fashion of the moment!

NEW TRENDS ATTRACT BUT WHAT ARE THEY?

Most people tend to be heavily influenced by the fashion of the moment when they buy something.

So, we find ourselves wanting high-rise jeans at all costs, although we never dreamed of buying them just a couple of years before!

In fact, do you know what is the peculiar feature of fashion?

It is passing.

Some last a few months, others drag on for years.

But every fashion, by definition, sooner or later, will be forced to give way to the next.

Besides, how many clothes do you have in the closet that you wouldn’t wear even today under torture?

Do you see? This is exactly how it works.

A certain trend has a short life: sooner or later it will be replaced by another.

YOU CAN ALSO STORE CLOTHES BUT CAN YOU DO THE SAME WITH FURNITURE?

But, even if we can also accept putting in a corner a pair of jeans or an old-fashioned dress, the same cannot be said with some types of purchases.

I am referring, in particular, to purchases which, on the one hand, require a large investment and, on the other, will be part of our life for a long time.

Let’s take the furnishings.

Did you know that home furnishings are also heavily influenced by current trends?

I am sure you will have noticed the constant presence of furniture that recalls the past, which even appears used or worn to meet a style called Shabby Chic.

Would you have ever imagined, a few years ago, finding this type of furniture in stores?

And who knows what the near future holds for us!

WHY IS IT NOT GOOD TO FOLLOW THE FASHION OF THE MOMENT AT ALL COSTS IN THE FURNITURE?

When it comes to decorating your home, chasing a fashion isn’t a problem in itself.

So why in the furniture should you never have to follow the fashion of the moment?

The problem arises whenever the conditioning of fashion also wins over what makes us feel represented.

It is one thing to invest in a style that is fashionable and, at the same time, it is in tune with the type of person you are, another is to let fashion take on an overwhelming role, forcing you to put aside your real desires .

In the latter scenario, try to imagine how you could live in your home when the fashion of the moment will be replaced with another diametrically opposite.

And you know for sure that it will happen!

Don’t you think you would have the feeling of being a guest in someone else’s house?

That it would be extremely difficult to feel comfortable?

Finally, don’t you think you would do anything to replace those furnishings?

I understand you, though.

Momentary trends can be very captivating.

They are beautiful, aesthetically pleasing, and being tempted is easy.

THE IMPORTANT IS ALWAYS TO CHOOSE SOMETHING THAT YOU REPRESENT!

When it comes to the place where you will have to spend your life with your family, however, the aesthetic side is not enough.

It is very important, it is true.

But it cannot be the only element you evaluate.

If you did, you would run the risk of not feeling represented by your own home!

What is nothing but a nest in which you can truly be yourself.

So why don’t you try to furnish your home, giving equal importance to the aesthetic side and to the one most related to the sensations?

Do you think that many of my clients, at the beginning of our collaboration, think that I remember a psychologist very much!

Because all my work is born with the discovery of the person in front of me.

A deep analysis to understand what is the best way to make it feel welcomed within your family environment.

Which may, however, coincide with current fashion.

Or not.

What matters, as I said, is not current fashion, for which everyone can have their own opinion, but the creation of a place that makes us want to go home.

BE CAREFUL!

So always be careful when you go to buy the furniture for your home.

Do not let yourself be attracted by a particular trend (nor by the words of a seller who will do everything to make you buy what is fashionable) but let your sensations guide you.

Only in this way can you really feel at home.

Following the fashion of the moment to furnish your home is a bit like decorating by copying the images you see on interiors or in sector newspapers…  You would have a house that does not represent you!

And, if you think it’s too complicated to be able to do it alone, you know I’m at your disposal.

Just send me a message.

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Looking for a house will be a nightmare (if you don’t follow these 3 tips)

Looking for a house could be a nightmare…

Have you ever wondered what a house and a person have in common?

Well, finding the right one for both is not easy at all!

However, for the home, as for people, there is a certain feeling that makes us undoubtedly understand when we made the right choice.

In this article, I will tell you how to search and find that feeling and avoid turning the search for your home into a true nightmare.

Of course, I’m referring to the case where you need to buy it and not simply live in a rented house.

Because, as you might imagine, it’s when you decide to buy a home that the choice indeed becomes thoughtful.

In fact, if it is simply a rental, you will subconsciously think that it is a temporary solution, and you will be happy with it!

That being said, where should you start to find the ideal home?

First of all, you have to decide WHERE to look.

It may seem trivial, but the first thing to do is to have a clear idea of where to look for a house.

So: downtown or suburbs?

The choice will, of course, depend on the daily demands of work and family.

Both options have their disadvantages and advantages.

Just think about the convenience of having everything you need under the house if you live downtown.

On the other hand, though, you’ll have to deal with parking, a distant supermarket, and areas of foot traffic.

And so on.

Orienting the choice according to your daily rhythms is fundamental.

Don’t underestimate this aspect: otherwise, you will find yourself living your life uncomfortably.

If, on the other hand, you take the time to reflect and understand which area will best meet your needs, you will be able to experience even the most stressful moments in a more relaxed way.

Then you have to choose the TYPE of building

The first choice that must necessarily be made is between an apartment in a condominium and a detached house.

If you, like many, dream of an independent home, let me ask you:

Do you have any idea how much works you need to do to keep it always pleasant?

I’ll give you a simple example: mow the lawn.

Quite a boredom, right?

The comfort of an apartment is difficult to reach from an independent house; however, even in this case, don’t let yourself be attracted too easily.

Living in an apartment involves several limitations to your personal sphere.

Are you really sure that you can accept the condominium rules?

How will relations with neighbors be?

There is no correct answer: you have to stop for a second and imagine in which of the 2 situations you will be better off for your lifestyle.

Another aspect of the type of building to consider is whether to settle in a period building.

We can admit that it always has a particular charm with its large environments and full of spectacular sceneries at times.

However, modern buildings are built with state-of-the-art facilities, especially when it comes to energy conservation.

To find a compromise, you could look for a fully renovated period building: so as not to give up its charm and at the same time not to deprive yourself of the added value given by new energy technologies.

Lastly: “Play” with the floor plans.

The next step in choosing the type of house is to “play” with the floor plans.

Let me explain better.

Once you see the house that you think is interesting and may fit you, I recommend asking for a floor plan right away.

True, most floor plans are the cadastral ones, with all the limitations that come with them.

The important thing, though, is that you have a scale floor plan in hand and have been able to tour the house.

At this point, armed with a pencil and ruler and start drawing on the map the furniture you already have or those you intend to buy.

Position, move them, reposition them.

As I said, play!

Be careful though, make sure that the furniture you draw is also to scale; otherwise, you could be in for a nasty surprise when it’s time to get serious!

And why don’t you try to make multiple copies of the same floor plan?

This way, you’ll have more options to choose from.

Have you ever thought, otherwise, about a house to renovate?

In this case, the maneuvering range will be higher in terms of furniture because, unless you run into load-bearing walls, you can make some changes to the interior.

Even in this situation, don’t be overwhelmed by easy enthusiasm.

There is no right choice regardless, but only decisions functional to your life.

If you choose a house to renovate, in fact, in the face of a higher range for maneuver, you will have to deal with so much time and energy to spend.

You will need to rely on a surveyor or an architect and a construction company that can complete the works effectively and on time.

Again, my advice is to “play” with the floor plans.

In fact, the measurements on paper do not lie, while looking at the environment in person, you often get caught up in the enthusiasm and then find yourself with unexploited spaces.

Summing up

In short, you’ll have to choose:

– the area where you would like to live
– the type of building
– how to furnish through the use of floor plans

And always remember:

the perfect house does NOT exist.

Of course, you can always build it from the ground up; however, most of the time, you have to compromise.

And finding the right compromise is absolutely not easy.

The risk of throwing away time and money is just around the corner.

Therefore, you may want to turn to a professional to help you find the ideal choice for you and your family, without running into mistakes dictated by inexperience that will cost you very much indeed.

Because looking for a house should never be a nightmare, but only the beginning of a dream.

If you need help, don’t hesitate to contact me!

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Home renovation? Read here to understand why it is important to choose the technician first and the contractor second.

If you’re thinking about a home renovation, it’s likely that you’re pondering how best to go about it…

You are probably thinking about calling a construction company in the first place, perhaps one you trust, to get a quote and decide how to start this venture directly with them.

I imagine this because I admit, I did so too for my first home renovation.

When I still knew little or nothing about it and was in a completely different line of work…

Oh yes, I too made that mistake, only fortunately for me, I chose a company with the right stuff, serious ones that work very well and so everything went smoothly!

Why do you make this choice, and why, if you are not more than lucky, can it be a terrible mistake?

Your thoughts in deciding to go directly to the construction company may be twofold:

– you think you are saving money;

– you think that the contractor is the right contact person (who better to know what we are talking about than those who perform the work).

Actually, both of these statements are incorrect!

Of course, many companies really like this choice, because they will be able to do whatever they want in your home, and, for you, this will be a big problem!

What do I mean by that? I’ll explain it to you right now!

– for huge renovations, they will offer you one of their technicians to do a project that THEY told them, based on what you explained to them;

– they will not specify the materials they will use.

This involves

– that the costs will increase out of all proportion because, not having studied the project beforehand with the technician, surely changes will come up during the work that needs to be done.

And these changes will come:

– from your side that by reasoning, you understand that there is a better solution for your needs,

– or from the contractor that only later will notice that something cannot be done this way, but it is better to do it that way, which however will lead to an increase of tot…

Believe me: this happens very often indeed!

– you will never know the proper value of the materials you have in your home, and there is a real danger that they will be poor quality, stock remnants that you paid for, however, as if they were first-rate!

– the work will be slow, and each modification will lead to an inevitable loss of time!

Construction companies, even the best ones, know how to do the work, but they don’t know how to do the project and don’t know how to do the bureaucratic part properly.

Arriving at the beginning of the work with a clear idea, with a plan properly done, knowing exactly what materials you want is really essential so that you then can check that the contractor is doing things as agreed.

It goes without saying that you are not an expert, you have an idea of what you would like, but a project cannot be limited to a quick sketch with two annotations…

The construction company, however skilled it may be, cannot accomplish what you want precisely only based on the few things you tell them.

Who looks after your interests?

And of course, as said before, on huge renovations they will propose you their technician, with whom, however, you will hardly talk… How can he do a project tailored to you? He will not do it, but will do it following the orders of the construction company!

Another problem, by no means marginal: relying directly on the contractor who will be the construction manager? Who will be in charge of safety?

If you haven’t hired a technician, you should do it yourself, but you don’t have the skills, and then you’ll have to rely on their professional, on the one you’ve never seen but who did the project and took care of the bureaucratic part…

But are you sure he will do your interests? I’m already telling you… absolutely not! He will do the interests of the construction company!

Do you still believe that for home renovation relying directly on the contractor is convenient and the best choice?

Often there is a false illusion that the construction company has every interest in giving the best possible service; in the end, it gets by on your money, so why complicate your life by not doing the work well?

That is largely due to the market in which they have to operate, a market in which price wars are the order of the day!

That somehow turns the enterprise into your “antagonist” because it has to maximize earnings while reducing costs!

Spending more is no guarantee to have a better job…

At this point, you might think: “I go to the most expensive one, and I’ve solved it!”.
No, unfortunately, it doesn’t even work that way because the constructor company MUST BE CONTROLLED anyway!

And that is always! And who can do that? Only and exclusively a technician!

But as said before, it can’t be their professional because if not, he will look at their interests and not yours, and you’ll be back to square one!

First, choose the technician and make a project!

The correct thing to do is

  • FIRST to choose a trusted technician; with him, study a project that is complete in detail and is functional to your needs.
  • choose all the materials you wish to have,
  • and THEN choose a construction company that, at that point, based on that detailed project and knowing what materials it will have to handle, will be able to give you a much more correct estimate.

The technician is aware of what he has to do, and knowing the laws and decrees, he knows how to do it, and having chosen him, you will check that everything is done properly and will defend your interests!

Do you understand why if it is true that the choice of the constructor company will make a big difference in your home renovation (I talk about it here), it is even more so the choice of the technician!

Better to move forward in steps!

My team and I always start from here…

Once we have identified the right house for you, we start with the project that we do 360°!

Which means from the first brick to the furniture (wanting to the last knick-knack!).

We follow and support you in choosing all the materials (tiles, interior and exterior fixtures, sanitary ware, furniture, of course!).

And only after that do we start with the work!

Home renovation is a high-impact financial and emotional commitment that you CAN NOT leave to chance.

It is a long and arduous path, which, if not properly managed, can lead to a lot of frustration, don’t risk this and let me support you: contact me!

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Is “turnkey solution” really worth it?

Today I would like to analyze with you the “turnkey solution” that construction companies often propose, trying to understand how it works and whether it is really worth it!

A SINGLE POINT OF REFERENCE

One of the key points of the turnkey solution is to deal only with the company, a single contact person that will take care of everything!

And this, it is true, is excellent practicality: it takes away a thousand complications, a thousand thoughts!

We have to deal with one person who will report everything to us and to whom we will tell our wishes.

Everything else will be taken care of by the company.

Let’s analyze the turnkey solution in detail:

– it will be the construction company that will decide the workers who will work in your house.

And it is possible that it will subcontract to another company that will choose the artisans with whom to work…

One less burden for you who would otherwise have to look for the plumber, the electrician, the tiler, the mason, the decorator…

In addition, the fact that the various workers know each other and perhaps collaborate regularly is undoubtedly a positive factor.

Knowing how the other works makes the whole thing much “smoother”!

BE CAREFUL, HOWEVER…

There is one factor to consider, however, which is the markup that the main contractor: the one you will be paying, will put on the price of the individual artisan…

The price you have been quoted by the constructor company you have chosen is undoubtedly higher than the price each artisan charged to do the work on your house…

If there are then subcontractors, this price increases even more:

  • the artisan makes his price, hands it over to the contractor, who puts his markup on it,
  • hands it over to the main contractor,
  • who in turn will markup and present you with the bill…

You have no control over this markup and especially no idea how much it might be!

If I tell you, it might as well be 68%!

No, it’s not a number put there at random: it’s really the markup that was given to a customer!

I found out in retrospect by getting in touch with one of the artisans who had worked on their house: in talking, he told me what he had asked for that job…
At home, among the various documents, I still had the price calculator and I, therefore, saw the price that had been asked of them.

And the difference was precisely 68%!!! Not an insignificant amount of money, right?

THE TECHNICIAN WILL DO YOUR BEST INTERESTS? ARE YOU SURE?

– you will be assigned a technician, surveyor, or architect who will be in charge of all the planning and bureaucratic part.

In addition, they will have to take care of the construction management by making sure that everything is done in the best possible way and finding solutions if any inconveniences occur; and they will have to take care of and also coordinate safety on the construction site.

The technician is there to look out for your interests and protect you; but, if you don’t pay him directly, but the contractor, who maybe regularly gets him jobs in case of problems, will he really look out for your interests or the interests of the contractor?

I can assure you that he really won’t care about you!

Not only that, it often happens that the technicians assigned by the company are not included in their staff, so they fish here and there for freelancers who manage to pay very little.

This fact is not irrelevant because if he is underpaid, how much attention will he put into the work, and with what results?

It goes without saying that if you work with a professional construction company, you will not have any sort of problems, but…

WHAT IS THE VALUE OF THE MATERIALS YOU WILL HAVE AT HOME?

– the materials will be suggested to you from among those that the constructor company gets from various representatives/suppliers… this results in the fact that you will have a decidedly limited choice, it seems clear that a company does not have a wide range of products to show, they are not suppliers!

But the most vital factor is the price: what value does the material you are suggested really have compared to the final price you pay?

I tell you this because I have seen unbelievable prices, a striking case is of doors paid 580 euros whose commercial value was a maximum of 200 euros.

Now, it goes without saying that you have to add the labor, the shipping, and also the work the company puts in to contact the supplier: choose the material, order it, be present at the delivery, check that everything is in place, but do you understand that even then at 580 you don’t get there?

But there are so many materials: flooring, sanitary ware, interior and exterior fixtures… what really is their value, and how much did you pay for them?

SO WHAT TO DO?

For these reasons, 9 times out of 10, the way this turnkey solution is proposed to you, it’s really not worth it…

So do you have to take care of everything and everyone? Absolutely not…

And I can help you:

– you will pay the workers directly and hold their estimate!

– you will have an architect who will take care of everything, but again you will pay him directly, so he will be in “your employ” (yes, that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but at least it gives the idea).

– we will go and choose materials in the best places, where there is plenty of choices and where you will be fully aware of the value of what you have in your home!

BUT

You will only have to deal with the architect and me!
We will be your contacts, and we will take care of everything!

Want to know more?

Contact me!!!

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Home renovation? The choice of the construction company will make a big difference!

Let’s see why the choice of the construction company is the first step to take when renovating!

We know, we’ve said it a million times, renovating your home can become a high source of stress and turn into a true nightmare!

There are really so many things to think about and pay attention to, and if you can’t be there all the time, it all amplifies exponentially, bringing huge bellyaches and heavy losses of money and time.

How can you avoid experiencing the work period badly?

The choice of the right construction company that will put hands on your home is a FUNDAMENTAL thing.

It is a choice that will make a difference both in the final result of the work and in the psychological component you will experience during the entire renovation phase.

Below are some hints on how to choose the right company for you

ON LINE RESEARCH

In the internet age, everything is now at your fingertips!

And it’s really hard for a construction company not to be present in some way on the internet!

PAY ATTENTION, however, to not dwell only on the most appealing website, it’s not enough to choice of the right construction company!

You should know that often the pictures you see on various websites are not photos of jobs actually done by the company, but bought from foreign sites!

In the end, the website is a showcase, and we always try to present ourselves at our best.

If you see crooked photos, perhaps out of focus, then yes, it will be their work; but if you see “magazine” photos, ask yourself questions…

Very few businesses rely on professional photographers to capture their work.

When you see a beautiful picture, go further and read the description to see that it is compatible with the image you just saw…

Focus on the contents; they will give you a first idea of who those construction companies are and what they do.

If they also have social media channels you can follow them and start “knowing them”, you can even interact without any commitment!

Search and evaluate their reviews!

Pay attention to those constructors without reviews, as well as, for those who have them, you have to understand if they are real customers or friends and relatives!!

SPECIALIST VS. GENERALIST

I recommend you avoid those companies that give you an endless list of services!

the longer the list is, the less quality you will have!

It is impossible to excel in everything and guarantee an excellent product or service if you are not specialized!

It is clear that you can find a company that has a highly skilled staff in the various sectors, but it must be specified very well on the site, perhaps in the section OUR TEAM, for example.

Also, remember that a construction company that renovates apartments will hardly do a very high-quality job if you need to renovate a cottage!

The construction company must be chosen based also on the work you have to do.

EVALUATE THE KEY IN HAND SOLUTION

If you choose each master craftsman yourself, you might save something, at least at the budget level, but to do so, remember that you will have to spend a lot of time finding the “right” ones.

Moreover, if they do not know each other, the risk of misunderstandings that will generate errors and delays (resulting in increased costs) is really great.

The construction company surely has workers with whom it collaborates, who will be just as serious; a good company cannot risk “losing face” because of a mistaken collaboration!

And for sure, these professionals already know each other and have definitely already worked together.

Try to understand whether these laborers are subcontracted by the company or whether each has its own costs. Especially try to percieve how many subcontracts there are!

I’ll tell you this because the more steps there will be the higher the final cost will be for you!

BE WARY OF TOO LOW ESTIMATES!

Quality and low prices DO NOT go hand in hand!

it would be nice, but it’s not like that!

the reality is that if you spend little you will get little!

A low share for the job done has 2 implications

– either low quality,

– or at each small variation, the price will magically increase (you know when they tell you “this can’t be done this way, we have to do it like that, but it costs X (ex) more”?)

In the end, the risk is to pay more than what you would have paid using the company that had a higher estimate.

MAKE AN IN-DEPTH MEETING

Once you have identified the one you think could be the right company, make an in-depth meeting!

Prepare a piece of paper with many questions and make them show off their works and reviews!

This will help you to understand how they work and therefore if they are the professionals you were looking for, but also their accountability: if they know how to listen to you, and if they answer all of your questions exhaustively, they will be there if problems arise, taking on responsibility and doing anything to solve them.

Because there may likely be problems during the work, and a company present will really make a difference!

In conclusion, take the time to look for the right company for your needs, don’t be charmed by sites that look too good and quotes that are too low, choose a company that specializes in what you need…

If you need a hand with your renovation don’t hesitate to contact me!

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