Los Angeles is a city that represents many various styles of architecture. I have a great appreciation for its historical architecture, especially buildings from the 1920’s. Currently, I am working with a property investor on a 1922 built Mediterranean revival apartment building. It’s had several past owners and granted, not always the best maintenance nor improvements. However, I’m happy to be working with a real estate investment company that intends to preserve the building, with the goal of renovating the exterior to an updated version of it’s original and for the interiors, maintaining much of the original aesthetics with a contemporary remodeled kitchen and bathroom (as neither exist to what was original). I met with the clients for a property walk through just prior to our current quarantine. Since our initial meeting, I’ve been able to start working on the design planning process in anticipation of the future renovation. Wanted to share the process from concept ideas to design drawings and finish selections.

I always begin projects by putting together concept boards with images to help define the ideas and direction with notes to convey to the client. These are the ideas for the exterior paint colors and wrought iron details.

Some ideas for the exterior landscape, including the client’s request for drought resistant vegetation.

Ideas for the interiors incorporating much of the existing aesthetics.

The kitchen will be completely gutted and brought up to date. These ideas reflect a whole new look.

Like the kitchen, the bathroom will be completely renovated with the exception of preserving a dressing area that includes built-in cabinets.

The concept board with fixture and finish selections.

Elevation drawings for the kitchen.

Plan drawing and electrical for the new kitchen layout.

A concept board for the bathroom materials and selections.

The elevation drawings for the bathroom.

A plan and electrical plan for the bathroom remodel.

A concept board featuring the exterior and interior paint colors and all the finish materials together.

With many of us spending more time in our homes in recent days, coming weeks, the novelty may soon wear off - if it hasn’t already! Our homes should be a place of respite, where we enjoy being in that is both comfortable and functional. Long periods at home might start getting to you (aka cabin fever) and to combat the urge to get out - I offer some ways to make staying at home for a length of time ....well, more habitable.

1. Consider rearranging your existing furniture. As they say, a change of scenery is always good. Considering your current scenery is your home, it might be a refreshing change to work with the pieces you already have. Mix it up. Move things from room to room. Be creative. Don’t be afraid of change. When I was little I was constantly rearranging the furniture in my tiny little bedroom. I enjoy the challenge of space planning. If you’d like some help, I offer 2 for 1 design layouts ($150 per room with two layout options). More info here.

2. Think about moving yourself round. Try working or spending time in different areas of your home throughout the day. Perhaps start your morning at the dining room table or kitchen counter. Step into your home office by mid-day. Venture outdoors for a bit for fresh air in the afternoon. Spend some time working from the sofa with a glass of wine later in the day. Retire to the bedroom by evening to wrap up those last few emails. Whatever it is, whatever you can do to mix things up - it might be fun to test out different places in your home to discover where you like being the best!

3. Take to your walls! Since many a day may pass that you are staring at those exact same walls perhaps now is a good time to create that gallery wall with art or family photos that you may have been wanting to do or move around some existing art pieces or even rearrange and bring in a few new art pieces or wall decor. Should you need any help, I offer hourly consultations and can help make recommendations for placement or create a gallery wall on a concept board like the one above. Design consulting for something like this is available as an online service too, more info here.

4. Bring in new accessories. A great to revive any room is by changing out or updating with new accessories. It could be seasonal, it could be bringing in a whole new color scheme, or if you want to include current trends - definitely consider doing that with accessories that don’t have to break the bank. For the concept board above, I helped a client layer in accessories for a great room playing off their existing console and other elements of the kitchen and family room areas.

5. Create an outdoor living space. Warmer days are coming and with so much time indoors, now is the perfect time to consider creating an outdoor area as an extension of your home to take advantage of that indoor outdoor living. Whether it’s your backyard, balcony, patio, front entry, or even a little landing - any place of respite will be welcoming when you need to get outside for some fresh air. Having a comfortable spot to sit, or work, with some added accessories adds another room to your home.

6. Paint color! One of the least expensive options and a DIY project if you’re up to it - is a fresh coat of paint. New paint colors can make a room - or rooms - look completely different too. If you want to be creative, try an accent walls, painting stripes, or half walls and experiment with different sheens too. Glossier walls add more reflection and can make a small room look larger too. If you need help with paint color selection or creative paint techniques, happy to help with online or onsite paint color consultations.

7. Finishes! While it may be a more involved project - sometimes it’s needed. Updated finishes makes an even bigger impact. That may mean changing out carpet to hardwood floors, small tiles to larger stone or tile, wall surfaces, and don’t forget about the grout! Minimal grout lines offer a cleaner more expansive look too.

8. Bedding and drapery. Probably the easiest most refreshing change of all - updated bedding or window treatments. Like with accessories, it could be a seasonal change but it may also just be time to replace worn bedding or tired looking drapery panels. There are also many other options for window treatments if you want to consider a whole new look.

9. The need for a home office. With working at home more now, there is definitely a need for a designated work area. You may need peace & quiet, less disruption, more organization and storage, and / or a presentable area for virtual meetings. I am currently offering a flat rate home office design package for $375 per room, details here.

10. A complete room redesign! Last but not least, there may just be that one room in your home that isn’t functioning right or is in need of a redesign. Along with that comes the all important and well thought out design planning. It’s important that the furniture pieces fit right for the space, often a need to take a creative look at how to make the room function well for all its purposes, along with coordinating art, accessories, colors, etc. For all of that, I offer a complete flat rate room design package for just $500 that includes all the design plans and resources that you can use to implement and purchase as your time and budget allow.

Looking to improve your home office space and / or make it more presentable for virtual meetings? Offering a flat rate home office design for any areas of your home that need to be transitioned to a comfortable and conducive work space.

Email your room dimensions along with pictures of the room & any existing furniture you want to incorporate and receive a complete room design which will consist of:

• a furniture floor plan layout (two options)
• furnishing selections (artwork, accessories, area rugs, furniture, & lighting)
• paint color swatches
• & a list of resources - all within your budget, which you can implement and purchase as your time & budget allow

Flat rate home office design package special for just $375.

Having an office at home can be a great advantage, whether you are self-employed or have a flexible work schedule, should your work allow that freedom. A home office offers convenience but at the same rate, many need an organized work area free of distractions. If you happen to be co-working with a partner, you might need additional space as well. In regard to our current stay at home situation, many are having to convert areas to adjust for working in their own homes. With that comes wanting a presentable space, especially for all those potential video conferences! It’s one thing that we have look presentable and yet another that the background looks good! Of course, as an interior designer I’m always here to help whether it’s a full home office redesign, a bit of styling recommendations, or helping you create a little nook of a space to be able to comfortably work at. Here’s a bit of inspiration for all of the above!

Image via Pinterest

For those working together or having to share office space, a wide desk in a spare room provides side by side seating.

Image via Pinterest

If you live in a small space but want to designate an area of a room as your work space, consider defining it by pairing an accent wall or something fun like stripes as a focal point.

Image via Pinterest

Even a little nook with a writing desk just large enough for a tablet or laptop is a great space saver of a work spot.

Image via Pinterest

​If you anticipate interacting with others at your desk, a pair of colorful accent chairs allows for collaboration.

Image via Pinterest

Floating a desk out from the wall with a door or window backdrop streams in natural light and air.

Image via Pinterest

​A long narrow desk allows for two pull up chairs. This one works great in a narrow room or wide hallway.

Image via Pinterest

​Even a little writing desk makes great use of a secondary room or living room nook.

Image via Pinterest

A DIY option might be a long wood surface top to create a side by side work station, possibly even carved out of a nook area off the dining or kitchen areas.

Image via Pinterest

For the smallest of spaces, even just a stool at counter height makes for work spot with open shelving above creating the smallest workable area ever but can be created out of a niche area.

Image via Pinterest

Looking presentable, a well styled desk and concealed storage above. Adding a bit of greenery livens up the space too.

If you’re in need of design help for your own home office or work space, I offer a flat rate home office design package for $375 per room. More details here.

Book a design consultation for any of your interior design needs online or on-site!

Can help with:

Paint color selections for interior or exterior.

Remodeling feedback on design direction, layout, colors, finishes, materials, etc.

Room design functionality, layout, ideas, concept, direction, sources.

Staging ideas for home resale or new home buyer feedback / moving in help.

For home, office, retail, and any other design advice you are looking for.

Available for on-site meetings in the LA/OC areas and online for anyone, anywhere (by forwarding photos of rooms or space needing help with. Design ideas and direction will be provided in written feedback with ideas, concepts, links, color selections, solutions, etc.)

Design consultations $100/hr. Can also be purchased as a gift with no expiration.

Please email with any questions: JSInteriorDes@aol.com

Last month I attended the annual Heimtextil trade fair in Frankfurt, Germany. Heimtextil is the largest show for home and contract textiles and takes place at the third largest convention center in the world. Messe Frankfurt are the organizers of the show and are responsible for over 150 trade shows that take place in the city of Frankfurt yearly. Another major home design show of consumer goods, Ambiente, also took place this past week. Frankfurt just so happens to host two major design shows at the start of each year! My trip last month included a brief visit to this industrial city, along with three days attending the trade fair, and also a very special celebration of the fair’s 50th anniversary. The major focus for this years show was on the ever important topic: sustainability.

The trend space area of the fair also addressed five major trends (which I also posted about here), they include:

• ​Maximum Glam
• Pure Spiritual
• Active Urban
• ​Heritage Luxe
• Multi-Lucas

We were provided with an overview, for each of the trends outlined above, as part of our tour of the trend space on display at Heimtextil.

The luxe fabric trends on display.

Lots of vibrant color seen for trends!

Color and earthy, “local” pattern.

Texture and faux textiles.

Color and richness.

Shiny and glam seen in both fabrics and wall-coverings.

The bold colors of “Active Urban”.

Cool high performance fabric of the Active Urban display at the trend space.

The trend space display was well organized and a highlight of the show. It encompassed trends and what is on the forefront of design in addition to being as very well designed space to engage visitors of the fair.

Beyond the trend space, the convention halls are categorized into various sections including art, wallpaper, thematic regions for fabrics, contract fabrics, and window coverings. It’s an extensive show with much to see. During my visit, I took to the wallcovering section of the show. Above are glittery wallpapers in a range of fun colors on display.

Across the board, from fabrics to wallpaper, there was a lot of pattern of all varieties - like this from Design ID.

Loved the vignette - and again, patterned wallpaper - seen in the Graham and Brown display.

There were so many pretty papers at the Ted Baker booth - I really loved them all and are a new favorite!

Another very pretty wallpaper from Ted Baker.

Art Deco seems to be having a resurgence, now that we are in the 20’s again! I happen to love it! It’s one of my favorite eras in terms of architecture and design - so I was very happy to see this “Deco Gatsby” wallpaper by Ted Baker.

I also came across these textured fine Belgian wallcoverings and thought they were quite interesting.

The topic of green and sustainability were also seen in the booth displays.

While color and pattern were popular trends to see, classics and soft colors still remain. These fabrics from Bartolini Home exude luxurious to me.

More from Bartolini Home.

I was really impressed with the quality and feel of their fabrics.

I also discovered a new (for me) company from Spain, Castilla Textil - that I really loved! Their booth was full of lots of fun, and often, playful and cute patterns.

Pattern and a graphic mix on display.

They also carry a tablecloth collection.

A themed Cuba series from Castilla Textil.

Among the many exhibitor halls of Heimtextil. The show is truly the largest textile show with so much more to see than I’ve included here.

Thank you to Messe Frankfurt and Gita PR for hosting us in Frankfurt.

Ending soon! Complete room design via online design for just $300!

​Complete Flat Rate Room Design via Online Design for anyone, anywhere.

​Need ideas on how to merge existing furniture with new? Want help with accessory & furniture selections? Paint color choices? Get a complete room design for just $300 (normally $500) with e-decorating. Email your room dimensions along with pictures of the room & any existing furniture you want to incorporate and receive a complete room design which will consist of:

• a furniture floor plan layout (two options)
• furnishing selections (artwork, accessories, area rugs, furniture, & lighting)
• paint color swatches
• & a list of resources - all within your budget, which you can implement and purchase as your time & budget allow

Can be purchased as a gift too. Multiple rooms may be purchased and there is no expiration date, can use whenever you’d like.
​
Please email for more info, questions, or to forward pics and measurements: JSInteriorDes@aol.com. Payable via Venmo: @Jill-Seidner

In conjunction with KBIS in Las Vegas next week, January 21-23, the International Builders Show (IBS) will also be taking place. I attended KBIS last year and crossed over to IBS checking out all the many suppliers for the home building industry. It’s fascinating to learn about new products and see all the many materials available to the industry. One company I am looking forward to visiting at IBS is the supplier Door Stud, which is a door installation tool that revolutionizes how builders install pre-hung or slab doors.

A range of products are available which includes the standard at just $249.99 and a commercial grade door installation tool for heavier doors. A quick door installation kit is also available to expedite the door hanging process for professional builders, which allows for hanging doors five times faster.

They have 2 main products for your door installation needs (sold in pairs):

• Standard/Residential 1-3/8” to 1-3/4”
• Heavy/Commercial 1-3/4” to 2-1/4”

For the DIY, the Door Stud features some instructional info and tips on their blog and for more product info visit their Instagram here.

Understanding door types is extremely important too for installation, everything from interior to exterior doors, to pre-hung and slab doors. I know I’ve had my fair share of door installation problems in past projects - especially in older homes - so a product like the Door Stud offers assistance for the variety of door types in project installation.

Looking forward to visiting Door Stud this coming week at the International Builders Show. They will be in booth number SU3816 if you are attending and would like to learn more about the product.

Happy New Year! To start the new year off, I am offering a year of design services offers. Check out what each month for the next twelve months has in store...

January: A complete room design via online design. More details here. Regular price $500, this monthly only $300!

February: An interior designer consultation, locally or online. Normally, $100/hr. This month just $75/hr.

March: Design Layouts, 2 for 1! Normally, $100. For the month of March, 2 layout options for $75.

April: Window treatment consultations & selections. A two hour meeting review for $150, normally $200.

May: A color consultation for paint color selections. Normally, $150. For the month of May, $100.

June: A flat rate complete kitchen design remodel package. Normally, $1500. Now $1100! More details here.

July: A flat rate complete bathroom design remodel package. Normally, $1000. Summer special, $750! More details here.

August: Moving Day Services, all the details here. Usually, $750. For this month $600.

September: Subscription design services, 10 hours normally $1000. This month get 10 hours for $700.

October: Subscription design services, 5 hours for $350, normally $500.

December: Give the gift of design! A 1 Hour Interior Design Consultation. More details here. $25 off $100.