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SEPTEMBER 2023

A Homeowner's Guide to Home Renovation

 A Homeowner's Guide to Home Renovation is a restorative approach for all properties. But before you begin renovating or remodeling your home, you'll need to consider a few things. Today, Worthington Interior Design outlines common home renovation steps and project-types. Worthington offers tips and advice for your upcoming renovations.  

 Home Extensions/Additions

 A Homeowner's Guide to Home Renovation regarding setting up a realistic budget is an essential aspect of a home extension project. 

Your addition or home extension must fall within your town’s ordinances and codes requirements. Knowing for instance your setback requirements will stipulate whether you can even possibly do an extension on your property. This requires doing your due diligence from what your city or town has online for your property as well as having a professional site plan.

The site plan is stamped and sealed by a professional Engineer and will give you all the information you need to compare it with your city/town ordinances. In addition, most likely will need a Structural Engineer to produce framing plans for your extension/addition.

If in fact you are approved to add your extension/addition you will need to have your homeowners insurances reviewed by your insurance agent making sure your project is covered.  One other key matter of business is to have your insurance agent review the chosen General Contractor’s insurances for risk assessments.

Having an Interior Designer and or Architect onboard to design your extension/addition produces stamped and sealed construction documents to obtain permits*. From there you bid or negotiate with a General Contractor for the project’s cost. Having your Interior Designer and Architect on board to assist with this aspect will save you time and money.  Once you select a General Contractor, he/she will obtain a building permit* to meet requirements and building guidelines.

From here the General Contractor and his/her subcontractors will perform all the work required. General Contractors meet with building inspectors to sign off on electrical, plumbing etc. The General Contractor will provide specialist contractors for demolition and erecting walls, pipe fitting, drainage, gas, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) connections, electrical and internet wiring, tiling, and painting.

Adding an extension/addition is a perfect time to assess your home’s exterior. Have your roof checked for wear and tear and weather tightness. This goes for any other exterior portion of your home.

Upgrading your roof improves your property's curb appeal, which adds value to your home. repaint, or Roofing renovation can also include working on the gutter system. Weather tight your entire home before you embark on interior renovations.

 Basement Renovations

 A Homeowner's Guide to Home Renovation regarding Basement renovations.  If you are only going to do a basement renovation the General Contractor along with your Interior Designer will need to assess your basement to guide you to materials, you will need to select based on the condition of your basement. Do you have a sump pump, do you have light, what is the foundation wall made from and does it weep?  This will determine the next steps and if waterproofing is needed or any other particulars for designing a usable basement space. Some homeowners opt for suspended ceilings in the basement because of cost-efficiency after finishing the walls. As for Basement flooring, using a porcelain wood style flooring is viable option that addresses moisture and warping considerations.

 Kitchen Remodeling

 A Homeowner's Guide to Home Renovation regarding Kitchen remodels will instantly add value to your home.  This is a worthwhile investment especially working with an Interior Designer to plan a more efficient use of your kitchen space. Once you have a desirable space plan tackle the appliances for upgrades or replacement and move onto your cabinets and base cabinets. If you need to replace it, go for it! Having Worthington Interior Design on board you will be assured of recouping all the monies spent on your kitchen remodel. 

Another significant focal point in the kitchen is the countertop and backsplash. You can further improve your kitchen space by updating the kitchen floors, installing natural stone or porcelain tiles.

 Smart Home Upgrades

A Homeowner's Guide to Home Renovation regarding while undertaking a renovation, it's the perfect time to consider smart home upgrades increase your home's comfort, convenience, and energy efficiency. Consider installing programmable thermostats allowing you to control temperature settings remotely to optimize energy usage. Smart lighting solutions provide customizable ambience while saving energy.

Upgrading smart security systems with doorbell cameras or smart locks enhances your home's safety. Additionally, smart home hubs integrate all these elements, offering multiple aspects of your home to be controlled from one device or app. Tech-savvy upgrades modernize your space but also add value to your home in the long run.

A Homeowner's Guide to Home Renovation considering all the aspects above will help with planning your next home renovation and remodeling projects. From home extension/addition, basement renovation, kitchen remodel with the appropriate design team, contractors and a well-thought-out plan, your home is sure to increase in value! 

A Homeowner's Guide to Home Renovation kindly consider your first step to contact Worthington Interior Design today to create a home with timeless beauty.

 Connect with Worthington Interior Design for your upcoming Home Renovation

 

Spring 2022

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How about a Refreshing HOME-Over?

How about a refreshing HOME-Over? Now that the chillier months of winter are slowly giving way to spring, chances are you’re taking stock of your home and finding little things that have been nagging at you. Although the idea of “spring cleaning” seems a little cliché, there is no better time to refresh your home with a Home-Over! Re-creating your space so that it's healthier, more accommodating, and more livable for your family can be done on just about any budget.

 Top-to-Bottom Clean

 Go through your house, open the windows, and clean everything from top to bottom. Look through drawers, closets, and pantries and donate, recycle, give away, or pitch anything you no longer want or need. From a health perspective, it’s time to get rid of old makeup, shampoo, and lotion. Wash dog bedding and toys and flip mattresses.

 Shake out your rugs and give carpet and tile a good deep steam cleaning. Wash walls and drapery and even scrub countertops and appliances to get an in-depth clean. Cleaning and decluttering are a major step in ridding your home of negativity. While you can do a lot of this on your own, it may be worthwhile to hire a professional cleaning team to come in and handle the details on your behalf.

 Rearrange Your Space

 Ever wondered how that favorite armchair would look in another corner of your living room? Or how your Ficus tree would fare in the entryway instead of the guest room? Now is the perfect time to reconfigure your rooms and even re-decorate with your own things. According to Cosmopolitan, changing up how a room is situated can give you a literal and figurative new outlook. Create conversation areas, reading nooks, or change up lighting and knickknacks in different rooms for a fresh feel.

 You can use an online room configuration tool to help. Again, while this is something you can probably do yourself if you’re moving heavy items or delicate pieces up and down stairs or in or out of storage, you’ll want to have professional assistance.

 Make Use of All Spaces

 For many people, a basement is just a damp storage area, but it's actually a great amount of real estate if it's refinished. Consider turning your basement into a meditation studio or a home gym, a media and entertainment room or guest quarters. You could potentially do this yourself but working with a seasoned Interior Designer and Contractor reduces headaches and ensures the project is done correctly.

 Another idea is to convert your basement into your ideal home office. One of the key considerations in a basement office is having sufficient lighting.

Costs will vary based on where you live, the type of materials being used, and the specific improvements you’re looking for, working with a seasoned professional you will avoid costly mistakes.

 If you need help bringing the vision of your space to life, contact Worthington Interior Design to create the home office of your dreams.

 Find the Right Contractor

 Whether you're hiring a professional trade to come in and help with a minor project or you are doing a full-scale renovation, it's important that the professionals you bring into your home are licensed, bonded, insured, and reliable. Always get written estimates and check your area contracting authority to ensure any company you employ is in good standing. Ask for testimonials and portfolio reviews of different work projects so you have a good idea about the type of work you'll be receiving. Also, ask for timelines for completion.

 Making renovations to your home space can boost the appraised value of the house as well as increase your enjoyment of the property while you’re living in it. Make honest assessments of what you can do yourself, versus what it makes sense to have a professional handle.

 

Founded by Interior Designer, Debra Worthington in 2003, Worthington Interior Design and Worthington Home has been born out of working with some of the nation's top 10 architectural/interior design firms. To work with us, please contact us today

January 2022

Curb Appeal Ideas to Increase Your Home’s Valuation

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Curb Appeal Ideas to Increase Your Home’s Valuation as reported, curb appeal is one of the prominent contributing factors towards increasing your home’s valuation. For homeowners currently in the process of selling their house, this article by Worthington Interior Design explores numerous ways to maximize curb appeal and get the best price for your home.

 Upgrade Your Home’s Exterior

 Giving your exterior a revamp will give your property an instant fresh look, making it stand out from other homes in the neighborhood. Here is how you can go about it:

 ●     Re-paint: According to MyMove.com, popular color choices include white, dark gray, and colonial blue. But you can also go for bold choices such as mustard yellow or barn red.

 ●     Focus on Hardscape: Using a pressure washer, give your walkway, driveway, and sidewalks a thorough cleaning. This will help remove any dirt, mud, or grime, giving your entrance a sharp, clean look.

 ●     Decorate your Door: Like your walls, give your front door a fresh coat of paint or polish. Additionally, you can choose to hang plants or decorations to make your entrance inviting and comforting.

 Focus on Landscaping

 As reported by BHG, landscaping can help you earn an extra 7% on your home’s sale. To reap this benefit, upgrade your outdoor spaces as follows:

 ●     Use Flowerbeds: Planting colorful flowers will improve your lawn’s aesthetic and is bound to catch the attention of anyone passing by. Choose a local variety of flowers that are sure to bloom and accustomed to the weather.

 ●     Plant a Tree: When looking for a timeless addition to your lawn, a tree is the best option. Additionally, a tree helps to reduce water run-off, lower energy consumption, and act as a windbreak.

 Accessorize The Exterior

 Once you have made the above-mentioned alterations; below are more ways to enhance your curb appeal:

 ●     Install Lights: To maintain your curb appeal post-sunset, consider additional light fixtures: exterior wall lanterns or specific landscape lighting.

 ●     Buy a New Mailbox: This simple, affordable upgrade will convey to buyers that you care about the details. You can add a flower bed surrounding your mailbox as well.

 ●     Add House Number: Is your address number plate need replacing? Popular options include number plates made from stainless steel, aluminum, or brass.

 Some of these changes may seem small, they are bound to have a significant impact on increasing your home's valuation.

 

June, July & August 2021

Post Pandemic Design Styles: Neutrals vs Color

Post Pandemic Design Styles: Neutrals vs Color

Post-Pandemic: Make Your Home Brighter and Livelier

Post-pandemic, make your home brighter and livelier to improve your mental health and revive your desire to venture out into the world as a more peaceful, relaxed individual. Let us look at several ways to brighten your living space, preparing for your re-emergence into the world post-COVID-19:

Change up the scenery

One of the immediate things to enliven your space is to change one or more rooms.  For instance, if a room needs a fresh coat of paint, consider changing the color to one that more accurately affects the mood in that room/space. Paint colors have been shown to impact mood and mental health, choosing colors like blue, render relaxation while green is restorative. Brighter colors in living spaces reflect a jovial mood.

Spring or Summer cleaning

A deep clean after more than a year spent within the home may subconsciously affect one’s mental health. Deeply connecting to the physical nature of your living space for instance having  cluttered areas have been shown to negatively impact how people feel in both the long and the short term. Undertaking a deep cleaning project to clean out the cobwebs is a great way to relieve stress and improve your space simultaneously.

Invest in Textiles

Window treatments! The subtle energy given off by having the right window treatments on your windows eludes an anxiety-free with more sunlight to brighten the mood and warm the interiors. Before you selecting fabrics/textiles; you may want to learn what are on  trend are for this year., Be it patterns, roller shades, or even blackout curtains, select textiles that resonate with the happy you!

Search for Inspiration

Use the power of the internet to your advantage! Finding inspiration online is a great way to learn how to redecorate, learn more about current interior design trends, and how best to tackle certain parts of your home, like the outdoors. Seeing what others have done with their space can be inspirational.

 

For instance, putting your crafting skills to the test and reupholstering your furniture can be a great way to bring more color to an otherwise drab space. Reupholstering can be a great way to repurpose a well- made piece of furniture. Great idea for heirloom pieces. Most seasoned Interior Designers have workrooms to have your pieces refurbished. If you are DIYers search for “reupholstery near me,” you may discover numerous services for ways to spruce up your furniture. Prices will vary, depending on size, type of fabric, and any custom designs.

Moving on and up

As we all begin to re-enter the world after the coronavirus pandemic, we all want to come home to a safe, relaxing space.  Utilizing these tips will help you achieve a renewed sense of home as you venture outside. Are you ready to take the next step into redecorating and rejuvenating your home before you head back out into the world post-COVID-19? Contact the industry and interior design experts at Worthington Interior Design today to schedule your home’s glow-up.

April & May 2021

Design and Renovate your Basement

Design and renovate your Basement creating a multi-use retreat for your family.  After plowing through winter and spending so much more time at home you may decide the basement can be renovated to include more storage space, entertainment, and a new exercise room.

Meeting with your Interior Architect which is your Interior Designer to discuss your ideas on how to renovate your basement!

How about a storage space for luggage or winter clothes? Or adjacent to your exercise room with your new Peleton and yoga home studio you might want to add an additional bathroom?

There are so many ideas that can be compartmentalized easily in a basement it like extra space you never realized you had available.

Your basement might walk out to the backyard and the idea of a prep kitchenette might also be an idea for your basement renovation.  A beverage fridge or even an icemaker and small fridge can help you get the burgers made and ready to go on the grill as soon as the weather warms.

These days your wildest ideas are not so wild anymore and sitting down with your Interior Designer to develop a plan that will become your construction documents for the General Contractor your Interior Designer vets while managing your project and construction administration will make your project a smooth experience. You see your Interior Designer is your Interior Architect for the inside of your home.

So, creating another hang out space for your family to entertain and workout will expand your home value. Design and renovate your Basement to include a workbench or arts and crafts area for your children’s school projects will give your kitchen table a break!

If you are thinking of any renovation or redesign for your home, Worthington Interior Design has well over 25 years creating more livable and well- designed homes as well as workable office and commercial space. So, get in touch Worthington Interior Design 617-633-3005 and let us design and renovate your Basement, Office, or Retail space!

 

Happy Spring!

Updating the Outside

February & March 2021

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Updating the Outside

Updating the Outside of your home is as important as the inside now that Spring is upon us! Take an inventory of your wood or brick siding, fences, driveway, windows, and doors! As an Interior Designer for the inside of your home we are equally concerned with your home from the outside as well. Do you need some painting, staining or even a new roof? It ALL MATTERS and now updating the outside of your home will keep your home and your value going up and up!

Painting, try a fresh new color and adding shutters or installing new windows so the fresh air can keep you COVID-19 safe is paramount these days.

Lighting as we always say is the probably the most important aspect of your home! Outside lighting for ‘way-finding’ or ambiance has so many options these days. As we live near the coast and the salt air can wreak havoc with many metals used outside. However, many companies are offering their designs in ‘marine-grade’ products, so just ask. Using a copper just remember it will patina to a green or verde finish over time!

This leads me to hardware companies like Baldwin and Classic Brass are both quality companies that will make your front or back door stand out and last for years. We refer to this as your ‘door jewelry’ and we can never have enough beautiful jewelry!

So how did your walkways and steps weather the New England winter? Updating the outside of your home’s walks can mimic a pattern you have on your home, so it brings continuity to your home. Using granite outside in New England is forever and you will be glad you spent the extra money to get durable products.

Windows are always an item that can keep your energy bills in line. If you had some window issues this past winter addressing them now will bring you peace of mind.  

So, step it up and begin updating the outside of your home for 2021!

November 2020

The darker days and cool, crisp mornings mean one thing: winter is just around the corner. Even if you’re living in sunny Los Angeles, the temperatures are beginning to drop and the lingering summer heat is on its way out. And as the season changes, it can be hard to keep your spirits up during these dark and dreary months. Fortunately, with a few simple interior design tricks, you can cozy up your house and stay warmer, and happier this winter.

To help you transform your space, Redfin asked interior design experts from across the country for our advice on creating a cozier home. Check out what we had to say so you can make your home cozy as the cooler, darker days set in!

Start by creating a warm and inviting ambiance in your living room

Make your sofa cozy and inviting. In my home, it’s where we have plenty of family time on cold short days and long evenings. Refresh, renew, and revamp decorative pillows along with an extra throw for everyone to feel cozy. - HK Interiors

Have blankets easily at hand by your couch or lounge chairs. I recommend buying blankets that feel cozy, match the rest of your decor, and keep you warm. Snuggling up to a warm soft blanket on a winter night next to a fire can make you feel taken care of and bring back wonderful childhood memories. - Maggie Minor Designs

Make your fireplace a focal point. With a lit fire, cozy blankets, your favorite beverage, and beautifully grouped coffee table books, who could resist taking a bit of quiet time to savor the moment and delight in life? Our SegretoStone mantles, made of a natural plaster mixed with fibers and polished creating a beautiful luster, are the perfect place to gather around this holiday season. - Segreto Finishes

Welcome nature indoors

Plants make a house a home, especially during the colder winter months. There are many plant options available to fit your space whether you may be looking for plants that like more sunlight, low light areas, pet-friendly, along with various colors, growing habits, and sizes to fit your specific needs. There is something about bringing the outside nature indoors that makes a home feel cozier during the wintertime and certainly increases the level of energy, happiness, and life. - Indoor Plants

Add natural elements for contrast and texture. Give your space some personality by mixing in wood accents with natural elements to make your space feel warm and cozy. Use wooden candle holders to display the flickering soft glow of candles on your mantle. Blankets in chunky knit, throw pillows, and woven baskets in earthy tones are some ways to instantly add texture which will cozy up your space. - Woodka Interiors

Incorporate lush green plants. I love to add extra greenery to my space year-round, and especially in the winter months. Nothing makes me feel happier than having lush green plants around me. Adding a few spider plants, ivy, or fig leaf plants to your space will enhance the aura during the harsh winter months. - Drea’ Custom Designs

Make your home feel cozy by mixing up textures

Luxurious textiles and jewel tones can transform a space. To adapt our clients' homes for cooler weather, we love layering different throws and pillows with luxurious textiles. Rich jewel tones also bring a layer of warmth to a room, and combining these two makes any room so cozy. - Kati Curtis Design

Use throw pillows and blankets with in-season textures. For winter, think velvet, faux fur, corduroy, chenille, crochet, cable-knit, and so on. My favorite way to change up my throw pillows is with inexpensive pillow covers. I just switch them out with the seasons or whenever the mood strikes. - Jessica Welling Interiors

Wondering how to make your home cozy? Cashmere, cashmere, cashmere. In addition to our usual fall colored cushions, dimmed lights, and lit up fireplace, the most important place on the coziness scale is cashmere. Treat yourself to a heathered cashmere bedding for an unbeatable feeling of warmth and luxury. Add a cashmere throw, a good book and a hot toddy, and you are set for the ultimate cozy night. - Interiors by Popov

Warm and earthy textures will make your home feel comfy. Adding warm, textural throws and blankets, as well as a "winter" collection of accent pillows adds depth and richness to a room. Earthy greenery and woodsy stems add a natural touch to any décor, whether as a tabletop accent or welcoming guests at your front door. - Britt Design Group

Incorporate cozy colors and channel all of your senses

Let the changing color of the leaves influence the hues within a home’s interiors. It’s surprising how much the warmer tones in pillows, blankets, and details around the house will evoke coziness and warmth. The organic inspiration can also be taken one step further by layering natural textured baskets to house any extra pillows and blankets and updating vases with cuttings of eucalyptus or other large-scale green branches. - Beyond Interior Design

Make tweaks to your home that will appeal to all your senses. Incorporate the smell of pine, cedar or cinnamon, add sounds of a crackling fire or soft, seasonal music, add a mix of textures from rugged logs to plush textiles, and serve up the traditional flavors of the season. We also love flickering flames so light a fire or go a little over the top with candles. - Decor Steals

Change up the color of your walls. Paint your bedroom, dining room, or powder room a deep rich hue like Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze or Benjamin Moore Backwoods to obtain the feeling of a big, welcoming hug. Dress your walls by displaying a gallery wall of black and white family photos for the ultimate home-like environment. - DesignStiles

Lighting is key when making your home cozier 

Lighting is my favorite way to cozy up a home on dark winter days. You can brighten up dark corners with a new floor lamp, set a table lamp on a console, or even drape a string of holiday lights over a mantle or bookshelf. For an afternoon lift, try a grouping of battery-operated pillar candles, which can be set to turn on at just the right time. - CAVdesign Interiors

Layer your lighting. Add small lamps on bookshelves or mantels and add larger lamps to end tables or consoles with dimmers. Use sconces to light hallways, in the dining room, over a fireplace mantel, or install them on built-in bookshelves, facia or vertical stiles in a repetitive arrangement. - Worthington Interior Design

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