 WHAT IS YOUR LIFESTYLE? Think about your lifestyle and anyone in your household that will be using the surface. Will they clean up spills right away? Do you entertain and will a wine glass be left to create a ring? Marble is soft and picks up stains easily while something like an engineered quartz or even natural quartzite are much harder stones that resist chipping, scratches and wear-and-tear. WHERE IS IT GOING? Now that you know your capabilities, where is the stone going? Kitchen countertop, bathroom vanity, shower floor and surround, a wall feature? These areas expose the stone to different kinds of traffic, liquids, levels of moisture and heat. Be aware of the stone’s limitations and that you know how to properly care for it. Heat resistance should also be considered if you are placing on the wall behind your cooktop or range. WHAT DOES IT COST? Marble and granite are generally similarly priced. Quartzite is more expensive because it is harder to find and quarry. Man-made quartz is comparable with granite and marble but will vary based on the brand and selection. Whiter and more dramatically veined varieties will be more expensive. Other factors that affect the overall price of your counter tops and why giving a per s.f. price is not an accurate measure of final cost:
Other things to consider:
MARBLE Marble’s natural beauty is hard to beat. There are many different types of marble varying from white to black. The most popular ones are Carrara, Calacatta, and Statuario. There are also different grades within each type depending on where exactly they were quarried from. The cost can really vary, though on average, marble is about $50-$100/sq ft, but a rare marble could range from $80-$260/sq ft). All the marbles are very porous (able to absorb liquid). Also, no matter what type it is sensitive to acid. Lemons, wine, vinegar, and other acidic items are not marble’s friend and will cause etching. The acid essentially dissolves an area of your marble surface as it reacts with calcite. However, you can still use marble if you understand its maintenance. Here’s how:
 Image by StylebyEmilyHenderson.com QUARTZITE Not be confused with Quartz (which is manmade) Quartzite is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock. Natural quartzite tends to be white or gray with hints of brown and black and can have rust colored spots/streaks. This pairs beautifully with today’s gray, blue, and modern farmhouse trends. Natural quartzite has the look of marble with a bit more luminous, transparent aesthetic. However, it acts like granite in durability and doesn’t scratch or etch like other natural stones. It also withstands heat well, but still ask your stone yard if it is OK above the range! The veining of each stone, which varies from slab to slab, provides some of the most exquisite patterns. Although this makes it seem the perfect stone, its price tag can be prohibitive, although the more common varieties (and if you are open to some rust colored spots) can be comparable to some marbles.
QUARTZ Quartz countertops are an engineered stone made up of loose quartz mineral, mineral pigment, and a binder. Because they’re engineered and make use of resin as their binder, they’re non-porous (aka very resistant to staining), durable, acid-friendly, and generally requires no additional sealing. The gorgeous patterns now on the market have made it the leading material for most home owners. Many emulate marble, quartzite and even concrete. Due to the binder used however, quartz is sensitive to heat and trivets are required. Also, it is not very UV-friendly like natural stone. When placed outside, there’s a high chance that sun exposure will cause fading.
GRANITE The standard years ago, it has gone a bit out of vogue with the move towards lighter and brighter spaces, however if you find a slab that speaks to you, it can kind of be just as pretty as marble, but without all the upkeep. Granite typically has a speckled look from crystallized minerals that formed and cooled underneath the earth’s surface. Like marble, there are different levels of granite. You can get a more standard granite for the low, low price of $2/sq ft even, but on average it is similarly priced to marble at $50-$100/sq ft. Because it is a harder and more scratch-resistant, it’s great for kitchens and areas that will take a beating. If areas do get chipped, repairs are fairly easy and it’s not as porous as marble, so you don’t really have to worry about staining and wiping spills right away. Granite is also one of the more heat-resistant stones so you don’t have to use a trivet, but be careful with slow cookers and such appliances that retain heat for long periods as they might crack your surface.  PORCELAIN Porcelain slab countertops are a newcomer, especially in the United States. They are printed with images often to emulate marble. Porcelain is extremely hard and strong, resistant to chipping, scratches, and general wear. However, with enough blunt force, it can chip. Porcelain, because it literally took the heat during manufacturing, has no problems handling hot pots or being put above your professional range and works well in outdoor kitchens with sun, heat and cold. Because it is thin, you can even install it directly over an existing countertop and it is is a green material that can be recycled for use in other products at the end of its life cycle. But note, not every fabricator can work with it so ask your provider for a recommended fabricator. There are a few more options in the table above since those are less popular. There is some basic info below: SOAPSTONE is a talc-based stone that can range from gray to charcoal to black in color with little to no veining. It also happens to be the softest mineral out there. This means that while a lot of people use this as a working kitchen countertop (or science labs in school settings), it is very prone to scratching. Not to worry though because you can erase these scratches with mineral oil, which also acts as its sealant and is great if you want to go for a darker look. It can be a beautiful natural surface, letting the scratching patina and then oil periodically. A less common choice, those who love it swear by it. SOLID SURFACE materials began with DuPont's Corian. Solid surface countertops are about 33 percent binding resins and 66 percent minerals. Those minerals are a bauxite derivative, aluminium trihydrate (ATH). ATH is a kind of fine, white powder that helps solid surface maintain its smooth consistency. Contrast this with quartz counters, which are about 10 percent resins and the rest minerals. These minerals sometimes include marble and granite industrial waste and even ground-up mirrors and glass. Solid surface is a good mid-range countertop material. Buyers not interested in laminate but still looking for an affordable countertop often gravitate to solid surface. It is one of the few counter materials that a homeowner can resurface with just an orbital sander. While visually it lacks the depth of real stone or even quartz, it does resemble stone far more than laminate does. Solid surface is where a lot of countertop buyers naturally end up after carefully considering its high and low points compared to other materials. OTHER options are also available, though less popular, they can have wonderful results. Tile is used in other parts of the country and world, and butcher block and green materials like recycled glass and paper stone catch the eye of environmentally savvy buyers. These each lend their own pros and cons but can result in beautiful surfaces. Concrete is also a fun option that allows for great customization. Those on a budget can explore the endless choices of laminate. Metals like Zinc or stainless steel can also be fabulous counter surfaces. All of these other options involve understanding the maintenance and performance of the material as well as tracking down an experience installer, but the results can be stunning!     Amber Golob Interiors harnesses timeless aesthetics, structure and beauty amid elegance as one of Chicago's premier luxury interior designers. An expert on kitchens and bathrooms, her work embodies modern trends, allowing your life to be rediscovered through intimate definitions of your style.
Live in Chicago or the North Shore? Schedule a consultation with luxury interior designer, Amber Golob, by contacting her at Amber@AmberGolob.com or calling 773-960-0498.
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Written by Amber Golob
 Step 1 - Stock up on cozy textiles. Throws in faux fur, cable knit and crochet to wrap up in are a must. Keep a basket of throws near your door for easy access or consider a weather proof outdoor ottoman to toss them in when the weather turns. On clear days, leave them out and about! Think of outdoors ones as in ready for use at any time. Have a few easy wash throws for visitors and get ready for a cozy patio date or girl talk over hot cider.Think of Fall fashion fabrics like cable knit and plaid for your accent pillows. Don’t stress about them being outdoor pillows: indoor pillows are happy to live outside if protected in the elements. Layer it up and make each seat feel cozy. Add graphic pillows for contrast and subtle colors to create depth. Natural pillow trims like jute or wicker add to the Fall feel.  Step 2 – Don’t forget to accessorize. Use Fall shapes and items in monotone silhouettes to keep things stylish and calming. Bringing in a hint of autumnal décor without going full pumpkin can make your transition from summer to fall more seamless and chic. Step 3 – Bring on the heat! Replace your umbrella with a patio heater (grab one now before they go out of stock!), consider a gas fire table and keep meeting friends outside for months to come! Limited on space? Use lanterns and candles to light your fire. Step 4 – Weather proof. Use large weather proof bins or baskets for storage if you have the space, or a large basket nearby to toss it all in and bring inside. Keep accessories on an accent tray for easy removal. Now cozy into your new Autumn oasis and enjoy!  Amber Golob Interiors harnesses timeless aesthetics, structure and beauty amid elegance as one of Chicago's premier luxury interior designers. An expert on kitchens and bathrooms, her work embodies modern trends, allowing your life to be rediscovered through intimate definitions of your style.
Live in Chicago or the North Shore? Schedule a consultation with luxury interior designer, Amber Golob, by contacting her at Amber@AmberGolob.com or calling 773-960-0498. Photo credits: Surya, Jeffan.  One of our favorite things to design is the most important component of any luxury family room...the entertainment center! Blending technology and architecture, they offer so much versatility for luxury design! There are so many ways to customize them to accent your style. We are excited to share some of our favorite projects with you below in our Ultimate Guide to Entertainment Centers.  One of the most important design elements to any entertainment center is proportion! This Transitional entertainment center is sophisticated and bright, thanks to its crisp white shaker doors and thick floating shelves. Open millwork with a subtle backdrop of light blue grasscloth wallpaper provides the perfect sense of style and a stylish place for showing off your family photos and accessories. This style can fit in many homes and provides the perfect frame for the fireplace. Using thicker shelves and larger doors balance the proportion of the larger TV. Using simple lines, a mix of textures in a subtle palette, and careful proportion were the keys to this gorgeous result!  In this historic home, custom molding and historic details were key to blend with the rest of this Traditional home. Large display cubbies were integrated at the top to detract your attention from the technology below. Integrated lighting was also incorporated for dramatic effect by using small compartmentalized spotlights. Ivory speaker cloth with historic ice box latches hide more components inside. Another key is to oversize the TV area for future upgrades!  In a Contemporary home, mixture and asymmetry is key. This entertainment center offers multi-level shelving and closed-door storage, mixes metals with wood and glass, and integrates lighting from behind - tying basic elements together in a modern way.  Entertainment centers don’t always have to be heavy with millwork… or have any millwork at all! Tile and wood always pair well together for a dramatic effect - like with this tiled fireplace, driftwood mantel, and incorporated wood niche. Concrete can also capture a more industrial feel. Think outside the box on the materials used to create a fashionable place for your TV! These installations are easily done by locating your equipment elsewhere. Gone are the days of your equipment having to be open for your remote... using a designer and AV specialist the opportunities are endless! You can even cover your TV with Art that retracts when watching TV!   Entertainment centers also don’t always have to be in family rooms, basements and offices can use them too! Closed cabinets are always useful for cleanly hiding any supplies, equipment, toys, etc, that you don’t want visible, and creative shelves can be used to create an interesting focal point with your TV and music equipment.   Finally, don’t be afraid to think outside of the box! An artistic and unexpected wall can still feel integrated into your home. Here, a bold, funky wallpaper stands out from the muted, monotone surfaces of the entertainment center. The modular rectangle shapes on the right, including the tv and fireplace, balance the wavy colors of the statement wall perfectly, and the floating shelves with stone clad edges are a rich use of materials, creating the ultimate luxury entertainment wall! So have some fun, or hide all the tech: either way do not miss the opportunity to create your luxury style with one of the most important places in any home! Amber Golob Interiors harnesses timeless aesthetics, structure and beauty amid elegance as one of Chicago's premier luxury interior designers. An expert on kitchens and bathrooms, her work embodies modern trends, allowing your life to be rediscovered through intimate definitions of your style.
Live in Chicago or the North Shore? Schedule a consultation with luxury interior designer, Amber Golob, by contacting her at Amber@AmberGolob.com or calling 773-960-0498.  Over the past few weeks, we were surprised new clients have been continuing to reach out during these strange times. The coronavius (COVID-19) pandemic has redefined many of our lives currently and changed our plans going forward. However, we realized with everyone sheltering in their spaces, they are seeing 24/7 where their home needs improvements. Those with new homes are lost as to how to furnish them with most stores closed. Many people are craving for their home to be a more peaceful sanctuary as well as a more effective work space. But rest assured: interior designers like myself can actually help you achieve incredible results and meet your goals even when we are forced to be working remotely. The most important thing to realize is that you can create your dream home or space during a pandemic when you realize the early parts of a renovation are mostly done remotely, anyways! We wanted to share the same inside advice that we have been giving them. We hope to help you determine if this is the time to address that remodel project, furnish that empty space, or outfit a desperately needed home office.  Much of our process happens before spaces exist, at least in their finished form, so using virtual tools is our forte. Although we miss seeing our clients in person, our main tools have been virtual for some time. 3D sketches and renderings are one of our main tools to express our visions. Sharing our screen to walk you through your new space has never been easier!  Our office, once filled with vendor catalogs and samples, was streamlined long ago when suppliers moved catalogs online and samples to quick ship. We are adept at getting these items out to you for you to peruse at home. As showrooms and retail locations have become fewer in recent years, many products are purchased without seeing the full-scale piece regardless of our current situation. A few lovely fabrics to review have been appreciated by our clients as a lovely reprieve from the world! Our access to wholesale suppliers and experience navigating various levels of furniture make furnishing a new home much easier and we are happy to be your guide to the virtual marketplace.  The next concern for many is budget in these uncertain times. A chat with your interior designer can help you assess what is doable now, and what may make more sense for the future. We have helped clients space out their projects and understand how best to execute what they need. There are many levels and ways to make your space work and we can help you understand what is best for you.  Lastly, people are happy to learn that the timeline of design can still remain at a relatively normal pace despite the pandemic. Spending your time stuck inside and making all of the necessary plans for your project is a perfect productive use of energy. As soon as things re-open, you’ll be ready to see your vision come to life! The design phase of any project is best started many weeks or even months before your project. The best result is achieved when we have adequate time to collaborate. With cabinetry lead times of 8-12 weeks and similar furniture lead times, planning now makes sense for many. Although some manufacturers are shut down, they are offering quoting, samples and more: all the tools we need for designing. See our blog - THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO INTERIOR DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION TIMELINES to learn more!  To be sure, nothing beats a final check on-site for some finishes, and we look forward to that time returning. However, we are also excited as we find ways in the interim to work around these challenges. We look forward to being a reprieve for our clients as we focus together on getting their construction projects ready for build or finding that perfect sofa. Whether it is getting that office set up pronto or finally planning for that kitchen remodel they have put off for way to long, we look forward to helping you turn their home into your sanctuary. Amber Golob Interiors harnesses timeless aesthetics, structure and beauty amid elegance as one of Chicago's premier luxury interior designers. An expert on kitchens and bathrooms, her work embodies modern trends, allowing your life to be rediscovered through intimate definitions of your style.
Live in Chicago or the North Shore? Schedule a consultation with luxury interior designer, Amber Golob, by contacting her at Amber@AmberGolob.com or calling 773-960-0498. Live your luxury! Written by Amber Golob and Edited by Kyle Thomas.  One of my first questions for all my clients is: “What is your budget?” The most common answer is: “We don’t know!” So what does it cost and how do you know? My first piece of advice is that it costs way more than you think! I counsel many clients through their sticker shock after watching too much HGTV. Online remodel budgeting calculators are also brutally low. They do not consider where you live, your taste, or the age of our home. Are you moving walls or needing a total plumbing or electrical upgrade? Do you live in a major metropolitan area? Any of these will up your price tag. My next piece of advice is to share your real budget with your designer. We want to get you the most bang for your buck. An accurate plan helps create dream rooms that hit your budget and helps us introduce you to the right contractor and products. Talk with us early about what you can realistically spend. Then, we can determine whether it is a “paint the cabinets” refresh, a total gut, or somewhere in-between. Sometimes it could mean you should save for another year to get the remodel you want—which is our ultimate goal at the end of a project. For a kitchen remodel, the biggest budget busters are the contractor, cabinetry, and appliances. These are also where you have the most opportunity to control your costs. Let’s tackle each to better understand these big-ticket budget contributors! Contractor bids vary wildly. I have seen bids for the same kitchen design vary by $40,000! I would love to say that this is uncommon, but contractor prices are quite an enigma—see my blog post here on how to choose a contractor. Work with a designer to get a good set of detailed design drawings and bid them out with two to three contractors. This will help you compare apples to apples. Then work with us to decipher your bids. Sometimes the lowest bid has left out costs that will be end up being charged later.  On to cabinetry! There is so much to choose from—big box stores, custom shops, design centers, the Amish shop your neighbor used—it is overwhelming! I have designed stunning IKEA kitchens up through custom kitchens with a six-figure cabinet tab—and all were gorgeous. Your designer can navigate what level of cabinetry is a fit for you, your design, and budget. Knowing your budget early helps us design to the level of cabinetry you can afford. Look out for our next blog on how to choose your cabinetry!  Appliances—the techie’s dream area of their remodel! If you even utter the word Sub-Zero expect a hefty appliance budget, with their refrigerators coming in at $8-10K, but it will last forever (in appliance years)! Your whole appliance package can run five figures for a large luxury kitchen. The good news? Many lower end lines now offer very design savvy models. The top brands can’t be beat when it comes to integration into your cabinetry, but the lower-end brands are gorgeous, and often perform just as well if not better. A luxury kitchen can be achieved with either!  Photo from Virginia Tile. For a bath remodel the contractor and tile play the biggest roles, as well as plumbing fixtures. Tile can vary from a $3 per square foot subway to over $100 a square foot mosaic. Price does not always equal luxury when it comes to tile. I have done stunning luxury bathrooms with budget tiles. However, if you are looking for subtle colors, exotic natural stones, or unique patterns expect to pay more.  Plumbing fixtures also run the gamut from $100 to over $1000 for a faucet and everywhere in-between. Work with your designer and local plumbing showroom to find out what their tried and trusted models are. Fixture finish also influences pricing, with chrome being the most budget friendly and moving up from there to polished nickel, brass, etc. As with appliances, price does not always equal quality. Sometimes you are paying more for branding rather than the guts of the fixture. Trust your designer and plumbing showroom to assist in choosing quality brands. The most common bathroom budget buster is the bathtub. Many clients have started our process with a basic tub budget and then visited the showroom and fell in love with the freestanding, air jet beauty coming in over $5000. I will do my best to guide you, but some love affairs cannot be undone. As mentioned before, be wary of online calculators and internet averages. There is no replacement for your designer’s assistance in getting the most out of your budget. With contractor bids as varied as snowflakes, the danger of falling in love with that dreamy bathtub, and navigating all the products available, we are ready to get you into your dream room within your dream budget. Amber Golob Interiors harnesses timeless aesthetics, structure and beauty amid elegance as one of Chicago's premier luxury interior designers. An expert on kitchens and bathrooms, her work embodies modern trends, allowing your life to be rediscovered through intimate definitions of your style.
Live in Chicago or the North Shore? Schedule a consultation with luxury interior designer, Amber Golob, by contacting her at Amber@AmberGolob.com or calling 773-960-0498. Live your luxury! Written by Amber Golob and Edited by Kyle Thomas.  One of the most important services we provide is assisting clients to choose their contractor for their project. I always recommend a general contractor – one who will coordinate all the tradespeople needed for your project. Choosing the right general contractor for you and your budget are key to a successful project. So what is out there? After years of experience I have boiled it down to three basic types. The Guy in a Truck This is one person who does it all. They likely have relationships with specialty trades (electricians and plumbers) but may take on light specialty trade tasks and do all other work themselves. This can be the most economical type and there are certainly wonderful people like this out there, but they are hard to find. These are best used when your project is small, and when they have come highly recommended by someone you trust that has completed a similar project as yours. Make sure and verify insurance as well. Pros – can be the least expensive and willing to work without detailed drawings. Cons – we have seen this type of job go badly, including contractors disappearing with no word for lengths of time or forever! Their bids can also be less predictable as they can vary based on how busy they are. The Smaller, Well-established Firm This type of firm still has the company owner likely completing a lot of the work, but they will leave the specialty trades to the experts and have well-established relationships –with the electricians, plumber, etc. They may also have a dedicated finish carpenter (the one who installs the cabinets and all the fine trim and details) who is talented and skilled. They do not have a large office staff behind them or a separate foreman but can achieve a wonderful result at a lower price. Pros – less expensive and personal hands-on service. Cons – can be difficult to get on their schedule and they can be pulled to other jobs resulting in longer timelines. They also rarely provide services like purchasing.  The Larger Full-service Firm This type of firm provides a higher level of service due to their larger staff and established procedures. The owner won’t be picking up a hammer but will have brought together a team of project managers and tradespeople to ensure a smooth project. They offer purchasing services, quality control, and more thorough onsite management. They often have well-established vendor relationships. Their larger staff allows them to do many projects at once making it easier to get on their schedules. Pros – high level of service and less involvement by you, breadth of services, ease of scheduling. Cons – higher priced. Now that you understand the basic types of general contracting firms available, we can assist you in evaluating who is the best fit for you. The second important piece of information for a well-chosen contractor is to give clear direction to your bidders by providing them with professional drawings of your design to help ensure you are comparing apples to apples. That’s where we come in! We look forward to designing your luxury room, assisting you with choosing your contractor, and bringing you the home of your dreams! Amber Golob Interiors harnesses timeless aesthetics, structure and beauty amid elegance as one of Chicago's premier luxury interior designers. An expert on kitchens and bathrooms, her work embodies modern trends, allowing your life to be rediscovered through intimate definitions of your style. Live in Chicago or the North Shore? Schedule a consultation with luxury interior designer, Amber Golob, by contacting her at Amber@AmberGolob.com or calling 773-960-0498. Live your luxury! Written by Amber Golob and Edited by Kyle Thomas.   When it comes to a successful remodel, there are many steps to get from A to Z. It is important to be aware of the process because while the destination is certainly the exciting place to be, you actually need to respect each point in the journey. Here is your ultimate guide to the steps in your luxury home remodel! Step 1 – Figure Out Your Client Type What type of client are you? Take some time in the beginning to decide how you tackle big projects. Figuring out what kind of client you are ensures you hire the right professionals and enjoy your process. The “Do-It-Yourselfer” Have you been through a remodel before? If not, are you cool with making a costly or time-consuming mistake? Do you love researching space planning, product types, and building codes? Do you have time to commit to your project as a second job? Then you may be able to finish your project with just you and a contractor – if permits are not needed. If you hit the criteria above and if the idea of having other cooks in your kitchen annoys you, then you may be a do-it-yourselfer! Make sure you hire a knowledgeable contractor and be upfront with them that you are doing your own design. Some contractors require professional drawing sets to complete a job, and some are not interested in this type of client as they will need to assist you more. There is a reason designers charge the fees they do, and you will start to appreciate this during your project. If you think this is for you, try and talk yourself out of it three times and if you still feel confident, go for it! You can always call me if things get to being a bit too much! The “I know exactly what I want but need some help pulling it together”Client Do you have exact pictures of rooms you like and know the exact products and finishes you want? Do you have time to shop but don’t know where to go and want a second opinion on your selections? Are you willing to run around to gather samples and bids? We can assist you to bring your vision to life by helping you make sure your dream room fits your space for layout and functionality codes. We also can educate you on the products you chose and where to find them and provide professional drawings and renderings. This can save you on design fees and still lead to an excellent result. Your time for your project will still be considerable, and this is not a recommended strategy for someone with a demanding job or lots of kiddos! The “ I know what I like, but want someone else to find it” Client You know what you want, you have a beautiful picture of your dream room, but you don’t have the time or interest in finding the finishes, making sure it fits your space, and want someone else to figure all that out and make it happen! A full-service process is a fit for you that will take your dream vision and turn it into reality. The “I don’t know what I like, make me a dream room!” Client No idea what you want or where to begin, but you want a space that you love, complements your home, and echoes your personal style? We will get to know you and your style and develop options for your space. Our process includes 3D renderings that will help you discover your design style and then can offer the full services to execute the design. Once you have some idea of who you are, share this information with us during your initial consultation and we can propose your project accordingly!  Step 2 – Understand the Timeline Allow Time for Design Many clients reach out too late. Although a good result can still be achieved, the best designs are those where you have time to consider your options both design and budget wise. Consider your life, job, and other responsibilities. We need your time and attention in order to cover all the details and decisions that go into a remodel and make sure you are happy with the result. See my general design timelines here. Understand Product Lead Times and Construction Timelines You may want your kitchen done by the holidays, but if you are reaching out in October, understand most cabinets take eight weeks or more, and that time starts ticking after all designing and decisions are made. Construction takes time as well. Check out my Product and Construction timeline here for more guidance and plan accordingly. Nothing derails a project more than a party, baby coming, or move-in date deadline that is too short…  Step 3 – Know Your Budget Most online budget guides are way below reality. A conversation with us can quickly help you understand realistic costs and help you consider what you can afford. Sharing this information with us is key to a successful design and project. If you have no idea what’s okay, we can educate you. Once you understand the market and we understand what you can afford, we can plan accordingly. Step 4 – Hire the Right Help You know what type of client you are and you have some idea of your budget. Now make sure you find a team that values and understands you and whose services and work style fit your needs. Your designer, contractor, and even your product vendors make up the team for a successful project. We can help you find a contractor or evaluate one you already know to make sure they are a fit for you service and budget-wise. From a full-service contractor with a full-time office staff and foreman to a guy in a truck can both result in a great project. The cost and process can differ substantially, and the right choice can be the difference between a great experience or a horrible one.  Step 5 – Expect the Unexpected Construction is not a perfect science. Timelines can go awry. Things can look different to you in real life than they did on a drawing or a small sample. Expect to go over your budget and timeline. You will fall in love with that freestanding tub you didn’t put in your budget. That luxury range may have to be yours and you make the splurge. This happens more often than not, and it’s okay! I help people with these decisions every day. We can help manage your expectations, educate you, and help you navigate issues when they arise. We are adept at working with contractors and vendors and are there to be your sounding board during your project and your liaison with your contractor. We love doing that: it’s our passion! I often say: “Remodeling is like having a baby. It can be painful but once it’s done, you forget about the pain and start planning for your next one!” Amber Golob Interiors harnesses timeless aesthetics, structure and beauty amid elegance as one of Chicago's premier luxury interior designers. An expert on kitchens and bathrooms, her work embodies modern trends, allowing your life to be rediscovered through intimate definitions of your style.
Live in Chicago or the North Shore? Schedule a consultation with luxury interior designer, Amber Golob, by contacting her at Amber@AmberGolob.com or calling 773-960-0498. Live your luxury! Written by Amber Golob and Edited by Kyle Thomas.  How long will my project take? That answer varies wildly depending on the scope of your project and subject to your availability for meetings. Each project is unique but general guidelines are below: Design time - 4-8 weeks+ The earlier the better! Many people call us just a few weeks or even after they wish their projects to begin. Although we can accommodate rush projects at times, the best results both design and budget wise come from careful planning and time to consider your options.  Product Lead times Now that everything is decided we have to purchase all of the materials:
 Construction/Installation Timelines The design is done, all items are purchased - but there is still time to bid and install! Bidding: Many people forget to plan this time into their overall timeline. The average time to bid out a drawing set is 2-3 weeks. Thereafter if items in the bid are too high, design changes often are considered and items re-bid. This takes additional time. We can include allowances for exact selections and get the contractors bidding while we finish our shopping to save time! General Construction/Installation Timelines: My motto is: whatever the contractor tells you add at least 2 weeks! In reality, things can go wrong, and unexpected repair needs can be found at demolition. For furniture projects, product may be back ordered or arrive damaged. We will help manage your expectations but keep in mind things tend to take longer than you expect. If you are ready for the possibility of delays you will feel less frustrated along the way! General guidelines only are below for some common projects:
In general, most projects take much longer and cost more than you see on TV. We are here to educate you early on so you can make the best decisions for your design and budget! Amber Golob Interiors harnesses timeless aesthetics, structure and beauty amid elegance as one of Chicago's premier luxury interior designers. An expert on kitchens and bathrooms, her work embodies modern trends, allowing your life to be rediscovered through intimate definitions of your style. Live in Chicago or the North Shore? Schedule a consultation with luxury interior designer, Amber Golob, by contacting her at Amber@AmberGolob.com or calling 773-960-0498. Live your luxury! Written by Amber Golob and Edited by Kyle Thomas.  The most common questions I am asked are: “Is this too trendy?” and “Will this be out of style in a year?” The answer is: those aren’t quite the the correct questions. The right question should be: “Is this trend right for you?” What kind of person are you? Do you like trendy clothes and keep up with all the latest designs in other parts of your life? Then you are the type of client that should embrace some trends for sure! Still scared – then we can keep more permanent and larger ticket items classic and bring the trends in where they are easily changed out. For example, I have been designing white kitchens for clients for over 15 years. They are always a classic choice. So go white, then bring in that brass faucet or those gold light fixtures. Get the crystal knobs or boho chic pendants. These items are less expensive and can easily be changed out when these trends pass us by.  Architecture by Omar Gutierrez, Cabinetry design by Amber Golob Interiors This can work just as well with furnishings. Not sure you can live with the energizing coral forever but are in love now? Keep the colors to pillows, art and accents and make larger investment items like sofas more neutral. Want to be a little daring? Get a fun patterned accent chair that can always be repurposed or recovered when large scale florals are passé. Other fun ways to embrace trends: wallpaper, paint and accessories. All things that can be changed easily even by a DIYer!  Blooming wall mural by Rebel Walls This theory also works for whole rooms. There are certain rooms where fun can prevail. The Powder Room is a great place to put in that luxurious wallpaper or trendy color. How about a kids room? They will grow up fast so go for your dreamy Scandinavian nursery, or glam up your teenagers room. By embracing trends in rooms you will be changing regardless, you can have some fun without regrets.  Photo courtesy of Allmodern.com A few other things to consider: Resale For major remodels or updates of kitchens and bathrooms, consider how long you will be staying in your home. Although I don’t recommend putting too much importance on resale, if it is coming up within 2-7 years it is worth some thought. Past that it will be out of style or worn out anyway and a new buyer will likely want to change it up. Your home’s architecture Consider the architecture of your home for major renovations like kitchens and baths. This always lends to a long-lasting result. We can help you figure out how to work in your personal style if need be. We have helped numerous modernists trapped in a colonial design find nirvana. Lastly, everything becomes outdated eventually, so maybe just go for what you love! We are happy to give you the confidence to jump in with both feet to the latest trends! Amber Golob Interiors harnesses timeless aesthetics, structure and beauty amid elegance as one of Chicago's premier luxury interior designers. An expert on kitchens and bathrooms, her work embodies modern trends, allowing your life to be rediscovered through intimate definitions of your style. Live your luxury! Live in Chicago or the North Shore?
Schedule a consultation with luxury interior designer, Amber Golob, by contacting her at Amber@AmberGolob.com or calling 773-960-0498.  Think Outside The Mainstream
A small space doesn’t have to feel small. With a few simple changes, you can expand it substantially, until a tiny home feels like a spacious manor. It may not be, but the feeling will impart such an impression on those who visit. Remodels can make sense, and may upgrade property value, but they may not be strictly necessary. Following are five ideas to help you fully maximize the space in your home. 1. Mirrors, Mirrors Everywhere Mirrors essentially double the spread of light. If you’ve got a space that’s five feet wide and ten feet long, you can make it feel ten wide and twenty long if you fill it with mirrors. You’ve likely seen this trick at bars. Well certainly, you don’t want to fill your entire home with mirrors; that would be the slightest bit tacky. However, several well-placed ones in the right corner, or on the right wall, can amplify light and extend the illusion of space to an otherwise compact room. You can put them on the roof, in corners, canted at angles, or surrounded by fine frames which make said mirrors appear almost as though they were pictures. Especially with apartments, mirrors help widen a space. 2. Partitions, Partitions, Partitions You’ve likely heard of this, or even incorporated this strategy before. Partitions can divvy up a small space, giving you more surface area on which to hang pictures, portraits, or mirrors. There are all manners of partitions out there, some decorative, some basic, and many at differing levels of cost and coverage. Wicker partitions can be especially handy, cordoning off portions of a room so that a living space can be divvied up into dining and sleeping quarters while still remaining relatively open. You might even design your own partitions. 3. Space-Conscious, Top-Tier Cabinetry The right kind of cabinets can additionally expand a space, and there are all variety out there. Going the vertical route makes the most sense, but it depends on your space; you may have a corner of the house which benefits from a horizontal array. Whatever fits your needs, there are options for kitchen cabinets in Los Angeles or in Chicago at Studio Armadi (located in Evanston) which may be worth considering. 4. Vertical Storage Vertical storage may not be consigned to the kitchen. There are vertical washers and dryers where one is stacked atop the other, and that can free up space for storage. Additionally, roof-mounted cabinets in terms of storage are often going to do a good job of helping you store things. 5. Paintings, Portraits, And Adding A Deck Paintings and portraits, much like mirrors, can expand how large a space feels. So can initiating a deck remodel, though that can be expensive, and may not be in agreement with existing building codes. It all depends on what you have available, and associated costs. Still, a few portraits and a few paintings can really do a number on your living space. Doing What You Can With What You Have Where You Are Remodeling can be expensive, but you don’t have to do that to expand how it feels to live in a small space. You can do a lot with a little. Paintings, portraits, and mirrors will really expand a space, and vertical storage is absolutely essential. Additionally, partitions in the right place do much for a home. Ultimately, how you optimize your home depends on what you prefer, and what resources you have available. But making a small space feel large isn’t as difficult as it may at first seem. It just requires a little careful strategy and application. Article written by Ashley Lipman. |
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