by ariseart | Aug 20, 2020 | Blog, Press
“As summer continues to bring nice weather, having an outdoor living space might be just what your home needs.”
The best outdoor spaces we have constructed have incorporated both direct and indirect lighting to maximize ambiance and mood setting. Top it off with a water or fire feature and you are set for success. – HB Home Services
Arise Interiors was recently a featured contributor to an article on real estate website Redfin, where the topic of building ultimate outdoor living spaces was discussed in its modern-day popularity and variety. Traci from Arise Interiors made this suggestion when considering the design and details of your ultimate outdoor living space:
When you are looking at your outdoor space try to view it as zoned areas just as you would with your interior. By planning and defining areas for a specific use, or multiple uses ensures that you’re getting the most out of the space. Think in terms of the kitchen area, lounge seating, or play area, there are so many options. Once you have your space planned out, selecting surfaces, finishes and furnishing becomes much easier. Don’t be afraid to define multiple purposes for one area.
There were several other designers featured from the East to the West, all offering their insight as to what to consider when creating your year-round outdoor living space. Some might even say that it should be a balanced reflection of your indoor living space.
Read more on the article Tips for Creating the Ultimate Outdoor Living Space by clicking here. We also have other design tips within the Arise Interiors website, to which you can access by clicking here.
by ariseart | Aug 18, 2020 | Blog
Now more than ever before is our climate becoming the center of our decisions. From the brands we like, to the homes we live in, sustainability and the effect of our decisions on the climate are vitally important. In the design world, as i + D Magazine put it, “there’s a renewed interest in producing and highlighting sustainable products for the home.” And it is true. At Arise Interiors, we are constantly looking to incorporate recycled materials, fair trade design elements and sustainably manufactured resources. In this blog post we are going to be sharing some of our favorite highlights from the i + D Magazine Spring 2020 issue, ‘Looking Ahead as Design Changes the Climate’.
Highlight 1: A Guiding Principle
Founded in 2006, was the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC). This council is comprised of manufacturers, retailers and designers designated to increase the eco-responsibility of furniture being made across the world. The SFC has scorecards for a furniture piece by looking at the materials that are used to make it. For example, the Wood Furniture Scorecard was created to hold furniture companies to a high expectation that they select and source wood sustainably and responsibly. The guided efforts of SFC are not only looked at by manufacturers but also by consumers. According to i + D Magazine, nearly half of their website traffic comes from consumers wanting to learn more about what they are buying. This is something interesting to think about when looking at pieces to incorporate into your next remodel or even just re-decorating project in your home. At Arise we primarily work with certified supplies and select products that are designed to last and vetted for downstream effects. Nearly every vendor we work with is either solely offering or offers LEED certified and/or sustainably sourced materials.
Highlight 2: Clearing the Air
One of the largest catalysts to climate change is air pollution. But did you know that there are now ways to combat air pollution that actually start with the household pieces you buy? One of the most popular and budget-friendly retailers, IKEA, is working on this solution within their products specifically. According to i + D Magazine, “In 2018, the company launched the Better Air Now initiative in an effort to combat air pollution by turning rice straw — a harvesting residue that contributes to air pollution when burned — into raw material.” These pieces under the collection, FÖRÄNDRING, are available in Europe and India exclusively, however the collection has made fast waves since the initiative started and has plans to become available globally. It’s options like these that will make the difference for the masses. People from all economic levels can afford to reduce their carbon footprint, without sacrificing design aesthetic.
Highlight 3: Reducing Landfill Waste
A major issue that still has no resolution, is the process of how we get rid of our waste. While we do have landfills, these landfills are only a small bandaid over a massive problem. Any way that we can reduce, reuse and recycle, the better. And it’s amazing at the current number of companies, from furniture, to beauty to food, that are centering their products and packaging solely on recycled materials. One successful business example that i + D Magazine showcases is Greg Benson, CEO and Co-Founder of Loll Designs. Benson uses recycled water cartons to make stunning Adirondack chairs, as well as a full line of stunning outdoor furniture, from dining tables and chairs to lounges. He says that “more than half of his sales come from architects and designers.” This is exactly the type of product we look for at Arise Interiors when making product and finish sections. There has also be a new interest in carbon offsets for remodel projects. It’s a one-time expense that is relatively small that can reduce the impact of building.
Highlight 4: Telling a Story
More and more standards are increasing for companies to be green and sustainable. It’s not merely enough to use these buzzwords as consumers and businesses increasingly want to know how their goods were sourced and manufactured, what chemicals were used (if any), and how they were made. At Arise Interiors we have numerous sustainable design practices not only in our projects, but in our office too. See below as to how our office is sustainable.
- We minimize consumption of single use plastics and paper
- Limit passive heat gain during hot months
- Offset carbon consumption
- Chose an office location based lower commute times and access to public transit
- Employ sustainable design practices and materials for clients
To access and read the full article in i + D Magazine, click the link here.
Featured Image via Tiles of Spain
by ariseart | Jul 30, 2020 | Blog, Press
“Skip the molded plastic and set your sights on long-term, fun-friendly space that all can enjoy.”
“The playhouse is also a nice escape for Mom and Dad, who sometimes go up and enjoy a cocktail hour. But the playhouse may be the most conventional part of the yard.” – Caron Golden
Unique and Playful: Traci Taylor and Joe Metcalf’s backyard in their Mission Bay area home is arguably the family’s favorite spot to hang, quite literally. Back when the home was purchased in 2005, the couple seized the opportunity to build around their beloved Brazilian pepper tree. This treehouse soon became the family’s ever evolving project.
“A spiral staircase leads up into the 150-square-foot, multilevel treehouse, although there are also a couple of other ways to enter. The structure’s main level is approximately 10 feet by 12 feet — spacious enough for the children to lug up beach chairs and set them out, says Golden, “but Taylor said her kids usually bring a blanket or beach towel and picnic in the space. There’s even a pulley to send up lunch.”
“The playhouse is also a nice escape for Mom and Dad, who sometimes go up and enjoy a cocktail hour. But the playhouse may be the most conventional part of the yard” says Taylor to Golden. “We looked at getting a jungle gym, but it was too small for us, as parents, to play on,” Taylor further explained.
Traci and her husband made it their next mission to source pieces such as rings, swings and other types of apparatuses that were big enough for them to play on, in addition to their children. As their additions grew, so has their amount of time invested hanging in their optimized backyard oasis.
Read more on the following article by Caron Golden on the details of Traci and Joe’s backyard, as well as tips from Traci on how to create an authentic backyard of your own. SDUT
Read the rest of the article on San Diego Union Tribune July 2020
Photography via the San Diego Union Tribune
Want to read more about the design process and watch the client’s testimonial? Check out the Case Study!
by ariseart | Jul 22, 2020 | Blog
Traditionally, the talk on sustainable interiors design practices and materials was never the main focus of interior design, but that is definitely changing.
Interior designers and brands are starting to pay attention to the environmental impact of the interior design process. From design and production to shipping and recycling.
Additionally, there is an abundant amount of sustainable materials in today’s second-hand market. As an article in Vishion put it, “in a world where convenience is prioritized over all else, it’s easy to fall into a lifestyle that’s synonymous with wastefulness.” And when it comes to interior design, there are a multitude of options we can take to sub in a recycled material. As a matter of fact, almost every material when remodeling can be sourced ethically and sustainably. So before you start your next home project, check out these simple tips to create a beautiful space, while reducing your carbon-footprint, and putting your money where your mouth is.
Tip 1: Source Second-Hand Furnishings
One way to keep costs low and aesthetic authentic, is to opt for second-hand furnishings. Second-hand furnishings not only boost the up-cycle movement, but they help to reduce waste in your local community. Another reason why shopping second-hand is resourceful, is because shopping second-hand helps the local antique shops and thrift stores within your community. After all, there’s nothing that a little polishing can’t fix. Here’s a great spot in the San Diego community with over three locations that you can explore for repurposed furnishings.
Photo via Kelly Elko, kellyelko.com
Tip 2: Refurbish Those Dining Room Chairs
Well, maybe not specifically your dining room chairs, but before buying a new, think about what you already have. Taking a thorough inventory of what furniture pieces are giveaway versus which ones just need a fresh refurbish can make a big difference in your decorating cost. When you reupholster a set of outdated dining room chairs, you get to keep the old-world charm all while ditching the out dated and worn upholstery. And the same can be said for refinishing. Sometimes all a piece of furniture needs is some sanding and staining, or even more simple, just a repaint!
Tip 3: New Paint Goes a Long Way
The paint color is crucial in every home project, whether it’s the exterior or interior this is a fast and easy way to give your space a new look or the same look but refreshed. However, when choosing a paint one thing to absolutely consider is the type of paint. Eco-Friendly paint is always the most environmentally responsible way to go. Consult with your local hardware store for eco-friendly paint options as well as conduct your own research online beforehand.
Tip 4: Install Recycled Materials
We are always trying to keep an eye on how to make projects more sustainable. There are tons of great products out there. Many times using what already exists is even more beneficial to the environment and carbon footprint than sourcing new ‘green’ materials. While we do agree, all the materials need to be quality, it’s also important not to discount recycled materials such as recycled glass, bamboo and salvaged wood. By incorporating these base materials into your home, you can achieve beauty and uniqueness in the details without sacrificing quality or longevity.
Here is a great example of an Arise Interior project that used various sustainable designs in just one room (pictured above):
- Reusable Concrete Sink: 50’s era sink typically found in garages and laundry rooms in the area. It was found online and refreshed with a black epoxy coating and is now a feature piece.
- Flooring: New concrete tile transitions into an existing bamboo floor that was kept intact through the remodel.
- Door: Original door from 1950’s, it’s a better quality and look, plus they will hold up for a longer time than starting with new doors, even accounting for their 60+ age already.
- Wooden Siding: The siding on the wall was sourced from Habitat for Humanity Restore and hand distressed.
Tip 5: Do Your Research
Get to know the local construction and interior businesses within your community, as well as search for resourceful websites that provide further sustainable tips and information. For this article, we found this website, Vishion, quite direct when sharing tips on how to incorporate environmentally friendly practices into your next renovation project. Read more through the link above.
If you are considering a remodel project in your home, contact Arise Interiors today to line up a consultation with our leading designer.
Featured Image via Pierre Châtel-Innocenti
by caroline | Jun 8, 2020 | Blog
San Diego’s climate offers the perfect opportunity to remodel any time of the year. Whether you plan to upgrade your home’s exterior or renovate your kitchen, steps should be taken to ensure a smooth process and an excellent relationship with your contractor and designer. Your vision will easily come to life if you start your project with clear communication and expectations. These four steps can build relationships that will ensure your remodel will be a dream come true.
Step 1: Get A Contract
Communication is key to any successful professional relationship. Get a clear contract that outlines any potential circumstances which may arise throughout the project. By expressing your expectations and goals at the start of the project, your contractor and designer can help guide your expectations. No remodeling project goes perfectly, so an in depth contract can prevent problems over the course of your renovation.
Step 2: Establish A Budget
Establishing a budget at the start is important to avoid any complications during your remodel. At Arise Interiors we’ve developed a tool that assists in setting a working budget for any project. We always start by learning about your dreams and aspirations for your home and go from there. Establish how much you will spend if all things go as planned, but also to set a “just in case” budget incase you run into complications. You will get what you want without breaking the bank if, or more likely, when a complication arises. A budget also provides a guideline for a productive relationship between you, your contractor, designers, as well as your spouse or other decision makers that are involved in the project.
Step 3: Establish Your Boundaries
Communication is crucial to the success of your remodeling project. You will spend a significant amount of time with your designers, contractors and workers. They will spend time in your home, so it is important to establish and communicate your boundaries. If you would like workers to use a particular door, bathroom, etc, establish those requests up front. Additionally think about your own daily routine. For example, if there are days you are not available, communicate that. Do you have young children or pets? If so, accommodations can be made, but only if your project team knows that from the beginning.
Step 4: Prepare Your Home
While your home is under construction, your day-to-day life will be disrupted. The kitchen is a key space in any home, and if it’s out of commission an alternative cooking space most likely will be needed. Outdoor spaces in Southern California fortunately work well for this. Additionally, you’ll need to clear paths for workers to maneuver in and out, and stow away any fragile, valuable and bulky items safely out of the way.
Success Starts with You
Your home is important. Getting a remodel project done right can make all the difference, and finding the right team is key. Let us know if you have any questions or would like more information about the process.
If you are considering a remodel project in your home, contact Arise Interiors today to line up a consultation with our leading designer.
by ariseart | Apr 7, 2020 | Blog
In order to ensure the success of a home remodeling project in san diego, research is the most important foundation. Here is how Arise Interiors achieves desired results through the design discovery and project exploration phase.
A large population of us love watching renovation television shows. It’s so easy to sit and binge watch an entire show of before and after shots! Planning a Remodeling Project in San Diego.
It’s no surprise that the excitement that shows through the happy couples viewing the result of their remodeling projects is expected to be the norm throughout the design project. However, there is much more work that goes behind what we all see in an hour long episode. When it comes to executing your very own remodeling project, it is not all flowers and rainbows.
As an interior design firm in San Diego, we know and have experienced first hand the hidden problems that may come up during a remodeling project, and we know exactly how to avoid them. The secret is to set the right foundation from the beginning. To ensure our clients’ interior design vision comes to life within their ideal timeline and budget restrictions, we use a highly-strategic phase in our design process. The initial design discovery and project exploration phase is fundamental to truly understanding what your property, budget, and timeline will allow you to reach the desired outcome of your remodeling project.
Planning a Remodeling Project in San Diego: The Phases Of Design Discovery And Project Exploration
The long beginning phase of a remodeling project is barely featured on your favorite home remodeling TV show, but it goes without saying – those interior designers, clients, and contractors are going through the same process prior to demolishing walls, tearing out cabinets, and picking out materials.
1. Field Study
The first step in any remodeling or interior design project includes detailed examination of your space or property. This includes precise measurements of the area being remodeled. When you work with Arise Interiors, an experienced representative will come out to your site to measure the floor plan, doors, windows, openings, and potential restrictions, such as vents, HVAC systems, structural walls and beams, and more. You can except an expert to come in and conduct a thorough site evaluation. This limits any potential for costly or detrimental issues that could arise later down the timeline. We will also take before photos and videos of the job site.
2. Drawings
We will use the information gathered in the field study phase to develop drawings that effectively communicate the initial design plan and overall vision to contractors. This will include a floor plan of the existing property for each area that will be designed, as well as conceptual floor plans that demonstrate the desired outcome of the remodeling project.
These conceptual floor plans include:
– Layout changes
– Removal of structural elements
– Additions the client wishes to see in the space
This is a labor-intensive process and extremely detailed-oriented in order to get the most accurate construction bids for the project.
3. Aesthetic Concept
The next phase of the design discovery and project exploration includes a mood board and color story for each area that will be designed by Arise Interiors. This information will help guide the project, our goal is to prevent any unforeseen changes down the project timeline that could put the project over the expected budget.
4. Bid Request & Master Project Budget
The next step is to discuss the budget. Formal bid requests will be sent out to our curated network of contractors. We will then schedule meetings accordingly. Then comes the proposed budget that includes costs for materials and finishes. Lastly we will add up the totals with the most fitting construction bids for a clean and transparent project total.
5. Project Review
This is the meeting where all decision makers come to the table. The objective is to review and discuss the findings of the design discovery and project exploration and determine the appropriate steps to get started.
Working With Arise Interiors For Your Remodeling Project
At Arise Interiors, we take transparency very seriously. Feeling confident that the designer you’ve chosen is a good fit for you is essential to the success of your project and you can only feel that way if you have all the information. If you are interested in remodeling a space in your home or office, contact Arise Interiors today to start the process.
