Asima Silva's Discussions

I wouldn't loose the tub in the master bath. In NE that's a no no. Depends on your floor plan. Do a jacuzzi tub with shower set above to keep it higher end and save space.

You may also be looking at a picture of a faucet in an upgraded finish and they are showing you the base price. For instance, most fixtures in chrome are much chepaer than satin nickel or copper tone. They advertise it at the lower price to get your interest, then you find out there are price upgrades for the special colors/finishes.

in MA it is not illegal to pass on the discount as long as you are charging and paying state tax, I believe.

As a designer in MA - these are the most common misconceptions I have seen about using a designer: 1) Designers create showrooms that are not practical for my life. We pride ourselves on function and form being first and foremost in the design. 2) Designers make me buy expensive things. We assess the client's budget and work from there. 3) Designer's taste will not match up to mine and will be "stuffy". We have sacrificed many potentially beautiful portfolio pics to make our clients happy and re-use their things. 4) I don't need a designer - I can do it myself. We work with clients to achieve their taste and introduce them to new products they cannot necessarily locate or think of on their own. We also help broaden their own personal aesthetic and save them oodles of time they would have to spend shopping around. 5) My GC is a designer. This is the funniest one. GC's have a good idea what's current but they don't invest the time in understanding you or your lifestyle enough to get the small details like color and texture perfect. They'd much rather you tell them what you want done. Top reasons people call me all the time: 1) Overwhelmed and helpless with all the choices2) Don't know what their sense of style is3) Can't agree with spouse and want a mediator4) Afraid that they'll spend money on something expensive and regret it5) Don't have time to shop around - like the convenience Hope that helps - from one pro to another.

I would think track lights are out of character with your home. I would do more recessed lights if you need spot lighting. In fact, I barely ever use track lighting - even in modern interiors. It's a little 70's/80's. I would consider tracks in a restaurant or industrial space. But it's not what I first think of.

Blues look beautiful in capes with white trim and they look beautiful anywhere in the country. Here in NE we use historical and colornial shades (I do like Ben Moore) in capes when that is what the owner is going for. But you could do neutral walls and play up colors in your furnishings & fabrics. Depends on how long you plan to keep your home.

How about building a home behind yours so you could stay in your house and do the new home build at your own pace, and as your budget allows? If you have large property, you might be able to put a larger home in front of, to the side of, or behind your existing home. You would need to check with your town to understand the regulations and tax implications though - but just an idea!

Invest in crowns. Chair rails in the dining room are nice if you have a traditional or colonial home. Any other style will be too personal to appeal to the masses. Keep it simple. Use white since it's chepaer and appeals to more buyers - and can be modern or traditionally interpreted. Make sure the molding is in keeping with the home's architecutre and proportionally sized to the rooms. Large homes with whimpy base boards and moldings look ridiculously cheap. Small homes with overscaled moldings look silly. It increases the value in that the home looks more well-cared for and finished. Don't do something very expensive or very custom. Keep it simple so it appeals to most buyers. Yes, you would contact a finished carpentry contractor.

Stage Stage Stage! If you can't afford it - get a consult.

That is awesome! Never thought of a home raffle - imagine getting a huge house for one raffle ticket?!