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Welcome to the Designer Diaries!
For those of us who have never worked with a designer before, there’s a bit of mystery behind how they get from that first handshake to the final perfect pillow on an armchair. And just how they get from a statement like, “Nothing Country!” to a modern and sleek kitchen design that meets their clients' needs could be considered one of the wonders of the modern world.
In fact, we’re so interested in the whole design process that we’ve asked our Designed for Life - Kitchen & Bath Designers to write some diary entries to unveil the process behind those almost-magical transformations they are able to accomplish in such a short time.
We’ll hear from the designers themselves as they move through each stage of the design process over the next eight-week period. Check back for frequent updates as these professionals share the secrets of how they approach their work. Enjoy!
-Sarah McNary, Editor
Posted on August 26, 2010 15:52
Diary by ASID Designer Laura Birns
Friday, August 13, 2010: Was still waiting to receive my client match… and was getting a bit nervous about the timeline. I checked online to see what fixtures the bath/tub supplier was offering. I was pleasantly surprised by the variety, but a bit concerned about the limitations. I wasn’t sure how "custom" these units could be, so I called and spoke to the supplier. It turns out there is ample room for creativity...
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Posted on August 27, 2010 04:00
Diary by ASID Designer Carol Spong
We had a delightful visit. My client Lori was so well prepared with a list of her health concerns as well as ideas she’d collected to address those concerns. She had thoughts about how to ease the strain on her back, knees, arms and hands.
Lori even had a wish list at the ready. She’d clipped magazine photos of kitchens that inspired. She was full of enthusiasm and good humor. In fact, I think she only frowned once. She had just fin...
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Posted on August 27, 2010 22:54
By ASID Designer Marisa Reed
I met with Dr. Henry and Shirley Miller on Thursday August 19 just after lunch. They live in a lovely suburban neighborhood by the college. The house sits solidly in the shelter of mature landscaping.
The Millers welcomed me warmly and ushered me into their kitchen. I could see immediately why they were at a loss with the space. The cabinets were dated – painted in the late 1970s perhaps. Strategically placed images of grapes dangled over the ...
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Posted on August 28, 2010 23:37
Diary by ASID Designer Anne Kellett
The Beedles are very interesting and kind-hearted people. They have two rescue dogs: one is an Australian Cattle Dog and the other one they claim is a Kelpie. I asked about that and they explained a Kelpie is a cross between a Dingo and a Collie! All I could think was what was that Collie thinking? Talk about a walk on the wild side! Both are sweet animals though and rushed to greet me when I arrived.
The first thing I noti...
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Posted on August 29, 2010 23:43
Diary by ASID Designer Kelly Hendricks
After receiving the news that Patricia Olafson would be my client, I immediately called her. When I told her that she had been selected and that I would be her kitchen designer, she was speechless. I actually thought the phone had gone dead. When she finally responded, she shared that she had all but given up hope. She was thrilled to have the chance to enhance her home for her very own special needs. Not only could I hear the excitement...
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Posted on August 30, 2010 23:59
Diary by ASID Professional Lindsay Hester
I don’t think I’ve ever been asked to phrase my design ideas in the form of a question, but with Laura Makey as my client, I’m ready if she asks. Laura was a former Jeopardy contestant and is as sharp as they come. She has the air of a funky librarian about her, and I suspect she matches her eyeglasses to her mood. She collects elephants in addition to colorful eyeglasses and has a story to tell.
As a child, Laura suffered a tr...
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Posted on September 01, 2010 00:17
Diary by ASID Professional Lindsay Hester
My kitchen design clients were a whole other kettle of fish… or should I say family of characters? Joe and Diane have been married for 39 years and are living in a house built in 1979. They’ve also saved up $15,000 to add in to our budget for the remodel. Although Diane has impaired vision, she is the epitome of the “milk and cookies” mom. In fact, she often bakes cookies for her husband, children and grandchildren. Her husband, Joe is a disabled,...
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Posted on September 01, 2010 20:43
Diary by ASID Professional Denise Homme
A 1915 Craftsman Style Home
Ever since hearing that I was one of the finalists in the Designed for Life competition, I had been looking forward to making that initial telephone call to introduce myself to these new clients and to begin planning together what I hoped would be a winning bathroom design solution.
Then the call came! Well, the email actually but I was excited. Bill and Cyndi were busy until the weekend so it was decided w...
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