Blank Slate

A blank slate?! Starting a new build, renovation or any design project is exciting but can also be incredibly overwhelming for some. The options seem limitless and there is no shortage of inspiration out there. My advice to any clients I work with is to be honest when it comes to your likes and dislikes and to be specific in your needs and wants. Don’t be afraid to speak up as ultimately it’s your home and you know how you live in your space.

When we began our home search we had certain non-negotiables (location, good school district, 4+ bedrooms, etc.) but once we found this home and decided to tackle a big project, we really had to dive in and put our heads together. Prior to our architectural design meetings we each made a wish list and ranked items by priority. Once we each had our lists, we shared them and discussed, combining them into one and compromising where necessary. Heading into initial design meetings with American Vernacular we had our single wish list and were completely on the same page. Being this specific, honest with each other and ourselves and aligned at the start of the project made for a fairly seamless process when it came to designing our ideal floor plan. Our architectural designer blew us away with the plans and essentially gave us everything we asked for using the original footprint with some square footage added on the back and sides of the house. Being a corner lot, there were limitations with setback restrictions but we ultimately agreed that it was a blessing for us to have these challenges and limitations because it helped maintain our focus and eliminate some unnecessary items along the way.

Are you starting a renovation or design project? Make sure you and your partner (or anyone living in the home who gets a vote) are on the same page going into it. Write a list of your must haves and nice to haves. Naturally the list will become smaller as you dive into the project but to kick it off, dream big!

Feeling overwhelmed and need a professional to guide you through the process? That’s where hiring a designer might be right for you!

A few of our must haves for #CliffwoodComestoLife…

charming curb appeal

spacious open concept kitchen & living

home office (future Molly Basile Interiors headquarters)

outdoor living space

playroom for kids

And a few of our nice to haves…

breakfast nook

plenty of storage / a large master closet

backyard with a pool

These inspiration images (all sourced from Pinterest) give a glimpse into some of the spaces and details we are planning at project Cliffwood. The rough ins are nearly complete and dry wall will be starting soon… I’ll be sharing all of our selections!