Prnst.app – The Best Moodboard Builder for Designers

For a long time now the designers preferred go to thier moodboard building has been Adobe Photoshop, Powerpoint and the most familiar Olioboard. All of these are very suitable for the task at hand. However, they all require some time and for a novice who is new to creating moodboards, you have to worry about cleaning up images, which can drain you of time in completing projects.

Like most of you I was heartbroken when Oiloboard shutdown. I could create beautiful boards for clients and upload pictures and build rooms fairly quickly. Design Files can do relatively do the same thing, but the price…its up there even for a new designer trying to develop their brand. Then one day,  I thought I would scour the internet to find a better and more affordable way to build beautiful boards without the hassle.

My search results found Prnst.app  . It looked good, simple and the price was right to start out and learn- it was free. What I enjoy most is that it was easy to learn right out of the gate. Similar to Oiloboard but the interface is web based, very clean and the pricing is fantastic so it made it easier to go up a level or go pro. The packaging reminds a bit of my Planner 5D I use all the time.

To start off be sure to download the Prnst.app web clipper for chrome. Most board builders usually have one, but this one is wonderful because you can pick more that one item at a time. I don’t think I have ever seen that and it can even save the links to the page and item. Very handy. Prnst.app in action

You can build with ease and with Prnst.app you are able to move items from back to front, remove the background, add text to your board, add your logo to every page. The caveat to add your logo is that it has to be on a paid plan, but you could simply upload it. If you do a lot of boards like me, it would make sense to go pro.

The best thing I could say about this app is that it saves time, its cost effective and looks professional and its about the best design moodboard builder I have ever used since Oiloboard. They are in the midst of adding new features and there will be tablet apps in the future. I insist you go out and try Prnst.app today and design moodboards that impress.

Happy Designing!

Finishing touches for your room: Hanging Draperies

After laying down the area rug, placing the accent chairs, aligning them with the sofa and placing accessories, one of the most asked questions I get as a designer is how high we should hang our draperies.

The industry standard is to hang them as high as possible. If you are a homeowner trying to put them up yourself in an attempt to save some money (hint always hire a professional) but if you are brave enough here are a few tips.

There are homeowners who are unsure because of the molding or shape of the window. Then you also have to worrying about the length. Some owners like them right above the base molding. Some like a nice puddle.  I, as a designer like a romantic drape with a break that hits the floor sweetly. The key is measuring and then measuring again for proper height and width.

via thisoldhouse.com

Drapery is a fancy word for curtains. Most curtains come in four typical lengths: 72”, 84”, 96” and 108”.  If you have an older home, your ceiling heights are not as high. Most were between seven to nine feet high, whereas today they can be between ten or higher.

My personal rule is to place the rod 4-6 inches above the wall casing, depends where the crown molding above lands. I would put a bit of painters tape to mark the area and measure from there to the floor. There is your drapery length. As I mentioned before, it will depend where the crown molding lands. If there is very little room between the molding and casing, go high as you can. At that point if it becomes an issue you will probably need custom draperies from a local seamstress.

There are multitudes of drapery hardware to hang the drapery properly.  I personally don’t like to hang them on the rod on their own. Ever heard of the windows are the eyes to a home? Well they need liner, eye shadow and sometimes faux lashes to bring them out.  The hardware is essential for a beautiful hung curtain panel.

You can purchase drapery hardware from most home centers, furniture stores, upholstery outlets and design centers. It’s worth the investment because it’s an accessory that really highlights the panels and makes the room look more expensive than it is. I would match the rod to your finishes in your room. The most popular finishes come in brass, nickel, chrome, black iron and oil rubbed bronze. Finials and end caps are usually found in the same finishes. You can have ready-made or custom finals can be made in any color and even have them blinged out.

credit: duralee.com, byronandbyron.com and crateandbarrel.com

You can purchase the rod you need as a single rod, double rod or if you want very little peeking from the window, a French or blackout curtain rod. The rod circumference usually ranges from .75” to 3”.  From the rod you can hang the panels using ring clips, s-clips, drapery pins and in special circumstances a hidden transom track. Double rods are usually used for drapery panels and sheers.

In deciding how many panels, most windows can get away with two panels. Most panels are 48”-54” in width. On the rare occasion you can find double width panels. If you your windows can handle it usually double panels will give you the fullness and the privacy you desire.

Hanging curtains isn’t very hard and I hope these tips and information helps you add a little color and flair to the eyes to your room.

                      Free $15 gift card when you stock up on essentials. Valid 1/6-1/12.

 

 

From 1980’s Moldy Bath to 21st Century Luxury Spa

Some things just happen for a reason. My husband and I had always envisioned redoing our master bathroom.  We have owned our home for fifteen years and we realized the bathroom started looking old yellow and dingy. Then the tiles started falling off and we saw indications of black mold. I know… ewww!  We immediately called our insurance agency to have the room tested and we started the process of getting everything cleaned up.

Most mold remediation costs between one to five thousand dollars depending on the scope of the damage and size of the space. I called my favorite contractor, Sean of Water Rescue located in Lewisville Texas he was an expert in this area so I felt I was in good hands.

My first plan of action after getting the mold report was to get on my computer and redesign the space. What really saved us on cost was a gift of a contemporary vanity with glass bowl sink. I know what those cost and it really kept the budget intact. The total remodel with materials and labor was $6500.

It wasn’t a lipstick makeover like my other bathroom – paint, mirror and vanity. It was a gut job. Every inch including the tub was taken out and donated. I wanted it to make it a luxurious, dream bath for the both of us, and you have to get through the ugly to get through the pretty. The space was only five by seven; it was a small full size bath but the advantage was we could use nicer materials. I also incorporated recessed shelves, decorative details and modern fixtures.

If there was one thing I could have changed it would have been use a slightly smaller vanity. I measured everything and everything fit but the vanity was kind of tight. I have to be thankful for small favors…it was free. Demo day was the hardest day for me and my puppies; very noisy. Now I know how my clients feel and it was a great experience to go through with my experience.

The dry wall was stripped back to the studs and structural beams; the damage to them was zero. That saved a lot of money and headache, because it would have cost a great deal. The beams and walls were cleaned and treated. It took about forty-eight hours to cure and dry completely.

The new bath rated green board was installed and taped up then treated again with a sealant so we would never ever have leaks again. After all the construction the pretty stuff was ready to go in.

The new Delta deep soaker bath tub was installed first. It was a bit challenging because the plumbing was old, but in good condition. Then the rough-ins and valves were set in place. The shower height grew a foot because of newer standards of homes; then the tile was set. The wall and floor tile I kept neutral, contemporary and I wanted to make sure it would be easy to clean too; boys are messy.

Details are important so I added a small greige hexagon tile to be paired with the ceramic marble-like vertical wall tile. The smaller tile adds interest and keeps it from being boring.  The gray modern floor tile is stacked horizontally like wood flooring to make the room seem larger.

After that the new toilet, mirror and vanity is set in along with the new glass bowl and faucet hardware. The lighting was new so we saved in that area as well. Nothing changes the look of a room better than paint.  The room was painted in Sherwin Williams Requisite Gray SW7023 in a satin finish.

The small remodel took two weeks to do and it was worth every penny. If you need your bath, kitchen…or any room redesigned. Don’t hesitate to give me a call. I only work with the best and use the best materials.

Thank you for stopping by

Designer: Sharon Leigh Copeland of Traditional Edge Designs (www.tradedgedesigns.com) 214-202-9228

Contractor: Sean Phillips of Water Rescue (972) 538-3440

Thanks to : Floor and Decor, Home Depot and Sherwin Williams

Wood …It’s Not Just For Floors Anymore

One of the things that  is required of designers is to think outside the box when it comes to using different materials. One of those things is how to add texture to a space that is lacking interest or color. You could do it by adding a shag rug, a hand knitted throw on a sofa or a tumbled stone to a fireplace; but those are expected. Why not do the unexpected.

What about adding hand-scraped, laminate or recycled wood to your next project. Psst…and here’s the thing, doesn’t have to go on the floor. Use it as an accent wall, wrap a bare column or use it on the ceiling.

Use is vertically, horizontally or in a chevron pattern and don’t forget about lighting. Mix it up!

Use it with a tile, mirrors and empty frames. Make a floor to ceiling headboard! Make it the ooh I never thought of that space of your house.

The options are limitless. So if you have some unused flooring from a past project, use it  and have fun.

Credit: http://www.onekindesign.com/ for the images

Want to make a cool 3D floor plan? Try Planner 5d

Being an educated designer I fiercely threw myself into learning all the tools of trade as a young designer. I learned hand drafting, AutoCAD, Sketch Up and Revit. It’s not easy and only the technical survive. Then a few weeks ago I was introduced to a new tool that I added to my arsenal that for me changes game. It’s like Revit and Sketch Up had a baby; and it’s called Planner 5d.

I spent almost a month trying out Planner 5d program and it’s amazing. It’s great for seasoned designers, architects and the novice homeowner who want to plan out their space and have fun and be part of a community.

Before…it takes your ordinary drawings (by traditional edge designs)

After…to a gorgeous HD life-like drawing ready to present (by traditional edge designs)

This does not replace the designer because there’s more to design than drawing or putting a few blocks together. A lot more… believe me.

Planner 5d is not only fun, it’s challenging to your creativity. There are tiers of service to get the look you want. You can create floor plans using pre-made blocks. With any other drafting program you have to build from the ground up which I think is the steeping stone toward making creative projects on any platform.

This program can be used via the web, tablet (there’s an app for iPad users and Android is on the way) and even on your phone which is smart; so you can take and make ideas on the go.

The pricing for Planner 5d subscription plans start as follows:

1. Full catalog access for 7 days + 1 HD snapshot cost $2.99

2. Full catalog access for 60 days + 2 HD snapshots cost $4.99

3. Full catalog access for 1 year + 3 HD snapshots cost $9.99

4. Unlimited full catalog access +5 HD snapshots cost 19.99$

For additional HD snapshots which you can buy anytime are priced like this:

1. $0.99 for 1 HD snapshot

2. $29.99 for 40 HD snapshots

3. $49.99 for 100 HD snapshots

The block catalog is extensive and the colors are customizable. You have the option to change the walls, flooring, siding…any finish really. You are the designer. You can design a single story home or a modern skyscraper…it’s all in your hands (or mouse).

This program isn’t perfect and there are challenges… you just learn as you go.

The walls were tricky for me, stretching and watching the demo are key. If you click something on a wall, boom there goes your entire wall. Just like in sketch up, so be careful. Depending on the level you start at not all the tools are available so think carefully about what subscription you’d like to start at.

Planner 5d is the perfect companion I feel with drafted or sketched floor plans and is perfect for presentations.

So for any designer at any level Planner 5d is the low-cost alternative to more traditional and expensive CAD services. Try it out.