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  • plan, sections, elevations, architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

    Start With a Plan, but Don’t Forget About Sections and Elevations

    As Alla DIY Ally, I advise my clients to start with a plan. Next, as soon as there is a basic layout is in place, to consider the three-dimensional qualities of the space by drawing sections and elevations.

    Read More Start With a Plan, but Don’t Forget About Sections and ElevationsContinue

  • creative process, custom-built, IKEA, kitchen, architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

    My Creative Process: IKEA Kitchen That Looks Custom-Built

    I’m on a mission to help a friend and do it as efficiently as possible. It’s a personal quest. How quickly can I plan an IKEA kitchen that looks custom-built? Since this blog has become something of a journal, I’ll record the stages of the creative process as it unfolds.

    Read More My Creative Process: IKEA Kitchen That Looks Custom-BuiltContinue

  • outdoor shower, rooftop, pool deck, architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

    Considering an Outdoor Shower on a Rooftop Pool Deck

    I’ve written about a beautification project I am working on. One of the areas I will be remodeling is the rooftop pool deck. To make it more of an amenity and cultivate spa-like experience, the client suggested incorporating an outdoor shower.

    Read More Considering an Outdoor Shower on a Rooftop Pool DeckContinue

  • architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

    An Outdoor Bathroom Will Function as a Wet Room

    I am in the process of designing an enclosed patio attached to an existing house. The added space will have an outdoor bathroom. We are making it wheelchair accessible; it consists of a toilet, a sink, and a hand-held spray (without a showerhead). Since there’s no shower enclosure per se, the entire bathroom will function…

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  • powder room, makeover, custom, vanity, cabinet, architect on demand, advice without strings

    A Powder Room Makeover: Design a Custom Vanity Cabinet

    A couple of weeks ago I wrote about some of my design ideas for a powder room makeover. Aside from a custom wedge-shaped vanity cabinet, I’ve proposed a very straightforward, sensible fix.

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  • redesign, powder room, steps, architect on demand, advice without strings

    How to Redesign a Powder Room in 5 Easy Steps

    My friends are tired of the way their powder room looks and feels these days. They want to freshen it up, change the fixtures, replace a misbehaving pocket door. I think they should also redesign flooring and lighting. No big deal, right? But to them, even thinking about it feels like a huge undertaking. In…

    Read More How to Redesign a Powder Room in 5 Easy StepsContinue

  • sauna, bathroom, storage, relaxation, architect on demand, advice without strings

    Sauna Bathroom: Providing Enough Storage & Relaxation

    This smallish bathroom is designed to feel as large as possible. It doubles as an entryway to a sauna and has to feel like a sanctuary, a space to unwind. A room for relaxation, it is supposed to be used by a few people at a time. And most importantly, there should be enough storage.

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  • Hollywood Regency Style, remodel, architect on demand, advice without strings

    How to Remodel in Hollywood Regency Style

    Hollywood Regency Style, a synthesis of 19th-century French, Greek Revival, and Modern was never of interest to me. That is until last Wednesday, when I received a text: “Good morning Alla. I wanted to see how busy you are these days as my parents just bought a vacation home in Palm Desert that is in…

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  • little details, bath, shelf, architect on demand, advice without strings

    Working Out Little Details: a Bath Shelf

    A potential DIY Ally client asked me if I enjoy working out little details. She wrote: “Hello, I am remodeling a 1938 bath in Washington DC. Have worked with architects previously, so attempting this without an architect, with a very trustworthy contractor. But he’s not a designer, and I want to do something unconventional (from…

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  • customizing IKEA, wall-mounted organizer, architect on demand, advice without strings

    Customizing IKEA: Wall-Mounted Organizer

    I’ve written about my garage conversion frustrations. I also discussed at length my plans to install Sunnersta mini-kitchen by IKEA. Now that the project is completed, I’m happy to share one of my customizing-made-affordable efforts — a wall-mounted organizer.

    Read More Customizing IKEA: Wall-Mounted OrganizerContinue

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Get to know

  • Meet Alla
  • Testimonials
  • Accolades
  • Get in touch

Get inspired

  • DIY like an architect
  • Kid-Focused Design
  • Idea books
  • Blog
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  • get to know
    • meet Alla
    • testimonials
    • accolades
    • legacy
  • get started
    • DIY like an Architect
  • get inspired
    • kid-focused design
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    • blog
  • get in touch