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  • bath/laundry combo, sf, architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

    How to Plan a Bath/Laundry Combo When Every SF Needs to Count

    A DIY Ally client wrote: “Hello Alla, I’ve much enjoyed your website, particularly your 11-step eBook and blog entries. I have a space planning question. My husband and I are downsizing from a 2300 sf home to a 1948 ranch 3BR/1BA 1100 sf home. Every sf needs to count. Over the 5+ years we’ve owned…

    Read More How to Plan a Bath/Laundry Combo When Every SF Needs to CountContinue

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

    How to Design a Closet that Doubles as a Staircase

    You’ve heard a great deal about my project in Bridgehampton; it’s been a year in development. Finally, the first stage of construction has started — we are repurposing a free-standing rustic garage into a guest house. I am busy making sure that all of the elements come together seamlessly. Still refining the design for a closet…

    Read More How to Design a Closet that Doubles as a StaircaseContinue

  • bi-parting swing gate, electric sliding gate, architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

    Choosing Between a Bi-Parting Swing Gate & an Electric Sliding Gate

    I am in the process of deciding what kind of an entrance/driveway gate is appropriate for a client’s property. Should it be an electric sliding gate or a bi-parting swing gate? The height is pre-determined by the local code and it cannot exceed 48”, which means that this gate will not function as a privacy…

    Read More Choosing Between a Bi-Parting Swing Gate & an Electric Sliding GateContinue

  • hacking IKEA, limited edition collections, architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

    Beyond Hacking: IKEA Is Introducing Handcrafted Limited Edition Collections

    I appreciate IKEA’s trend of partnering with various companies to produce limited edition collections. For instance, a “splashy” new line with Dutch studio Scholten & Baijings capitalizing on a beloved DIY pastime of hacking off-the-shelf products. IKEA wants to be part of it too!

    Read More Beyond Hacking: IKEA Is Introducing Handcrafted Limited Edition CollectionsContinue

  • cornice molding, wall, ceiling, light, cove, architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

    Cornice Molding — Transition Between Wall & Ceiling — Doubles as Light Cove

    Cornice molding (AKA crown molding) is a decorative trim and a topmost element that marks a transition between wall and ceiling. Parts of it are placed against both horizontal and vertical surfaces. Most of the time it’s purely ornamental; however it can also function as an intriguing light cove.

    Read More Cornice Molding — Transition Between Wall & Ceiling — Doubles as Light CoveContinue

  • bar-height, console, study, architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

    Designing a Bar Height Reading Console for a Study Filled With Books

    I have a design-conscious client who calls me up periodically with a new assignment to tackle. I love working with him — designing something that fits its function and is innovative can be extremely enjoyable. This time we are working on his study brimming with books. In addition to bookshelves, he requires a desk and a…

    Read More Designing a Bar Height Reading Console for a Study Filled With BooksContinue

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

    Designing a Swimming Pool With or Without a Contractor

    The other day I complimented a friend on the waterline tile he selected for a private swimming pool. He thanked me and added: “The tile does not change color when wet.” I found it interesting that a detail like that would be an important consideration.

    Read More Designing a Swimming Pool With or Without a ContractorContinue

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

    A Fireplace Is a Heart of a Home

    Phew! Just emailed a revised set of drawings to a client. Having gotten a NY State license, I am picking up the pace — we’re planning to submit for permits in less than a month. My passion for the project in Bridgehampton is all-consuming. Now that I’ve worked out all of the “big moves,” it’s…

    Read More A Fireplace Is a Heart of a HomeContinue

  • installation, bad experience, IKEA, cabinet installation, architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

    A Bad Experience with an IKEA Kitchen Cabinet Installation

    I wrote about helping a friend with an IKEA kitchen remodel recently. Unfortunately, it has not gone well. We are very disappointed with the cabinet installation. A problem that could’ve been addressed and resolved on site was ignored. The resulting mistake has not been acknowledged and fixed. Instead of taking responsibility and apologizing, the contractor…

    Read More A Bad Experience with an IKEA Kitchen Cabinet InstallationContinue

  • re-imagining, pool deck, terrace, garden, architect-on-demand, advice-without-strings

    Re-imagining a Roof Terrace as a Garden and a Pool Deck

    Good news! We just got a building permit for the daycare center project. With the load off, I can spend some time preparing for the presentation I wrote about last week. This time the focus will be on re-imagining the building’s roof terrace not just as a pool deck, but as a roof garden. 

    Read More Re-imagining a Roof Terrace as a Garden and a Pool DeckContinue

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