Category Archives for Blogs

Love Your Small Laundry Room

It’s important to have a functional laundry room in your home – especially if you’re a parent with small children. If your home lacks a functional laundry room, or if your current design just isn’t working for you, that can be fixed! Working with an architectural designer and a capable builder, you can have a laundry room that almost makes doing laundry fun. Below, we’ve listed some of the most important steps of the designing process.  

The Best Small Laundry Room Location

Where would you like to be doing your laundry? Is it better to have a laundry room near your bedrooms? Or would you prefer to build an addition on your first floor? And, if you’d like to put your laundry room on a floor that’s separate from your bedrooms, would you like a laundry chute to make transporting laundry easier? You get to pick.

It’s helpful to locate your laundry room close your plumbing to potentially save money and headaches during the construction process. The farther away from your plumbing, the more invasive your laundry renovation will be – and the more expensive. Proper ventilation also needs to be planned which contributes to your choice of location.

Space & Function

Regardless where you sort and fold shelves and cabinets with adequate storage are a must. You will want to discuss your storage needs with your architect or designer in advance.

Knowing the type of appliances you want may dictate whether you can choose floor-level cabinets with countertop space or upper cabinets. If you are converting a closet, stackable units could be a good solution.

Insulate Your Family From Noise

Washers and dryers can vibrate and make other loud noises, depending on your settings (and what you’re cleaning). Shielding your family from the noise can help you get rest at night or help your baby sleep during the day.

Ask your contractor about insulating to keep noise from reaching your living areas. The location you choose can also help with this. Work with your architect to find a place in your house where your laundry room will cause the least disruption. 

Double-duty Space

Many homes can double your room’s utility by pairing it with other short function rooms. Combining with a mudroom and powder roos make your laundry room useful for more than just laundry. You can get more than a single use with stylish cabinets, covers, or choosing fashion-colored appliances.

Getting Help

Sometimes what seems easy needs a professional to help integrate into your remodeling plan. Contact Drafting Cafe to discuss your remodeling project. It’s always better to get a professional opinion.

Most Common Delays in Renovation Projects and How to Avoid Them

Renovation delays happen. Even when you’re working with a reputable and ethical contractor, construction delays can occur for reasons outside your builder and designer’s control. Knowing the common reasons for these remodeling delays can help you anticipate potential problems, and may even help you avoid preventable delays. Some construction delays can cost money, so it’s important to be aware of these potential problems before they become an issue.

Weather and Environment

Some construction activities are affected by weather while others are not. Rain and cold temperatures can delay some outdoor activities, such as painting and some roof work. Some times of year are more susceptible to weather delays than others.

Your contractor should communicate with you about the likelihood of a weather-related delay, and what they plan to do if a delay occurs. If it doesn’t come up, ask your contractor before the work begins.

DIY Errors

Sometimes homeowners perform their own remodels – and then make mistakes that later need to be corrected. You may have done this to your own home, or a previous homeowner may have done this before you. Either way, this kind of damage could require your contractor to make repairs before starting work of their own.  

Pre-Existing Conditions

Leaks, wood rot, mold, and even foundation problems can go undetected for years until your contractor starts demolition for a home improvement project. Often, there’s no way to know what kind of pre-existing conditions could be waiting to be discovered under the floor or in the walls of your home. If this kind of problem is discovered during your home improvement project, there may be costs associated with the repair, and renovation delays are likely.

Permit Delays

Permitting takes time, and when permitting offices are overwhelmed with permit requests, permitting delays can be longer than expected. Permitting delays can occur because of current events in your area. For example, if wildfires burned homes in your area over the summer, permitting offices may be flooded with permit requests to rebuild homes several months after the event. Your architectural designer may have a sense of the kind of delays you can expect from your permitting office, so ask about it when you’re planning your project.

Inexperienced Contractors

Inexperienced contractors are more likely to make mistakes, which can slow progress and drag out construction. Sometimes inexperienced contractors also use inefficient tools and processes to perform work. It’s tempting to hire an inexperienced contractor because they charge less than long-standing, successful contractors – but often, this saves little money.

COVID-Related Supply Chain Delays

COVID-19 has affected construction in some unexpected ways. Factory shutdowns have caused disruptions in the supply chain, which can cause delays in material supplies weeks or months after the fact. In addition, increased demand for some materials has put even more stress on the supply chain.

At this time, composite decking is available in limited colors and can take longer than normal to deliver. Garage doors of some types and models can take a long time to arrive after ordering. Other materials, like cabinets and tiles, could also be impacted. 

What You Can Do to Avoid Renovation Delays

Although some remodeling delays are inevitable, there may be some things you can do to keep your home improvement project moving along.

• Plan in advance to get material supply orders placed as quickly as possible.
• Leave money in your budget for unexpected costs from pre-existing conditions as they are discovered.
• Work with an experienced contractor and designer who knows how to work efficiently.

For more information about how you can avoid renovation delays in your home improvement, remodeling, home addition or ADU project, or to get started with your upcoming home renovation, contact Drafting Cafe. 

Everything You Need to Know About Choosing Kitchen Cabinets

The kitchen is a focal point in any home. Even when we gather in the living room, somehow everyone ends up in the kitchen. You want yours to be both functional and gorgeous. For that you need to consider what your kitchen cabinets will look like.

While colors and other finishes matter, the aesthetics of your kitchen cabinets can make a huge impact. Fortunately, you have more options than ever. Today’s kitchen cabinets are beautiful with decorative details and colors, functional with useful upgrades, and created with some of the best quality materials on the market.

Before you start choosing cabinets, it all starts with a plan. Ask yourself these four questions:

• How do you want your kitchen to look?
• How do you currently use your kitchen, and what is it lacking?
• Do you want items to show, or would you like a sleek, uncluttered look?
• How much space do you have to accomplish what you need?

Next, consider the following:

Materials

Some of the most popular materials on the market for countertops are marble, wood, concrete, and stainless steel. Some of these can be used as cabinet fronts, if you have a considerable budget! Considering how your countertops will look affects your cabinet choices. If you are choosing a dramatically patterned granite or marble countertop you may want to go with a simple cabinet style. When considering wood, there are so many options to choose from that aren’t based on the old standards of oak or maple. There are beautiful eco-friendly and sustainable cabinets made from recycled plastic bottles and reclaimed wood that meet the design style of today’s homeowners.

Finishes

Today’s kitchen designs are following mixed media trends with upper and lower cabinets coordinated instead of matching. Imagine marble and teak, or walnut inserts mixed with stainless steel. The possibilities are endless. Combinations like caramel-toned wood and dark counter and appliance surfaces, or natural and airy elements like light-toned wood and glass. Textured finishes are also really big in modern kitchens, pushing the envelope on kitchen design. Be aware that these textures aren’t always easy to clean and can capture grease and dirt.

Decorative Details

There are so many fun options for kitchens today you don’t need to be limited to traditional layouts and what your original home design provided. You can have cabinets with curves, integrated range hoods, bright-colored cabinets, rustic shelves, hidden pantries (larders), plate racks, and more. If you can imagine it, someone has probably designed a cabinet for it.

Internal Functions

Cabinets for your built-in appliances are very popular now, combining functionality with style and design. You’ll find kitchen cabinets housing the microwave, refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher, pull-outs for mixers, and other items, built-in cutting boards, and sliding pantries.

Storage

You still need to maximize storage. There is a fine line in choosing cabinets that are appealing on the outside yet keep things organized on the inside. Regardless of the style you want: modern, traditional or transitional, colors, and finishes; cabinets need to be planned from the inside out to make sure you are using every possible space to store your items.

One of the best things you can do when considering a remodel is to consult a professional team that understands the nuances and can design based on your style preferences and needs. There are a ton of unknowns to deal with when planning a remodel, and it’s easy to miss things or allow certain details to fall through the cracks. Bay Area clients can use our design-to-build method to make planning easy.  You design your dream, work directly with the builder and get material assistance from our interior designer to select everything suited to your style.

Ready for an estimate? Use Drafting Cafe’s free online instant estimate tool to get started.

The Truth About 1 Day Bathroom Remodelers

Bathrooms are one of the most high-traffic areas in your home and they see a lot of wear and tear over time. They’re also one of the most valuable. A well-designed bathroom can increase the sale price of a home by a substantial amount. 

A bathroom remodel can add value to your home beyond financial gain by creating a more functional space designed to fit your needs. Zillow data shows that bathroom remodels yield the biggest returns in terms of boosting your home’s resale value. For minor cosmetic changes, you’ll see a $1.71 increase in home value for every $1 you spend. This includes things like painting and refinishing cabinets, swapping out the mirror, or upgrading hardware.

There are multiple remodel options, many of which claim to be faster and more affordable than others. These are often 1-day bathroom remodelers, who give your bathroom a complete makeover in several hours.

If it sounds too good to be true, that’s because it is. Here’s what you need to know about 1-day remodels and if there are other bathroom design options that may be a better fit for your needs. 

The Pitfalls of 1-Day Bathroom Remodels 

Getting a completely new bathroom in just a day seems like a great deal. However, there are some problems that lurk under the surface of a quickie bathroom remodel — both figuratively and literally.  

Acrylic Tub Liners Only Cover Up Problems 

Acrylic tub liners are almost always used in 1-day bathroom remodels because they are easy to install. They can also make a big visual impact on the space. Unfortunately, these liners are often made with poor quality materials that simply fit over the existing tub and tile. 

If there are any structural problems with the tub, they will still be there underneath the acrylic liner. Since it’s impossible to get a perfect fit, there’s also space between the liner and the original tub for mold and mildew to grow. This can trigger the start of underlying structure damage of your home. 

This can also create a health hazard for you and your family. As the mold and mildew build, it can seep out of cracks around where the liner meets the original tub or out of cracks in the acrylic itself if it becomes damaged. In some cases, this can make you feel unwell or cause serious health problems. 

1-Day Bathroom Remodelers Have a Limited Selection of Materials 

Another issue with 1-day bathroom remodels is that there are usually only very limited design and function options to choose from. Many of the tub, cabinet, sink, toilet, and faucet designs are premade and mass-manufactured. This may leave you with having only a couple of different choices in each category. 

This can mean you end up “settling” on fixtures you don’t necessarily like or aren’t the best fit for what you need. You’re saving a little extra money, but still spending a lot for something that is only adequate — if that. 

Deceiving Costs

It may sound counter intuitive, but 1-day bathroom remodelers can turn out to be more expensive. Actual customers reported paying a lot more to 1-day remodelers than to regular contractors for the convenience of being a one-stop shop. In fact, a 1-day remodel of two small bathrooms can cost almost twice of what a regular contractor would charge.

How Drafting Cafe Architects Are Different

Drafting Cafe Architects understands the importance of good bathroom design, quality materials, and trustworthy craftsmanship. We can help you create your custom bathroom remodel with a larger variety of fixtures to choose from. Our designers will work with you to understand your unique needs, so we can design a bathroom perfectly suited to you. Contact us today for a free estimate for your bathroom remodel. 

Drafting Cafe Architects also offers expert home office and home school interior design services. Customize and optimize the existing space in your home to be more functional and effective for work or school. 

4 Creative Ways to Design an Accessory Dwelling Unit

Having an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on your Bay Area property gives you more living space. You might consider an ADU if an older parent or relative is moving in with you. ADUs are also a great place to work on hobbies or other projects of your own. Designing an ADU involves making several decisions. You’ll need to figure out how much lighting you need, the layout of each room, and more. Professional architects can help you make the best design decisions for your ADU. You can also start thinking about ADU design with the following tips.

Let In More Light

No matter what size your ADU is, having plenty of light can make it feel roomier. Natural light coming in through larger windows or skylights creates an airy look and feel. You can also get more natural light with sliding glass doors. This can make smaller ADUs feel more spacious. Some rooms, such as bathrooms, require more privacy. However, you can still add light to these rooms with windows placed higher up or skylights. You can also use layered lights in these areas, such as downlights, sconces, or recessed lighting.

Raise the Ceiling

ADUs have limits when it comes to height. However, you can usually build an ADU that’s 16 feet high or less. Taller ceilings, such as vaulted ceilings, can make your ADU appear larger and more airy. Vaulted ceilings offer several benefits, including extra wall space for shelves, storage, and decor. These ceilings can bring more natural light into your home as well, especially with larger windows or skylights. Our Medium Roast and Macchiato ADUs both feature vaulted ceilings for a spacious look and more comfortable living environment.

Consider Convenience in the Kitchen

Whether you want a kitchenette or a full kitchen in your ADU, keep convenience in mind for the layout. Your ADU’s kitchen or kitchenette should have a layout that makes it easy to go back and forth between the stove, fridge, and sink. This kind of layout helps make meal prep and cleanup go more smoothly. You’ll also want to make sure you have enough storage space. Backsplash shelves or a pull-out pantry are a couple of ideas to consider to add storage. These options give you more room to store items without giving up usable kitchen space.

Add Built-In Bedroom Features

The bedroom in your ADU might only function as a place to sleep, especially if it’s smaller. A larger ADU bedroom might double as a workspace, though. Built-in features are suitable for both smaller and larger ADU bedrooms. You can add built-in drawers for storage in a smaller room. This helps prevent full dressers from taking up space. If the bedroom is larger, a built-in desk and shelves can provide a workspace. Consider The Latte ADU, which offers 1,000 square feet of space and two bedrooms. This ADU also has spacious closets for storage. 

If you’re thinking of adding an ADU to your property, contact Drafting Cafe Architects. We can provide you with a free estimate for your project. Our team can also help you come up with the best design for your ADU.

Open Floor Plan Storage – Best Practices to Keep Things Hidden

Having an open floor plan provides your home with a lighter feel and look. This kind of design also creates a cleaner flow throughout your house. However, this type of home renovation has one notable drawback. Open floor plans cut down on storage spaces in homes. Keep the following storage ideas in mind for your home.

WiFi Router and Modem

Your WiFi router and modem should be in the center of your home. This location helps ensure that your entire home has a strong WiFi signal. However, an open floor plan can make it hard to hide these devices from view. Consider placing them behind books or other items on open shelves in the central part of your home. Avoid storing them inside a cabinet or box, since they can become overheated.

Toys

When you have kids, toys can easily end up all over your home. Keeping them tidy means having a place to store them. Consider having a built-in storage bench or window seat installed as part of your open floor plan. These storage places provide hidden areas where toys can be put away each day. Your kids can also get to them with ease when they’re ready to play again.

Off-season Items

Boots, coats, and other off-season items can take up a lot of room in your home. However, you don’t have to worry about having piles of off-season items around. Instead, consider having cabinets built under your stairs for storage. This area offers a convenient place to keep off-season items that aren’t being used. You can also have shelving installed under your stairs to store these items. If your floor plan has alcoves, these can also be used for storage. Place a wardrobe cabinet in an alcove or have some shelves built into it to hold these items.

Kitchen Items

Open floor plans might mean having fewer cabinets and cupboards for storage. Where can you keep pots, pans, cooking utensils, food storage containers, and other items? Consider having a kitchen island built. This provides your kitchen with extra storage space for these items. You can have cupboards built into the island. You’ll also have extra surface space for preparing food.

Shoes and Purses

You don’t necessarily have to keep these items hidden. Having a place to store them out of sight can make your home seem more organized, though. Consider having a built-in storage bench placed close to the entry of your home. This bench provides handy storage for purses, shoes, gloves, hats, and similar items. With this storage in place, your entry way won’t look cluttered.

Miscellaneous Items

Where can you store odds and ends in homes with open floor plans? Instead of cluttering up a drawer in your kitchen, consider having open shelves installed. You can have these shelves built next to doorways or even above them. Keep your miscellaneous items stored in decorative boxes and bins on these shelves.

If you’re planning a home renovation with an open floor plan, Drafting Cafe Architects is here to help. Please contact us today for a free estimate. if you’re looking into an ADU for a rental or downsized home, consider our Medium Roast ADU. With vaulted ceilings providing more space, you’ll have plenty of room to use clever storage ideas.

Energy-Efficient Renovation – How to Choose the Right Fixtures

Making changes to your Bay Area home for a more energy-efficient renovation offers many benefits. These changes provide an effective way to lower your utility bills. They also allow you to help out the environment. When you’re planning a home renovation with a focus on energy efficiency, consider the following fixtures.

Appliances

Washers and dryers account for up to 13 percent of energy usage. Choose an energy efficient washer with Energy Star certification, which can reduce energy usage by 25 percent. To save the most energy, look for washers with a low Integrated Water Factor and a high Integrated Modified Energy Factor. Check for the Energy Star label when choosing other appliances as well.

Plumbing

Eco-friendly plumbing fixtures can help you use less water overall. Keep in mind that water heaters account for up to 14 percent of energy usage. You can reduce this by choosing a tankless water heater with Energy Star certification. Tankless water heaters are between 8 and 34 percent more efficient than storage tank water heaters. 

Windows and Doors

Heat loss and gain through windows and doors accounts for up to 30 percent of heating and cooling costs. Energy efficient windows and doors can help reduce this. Look for windows with energy-saving features, such as low-e coating and gas fills. Energy efficient windows should also have a lower solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC). This reduces heat coming in from outside. Choose doors with energy efficient features, such as magnetic strips to keep out drafts.

Insulation

Choosing the right kind of insulation can help reduce energy usage and improve home comfort. Look for insulation that has the right R-value for heat resistance. R-value refers to how well your insulation prevents heat flow into and out of your home. This will provide your home with greater energy efficiency overall.

Programmable and Smart Thermostats

Programmable and smart thermostats are a simple way to lower your home’s energy usage. Consider these thermostats during your renovation. With programmable thermostats, you can program the settings to raise or lower the temperature at certain times. Smart thermostats allow you to adjust settings from a mobile device, even if you’re away from home. These thermostats also adjust temperature settings automatically based on your daily schedule and other factors.

Heating/Cooling and Solar Power

Heating and cooling systems account for up to 47 percent of energy usage in homes. Getting an HVAC system that uses less energy can lead to much lower heating and cooling bills. Look for HVAC systems that are more energy-efficient, such as heat pumps. You might also want to look into getting solar panels instead for greater energy savings. These panels provide you with solar power for your home. 

Siding

The siding on your home can help keep warmer air inside during winter. It can also keep hot air outside during summer. Consider getting siding with energy-efficient qualities, such as insulated vinyl siding. This kind of siding helps lower energy usage that occurs through wall studs.

Rebates

Having changes made to your home to lower your energy usage helps you save money over time. You might also be able to save even more money with rebates. For example, San Francisco Water Power Sewer offers rebates for certain plumbing fixtures, such as water-efficient shower heads. Pacific Gas and Electric Company offers rebates on certain products, such as smart thermostats. Check with local utility companies for detailed information on these rebates. 

To learn more about our home renovation services in the Bay Area, please contact Drafting Cafe Architects. Our team can help you choose energy efficient fixtures for your home to lower your energy costs. Call us for a free estimate. 

Popular Tile Styles And Trends For Your 2021 Renovations

When combined with the perfect color variation and texture, tile can become the focal point of your room. Staying current with tile trends is important as you probably are not going to change them for some time. If you use the most current tile trend in your renovation, it will carry over for years to come.

Making smart choices for quality, durability and style will allow your tile to keep your kitchen, flooring, and bathrooms looking sharp. Our guide will help you choose trendy & stylish tiles for a perfect home renovation. You can completely transform the aesthetic of your space with tile.  

Styles & Pattern

Highly decorative tiles are popular in 2021 that are sure to create a wow factor and help you design your dream space. With so many options, we expect to see tiles that look like other materials: wood, stone, marble, and concrete. Patterned tiles can mimic art-deco, Moroccan, Terrazzo-look, and Encaustic-look.  Major trends in this area include graphic patterned tile; matte tiles for a more natural, finished look; neutral tiles that can be placed anywhere in the space; large subway tile with a darker grout color.  All these styles contribute to the design and should be planned in coordination with an interior design professional to assure your room doesn’t look too busy.

Colors

It goes without saying that tile color immediately draws the eye. Some of the hottest trends in 2021 include light neutrals – grays, white, and blue. The high variations and cool tones never go out of style. When it comes to choosing tile colors, it should be timeless, capturing the personality of the owner’s style. 

Layouts & Sizes

You can expect to see a lot of larger sizes and unique patterns in 2021. The popular layouts are wide planks, chevron, large format, and herringbone. Tile flooring that looks like concrete is also trendy. There is still a huge demand for the earthy, stone, and metal design, while concrete style is a go-to if you’re looking for flooring that’s very trendy. 

Tile Shapes

Bold,  fan, round, diamond, arabesque, subway, linear, and triangle & geometric shapes are trendy in 2021 as most of the homeowners are looking for something different.  A really hot trend is hexagonal tiling, which can add a three-dimensional look when installed correctly. Use these tiles on the wall or as a backsplash for a full effect.

The Right Team for Your Renovation

Having the right team in place can provide a perspective on all the creative trends you can use in your remodel. Architectural design plays a role in how things are configured and interior design adds the wow factor that makes the difference. Drafting Cafe Architects can help with kitchen and bathroom remodels, additions, design to build services, architectural and interior design.

For more information on the best tile trends in 2021 that can make a significant difference in your remodel, contact us for a free estimate today!

Best Designer Features For A Stunning And Functional Kitchen Remodel

Embarking on the task of designing a kitchen that is both functional and attractive can be daunting. One can quickly become overwhelmed with the various options available and decisions that must be made.

These top six kitchen design features are utilitarian yet aesthetically pleasing. Each is intended to increase the value of the kitchen. Inadequate storage and wasted space can render any area of a home impractical.

These design areas bring sophistication and practicality to any kitchen.

Sink: Gadgets Increase Value and Usefulness

Sinks are a kitchen essential, but today’s modern kitchen sink comes with various gadgets like prep bowls, strainers, and cutting boards, lending a more functional kitchen. Choose a sink that has the features you require and allows you to tend to the tasks at hand whether you are rinsing vegetables from your garden or preparing a gourmet meal.

Vent Hood: Customized for Your Decor

A vent hood eliminates grease, steam, and cooking odors from the air while you are cooking. While that is necessary, it can be an eyesore. It is typically plain and glaringly oppositional to the aesthetics of the kitchen. There are custom vent hoods available that are not only beautiful, they will correspond to the style of your kitchen.

Island: Versatility and Function Meet Style and Convenience

A carefully chosen kitchen island is a practical and convenient addition to most kitchen spaces. It can create additional storage and counter space as well as additional seating for meals. The versatility in design options provides almost limitless choices based on your individual needs.

Storage: Logical and Tailored to Fit Your Space

There’s are many components to kitchen storage that extend far beyond adding some cabinets. Features that allow you to organize the inside of your cabinets and drawers optimize your storage space. Stored items are within easy reach and cabinets are organized. Pullout shelves and drawers provide easy access and clear away clutter.

Lighting: Functional and Layered

The kitchen is one areas of the home that requires exceptional lighting, but layered lighting provides flexibility. The kitchen is often the hub of a home. Lighting should be appropriate for the space and task. By choosing layered lighting you can easily control the mood and function of the area.

Appliances: High Quality with Relevant Features

High quality appliances are a must in any kitchen. The oven, stove, refrigerator, and other appliances can turn an ordinary kitchen into a striking showpiece. It is an investment that will provide value for years to come.  Choose brands like Sub-Zero, Miele, and Thermador for optimal performance. High end appliances will operate more effectively and efficiently, require less maintenance, and last longer so opting for quality is essential.

If you are planning to design your new kitchen (or redesign your old one), Drafting Cafe Architects. Our experts will help you plan and execute your Oakland kitchen remodel. We know what it takes to create a kitchen that is functional yet personal. Increase the value of your home and design an elegant, luxurious kitchen that reflects your style.  Let us help you with your Oakland kitchen upgrade. Contact us today for a free estimate.

What You Need to Know About Interior Design Apps

When you’re thinking about giving your home a fresh look, you might be considering relying on apps for convenience. Interior design apps are easy to find, but will they provide you with the right kind of help for the changes you want to make? Keep the following information about these apps in mind to help you determine if you should use them for your planned project.

Interior Design Apps

Whether you’re trying to choose new paint colors or rearranging rooms, you can find apps that make these tasks easier. Some of the more notable interior design apps include the following:

• Chairish: Browse for pre-owned, high-end decor.
• Hutch: Shop for furniture while being able to virtually outfit your room.
• Color Capture: Keep track of colors that catch your eye while you’re out and about, so you can incorporate them into your decor.
• BrightNest: Easily keep track of your decorating to-do list. 
• Ikea Room Planner: Augmented reality app to see how Ikea items will look in your home.
• Morpholio Board Pro: Keep decor shopping lists, sketches, and other items handy all in one place for easy reference. 
• Photo Measures: Take a quick pic of furniture, and write its measurements down to easily refer to while shopping.

While these apps can be useful, it’s important to note that they’re geared toward interior decorating rather than interior design. These projects might sound similar, but there are notable differences between them.

Interior Decorating vs. Design

Whether or not you should use these apps depends on the kinds of changes you’re thinking of making to your home. If you’re interested in updating your wallpaper, getting new furniture, or choosing new art or accessories, these apps might be right for you. However, they really should be considered interior decorating apps rather than interior design apps. Interior decorating involves making aesthetic changes to a room without replacing or installing new fixtures.

Interior design refers to making changes to permanent fixtures like appliances, lighting, or windows for a kitchen remodel. These projects can involve input and expertise from professional interior designers and architects, such as ensuring that paint colors complement your new fixtures. These projects are typically much more complex than interior decor projects.

Whether you’re planning on making some smaller changes or completely remodeling your bathroom or another part of your home, hiring professional interior designers can help you achieve the results you want. With interior decorating projects, you don’t necessarily need to hire professionals. Depending on the scope of your project, you might be able to depend on interior decorating or design apps to help you do your planning. However, having interior decorating experts assist you might help this process go more smoothly.

If you need interior design services for your home in the San Francisco Bay area, contact Drafting Cafe Architects. We’ll provide you with a free estimate and help you choose the best fixtures for your home. Keep in mind that we also provide interior decorating services to help you improve the look of your home.