Explore the essentials of white glove delivery services for a flawless home design and installation experience.
Let’s chat about something that might not be the first thing you think about when planning your home remodel, but trust me, it makes all the difference. Imagine that you’ve picked out the perfect furniture, and you’re picturing how fabulous your home is going to look. But how do we get from point A, the showroom, to point B, your living room, without a hitch? This is where the nuanced services of a professional furniture receiver and white glove delivery and installation come into play—a crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect of the design process.
Why Professional Receiving is a Must
As an interior designer, my goal is to transform homes by ensuring that every detail is meticulously curated and placed. The seamless integration of furniture into a home involves planning, logistics and the right equipment. A professional furniture receiver acts as the critical intermediary, ensuring that each item is received, inspected, and stored until it is ready for delivery. This step is vital for several reasons:
Quality Assurance: Upon arrival, each piece undergoes a thorough inspection. Any damages or discrepancies from the original order are noted and rectified before installation. This proactive approach saves time and prevents the disappointment of a client discovering imperfections after installation.
Storage Solutions: Often, furniture pieces arrive on different schedules, and a space may not be ready to receive them. Professional receivers provide a secure environment to store items until the time is ripe for installation, safeguarding against potential damage and loss.
Streamlined Coordination: White glove services handle the logistics, from scheduling deliveries to the physical installation. They coordinate with various vendors and contractors, ensuring that installations align with the project’s timeline and the designer’s vision.
The White Glove Difference
White glove delivery and installation services are critical for a project’s success. They embody the care and precision that luxury furniture deserves:
Expert Handling: White glove teams are trained to handle high-end furnishings with care. They use the appropriate tools and techniques to assemble, place, and arrange furniture exactly as envisioned.
Attention to Detail: Beyond the delivery, these specialists pay attention to the finer points of installation. From the angle of a lamp to the positioning of a rug, every element is considered to create a harmonious space.
Beyond the Doorstep: Unlike standard delivery services that drop items at the door, white glove services take it several steps further. They unpack, assemble, and dispose of all packing materials, leaving the space immaculate and ready for you to enjoy.
Keeping It Real with Clients
As an interior designer, I always tell my clients that professional receiving and white glove delivery are worth it. They’re not just paying for someone to move stuff; they’re investing in peace of mind and careful attention to their investment.
How Laura Fullow Designs Brings It All Together
In the grand scheme of things, the right delivery service is like the unsung hero of design. It’s not just about getting furniture from A to B. It’s about making sure your new space is everything you dreamed of, minus the drama.
If you’re considering building a new home or renovating your current space, consider this an invitation to elevate your experience. We’re here to ensure that the vision for your design is not just met, but beautifully executed. Ready for a transformation? Reach out for a consultation at (702) 883-3200, or drop a line to [email protected]. Your space, handled with the care it deserves—this is the white glove guarantee.
As an interior designer, I have seen time and time again the magic of blending family traditions and heirlooms to create warm, inviting spaces. With fall upon us, the season offers a unique opportunity to incorporate antique furniture and family heirlooms into our homes as we cozy up for new memory-making traditions. The beauty of both lies in their shared narrative, which brings generations closer together.
We only have heirlooms because our ancestors felt a responsibility to preserve them for future generations. Most of the time, though, those beautiful things that they preserved are never used, and continue to gather dust in storage. My philosophy is to embrace the impermanence of all things and start using your antiques and family heirlooms!
In this blog post, I want to explore the intersection of family traditions and home decor, examining how these traditions can be honored and incorporated into today’s modern home.
Showcase Antique Furniture
One of the ways to express your love for family heirlooms during the fall season is by showcasing antique furniture pieces in your living space. For example, reclaimed wood dining tables can be the perfect setting for a Thanksgiving feast or a family game night. Place additional antique chairs around the table to offer more seating while keeping with the aesthetic of years gone by.
Implementing Designs Inspired by Family Traditions:
Incorporating elements from your family’s past into your present décor is an excellent way to honor long-standing practices. For instance, display a collection of vintage teacups or a nostalgic quilt-patterned table runner passed down through generations as part of your fall decoration. If you want some true inspiration for using your heirloom china, check out this beautiful and informative blog, To Have To Host. She has so many great ideas!
Create an Emotional Connection
Items with personal stories can imbue your interiors with warmth and intimacy, making your home more inviting. Consider hanging cherished items from the past like antique oil paintings, vintage photos, handwritten letters, or even framed needlework samplers as a way to create conversation starters during family gatherings.
You can hang your artwork in the traditional way, or use a gallery-type rail system to make it easier to change out artwork as the seasons change. Bold, chunky frames can also provide a dramatic focal point for your living space.
Seasonal Touches
Upgrade antique furniture by adding autumnal accents like rustic wooden trays filled with gourds, heirloom pumpkins, or dried foliage arrangements. These small additions make for a tasteful way of introducing touches of autumn colors and emblems into your home without overwhelming the other design elements.
Adaptable Spaces
Fall family traditions often center around communal activities to bring everyone together indoors. Arrange your antique furniture with mobility and adaptability in mind for board game nights, storytelling sessions, or crafting afternoons. Folding tables and chairs, antique sideboards to hold arts and crafts supplies, or convertible coffee tables can be ideal for these purposes.
If you don’t have a lot of antiques or heirlooms of your own, you’re in luck! There’s a wealth of vintage and antique pieces available at flea markets, antique stores, and online auctions, among other places.
Here are a few tips for incorporating timeless, vintage touches into your home:
Colors: blend dark neutrals with striking accents
Walls: opt for neutral white or cream shades, or introduce paisley/floral wallpaper for smaller rooms
Flooring: dark hardwood options like cherry, maple, or mahogany
Furniture: choose graceful silhouettes and with elaborate details
Accessories: brass or bronze materials, crystal embellishments, silver-plated mirrors, intricate pottery, and interesting book collections
I hope this gives you some inspiration for incorporations of traditional elements into your home. By incorporating timeless design elements with antique and vintage pieces, you can create a captivating home that reflects your family’s story.
If you’re considering building a new home or renovating your current space, don’t hesitate to get in touch. To schedule a consultation, call (702) 883-3200, or send an email to [email protected].
Undertaking any type of home renovation is an exciting and challenging endeavor, but if you want to incorporate universal design principles, it can make the process seem even more daunting. Take it from me and don’t let the intimidation squash your plans.
With the right planning and preparation — and the help of an experienced interior designer who specializes in universal design — you can ensure that your space is both comfortable and stylish, while also adapting to your family’s changing needs.
Incorporating universal elements into your renovation project can be easier than you think, and many of these solutions can be implemented for minimal or no extra expense; they will also boost your property’s marketability in the future.
In fact, most of the elements present in universal design are really just standard building components that are either repositioned (such as lowering light switches), chosen more selectively (like faucet handles), or resized (doorways).
Let’s take a look at a few ways that you can incorporate universal design principles into your design plan, and how to choose products and materials that will make your home as flexible and supportive as possible.
Doors and Hallways
One of the most important aspects of universal design is wide doorways and hallways. When renovating your home, think about widening door frames and passageways to at least 32 inches in width. This can help prevent future mobility issues and make it easier for people with wheelchairs or strollers to move around the house.
Lighting
Ample lighting is essential. Every room should have a variety of light sources, including natural light sources like windows or skylights, and artificial options such as recessed lights and task lighting. Having plenty of light is crucial for tasks like cooking or reading, and also plays a significant role in reducing eye strain and accidents caused by poor visibility.
Flooring
When it comes to flooring, avoid using materials with slippery, high-gloss finishes or irregular textures, as they can be unsafe. Opt for slip-resistant surfaces such as low-pile carpeting or non-slip tiles. Additionally, try to minimize transitions between floor materials to prevent tripping hazards.
Lever-Style Handles
The simple decision to use lever-style handles instead of knobs is an easy way to make your home more accessible. Door knobs can be challenging for individuals with arthritis, limited hand strength, or other physical impairments. Lever-style handles require less effort to operate than traditional knobs.
Kitchens
In the kitchen, you might want to install countertops at different heights to cater to people’s different preferences and needs. Adjustable or pull-out workspaces can offer easy access for those in wheelchairs or for those who prefer to sit while preparing meals. Another useful feature is slide-out cabinets, which make it easier to reach stored items without the need to stretch or bend.
Baths
The bathroom is one of the most crucial areas of a home that can benefit from universal design principles. Putting grab bars around the toilet and bathing areas, as well as a curbless shower, can make the space safer and more accessible for everyone. Also, consider a comfort-height toilet and ensure there’s enough space to accommodate wheelchairs.
Entryways and Outdoor Areas
Finally, don’t forget about outdoor spaces – especially entryways to your home. Be sure that entrances are accessible by incorporating ramps or eliminating steps. Wide, well-lit paths are essential for safely navigating outdoor areas at night or with limited visibility conditions.
As you can see, incorporating universal design into your home renovation plan can be straightforward — you just have to know where to start! By considering accessibility, safety, and the diverse needs of all people who may use the space, you can create a home that will be enjoyable and adaptable for years to come.
If you’re considering building a new home or renovating your current space, don’t hesitate to get in touch. I have extensive experience working with clients who are retiring or planning their forever homes, and I can assist you in creating a space that will adapt and develop to meet your needs.
To schedule a consultation, call (702) 883-3200, or send an email to [email protected].
Universal design (UD) is trending, and for good reason! As the baby-boomer generation continues to age, they are increasingly opting to remain at home rather than move to a senior living community. To meet this demand, interior designers and home builders are using UD principles to increase quality of life for people of all ages and abilities. When done properly, universal design creates a home that functions well for everyone in the household, while also being aesthetically pleasing.
In this blog post, I will share a few UD principles that I use when designing accessible kitchens for clients.
Start with the Work Triangle
First things first! All good kitchen designs begin with the work triangle. This is the area where the paths connect between your refrigerator, sink, and cooktop or range. The longer the legs of your work triangle, the more walking you’ll have to do to prepare a meal. Shorter legs, on the other hand, make a kitchen feel claustrophobic and limit the amount of usable space at your disposal.
To design a work triangle that functions well for everyone, the three legs combined should not exceed 22 feet.
Provide Plenty of Clearance
When it comes to clearance, a person who uses a mobility aid will require a clear area of 30 x 48-inches in front of the work area. If your are planning to incorporate a table or an island in your design, the traffic aisles between the two should be 42 to 48 inches wide. This will give you plenty of clearance for wheelchairs and walkers as well as children in strollers.
Similarly, a 5-foot radius of clear space allows someone with a scooter or wheelchair to turn around easily. Providing this extra space will save your walls and cabinets from getting banged up inadvertently when someone tries to turn around. It will also save them the hassle of having to back out of the room.
An acquaintance of mine recently broke her foot pretty badly and had to use a knee scooter to get around for several months. She relayed to me how much of a difference it made to have a kitchen with proper clearance. She was able to prepare and cook food rather easily, despite her weight-bearing limitations.
While she and her husband didn’t see themselves needing an accessible kitchen any time soon (they’re in their 40s) they are glad they chose a design that included UD principles. You never know what life will throw at you!
Include Varying Countertop Heights
Including different countertop heights into your kitchen will allow all family members to prep, cook and eat in comfort.
Here are the heights that you need to know:
Bar Height: 42 inches
Counter Height: 36 inches
Table Height: 30 inches
Table and counter-height surfaces are perfect for everyone — especially children, shorter adults, or those who use a mobility aid. Bar-height countertops, on the other hand, are ideal for taller people. If your kitchen is on the smaller side, you can achieve the same functionality by installing pull-out or lift-up work surfaces into a counter-height island.
Opt for Open Shelving and Roll-Out Drawers, and Pull-Downs
Traditionally, lower cabinets are usually deep and cavernous. Not only is it a giant waste of space, but it also makes it difficult for people to access the cabinet’s contents. Not everyone is able to bend over low enough or reach back far enough to access the back of the cabinet. It is also hard to remove heavy cookware like casserole dishes and Dutch ovens from a lower cabinets.
The solution is to install pull-out cabinets or after-market pull-outs. Not only will this make use of every inch of space in your cabinets, it will also help to keep your cookware or dishes organized. For blind corner cabinets, there are plenty of articulating pull-outs on the market, as well as the tried-and-true Lazy Susan.
When it comes to upper cabinets, it is best to either use open shelving. You can also retrofit your existing cabinets with pull-down accessories. Not only are these products engineered to be sturdy, they operate smoothly and are very easy to use. They’re also a good idea for those who are on the shorter side, or people with balance issues. Pull-downs eliminate the need for a stool and cut down on accidents.
Choose Appliance Drawers
For many people, including taller individuals, those with shoulder injuries and people in wheelchairs, the act of loading and unloading the dishwasher requires a lot of effort. To alleviate this, you can raise a traditional door dishwasher for easier accessibility — this may or may not be possible, depending on your cabinets and other considerations. Alternatively, purchase a model that opens like a drawer. Drawer dishwashers also have a smaller footprint which means that you can install them higher than a traditional dishwasher.
Similarly, microwaves now come in drawer-type models that can be installed in lower cabinets. This is a great solution for kids, shorter individuals, people who use mobility aids, and those with shoulder problems. The best part of the solution (in my opinion) is that you can basically hide your microwave and keep the focus on the more attractive parts of your kitchen.
Install Levered, Touch, or Hands-Free Faucets
It may not seem like a big deal, but the type of faucet you choose greatly impacts their usefulness. Levers are so much easier to turn on and off. You can use your fingers, hand, arm or elbow to lift the lever — you can’t do that with knobs This is especially important for anyone with grip or arthritis issues.
National brands like Delta and Kohler offer touch faucets and hands-free models that can be controlled using your voice. These models are especially helpful for those who have trouble reading a measuring cup. You just tell it how much water you want and it turns on and off, giving you the exact volume of water in your pot. That’s pretty amazing if you ask me!
Pot fillers over the cooktop or range will also keep you from shuffling large, heavy pots of water from one place to the other. With a pot filler, you just swing out the arm, fill the pot, and start cooking!
I hope these tips have given you a better idea of what it takes to design a home using the principles and Universal Design. Not only is UD the way of the future, but it also increases the quality of life for people of all ages and abilities.
If you are exploring building a new home, or renovating or remodeling your current space, feel free to reach out. I work with many clients who are retiring or planning their forever home and I can help you design a space that will grow and evolve to suit your needs.
Multigenerational living is a concept that is popular throughout most of the world but not so much in the United States. For generations, the American home-ownership dream has centered around single-family, suburban living.
According to current housing trends, buyers are now looking for homes that can accommodate more than a single family. Changing demographics, the current economic climate, longer lifespans and evolving ethnic diversity are factors in the increased interest in multigenerational housing.
Families find this type of housing arrangement especially beneficial because it is easier to share caregiving responsibilities and household expenses. It also provides the opportunity to share more of life’s special moments and milestones.
Here are a few ways that you can create a functional and beautiful multigenerational home that supports every member of your family.
Separate Entrances
Having a separate entrance for each family living in your home is key for multigenerational living. Not only does it increase independence, autonomy, and privacy, it also reduces foot traffic and chaos throughout the day, especially if there are children or pets in the home.
Consider installing keyless entry locks and deadbolts to allow for hands-free entry. It comes in handy in many situations, from bringing in the groceries to unlocking the door from your sofa when someone comes to visit.
Separate entrances are also fantastic if adult children decide to live at home after high school or move back in after college. According to Pew Research, more 18-34 year olds living at home with their parents for the first time in modern history.
First-Floor Bathroom
If you are creating a multigenerational home in a two-story house, consider creating an en suite bathroom on the first floor. Going up and down stairs gets harder as we age and is also difficult after surgery or hospital stays.
A bathroom that is accessible from the primary floor will be one of the best decisions you can make for aging in place because it gives you flexibility – you never know what life will throw at you! Other necessities for first-floor bathrooms are low or zero-threshold entrances, curbless showers, flip-down shower stools, grab bars, hand-held shower heads, and hands-free faucets.
Options for Socializing and Privacy
Today’s homes are designed to be open, with kitchens and great rooms combining to create a large space where the whole family hangs out. However, having a mix of shared and private spaces in your home is essential. Even if your family enjoys spending time together, we all need our own space to relax, rest and recharge.
Gathering spaces like kitchens, living rooms, dining rooms and outdoor entertaining areas bring people together to share in group activities like meal preparation, playing games and watching movies. Areas, like bedrooms, studies and offices provide options for more privacy when working remotely, doing homework, or just taking a nap.
Universal Design for Flexible Living
Universal Design, also referred to as aging in place design, is the concept of designing buildings, products or environments so that they are accessible to everyone, regardless of age, disability or other factors. Universal design really does benefit people of all ages.
Examples include adjustable lighting that can be controlled from different locations, wider hallways and doorways to allow for mobility aids, low or zero transitions, and low-reflective, smooth flooring with a bit of texture to prevent falls.
Safer Kitchens
For most families, the kitchen is the gathering hub of the home. Cooking and preparing meals is a great way for people to stay connected, and creating a space that is safe for everyone will increase your family’s enjoyment of your home for years to come.
Having countertops and surfaces that are at different heights gives everyone a place to chop vegetables, read a magazine or do homework. There are also plenty of after-market solutions that can make your kitchen work for you, like hydraulic pull-downs for wall cabinets and pull-outs and lifts for base cabinets.
Appliances are also getting smarter, and can benefit people with memory issues as well. Induction cooktops are much safer than gas or electric options because the surface doesn’t get hot – only the pan does! Remove the pan and it turns off automatically. Hands-free faucets are another bonus.
Whether you are entering a multigenerational living arrangement unexpectedly, or you’ve been planning it for years, it can be an enjoyable, enriching and memory-building experience. I hope this post has broadened your understanding of what it takes to create a functional and beautiful multigenerational home that supports every member of your family. If you are exploring building a new home, or renovating or remodeling your current space, feel free to reach out. I work with many clients who are retiring or planning their forever home and I can help you design a space that will grow and evolve to suit your needs. To schedule a consultation, call (702) 883-3200 contact me through my website, or send an email to [email protected].
The concept of a “Forever Home” is growing in popularity, but not everyone is sure how to make it a reality. By the end of the decade, the majority of the population will be age 65 or older and will need a little extra assistance and care. In fact, most people want to live independently in their homes as they age, rather than moving in with a family member, or going to live at an active or assisted living community.
Designing a home that allows for aging in place is based on the concept of Universal Design, and focuses on creating functional spaces for people of all ability levels. While most of us don’t consider what it takes to live in your home through our golden years, there are design changes or additions that you can make today that will have a big impact on your future comfort, convenience and safety.
Let’s take a look at a few of changes or additions that can help you remain at home longer, or give you the flexibility to take care of aging loved ones in their own home.
Designing a home that allows for aging in place is based on the concept of Universal Design, and focuses on creating functional spaces for people of all ability levels.
The Kitchen
The kitchen is the most popular room in the house. Therefore, making it comfortable and obstacle-free for everyone is the goal. If your kitchen is on the smaller side, a island on locking wheels will give you flexibility for wheelchair or mobility aide access. Also, consider a custom kitchen island with a lowered section made specifically for wheelchair access.
Cabinets: Doors or Drawers?
Choosing drawers under the countertops rather than doors is essential to avoid getting down on your hands and knees to search for pots and pans. There are affordable after-market roll-out and lift-up hydraulic shelves to give you easy access to your kitchen tools.
For the microwave, install a built-in unit into your wall or lower cabinet. The cabinet toe kick should also be modified to 9-inches high and 6-inches deep to accommodate wheelchairs.
Tables: Round or Square?
When it comes to kitchen tables, the shape is more important than you think. Tables with a center pedestal base are the best choice for flexible dining. There are no sharp corners, and no legs to bump into which means more leg room. Best of all, a round, pedestal-base table allows anyone with a mobility aide such as a wheelchair or walker to also have easy access.
In this condo, we chose a round pedestal table to allow for maximum space and flexibility.
The Bathroom
Bathrooms are one of the most important rooms in the house when considering both mobility and design. Because bathrooms are a space that needs to support your dignity and wellbeing, you’ll want to do everything you can to make this room both accessible and beautiful. And don’t worry — the products on the market today are a far cry from the steel bars that you see installed in hospitals, public restrooms and assisted living facilities!
Shower Curtains vs. Sliding Doors
Most households have a bathroom with a fiberglass bathtub and shower combo with either a shower curtain or sliding shower doors. Resist the urge to update or add new sliding doors or door tracks. In this instance a shower curtain is preferable! Embrace the opportunity to introduce color or pattern into your bathroom with a shower curtain. If you have the option to remodel or design a new bathroom, choose a shower design with a zero-threshold entry.
Shower Safety
Grab bars, shower seating and slip-resistant floor tiles will go a long way to increase safety as you age. Some grab bars double as shower shelves, and some manufacturers make grab bars that double as towel bars. Shower stools and benches come in a wide selection of materials and styles, from teak wood, to plastic, to fold-down. An adjustable-height shower head with a handheld wand will increase your ability to bathe independently.
Your sink or vanity should be no more than 34 inches above the floor, while the toilet should be between 17 to 19 inches tall. Consider hanging your hand towel on the side of your vanity, or lower on the wall to make it easier to reach. For toilet tissue paper, a free-standing holder provides maximum flexibility.
This bathroom’s design plan included a number of custom components including a recessed linen cabinet with drawers instead of doors, a floating vanity for wheelchair access, and shower controls located on the outside of the enclosure.
Throughout the Home
Levers, Knobs, and Switches
Levers and handles are always easier to use than knobs. Larger levels and handles are easier to see and maneuver. Rocker panel light switches are preferable to a toggle switch. Voice or motion-activated lighting can also be especially handy. Awning-type (crank) window units are the easiest to open and close.
Molding, Wainscoting, and Surface Touch Points
Adding chair rails, wainscoting and other surface touch points to your forever home is a must! These components are especially helpful for anyone who needs assistance with walking and balance. Keep countertop, tabletop and island surfaces relatively clutter-free so you can use them as touch-points.
Doorways and Hallways and Living Areas
Doorways and hallways should be at least 36 inches wide to accommodate wheelchairs or other mobility aids. If you live in a multi-level home, consider relocating the primary bedroom and bathroom to the ground level. If that is not possible, residential elevators are also an option.
Flooring
Falls are the leading cause of death for older adults. For your Forever Home, choose soft, smooth flooring that also has some grip. Carpets and rugs are inherently uneven and can be trip hazards so consider removing them. Linoleum, LVP, rubber and cork are all great options for soft but durable flooring. For people with impaired vision, strong patterns and polished finishes can interfere with depth perception. If your floor is not level or you have a raised or sunken room, signal height change with a different color or texture flooring material.
Smart Devices, Robots and DIY Security
These days, door locks, lighting, floor vacuums, lawnmowers, lawn sprinklers, thermostats and security systems can all be controlled with an app. When installing these components, make sure that you evaluate future maintenance requirements, malfunction risk, and whether they are easy to use. Also, consider if the apps that control your Smart Home can be used on larger screens like tablets and laptops.
Lighting and Electrical Tips
When it comes to lighting design for older adults, aim for surface illumination with reduced glare. If you have 9 foot ceilings or taller, install indirect lighting (also called cove lighting) to provide even, low-glare illumination. A color temperature between 2,700 and 3,000, with a color rendering index of 100, is best for aging eyes. This lighting appears more natural, like sunlight or daylight.
LED bulbs are an energy-efficient, long-lasting choice, as are color-correct metal halide bulbs. Not only are metal halide bulbs energy efficient, they also have a high color rendering index. Although they take a few minutes to “warm up” to achieve full light output, this can benefit older eyes allowing them to gradually adjust to the light level.
Electrical outlets in your Forever Home should be installed between 18-to-24 inches off the ground to allow for easy access. Light switches should be between 42-48 inches above the floor, and thermostats should be placed no higher than 48 inches off the floor.
For this kitchen’s lighting plan, we used several layers of lighting in order to provide a variety of options for everyone in the home.
Consider Future Needs When Designing A Forever Home
I hope this post has helped you better understand what it takes to design your Forever Home. While you may be in superb health today, aging is a natural (and inevitable) part of life. Considering your future needs and accommodations now so that you can stay in your home as you age.
If you are exploring building a new home, or renovating or remodeling your current space, feel free to reach out. I work with many clients who are retiring or planning their forever home and I can help you design a space that will grow and evolve to suit your needs. To schedule a consultation, call (702) 883-3200 message me through my website, or send an email to [email protected].
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