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We're seeing a resurgence of classic architectural details such as millwork, arches, and traditional materials. Which timeless design elements do you believe are worth investing in today, and why?
Timeless design elements are always worth investing in if your home's architecture aligns with them. People value authenticity. No one likes walking into a classical home with a kitchen renovation that you can tell is from the 80's and doesn't match the rest of the house! Make the details matter. For instance, a stunning archway in a key location will have a greater effect than adding arches everywhere. You're likely to get sick of them, and feel like it's something you'll want to change down the road if you go overboard with one architectural design detail.
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When planning a renovation or redesign, how do you evaluate the existing architecture of a home before making design decisions?
I have a background in Interior Architecture so evaluating a home's architectural character is my natural first instinct. It's ok to push boundaries, and live on the edge a little, but I try to ensure that permanent decisions we make align with what the architecture is already doing, or was meant to do, but got de-railed at some point.
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Many homeowners make choices based on perceived resale value. How do you guide clients toward decisions that will serve them well long-term rather than simply appealing to future buyers?
Nothing drives me crazier. I don't believe we were meant to live among cookie-cutter homes when we aren't at all the same people. There's something interesting, inspiring, and fun about driving through a neighborhood where each home has its own personality. You chose your home for a reason. Something about it resonated with you. Investing in changes that follow the architectural style you were drawn to will always pay off when you sell your home. So, why make decisions about materials, color, and function that bore you just because you're thinking about the next owner instead of your own family who's actually paying for the change? Most of my clients come to me because they've already decided that the value of their personal enjoyment in their investment is of high importance to them, and they want to make sure they do it right.
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Design trends come and go. What principles do you use to distinguish between a passing trend and a design choice that is likely to stand the test of time?
I can usually fast forward my perspective ten years into the future to see if a trend might get old or fade away. Balancing is key. I try to balance new ideas with old ones, classic with original, fun with calm, etc. If a client really loves a trend, I definitely want to listen to them and incorporate what excites them, but I always want to balance that with what makes sense for the rest of the home and the big picture. It's important to stick to guidelines that are timeless, while also pushing my client's comfort zone; this ensures they will love the space longer rather than get bored quickly.
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How do you balance incorporating modern conveniences and lifestyles while preserving or honoring the original character and architectural integrity of a home?
Modern conveniences definitely influence the layout changes of a remodel. Newer appliances, traffic flow, entertaining, and sightlines are all big desires that alter the way we use our homes nowadays. One of the biggest tricks to maintaining character in an older or traditional home that is becoming more open is by adding cased openings to delineate spaces and provide stopping points for color or wallpaper changes. If it's a modern home, it makes sense to maintain cleaner drywall connections between ceiling planes, and hallways. In those cases, an authentic material change such as a walnut wood panel surround for a transition between spaces makes more sense to add character and delineation while capturing the simplicity intended.
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For homeowners considering improvements today, what investments do you believe offer the greatest lasting value in terms of beauty, functionality, and longevity.
For the greatest lasting value, I will always say that altering the layout is your biggest improvement to a space that doesn't work well for you. After that, success typically depends on how well we utilize new storage solutions. Well-crafted cabinets regardless of style are such an improvement to your daily life by means of storage customization, and ease in everyday spaces. Authentic tile and stone countertops that exhibit a natural beauty will always retain their value longer. Just walk down the streets of Italy, and you'll see how long they can last. They patina with age, and add character. It's nice to balance those items with practical solutions tailored to people's lifestyles, but again, balance is key. If you wanna go wild, have fun with your light fixtures. They make a huge impact on style, but can easily be changed later.
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KaraKerstenDesign.com
InfoKaraKerstenDesign@gmail.com
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