Love your forever home more! Together we'll design a home or remodel so you save money, save space, and stay in place: save money long-term, become energy efficient, add the things you want without adding square footage, use easy to clean quality materials, and assure that you can stay in your home no matter what life brings you! Cathy Svercl, Owner/Architect
Services Provided:
Full-service architectural design for homes, additions, and remodels. Conceptual design, consultations, and construction review. Licenses: Florida #AA26001283, Virginia #0407-005832.
Areas Served:
Tampa Bay & Central Florida, Northern Virginia
Certification and Awards:
Our project Lakefront Green Home Remodel has won Silver in the Energy-efficiency Retrofit category of Qualified Remodeler's Master Design Awards for 2012. This project is an Energy Star certified home and a Gold Certified Florida Green Home with the Florida Green Building Coalition, Inc.
Services Provided:
Full-service architectural design for homes, additions, and remodels. Conceptual design, consultations, and construction review. Licenses: Florida #AA26001283, Virginia #0407-005832.
Areas Served:
Tampa Bay & Central Florida, Northern Virginia
Certification and Awards:
Our project Lakefront Green Home Remodel has won Silver in the Energy-efficiency Retrofit category of Qualified Remodeler's Master Design Awards for 2012. This project is an Energy Star certified home and a Gold Certified Florida Green Home with the Florida Green Building Coalition, Inc.
- Contact:
- Cathy Svercl
- Type:
- Architects & Designers
- Address:
- 2160 Victoria Drive,
Clearwater, Florida,
United States, 33763 - Phone:
- (727) 735-9223
- Website:
- www.designfreedominc.com
- License #:
- AA26001283
Design Freedom, inc. commented on a discussion
ljb25 Thanks for the advice. I like the idea of refinishing the old floors, which are solid oak, to match the new. What do you think of creating a border where the new and old floors meet with either a contrasting wood color or laying the border in a different pattern or possibly both?
5 days ago · Like
Design Freedom, inc. either would be lovely. unless you are going for an open, continuous feeling. there are a lot of both modern and historical borders you could use.
4 days ago · Like
Design Freedom, inc. commented on a discussion
Design Freedom, inc. the shake siding is a rather unusual choice for a ranch style home. do you have a scan of the elevation drawing for us?
the color "Natural Clay" is a medium gray-tan color, and would look handsome though a little formal with black roof/shutters. perhaps a medium or dark charcoal gray roof would look nice. i could definitely see a glossy solid black front door! what colors will the window sashes and window/door/other trimwork be? perhaps an off-white, cream, or very light gray?
the color "Natural Clay" is a medium gray-tan color, and would look handsome though a little formal with black roof/shutters. perhaps a medium or dark charcoal gray roof would look nice. i could definitely see a glossy solid black front door! what colors will the window sashes and window/door/other trimwork be? perhaps an off-white, cream, or very light gray?
5 days ago · Like
sharona2001 Here is the style house we are building, with the buildouts and such. We are just starting the process and are new to the whole process. The shake will just be on the front and peaks of buildouts, then vinyl around the rest. 
5 days ago · Like
Design Freedom, inc. the Palladian window (3 windows together with half-round over center one) lend a neo-Colonial look, so if you are pursuing that, i would stay with regular horizontal siding, and the simple palette of neutrals above. when you describe using shakes on the gable facades that step forward in the front, i think of an Arts-and-Crafts style, where you can use a lot of nature colors like greens and tans and grays. whichever way you go, the shape and colors of the porch columns and balustrade should match the overall style.
5 days ago · Like
Design Freedom, inc. commented on a discussion
Design Freedom, inc. a local architect, engineer, or home inspector is what you need. new cracks, or any cracks that show up after a building's 1st year, are highly suspect. cracks through the bricks are signs of a very serious problem. cracks through the mortar can be structural or due to rain/ice freeze/thaw cycles. a solid brick wall behaves differently from a cavity wall (brick separated by air space from concrete block or wood) from a veneer wall (thin pieces of brick applied directly to a wall). your addition of marble to the roof top could contribute to the problem just because of the extra weight, or because water is flowing a different way from before, perhaps getting trapped in the wall somehow.
farhanuj Thanx for your comments, this house is 3 years old constructed in 2010. But your suggestions are really importants
4 days ago · Like
Design Freedom, inc. commented on a discussion
Design Freedom, inc. a corner sink? there are small rounded front porcelain corner wall sinks available. but perhaps something more creative - build a triangular support for a found-item used as a sink, with wall mount faucet? an old washtub, old metal mixing bowl, something off a boat?
5 days ago · Like
ASVInteriors Ikea do a very slim sink. I am trying it out on a new build
5 days ago · Like
5 days ago · Like
Design Freedom, inc. commented on a discussion
Design Freedom, inc. sounds like you have a good palette of soft, muted tones. with lots of colors (love it!) as your design element, i would maintain similar textures and scale (size) of everything else.
5 days ago · Like
Dytecture can you attach a material board of all the colors being considered ?
5 days ago · Like
Design Freedom, inc. commented on a discussion
onthefence I've seen a couple photos of kitchens with shallow shelves below the upper cabinets. You might want to google to see if you can find others you like.
Design Freedom, inc. oh, there are plenty of gadget holders for the under cabinet area! it depends on what you like to have readily on hand - and what you would prefer to keep behind doors. a simple continuous bar just under the cabinet would allow you to hang cutlery as well as hooks for baskets and other storage items.
just a simple 3 inch deep shelf would be a great storage system for small items, coffee mugs.
just a simple 3 inch deep shelf would be a great storage system for small items, coffee mugs.
5 days ago · Like
Design Freedom, inc. commented on a discussion
Design Freedom, inc. i would ask (your) favorite cabinet maker to make something custom. best value for the clients money. even using MDF cabinetry, they'll seal all the sides to prevent warping due to humidity/wetness.
5 days ago · Like
Hiline Builders Inc. Already did that. I just need the sink that has a finished front that can protrude out like a farm sink.
5 days ago · Like
Design Freedom, inc. commented on a discussion
Design Freedom, inc. commented on a discussion
Sharon Charboneau, RESA Pro, Interior Stylist Have U checked out Smart Tiles? They are very cost effective if budget is a consideration. Pic showing what was used in last client's kitchen & shower 
5 days ago · Like
Design Freedom, inc. commented on a discussion
Design Freedom, inc. for an open plan house, where you can easily see a lot of the next room, i would stick with the same carpeting, or with a similar colored carpet (perhaps differentiate formal rooms from informal). in the bedrooms, or house with very separate rooms, you can mix it up. regardless, for any public rooms, i would choose a color palette for all those rooms, to keep some continuity.
judyg I agree with Design Freedom, but have you compared the price of the rug with another product? There is porcelain, stone, bamboo, cork…lots of choices. Should you plan on selling your house sooner rather than later, I would not do carpet.
5 days ago · Like
Design Freedom, inc. likes an ideabook: Know Your House: Components of Efficient Walls
Know Your House: Components of Efficient Walls
Learn about studs, rough openings and more in traditional platform-frame exterior walls Full Story »
lyvia I have also seen staggered two by fours used to make a two by six wall. If you have 2x4 studs aligned as traditional, then take every other one and move it two inches towards the inside of the house, you get a thicker wall and more room for insulation. Maybe the sill plates need to be larger, though. What do you think of that?
joyful_lady My folks buitl a home in California (Sacramento) using 2 x 6 exterior wall studs in '71. Their power bills were always miniscule compared to my 2 x 4 (and 400 sq foot smaller) home. They built another in '91 with 2 x 6 studs and their bills ran far less than mine for a similar size home. Both homes were also significantly more insulated from street noises (lawn mowers, children laughing, etc.) We are using 2 x 6 in our new home. They are now in a house they bought pre-built and their energy bills are 3 - 4 x higher than they have ever been--and we now live in an area powered by Nuke that has low electricity rates.
13 days ago · Like
Design Freedom, inc. likes a comment on a discussion
Kathryn Peltier Design Wow, wow, wow! Your floors are absolutely fantastic! I think you have a good start with your black leather sofa. I would just continue to build on that. Whatever color you choose for the neutral walls, it can either have a warm undertone to blend with the woodtones or it could be a cool tone to contrast. Whatever you select, let the floors take center stage!
Design Freedom, inc. commented on a discussion
Design Freedom, inc. commented on a discussion
tulikasingh What color theme would u suggest also I would like wood element and like the beige n grey combo. Would that b good for such small space.
14 days ago · Like
Design Freedom, inc. commented on a discussion
Design Freedom, inc. you don't have to go far with the color change to update this. the shingled gables will give lovely texture to the facade, as will the stone. take a look at the large, beautifully historic shingle style homes where they use several shades of grayish or tan neutrals. take the colors from the stones & mortar you are using. if you can, it would help a lot to add 4-inch trimwork around the windows, play up the gable decoration in the center of the house, and enlarge the (faux) louvered gable vent over the garage.
the first photo is inspired by the Shingle Style. the 2nd photo by Arts & Crafts "Bungalow" style.
Mallets Bay Shingle
2001 showcase
Famous historic Shingle Style homes similar to your look include the William G Low House, Charles Lang Freer House, & Kragsyde.
the first photo is inspired by the Shingle Style. the 2nd photo by Arts & Crafts "Bungalow" style.
Mallets Bay Shingle
2001 showcase
Famous historic Shingle Style homes similar to your look include the William G Low House, Charles Lang Freer House, & Kragsyde.
2 weeks ago · Like
Design Freedom, inc. go to a good, reputable, local paint store. they are there to help you. a good painter knows exactly how a paint color in the bucket will look when it's dry and 20 feet up in the air.
choose the stacked stone you like first, and bring some to the paint store with you. if you are not re-roofing, bring some extra or broken shingle pieces with you. bring this photo of your house, and any photos of houses you like, too. expect to purchase a few sample colors to put on your walls so you can get used to them over a week or so.
relax, it's just paint, if it doesn't work out, just paint over it.
choose the stacked stone you like first, and bring some to the paint store with you. if you are not re-roofing, bring some extra or broken shingle pieces with you. bring this photo of your house, and any photos of houses you like, too. expect to purchase a few sample colors to put on your walls so you can get used to them over a week or so.
relax, it's just paint, if it doesn't work out, just paint over it.
2 weeks ago · Like
traditionalguy467 Hi Motherpete,
What a beautiful home and setting! I also love what appears to be a 64 Chevy in the drive! I personally would play off the charming traditional details already in place. I would paint the home a pale yellow, with either white, black, dark green, or even a soft blue shutter trim. I would paint the existing porch pillars and lattice work below the porch white. The porch should be either used brick or cobbled stone pavers, and I would make a substantial curving walk to the drive out of the same material as the porch, flaring out wide on both ends as it approaches the drive. I would complete the look, with a standing white coach lamp with a black fixture atop, near the beginning of the walk. Again, what a beautiful home you have. The very best!
What a beautiful home and setting! I also love what appears to be a 64 Chevy in the drive! I personally would play off the charming traditional details already in place. I would paint the home a pale yellow, with either white, black, dark green, or even a soft blue shutter trim. I would paint the existing porch pillars and lattice work below the porch white. The porch should be either used brick or cobbled stone pavers, and I would make a substantial curving walk to the drive out of the same material as the porch, flaring out wide on both ends as it approaches the drive. I would complete the look, with a standing white coach lamp with a black fixture atop, near the beginning of the walk. Again, what a beautiful home you have. The very best!
2 weeks ago · Like
motherpete Also my contractor wants to stop the shingle siding two boards down from second story windows, I think it should be across the bottom at roof edge, any thoughts?
14 days ago · Like
Design Freedom, inc. commented on a discussion
Design Freedom, inc. brighten up the door with paint. how about extending the pathway to the sidewalk, not just straight, but start at the sidewalk in front of the window. that way there is a little curve to the pathway. add a low decorative wall a few feet back from the sidewalk, that matches your stone base in material & height. finish the look with some landscaping along the sidewalk, new walkway, and wall.
Sweet Caroline Garden Design Can you do something like this ? Create a flower bed and plant with medium and taller shrubs and evergreens with colorful perennials and annuals in front of it .Plant a colorful vine on your blank fence. Don't know what climate you're in but if its semi-tropical or tropical I would plant something that would stay green all year. 
Dytecture a landscape plan is useful.
13 days ago · Like
Design Freedom, inc. commented on a discussion
INFINITY + ONE KITCHENS & BATHS I have had many clients with the same problem. Since you are planning on staying there for 8+ years I would say change out the countertops to something you love. Cambria quartz is one of my favorite quartz countertops. This will not heart the resale value & may even help a little. As for the appliances I would leave them they look like they are in good condition & I think most people would want the Stainless Steel & it might heart the value of your home to replace them. Hope this helps.
2 weeks ago · Like
Design Freedom, inc. you should buy what you like if you are going to be there for 8 years. if the appliances are still new-ish, consider painting them black. countertops can be replaced.
2 weeks ago · Like
Design Freedom, inc. commented on a discussion
Design Freedom, inc. where the light comes out of the fixture, should be about eye level. the point is not to cast any shadows on your face. you should choose your light fixture before installing the electrical boxes. an all-glass fixture or bare bulb would be mounted at a lower height than a fixture with a solid shade on it.
Design Freedom, inc. commented on a discussion
Design Freedom, inc. granite is a natural stone, so every piece and countertop will be different. go out to your local granite & stone place, and describe what you saw as best you can. they will show you what is available in your area. be sure to bring with you a cabinet door & any tile you've picked out so you can compare how everything looks together.
2 weeks ago · Like
Design Freedom, inc. commented on a discussion
Design Freedom, inc. are you sure you have at least 21 inches from the front of the toilet seat to the opposite (shower) wall for knee space?
3 weeks ago · Like
sstarr93 This was a Sketchup component, I think Duravit makes something similar. Here's a top view of the model I made with it, you can see how it optimizes the space: 
3 weeks ago · Like
Design Freedom, inc. commented on a discussion
Design Freedom, inc. yes, that would be handsome. i would try out a few shades of tan to taupe to gray, some are warmer and some cooler colors. a good paint store can help you with this. perhaps bring a broken off shingle with you. the black is nice. you also have an opportunity to use a very, very, very dark color that's almost black. since your roof & trimwork will be a similar color, and the red brick is the "base" color, you have a bit of opportunity for color again.
4 weeks ago · Like
james6speed Posted the rest of the finished pics here. http://www.houzz.com/discussions/467290/Great-Room-Completed
3 weeks ago · Like
Design Freedom, inc. commented on a discussion
Design Freedom, inc. if you leave all the plumbing where it is, that will save money. i would simply open a doorway at the end of the hall into the walk-in-closet, and close off the door from there into the bathroom. voila, instant quick and easy office. if the new doorway will be too tight, consider moving the secondary bedroom closet wall down into the bedroom. 2.2 meters wide (7'-2.5") is enough for a desk on one wall (3.0m), walking space, and bookcase along the opposite wall (4.3m). printers or larger equipment could be stored along the (2.2m) wall shared with the master bathroom.
4 weeks ago · Like
decoenthusiaste I'd want to do something more useful with that 2.50 space opposite the toilet; maybe incorporate it into the closet. Hope you'll center the bed on its wall when you put it together. Move the entry door closer to the closet wall so there is clearance for the bed and entering. Like Design Freedom's thought about the office. You want it totally separate from sleeping space. Might sound proof it too if equipment has to run through the night.
4 weeks ago · Like
Design Freedom, inc. commented on a discussion
Design Freedom, inc. you don't necessarily need a mantel - unless it's part of your decorating theme. with the 70's style house, you could go very modern if you wanted. if you are a little more traditional, go with a mantel with simple, clean lines (not a lot of curves or little details). (1) a "faux" solid wood block mantel (boxed out using plywood). Stone Fireplace Renovation
(2) visually widening the fireplace and using more than one material can work, because you have so much height. Penthouse Condo (3) a dark stone (or wood) would give it a huge impact, and again, you have the ceiling height to carry this off. Private Residence
(2) visually widening the fireplace and using more than one material can work, because you have so much height. Penthouse Condo (3) a dark stone (or wood) would give it a huge impact, and again, you have the ceiling height to carry this off. Private Residence
4 weeks ago · Like
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