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Design Dilemma
tmlcoaching

1960's Scandinavian-style red-brick architect-designed home in need of an upgrade, with limited budget.

14 years ago
Not sure what elements to go for when renovating which will give the MOST effect. Plaster and paint? inside or also outside? Paint just in parts? What can be done with this awkward shape kitchen? and how to change our patio to an all-year round part-of-the house with a built-in barbecue?
Featured Answer
  • PRO
    14 years ago
    Sure you CA , on one of my flights back from work in LA, I was with an architect from Robert Stern he too was coming in from a job.
    You have'e mail, you have Skype, you have reps to send packages and you can fly in once a month. If they should and I would suggest they do request a proposal
    ,you cannot do a building on Houzz for free it is a forum, but you can get ideas and you'habe some great ones. So, yes I am 63 and have worked in many many cities. And, now it is so so please. we have a conference call every Friday via Skype works great. sometimes you have to hit the plane, but you do not know where they are,what if they were in driving distance.
    The world is'getting smaller.
    did you know that some firms outsource drawings to China, we sleep they draw, we wake up drawing in e box. easy breezy.
    think global not just local to expand. end of mom's chat sorry if it'was'harsh.
    but, I think your comments are great and you'have'shown an interest for that reason the client should contact you and see if you are in the price range or maybe'a'short consult for basic.....think avout'this, this is for the client also. I do not see any of the other architects here. you are very thoughtful and helpful.

    Comments (16)

    • 14 years ago
      Here's a great ideabook about interior brick and whether or not you should paint it. https://www.houzz.com/magazine/interior-brick-paint-it-or-leave-it-stsetivw-vs~161722

      The shape of the outside is really great. Lots of visual interest in the relief. Would you want to screen the porch?
    • 14 years ago
      Thanks for your comment! Yes, I would love to, since where we live we get lots of rain, making current patio unusable for much of the year (even summer). Currently, as you may see, there's a wooden structure (pergola) with an awning which closes and opens. All quite dated. But am not sure how to screen off that space.

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    • 14 years ago
      Perhaps more kitchen photos will help kitchen replies. Do you want a total makeover or are you keeping the cabinets etc? What are your problems with the kitchen?
    • PRO
      14 years ago
      I would change the cabinets in the kitchen and make them and the floor lighter.
      From the awning, I would build in a roof and screen it in with 1/2 brick windows screens
      and an arch pathway to the rooms where you step down with either side for plants.
      Then inside I would just lighten the floor and put in more lighting.
      This should not cost a lot, of course if you closed in the pool, I would definitely keep it apart from the house, I know way too many people with chlorine water mold problems.
      I hope this makes sense to you?'
      This is a lovely home and some high hats in the ceiling will really brighten it up, do not paint the brick it will never end painting. C
    • 14 years ago
      Hi C, Thanks so much for taking the time to respond. Unfortunately, I cannot have access to more pics now, because i am overseas, and will make decisions from here (remote control...) before we get back. We are flexible and totally can change the cabinet. The floors are definitely a problem - you are very right.
      As to the closing of the patio, it won't include the pool, it is too far for that. It does really help - many many thanks. Much appreciated feedback!
    • PRO
      14 years ago
      last modified: 14 years ago
      I think you'd be surprised as to how good your cabinets would look with a different wall finish. Those tiles on the wall need to go.

      When you get back home, go tile shopping and pickup about dozen tiles each of style/color which appeals to you. Place them along side the cabinets and countertop and see how they work. What you don't like, return back to the store. When you find tiles that appeal and work buy more and start removing the old, patch up the wall, and install the new.
    • 14 years ago
      Thanks so much, @Joseph I. Mycyk - a question, if I may? The countertop is finished, it has holes in it and there's a fryer built in which i definitely don't need. Assuming we don't change the cabinets, only the floor and tiles, which countertop would you go for? I really would love a warm-buttery look (hate dark countertops)...And what kind of floor would you use? It is now ceramic brick-color tiles BUT there's underfloor heating which limits my choices, doesn't it?
    • PRO
      14 years ago
      Your flooring would be best to remain as a hard tile instead of a wood. The hard tile will heat better. There are tiles out there that look like wood if you'd like to explore that.

      Countertop materials of "Corian" type or granite have vast color and veining options. Man made materials like Corian I think are easier to maintain and, depending on your kitchen counter lengths and shapes (straight vs. "L" shape) can be seamless.

      Be sure to compare tile samples alongside the countertop samples.
    • 14 years ago
      Wow, such great advice and promptness - I cannot tell you how much I appreciate this. Not sure where you operate from (I will Google in a minute) - but probably not in my area (Cape Town), so I can only express HUGE thanks for now!!!
    • PRO
      14 years ago
      I agree with more photos of the kitchen in order for us to see the size and relationship with the rest of the house. A good way to start is measuring out your existing space and drawing it up on a floor plan so you can see the full potential.
    • PRO
      14 years ago
      Note:Non aggregated acrylic plaster is best choice for painting brick it has anti fungus product added. Start with basic white or add color. Power washing is necessary before new finish application. If you go stucco then use a cementi based stucco. Consider tile or stone for the 1s 2 to 3 feet off the ground to avoid rain bounce staining.
    • 14 years ago
      Thanks a lot @Custom Home Planning Center and @Dyecture (although cannot do what you - D - suggest at this point - am miles away from the property).
    • PRO
      14 years ago
      tmlcoaching you are miles from the property, why not consult with one of these gentlemen what if they were near by. Or knew someone near by. The world is getting smaller, might work, tight budget, one ride in measure, draw up quick sketch you have a start. Just trying to help you both. Might just work out you never know till you ask.
    • PRO
      14 years ago
      Oops sorry Cape Town, you will definitely need local help at just getting items. I am assuming South Africa which a friend works the area, and the biggest problem is getting materials to the job. I did not see the other two architects so I apologize. I see Dytecture a lot answering questions.
      In the case of cape town, I would leave the floor in the kitchen and paint the cabinets a lighter color and get a stone top. stone tops will be easier than corian there and please excuse, I dislike man made to look like. It is all too much the same like a print dress all over the same print whereas stone has movement.
      Now, I get the awning, bit I would build the roof and'do'the'1/2 brick and screen/window slides porch outside. Keep it really simple. I doubt anyone can drive there cute though as it sounds the water will get in the way.
      Lighten the floors and Back to the kitchen I like the tiles a lot. I think they are fine.
      So have fun and write to us some more.
    • 14 years ago
      Thanks for all the help. I got a lot of great input.
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