Luxury Asheville enjoys everything related to creating beautiful homes.

Here you’ll find basic design ideas, decorating tips applicable to most every style and other useful information to assist you in making your current home a fantastic one. It’s a great resource for every homeowner as well as those dreaming of their next home!

• 6 Steps To A Successful Architectural Project
• 20 Great Questions to Ask When Interviewing an Architect
• How to Find an Architect
• 10 Great Decorating Tips on the Use of Paint
• 10 Great Decorating Tips for Windows
• The Value of an Architect

6 Steps To A Successful Architectural Project
 
On all typical residential projects,the architect will complete six stages (while some like to combine stages, and others add stages). These stages are found below, should be figured into the written agreement and should specify the services that each stage should include.

• Programming stage: Here you will decide what exactly you want your project to include, and what you want out of your design project. This stage also provides the first estimate of how much this will cost.
• Schematic Design stage: This is the point at which you will formulate the initial design of your project, including everything you want, along with the expertise of your architect.
• Design Development stage: At this point, the design solution is developed and refined. This stage accounts for about 20 to 25 percent of the cost, and requires the most participation from you, the owner.
• Construction Documents stage: Here all the little kinks and specific detail are worked out, and your architect documents the design in detailed drawings and specifications that the contractor will use to determine the actual cost of the construction. About 40 percent of the total cost is accounted for in this stage.
• Bidding or Negotiation stage: The stage in which you select a contractor, because architects and contractors most typically deliver their services under separate contracts.
• Construction phase: The phase, of course, when the building of your project is followed through with. Most construction projects include a few last minute changes, but these can raise the price of the project and should be kept to a minimum, especially because they also affect the time in which the project will be completed.

20 Great Questions to Ask When Interviewing an Architect
 
Before deciding to go with one architect specifically, it is important to take the time to make sure you interview a few first. However, when the time comes for the actual interview, many people ask questions that are not necessarily helpful to them or relevant. To ensure that you hire the right architect for your needs, keep in mind the following questions:

1. Does the architect have a specific design style? Ask to see examples of his/her past work.
2. What is distinctive about the architect that should make you want to go with him/her?
3. Ask to see a list of past clients the architect has worked with. If he/she cannot produce one, maybe it is best that you don’t go with them.
4. How busy is the architect, and how many other projects do they currently have going on? This might give insight into how long you can expect your project to take.
5. Will you be dealing directly with that architect, or will you deal with someone else in the firm? Who will be designing your project? If you will be dealing with a different person, make sure to talk previously with them as well.
6. Does your project interest the architect, or would they rather design an office building as opposed to your patio cover?
7. What resources will the architect use to make sure he/she accommodates your needs and goals?
8. What does the architect expect you to provide, in order for the project to get started?
9. What does the architect consider to be you project’s important issues or challenges?
10. How will priorities about your project be distinguished, and decisions made?
11. How will your architect be organizing your design project?
12. What different steps will be taken for your project by the architect?
13. What will the architect show you in order to explain the project? Will he use drawings, sketches, or perhaps even models? (If you haven’t seen the model that architect Richard Morris Hunt presented George W. Vanderbilt for the Biltmore Estate, you should definitely visit the Biltmore House here in Asheville and check it out!)
14. How long can the architect anticipate his/her part of the project to take?
15. How will the architect establish fees, and at what point will he/she expect them by? 
16. What can the architect anticipate in the way of how much the total project will cost?
17. What is the architect’s experience or track record when it comes to estimating costs? Are their estimates usually correct, or—if not—are they usually over or under?
18. Can the architect anticipate a change in the scope of the project, and if there is such a change, will additional fees be attached, and how will these fees be justified?
19. If the contractor bid exceeds your budget, will the architect revise the design? Would there be any extra cost for such a revise?
20. What services will the architect provide during construction?

How to Find an Architect
 
When seeking an architect, the tried-and-true way to find a reliable one is simply by word of mouth. Asking friends, family, and coworkers who have had work done previously is usually the best source for finding a skilled professional. Also, Louan can offer several recommendations for local architects. Call her locally at 828-210-4900, or toll free at 888-411-1896. Email her at LouanGideon@LuxuryAsheville.com.

Another good resource is the good-old Yellow Pages, listing just about every practicing architect in any area. However, looking up an architect, and finding one that will engage in residential practice often prove to be two different things. Also, if your home has any special requirements or if you have some specific style in mind, you may have to extend your search past a local one.

 The American Institute of Architects offers many chapters with the directories of architect firms and details on what practices they do. Also, the Internet always offers many options; some states even have high quality printed directories on the Web (such as the Web site of the Asheville, North Carolina AIA chapter.)  

No matter which method reveals the best results for you, in finding the right architect, he/she should always be interviewed beforehand, the way a lawyer or doctor would be. It is also helpful to interview more than one; this enables you to keep your options completely open.

10 Great Decorating Tips on the Use of Paint
Anyone who has ever chosen paint colors for a room knows…it’s not easy to achieve just the right shade and tone you were hoping for!

Hopefully, these tips will save you angst, time and money:

1. Keep your options open. Choose paint chips from different stores and brands to make sure you choose the right color (Keep a handy booklet in which you track which chip is from which store or brand). Also, when matching paint chips to fabric, flooring or an existing paint job, make sure to view paint chip at all angles and in all types of lighting. Often times, paint will look completely different at night or in natural lighting than it will in the store. Frightfully different.
2. Paint chips can also be used as a stand-in for items that can not leave the home. For instance, if looking to match a rug color to a bathroom tile, you can match a paint chip to the tile and take it with you on your search for rugs. Also, paint covers almost anything, from metal to fabric, and can reinvent almost any piece of furniture; so don’t be shy to grab your grand-mom’s rusted chandelier out of the attic. There’s a paint for that, too!
3. Tinting your primer can give you that lighter look you’ve been searching for, when having a difficult time matching paint chips to an existing paint color. A lot of darker colors are very difficult to match, however, and only so much can be done by tinting.
4. Painting the smaller details of a room, such a vents and outlet covers, will help blend and make them less noticeable. Some do require a primer or finish, but often times you can do without.
5. Never count out the floor. Unattractive concrete, wood, and vinyl can always be decoratively painted, and have a lot of potential. Today, there are a multitude of various stains to choose from!
6. Highlighting with paint can accent details of furniture and create unique outlines. Small, usually unnoticed areas can be painted to grab attention and focus.
7. Don’t be afraid to paint with bright, rich, or intense colors; they often help a room look more decorated, however, should be accented with lighter, less overwhelming colors.
8. Contrast is good, and can be used to intensify the mood of a room (with high-contrast), or create a more subtle mood (with low-contrast). Never be afraid to play around with color, sometimes the most unlikely combinations can prove to be some of the most beautiful.
9. An illuminating glow can be created by using a lighter paint for the ceiling of a room. This will open up a room and make it seem bigger. Test ceiling colors with wall colors, sometimes the same color (just in different shades) looks good, and other times it is better to change the color entirely.
10. Many stores offer designer-selected color schemes that do your job for you. They make things much easier and are proven to look good; so by all means, take advantage of it!

10 Great Decorating Tips for Windows
            
Windows are an extremely important element of a house, and especially in Asheville, where there’s so much outside beauty to be enjoyed!
Unfortunately, they can also fade fabrics and make privacy more difficult to achieve. So – with that in mind, here are some ideas when working with windows:

1. When looking to buy drapes for your windows, make sure to stand back and view the pattern from afar. This is closer to how it will appear in your home; the pattern may be too large or small for your tastes when it is actually hanging from your window, than its look on the fabric sample.
2. The hem of drapes can affect the look of a room. If a hem is too high, it can sometimes look off balance. For a more even or dramatic look, try having the hem barely touch (or kiss) the floor, or have them slightly long so they make a “puddle.”
3. Inexpensive bamboo or matchstick blinds can be used to make textured, creative valances. First, cut a square piece of the blinds into long strips (make sure to hem all sides that were cut). Fold the strips in half and—taking the folded end—sew across the two aligned pieces (about three to four inches inward from the fold). This will create a loop that can slide onto a valance pole, leaving to two loose ends. Do this with a few pieces. Then, placing one loose end in front of the curtains and one behind, the curtains can then be rolled up and tied between the two loose ends (the knot holding the curtains up at the bottom).
4. To add a little creativity while on a budget, make your own valances. Try putting baskets at the each end of a valance pole, or looping vines around the pole.
5. If your goal is to have drapery hardware blend into the room, try painting valance poles the same color as the walls, or buy wood valances that match surrounding wood. However, if the objective is to show off drapery hardware, the opposite would do the trick.
6. For more options, get double-sided (or pillow-cased) drapes. This will allow for a fresh look when the occasion calls for it. However, both patterns should not clash when placed side by side.
7. Sheers offer a nice, light look, but little privacy. To avoid peeping toms, try sheers with an embroidered design, or layer sheers. They can also be placed over shades that can be drawn at night.
8. To add more personality to a room, try customizing your drapery rods. Maybe use golf clubs if that is the theme of the room, or hockey sticks.
9. For plain drapes try adding a little design to the ends—maybe fringe or ribbon of a complimentary color. This can also apply to the top and sides of the drapes, depending on the look you are trying to achieve.
10. There are different style rods for hanging drapes. One is the swing-arm style, which is good for tight spaces and allows draperies to open quickly for easy access to a window or door. Also, inexpensive tension rods can be put to good use. Simply take a fabric twice the desired length and hang over the top of the rods, for instant privacy.

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The Value of an Architect

An architect is a professional that must be licensed by their state in order to do business. These state licenses were established to protect the welfare, safety, and health of the public from those who have not fulfilled the experience or educational requirements. 

The Architect Registration Examination (ARE) is one of the requirements, given by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). This exam tests for knowledge of applicable building and zoning codes and structural regulations, ability to evaluate and advise on property acquisition issues, ability to develop project plans, ability to coordinate services and/or preparation of documents by technical and special consultants, ability to provide technical assistance in the preparation of bid documents and agreements, ability to administer the contract to clients and contractors, ability to provide oversight and observation during the construction phase of the project, and many, many other pieces of knowledge needed to be a successful architect.

However, you must also be eligible to even take the test. These requirements vary from state to state, as well as the number of exams required for a license.

Currently, most states require that an architect go through at least five years of professional schooling, and a minimum of three years in work experience to be eligible to take the exam. Only those who take and pass the exam cam use the title architect and their drawings must bear the architect’s seal. RA (registered architect) or AIA (American Institute of Architects) will often follow the name of an architect, and they must renew there license periodically (usually every two years).