We all love before and afters so I wanted to start chronicling my projects.  This first one is a gut renovation of a ranch style home in Denver, Colorado.  The square footage is right around 2,000 on the main floor; basement is not included in the reno.  My client had purchased the house a while back and then rented it until they were ready to fix it up for themselves.  So on May 1st we began demolition by removing most of the walls in the public spaces.  Here are the photos that we took minutes before demo.

Kitchen with door to patio.  The door will eventually become a window.

Eat-in kitchen area.  To the left is an exterior door, stairs and garage access.  This corner will become part of the expanded kitchen.

Dining room from kitchen door way and looking into the living room.  The French doors lead to the patio.  All interior walls will be removed to open up the space.

Living room looking out to the patio.  Fireplace and the “wing walls” on both sides will be removed and the fireplace updated to a modern design.  No more brass here!

Guest bath/powder from doorway.  The shower is to the left through the dark doorway.  Layout will remain fairly similar; just a dramatic face lift.

Master bath layout will change however the vanities will remain on the same wall.  There is currently a large tub (see below) opposite the vanities.  The tub will be removed and a large walk-in shower will be on the far left of the vanities.  The toilet will be enclosed in it’s own room in the current tub location.

The den, which is off the living room, will remain the same foot print.  The bar and wood paneling will be removed and the entry way will expand from 3 feet to 9 feet so access can be gained through the living room not just the hallway.

The entry hall by the kitchen.  The left wall will be removed to expose the stairwell going to the basement.  The right wall will be pushed out into the garage and house a wall of cabinetry to include a desk area, coat closet, pantry and a bar.  Goodbye long, dark hallway.

Because we are now in June, I will post some of the construction photos next week untill we get up to speed.  Till then…happy remodeling!

Day 2 – Upholstry

First, is it NOT common for a factory to have both the case goods and upholstry production under one roof.  They manage it by keeping all areas clean and only bringing in goods needed for the day (allows more room).

Below, a large machine that cuts 30 chair legs at one time, guided by the artist.  I’ve never seen a machine like this – so cool!

Chairs being HAND sanded in prep for upholstry. 

Chair with springs ready to be hand tied.

Eight-way hand-tied springs complete.  They call it 8-way because the string is tied to the spring in 8 different places on each spring then secured down to the frame.  Eight-way hand-tied is the best support because they springs work with each other in supporting the person.  The “string” is polyester so that it won’t break, rot or stretch. 

 Hickory Chair also uses a polypropylene canvas and a row of steel bands to prevent any sagging. 

A chair ready for fabric

Every fabric that comes in is inspected for flaws before being sent to cutting.  This job was created by the women pictured here because she saw too many delays that happened from not making this crutial step.  Way to creat your own job!!

Fabric storage

Upholstry in the works

Tufting!  I love tufting.  It adds a wonderful dimension to any piece.  At HC, they hand tuft pieces for a consistent look and tie all buttons to the frame…no lost or popping buttons!

The fun facts:

• The frames are shaped by wood, not the upholstry padding that will pack down over the years.
• They use  a variety of guages in their 8-way hand-tied springs for support.
• No cardboard in their frames.  Yes, cheap furniture uses cardboard!
• They have an employee whose Dad owns a factory but he came to Hickory Chair to work with a “better company that does things right.” 

On May 14, 2010 Paradigm Interior Design and Nest Architectural Design were awarded first place for Primary Residence Under 3,500 SF by ASID.

Natural light floods this ranch style home located in Denver’s historic Bonnie Brae neighborhood.  The soft, neutral palette provide the perfect backdrop to the client’s extensive art collection while providing a relaxing atmosphere.

Paradigm assisted the client with paint selection, granite and tile selection, draperies, art and furniture placement and decorative lighting fixtures throughout the home. 

All pictures will be posted to the Paradigm’s ”Work” tab soon but here are some of the highlights.

On January 1, 2010 Paradigm was one of thirty designers selected to be part of the Design Connection at the Denver Design District (DDD).  The program opens up the DDD to the public and helps match potential clients with designers.  If you haven’t been into the DDD I would encourage you to stop by for a visit and get to know us!

If you haven’t already heard, the LEED program is exploding within the design industry.  This year I will studying to aquire my LEED GA title.  This is an important step in my profession since every day we are learning the impact that each of us puts on the environment.  I’ve come to realize that the design and construction industries are a major contributor to this crisis.  Therefore I want to learn how I can improve my designs to lessen my everyday impact.  Below I’ve included some information for you so you too can inform yourselves with this new program.

What is LEED?
-  Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.  An internationally recognized green building certification system, providing third-party verification that a building was built using techniques to make it more efficient through mechanical and water systems, emissions reduction, improved indoor air quality, and using local resources. 
 
Why?
-  It is important that we use responsible building techniques to lessen our impact on the environment.  In addition indoor air quality is extremely important as it can potentially make you sick if harmful materials & chemicals are in the products you buy. 
 
Who can call their building LEED certified?
-  Currently LEED certification is for new construction however they have developed a list of guidelines for residential remodeling and they offer ways to make your current home more energy efficient. 
 
Why is Paradigm Doing This?
-  Because I see the importance in knowing how to make buildings safer and more environmentally responsible.  I am also passionate that I can help your health and well being through the materials that I specify.  In the end we all win at making this world a bit more green.