Interior Design with Kandrac and Kole

Latest Episodes:

The Power of Organization Jul 25, 2018

Show notes

1. INTRO

Today I'm running solo so I have a guest speaker I'm very excited about. Carrie Peeples is the Chief Organizing officer of NeatSmart. I am a self confessed Type A, OCD person who totally gets a kick out of this type of stuff. My house is organized and neat as a pin but I am always interested in improving.

The home page of her website neatsmart.com says it all: life is easier when you know what you have & where it goes. Your home should be a reflection of who you are and what you value. There is beauty in simplicity. Structure means less stress. You have permission to say "no" to having stuff that doesn't make you happy. You are more successful in life when you're organized.

2. CARRIE INTRO – (first of all, we were meant to be friends because you have a facebook live account called "drink wine get organized".)

A. Your professional background B. How you got started.

3. SERVICES

A. Tell me what a client assessment is like.

B. I see you offer help in every single area of the home from creative spaces to kitchen and of course closets. Where do you find people need the most help?

C. If you had to consolidate all your knowledge, what top 3 tips would you want to share?

D. Without naming any names, what's been your most challenging project to date?

4. THE NEATSMART BLOG

A. This is my cup of tea – I get a total high from stupid things like organizing post Tax Season and how to organize or store sentimental cards and notes (most likely I use them as bookmarks because I'm an avid reader). I really like the variety of topics you talk about

B. Tell me about the 30-Day challenge.

5. WHO ARE YOU INSPIRED BY?

A. Favorite reads? B. Goals for your professional future?

How to Get Published Jul 18, 2018

Show notes

We've worked hard to have our design projects published nationally and regionally many times over. To us, it's a stamp of approval from the highest level of our peers – the editors of the magazines we covet. Our first national publication was a 6 page spread in Southern Lady Magazine. We were (and still are) so proud of that feature! Our next feature is coming up in August/September issue of Southern Cottage which is published by Engaged Media, Inc.

To be totally honest though, we've never received a single new client from being published, but it has certainly built our credibility in the eyes of those prospective clients that care about that kind of thing.

So consider this what we call a "teaching episode" for our fellow designers and new designers as we share what we've learned along the way on HOW TO GET PUBLSIHED.

2. DESIGN WITH AN EYE FOR PUBLICATION

I remember taking a coaching class from Arkansas designer Tobi Fairley and she said, "When I walk into a home of a new client, I'm designing with the end in mind. With how my design will look when it's photographed and published." I didn't quite understand that as a new designer, but I do now.

This is the approach we now take as well. It helps us to focus on every wall and every corner to make sure that the design is balanced and "full". When you look thru a camera lens, you see flat and dull areas of a space right away. So if we design with this viewpoint in mind, we won't miss anything.

3. LEAVE THE SPACE "FINISHED" - IN OTHER WORDS, DESIGN FULLY

A. We aim to leave a space fully designed so that our client has nothing left to worry about. Of course we leave picture frames to be filled and small details like that, but we work hard to incorporate many of the clients personal and important accessories, art and chatkes into the design from the beginning. When we stylize on install day, we include cozy throws, fresh soaps, laundered linens – you name it! This way, the client is thrilled and when we come back to photograph, we don't have a ton to do.

4. INVEST IN QUALITY PHOTOGRAPHY

A. This is our #1 piece of advice not only to have for your website but to have to offer editors.

i. Average costs

ii. Research photographers and pay for the best

iii. Scouting shots vs. providing professional photography to editors

5. HOW TO PREPARE FOR A PHOTO SHOOT

A. Prepare your client – clean and tidy the space, no need to be home (this will take hours).

B. Fresh flowers the day before – make your own or order ahead – all one color is best

i. Kinds that looks best

ii. Containers that look best

C. Take photos on install day and look back for "holes" or areas that need to be "full" for magazines

D. How to dress a kitchen

E. It's ok to remove furniture – look thru the lens with your photographer and offer your eye – participate in your shoot

6. REACH OUT TO EDITORS, MEET & GREET!

A. Don't be shy! They are people too.

B. Get used to the names on the Masthead of each shelter magazine. Reach out on social media.

C. Post original work on social media especially Instagram. Editors are trolling!

D. Don't be afraid to start locally – blogs, newspapers, etc.

E. Read Amy Flurry's book "Recipe for Press".

Our Work In Guatemala Jul 11, 2018

Show notes

1. INTRO

We've just returned from a week in Guatemala. We are exhausted and exhilarated all at the same time. Everywhere we go people inquire about our work in Guatemala and how we got started so we thought this was the perfect time to share.

2. KELLY'S FIRST TRIP TO GUATEMALA

3. CATALYST RESOURCES INTERNATIONAL

A. Fontaine and Paulas's Story

B. Our partnership with CRI

4. THIS WEEK IN GUATEMALA

A. The makeup of our team

B. Building a House

C. Shoe Drive

D. House of Hope

E. Antigua

5. YEARS PAST IN GUATEMALA

A. Team Dynamics – eating, sleeping, riding the bus together, working side by side

B. Differences in the villages – area, topography, dress etc.

C. Fun trips – Pana, Zip Lining, Food!, Shopping

6. OUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE

A. Partnering with local Guatemalan businesses to bring Guatemalan products into our designs.

B. Being the liason between designer friends and partners for their businesses in Guatemala – i.e. Lacefield Designs doing collaberations and Rosa's Pop Up Shop

C. Leading more than one team a year – i.e. Rich's Dental team

D. Eye Clinic

E. More shoe drives

7. HOW TO GIVE

A. www.gofundme.com then search Kandrac-Kole Goes to Guatemala

B. Our next trip will be in June 2019

Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer Guest Jul 05, 2018

Show notes

Kelly is on vacation visiting family in New York so Caren Danneman, an amazing certified and bath kitchen designer is joining Joann in the studio.

Caren's Bio: Caren Danneman, CKD, CBD

Owner/Principal Designer – Danneman Designs, LLC

Website: dannemandesigns.com

Serves the Southeastern states

Caren is a Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer with over 20 years of experience. She is a winner of a NARI CotY Award for Baths in 2015. She has written many articles on Kitchen and Bath Trends and sat as a Judge for The Bath of the Year for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles 2015 edition. Although Caren specializes in Kitchens and Baths, she also creates home offices, unique laundry rooms and special built-ins. The Danneman Design team includes other designers around Atlanta and a group of contractors with whom to partner with to bring the designs to life!

1. How do you start the process?

A. A personal interview of the family's needs and function. How do they cook? Entertain? Store things?

A. The layout – need to use the right and the left brain at the same time.

i. Right brain focuses on spaces, traffic flow, zones and storage ii. The left brain is thinking of how to make this a gorgeous space.

2. Trends/new products

A. Open concept B. Islands C. Open Shelves D. Wall cabinets to the ceiling E. Tile Whole Walls F. Bigger Light Fixtures G. LED Lighting

3. Appliances

A. Induction B. Vents (creating a focal point) C. Water Sensors D. Smart Appliances

4. Caren talks about the most unusual design project she's ever tackled!

Tips to Designing a Great Home Office Jun 27, 2018

Show notes

An estimated 3 million Americans work from home. Many people who work from home claim to be more productive because they're not in a loud environment or distracted by co-workers. There are some obvious advantages of working from home: avoiding a nightmare commute and getting to work in your PJs. Employers see working from home as fewer sick days, employee retention, and less money spent on office space.

1. HOME OFFICES CAN BE USED FOR: A. Running a business B. A full time job C. An occasional telecommute D. A place to pay bills

2. WAYS TO LOVE YOUR HOME OFFICE: A. Choose a good location – Somewhere you can concentrate and separate from home life. i. Good light 1. Natural light is best – but also consider: Ambient: Lighting that's used to fill most of the room, usually from overhead Accent: A light fixture used to highlight a specific feature like a bookcase, fireplace or piece of art Task: Light fixtures for a specific purpose, like a desk lamp

ii. A good view 1. Try to use a room with a window (being in the dark can be gloomy)

iii. Create as much storage as possible 1. This is key to keeping your office neat and tidy as well as being organized. A cluttered space can mean a cluttered mind!

B. Function i. Think about this before anything. Consider this space as one of the most important rooms in your house and know that this area is where you need to be most productive. ii. Purchase office furniture that works well for you. Some people prefer an L shaped desk and others a large table. Consider a stand up desk. iii. Secure cords underneath to hide unsightly wires. iv. Invest in a good chair – we like the Think Chair by Steelcase v. Cork boards/chalk boards are great for calendars and important lists and notes. vi. Put monitors on shelves to create space underneath. vii. Make fun organizers for pens/pencils, paper clips etc. – use mason jars, vintage glasses, etc.

C. Aesthetics i. Paint the wall a color you love 1. Surround yourself with as much beauty as possible (A dark blah color can be depressing)

ii. Fill the walls with art 1. Hang art that speaks to you. A gallery of meaningful photos or inspirational quotes can be motivating. a. Minted.com b. 20x200.com

2. Have some type of greenery – Purifies the air and boosts productivity. These are the top 4 plants: a. Spider plant b. Lemon balm c. Philodendron d. Peace Lily

iii. Add color with accessories: 1. Rugs 2. Window Treatments 3. Add a comfortable chair with a throw to use for taking breaks or for a visitor

Listener Design Questions Jun 20, 2018

Show notes

1. INTRO

We have always been big sharers of information, life and business lessons, sources, advice, etc. One day when we are tired of designing residential and commercial spaces, you will probably find us on the speaking/coaching circuit or writing a book.

We got such great feedback on our last Listener call in episode, we thought we'd do it again.

2. LISTENER QUESTIONS

A. Lisa – How to figure out a lighting plan in a large space

B. Danny – How to make the most out of a galley kitchen.

C. Megan – Where to focus her clients in a new construction design center.

D. Jennifer – How to plan for new home purchases ahead of time.

E. Joan – How to mix metals in a new home

Nightmare Clients Jun 13, 2018

Show notes

1. INTRO

A. We have a wonderful client base, many that we have worked with for years, others who we may have done one project for, and some others who have been, let's say "challenging".

B. We have an excellent qualifying system but every now and then, a crazy, whacko client slips through the cracks.

2. The RED FLAGS

A. They've worked with multiple designers that "didn't work out"

B. They want you to meet on evenings or weekends (they don't value your time or treat you like a professional).

C. They question your rates – looking for a bargain or "deal". They ask you to lower your fees. Or the typical – "Does the consult fee go towards anything?"

D. They ask if they can use their great aunt to make the window treatments and their cousins best friend to get them a deal on cabinetry.

E. They don't ask if you'd like something to drink when you come to the consultation (i.e. another sign of respect).

3. CHAMPAGNE TASTE/BEER BUDGET

A. They constantly bring up HGTV (unrealistic expectations).

B. They are disappointed that they can't get what they want and want you to figure out how to make it happen

C. They haven't done any research and have a huge laundry list of wants with minimal money to spend.

4. INDECISIVE

A. They over analyze everything and can't make a decision

B. They don't communicate well.

C. They get' too many opinions – friend, sister, etc. told me I should do ……

5. A FEW STORIES

A. An out of state, wealthy client who was "taken advantage of" by other designers. Wanted everything to have a "wow factor". Nothing would make her happy.

B. Client called us to help renovate her entire ranch home. She asked for specific items, which we presented to her, and then decided that it wasn't what she wanted. She picked apart about 80% of the design. We bent over backwards to make her happy but she ended up only doing a small portion of the project.

C. Clients who are not prepared for install – We were installing an entire first floor of a home. The woman of the house was traveling on business and the man of the house did not have anything prepared. His office had thousands of wires with computers everywhere, there were knickknacks all over the house that weren't going to be used, bookshelves were emptied but hundreds of books where in stacks all over the room.

An older woman who invited us to her lovely mountain home to update several rooms. After a 3.5 hour consultation and drafting of the lengthy design proposal, she decided to just do the master bedroom. At presentation time, she was thrilled with the design but later starting asking questioning our design decisions like how we fabricate window treatments and questioning the space plan and that items of furniture would fit and why is the mirror that size etc… . On install day, she was so happy she literally burst into tears. Later, we got a call that she wanted the window treatment remade because there was a seam (they were double width panels???) . Anyway, we told her that we were unable to address her concerns.

How to be a Dream Client Jun 06, 2018

Show notes

1. INTRO

Our clients come in all shapes and sizes with interesting histories and stories to tell. They come from all regions of the country with varied backgrounds and different budgets and goals. The ideal and most common residential client for Kandrac & Kole is a married couple, highly educated and traveled with corporate jobs and no time to make their home beautiful.

We are lucky that our screening process is such that 90% of the time we end up with wonderful clients. We could tell you a story or two about some nightmare clients (many of whom we had to fire) but that's juicy gossip or an upcoming show!

So we thought we'd share with our listeners how to be a dream client because these qualities can apply to not only interior design but to all contract work.

2. HOMEWORK

3. BE ON THE SAME PAGE WITH YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER BEFORE WE ARRIVE AT YOUR HOME

a. Do not put us in the middle of a fight – be respectful of one another b. What are your priorities c. What's your budget

4. THINK ABOUT HOW YOU LIVE - FUNCTIONALITY IS KEY

a. The number one question we press our clients to think about is "How do you live?" – is your current space plan working for you? Do you have enough storage? Are your quests comfortable? Can we rework a space or knock down a wall?

b. Walk thru your home with fresh eyes prior to our arrival and think hard about how you want your home to flow, function, operate for work, play and quiet time.

5. DO YOUR RESEARCH - THINGS COST MORE THAN YOU THINK THEY DO

a. 90% of the time we ask our clients how much they'd like to invest in their project, they say they aren't sure.

b. Have a "Come to Jesus" meeting with yourself (or your financial planner) about what you are willing and/or able to spend on your wish list. This will help us make responsible selections for you or to guide you on how best to focus your funds.

c. Look online, in magazines, talk to friends – HGTV is not real – you need to have an idea of what things cost.

6. FINDING THE RIGHT DESIGNER FOR YOU

a. Ask a friend with similar taste, personality and budget for a referral b. Find a qualified designer for you thru ASID, local boutique or design center c. Troll the internet and STALK designers i. Google ii. Facebook iii. Websites iv. Instagrams v. Blogs

7. INTERVIEW

a. Call and ask questions – you will feel when it's right

b. Be ready for all different practices and operations – there are no set rules in our industry which makes it very confusing – go with your gut

c. Flat fee vs. hourly

d. Full service vs. collaborative "decorating"

8. COMMUNICATE TO YOUR DESIGNER LIKE YOU WOULD YOUR THERAPIST OR DOCTOR

a. Put together a Houzz ideabook, Pinterest board, a file of magazine cut outs – help your designer do the best job for you they possibly can.

b. Be honest about your lifestyle, what makes you happy, what makes you uncomfortable, your favorite things – colors, books, art, sports, travel locations, collections

9. LET YOUR DESIGNER DO THEIR JOB

a. Once you have shared your research, your budget, your deepest desires, STEP BACK and let you designer WORK. TRUST and give them the FREEDOM to do what you have hired them to do. b. Do not micro manage. c. Be flexible to think outside the box. If your designer is a good listener and you were a good communicator, it will all be ok. d. Have realistic expectations regarding timelines. It's only design. e. Shit happens. It will be ok. f. DO NOT go behind a designers back and troll for prices on the internet. This breeds mistrust and will zap the good juju out of the relationship immediately.

10. ENJOY YOUR INVESTMENT AND YOUR HOME - IT IS YOUR SANCTUARY.

What's the Biggest Impact You Can Make in Your Home? May 30, 2018

Show notes

WE ASK OUR DESIGN COLLEAGUES ACROSS THE COUNTRY THIS QUESTION. HERE THEY JOIN US WITH THEIR ANSWERS:

Kelli Ellis, (Los Angeles, Las Vegas) interior designer and lifelong traveler, represents the epitome of livable luxury, casual international style mixed with rock star glam. Her celebrity and discerning clientele benefit from her extensive world travels, adding dramatic artwork and unique accessories used to create havens

You've likely seen Kelli as the featured designer on TLC's Clean Sweep, HGTV'sTakeover my Makeover, and productions of Value Booster's, Move or Improve, and The House Therapist. You've watched Kelli design homes and offices on Bravo's, Real Housewives of Orange County. On HGTV's #1 Holiday hit, Celebrity Holiday Homes, and is a guest designer on HGTV's current hit show, House Hunters Renovation. Kelli proudly stars in her own show on The Design Network, Design Therapy

Kara Cox (Greensboro, NC) Kara Cox Interiors is a full-service interior design firm with a fresh approach to classic interiors. Kara marries her fashion-forward look with traditional Southern style. Kara's known for her expert color selection and pairings of traditional shapes with modern art and accessories. She often incorporates clean, tailored lines and dressmaker details in her interiors blurring the boundaries between fashion and home.

After graduating from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kara began her career in the fashion industry in New York City. When she returned home to North Carolina, Kara worked as an editor for a home furnishings magazine covering national and international trade shows, trend forecasting and gathering an extensive base of product knowledge. Building upon her experience in the furniture industry, Kara followed her passion for design by returning to school to obtain a degree in Interior Design in 2006.

After graduating, Kara trained under Lindsay Henderson Interiors, one of North Carolina's premiere residential designers. Kara established her design firm in 2010. Kara creates lasting relationships with clients creating homes that reflect their family's personalities while infusing their interiors with a fresh version of classic style. Her full-service approach allows busy families to enjoy the design process as she manages the project from start to finish.

JULIANNE TAYLOR (Charleston, SC) Owner of Taylor Burke Home a home décor brand offering bold, trend-setting designs made in the Southeast. Julianne Taylor Style is a series of licensed collections with other brands that showcase the design aesthetic of our founder, Julianne Taylor. Julianne has quickly emerged as one of the home décor industry's most prominent female entrepreneurs. Taylor Burke Home's bold, unexpected and sophisticated designs are highly sought after by premiere interior designers across the nation. She is also author of the popular book entitled "DesignHER", a celebration of female entrepreneurs shaping today's home décor industry.

MITZI BEACH (Wichita, KS) Author, speaker, award-winning interior designer with a master's degree. She is a top expert in "Boomer Smarts" interior design for the changing demographics of American Homes. She speaks nationally on topics such as "Homes of the Future" and ageless design. Remodeling and upgrading homes for the 50+ boomers is her expertise.

Repairing Unattractive Elements of an Older Home May 23, 2018

Show notes

1. Intro

We all have certain things we dislike about our homes but when we make that purchase (if it's not a new build) there may be a few things that are nagging. Here are some of those things and how to deal with them:

2. Popcorn ceilings

A. They date a space – depending on time frame of home, get a sample tested for asbestos. i. Difficult to repair ii. Hard to Clean iii. Collect Dust

B. Ways to remove i. Scrape – use a utility knife or drywall knife to chip away to create a smooth surface (messy and slow) ii. Cover with drywall – smoothest possible finish – pricier option iii. Skim coat on a new design – older home owners that want to maintain the history of the home

C. Light fixtures i. The awful "boob" flush mount fixture ii. Low wattage – change all to LED iii. This is one area that can really update and elevate the design

3. DATED Wallpaper i. Problems with not being primed ii. Rent a steamer or hire a professional iii. Don't be afraid to wallpaper again – the "new wallpaper" is nothing like that of the 80's.

4. FLAT LUAN Doors – Plywood i. Invest in new doors ii. Add trim molding iii. Remove doors that don't necessarily need to be there

5. LOW vanities i. At a minimum, update the powder bath ii. Consider "ready made" vanities

6. Small trim and baseboards i. Update with beefier crown molding in the key spaces ii. Keep all consistent iii. Consider painting wall and trim the same color if you can't replace right away

7. DATED SWITCH PLATES i. Seems like a small detail, but this will date your home (especially the "almond" color of years ago. ii. Use the clear switch plates on wallpapered walls.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Interior Design with Kandrac and Kole

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected