Inspiration for a Los Gatos, CA Home

Last month we completed a project for a residence in Los Gatos and we are very excited about the collaboration with the client. Daniel J Boyd Construction was the builder for this home.

In this four part series we highlighted how to take inspiration and design goals for the overall project and then how to break it into major elements: space planning, exterior finishes and interior finishes. While the home is not 100% completed in this series of videos, it is nearly so and in the coming month the final landscaping and minor finish work will be done. You might have to use a little imagination of your own to see the exterior patios and landscape as it will be when it is finished. Please take a look at these different segments with Vivian Soleimani, Sr Designer for BCDA as she talks thru the goals and products used while touring the home.

Part one overall design inspiration.
Video - Part 1: Design Inspiration

Part two covers the challenges and client objectives for the space planning. This home is for a young family with 2 children. It is essential that there is room for this active family and an easy indoor/outdoor lifestyle to suit the climate and location.
Video - Part 2: Space Plan

Part three begins to detail the exterior finish details and why specific elements were chosen.
Video - Part 3: Exterior Finishes

Finally in part 4 the many details on the interior finish are discussed. This house has a very clear and consistent contemporary feel. It is also welcoming and durable for the young family. Many of the details are the very newest in design and construction techniques.
Video - Part 4: Interior Finishes

What is your feedback from the project? We'd love to hear your comments.

Tips on starting design process

One of the aspects we love about interior design is getting to know our clients well and understanding their lifestyle and personal design preferences. Of course there are many ways to get to know our clients better, but we have found that traveling together to different design centers really brings out the landscape of options and ideas in a very creative and collaborative setting.

We hope if you are considering hiring an interior designer that you will opt to take this step and ask your design team to show you many different venues and showrooms for different aspects of art, furnishings and home decor.

Who knows, you may find that there is something incredibly appealing about mixing in pieces from outside your traditional comfort zone. Inspiration comes to us in all kinds of places and at unexpected times, the key is to be open and ready for inspiration to strike!

short video from Bethe on topic

Designing Commercial Spaces - Body Dynamic Studio

There are opportunities for art and design in the most functional commercial spaces we use day to day. Recently we had the good fortune to work with the team at Body Dynamic and create a whimsical and functional interior for them in their new studio in Los Gatos. It's very enjoyable to work with a business project when you can bring out the clients unique or individual qualities. Take a look and tell us what you think.

Video - Designing Commercial Spaces

Remodeling or Building? When To Engage An Interior Designer

It's not uncommon for us to get a call from prospective clients when they are well into the design and construction phase of a new home, or major remodel. We then join the client's team of architect, contractor and (sometimes landscape designer). Most of the time the transition is smooth, though some architects and contractors can be reluctant to bring in a new stakeholder who might adjust the project scope, budget and timeline. This then brings up the question in the client's mind, "what would have been the best time to call in an interior designer?" There is no right answer, we can only share what we have seen work best in over 20 years of work with clients, architects and builders in California and beyond. In our experience it is best of the project begins with an interior designer firmly on board. In this video, Vivian Soliemani of our Bethe Cohen Design Associates team explains why it is best to hire a design firm in the beginning. She also highlights the unique areas an interior design firm can address with the clients.

- Bethe Cohen & Team

Video - When To Engage A Designer