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our house remodel: the office

If you’ve been following along, you know that we’re planning to remodel our 1955 ranch home on the east side of Madison, WI. We’ve already talked about the new floor plan and design for the primary bedroom. We now continue our tour into the office – welcome!

Insighed Designs Remodel Primary Office Overview

Much like the room choice for the primary bedroom was obvious, the office knew its role from the beginning as well. Though its small footprint could also work well as a nursery or child’s bedroom. As you can see here, the previous two owners showed this room with a twin bed.

Insighed Designs - office remodel - before

When we bought the house, we decided this room would serve as my office. While I had furniture pieces that technically fit in the space, the room really didn’t function very well.

Insighed Designs - office remodel - before

And we all know how I feel about that. So…to the drawing board we went! Having used the space for a few months, I knew it needed these three things:

a window seat for Willow
closed storage for supplies and a hidden printer
enough desk surface to fit a laptop and a freestanding monitor

We knew this iteration of the room would not be forever, so we kept the budget affordable. Incredibly, the combination of the Billy bookcase and a laminate countertop from IKEA sits just at window height for Willow. AND their Micke desk would just barely fill in the remaining length of the wall. Like, literally, within a half inch. And yes, in fact I did re-measure everything about a thousand times before pressing submit on that order – ha!

ID - space plan - before + after

This left the opposing wall open for more of that closed storage we need. Namely, the hidden printer. Now folks, I have dreamed of a vintage mid-century credenza for a very, very long time. When I realized this would be a great spot for the printer AND could actually fit into both this and the future vision for this office?! It took 2.5 seconds to decide to stretch the budget a little.

Insighed Designs - our remodel - office - desk view

Insighed Designs - our remodel - office - credenza

Someday, when the budget allows, we may consider adding custom millwork to the space. A wall-to-wall desktop is supported by a centered storage cabinet. Floating shelves fill the wall space above the desk.

Insighed Designs - office remodel 3D rendering

We kept the walls neutral to allow the wood tones to anchor the space. These heavier feeling wood tones balance out the levity of the floating desktop and shelves. Finally, the books, area rug, and artwork add just the right touch of bold color to the space.

Insighed Designs - office remodel 3D rendering

Who’s excited for the next stop on the tour? Up next….the bathroom!

3D floor plan

September 18, 2024/0 Comments/by Nancy Higgs

Airbnb Interior Design Ideas

Airbnb Interior Design

Creating an affordable, appealing, and functional Airbnb requires a thoughtful approach. By focusing on a cohesive style, optimizing small spaces, and offering valuable amenities, you can create a space that stands out to potential guests. Remember, it’s the little touches and attention to detail that can turn a good stay into a great one, encouraging positive reviews and repeat bookings. With the right balance of budget and creativity, your vacation rental can shine in a crowded market and offer guests an unforgettable experience. So where do you start with Airbnb interior design?

First things first: it must be functional.
If you are familiar with our blog, you already know I am passionate about making a space work well before making it pretty. Functionality is just as important in a vacation rental as it is your own home. Here’s a few things to keep in mind…

How many guests does your space comfortably sleep? Now – can that many people comfortably hang out in the living room? How about the dining area? If you are wanting to host families or larger groups, this is crucial. While sleeping spaces are obviously important, that group is not booking again if they can’t all hang out together.

If your place on the smaller side, the right space plan will be essential! Use multi-functional furniture like sofa beds or ottomans with storage to maximize the space. Non-traditional buildings like barns or converted sheds will require extra creativity. These spaces should work just as well as their traditionally sized counterparts!

Lastly, while I cannot in good conscious advocate for working while on vacation, it is a good idea to incorporate at least a small workspace. Ideally, this spot would be private, have good lighting and enough room for a comfortable chair.

The Baldwin: a dining room from The Collection

Now let’s make it pretty.
But ‘pretty’ is pretty subjective, so how do you know what’s right for your Airbnb interior design? You need not look too far: just the style of the home and the desired experience for your guests. Incorporate elements that reflect the local area or the theme of your property. For instance, a mountain town rental could incorporate natural elements like raw wood and a city apartment might showcase more industrial elements like steel.

It’s also important to aim for a cohesive style rather than a hodgepodge of leftover items. Choose a color palette and stick with it throughout different rooms to create a harmonious look throughout the entire space. Just remember that harmonious doesn’t mean boring – Airbnb interior design is a great opportunity to opt for bolder design choices! In fact, if your area’s market will tolerate it, you could even take a themed approach. However, be mindful not to overdo it; vacationers don’t want the space to feel cluttered.

living room with leather sofa and black white striped rug

The Hamilton: a living room from The Collection

Now let’s keep it pretty.
Sure, first impressions matter. But so do lasting impressions. If the paint is peeling and air conditioner doesn’t work, it doesn’t matter how great the sofa looks with that rug. A well-maintained vacation rental not only attracts guests but also encourages them to leave positive reviews and return in the future.

What about all the extras?
Admittedly, amenities don’t typically fall under the realm of interior design, but they can make or break an Airbnb experience and should be accounted for when space planning. Here’s the types of things you’ll want to consider…

Do you expect your guests will be doing considerable cooking? Then let’s make sure the kitchen is well suited to house the basic cooking essentials. And please – don’t forget condiments and items like Ziploc bags that travelers need but don’t have on hand. And don’t forget to set out basic toiletries (toothbrush / toothpaste) in a nice basket or decorative bowl such can also be a thoughtful touch for guests who may have forgotten their own.

If you are partnering with local vendors for food or activities, where is this information kept and displayed? It should be prominent without being in the way. These types of offerings add value to their stay and you an additional revenue stream. But if they can’t find the information, everyone loses out.

Speaking of additional revenue streams, do you offer branded merchandise such as tote bags or mugs? If so, where do they live within the space?

Lastly, if you have outdoor space, make sure it’s inviting. Add some comfortable seating, perhaps a grill, and some decorative touches to make it a pleasant area for guests to relax. If you have a fire pit, make sure the firewood is stocked and stored in a nearby, easily accessible covered area.

But can it be done on a budget?
Heck yes! You can absolutely achieve affordable Airbnb interior design, but it will require thoughtful planning. Make a list of the items you need for each room and stick to it (don’t underestimate the ripple effect of changes made to the list). You can shop at discount stores, watch for sales, and reinvent second-hand items with a coat of paint or new upholstery. Just keep in mind that if you do-it-yourself, the end result shouldn’t look like you did it yourself. So do your research, pay attention to your workmanship, and don’t attempt something way outside your skill level.

You can also invest in the key pieces that will make the biggest impact, like a comfortable mattress and sofa. These items will enhance guest satisfaction and are worth spending a bit more on. For other items, prioritize functionality and durability over aesthetics. As time goes on, you may decide to upgrade the quality of furnishings as the business grows.

This all sounds great, but can you just design it for me?
Also, yes! At Insighed Designs, we believe in affordable interior design and would love to help your vacation rental stand out! We source from familiar retail brands but intentionally do not have vendor affiliations so that we have complete flexibility to choose the right items for your style and budget. Each of our designs come with a photorealistic image of the room and a clickable catalog. You can then piece together the new space in your own timeline.

Find our pre-fab designs in The Collection. Here you can purchase your favorite design for just $50 and instantly receive a 6-item clickable catalog!

Or send us photos and measurements for a custom design with Online Interior Design. You will receive a 1-hour consultation, floor plan, detailed design narrative, photorealistic images, and a 12-item clickable catalog.

September 18, 2024/0 Comments/by Nancy Higgs

Insighed, Our Remodel

our house remodel: the primary bedroom

Welcome to the second stop in our remodel tour! We’ll be talking about the design of each room on the main level, starting with the top left corner (the primary bedroom) and working our way around the main level to the new dining room.

Insighed Designs Remodel Primary Bedroom Overview

While the house technically has 4 bedrooms, it was pretty obvious which one would become the primary bedroom. One will become the dining room, the second only fits a twin bed, the third is downstairs and only the last one would fit a king sized bed. And this side sleeper really wanted to upgrade to a king sized bed. So, yeah. The primary bedroom was a pretty obvious choice.

We managed to find listing photos from two sales ago and here’s how they used the room. It appears they have a full or queen sized bed, two nightstands AND two dressers. Knowing the space, I can imagine it was quite challenging moving around the room.

Insighed Designs - primary bedroom - listing photos 2013 (2)

And here’s the ill fitting blow up bed from the listing photos from when we purchased the house in 2022.

Insighed Designs - primary bedroom - listing photo 2022

And here it is as the blank slate we started with! Since we were moving up to a king sized bed, there was really only one good spot for it: under the window across from the door. Now, some folks may say that a bed shouldn’t sit under a window. And I respect that. Doesn’t the light bother you in the morning? Nope; we added blackout shades. But how do raise and lower the shade? Ah, yes. Fair point. It’s not great, but also not impossible. And maybe someday we will incorporate automated shades?

But I digress. The king sized bed and two nightstands sit comfortably along that window wall. While the room doesn’t fit much more that, it works well for our needs. A fresh coat of paint and a few interesting pieces will make a big difference, don’t you think? Insighed Designs Primary Bedroom Space Plan

As for style, we want to incorporate mid-century pieces as a nod to the house’s roots, but lead with our own comfortable style. Which typically leans ‘light and bright’ with careful but fun additions of color. And this design certainly fits that bill! We kept the bigger components of the room neutral – warm white paint, natural oak floors, jute rug, and white bedding. Then brought in a contrasting bold black floral pattern on the curtains that sit behind a beautiful emerald green tufted headboard. The classic mid-century nightstands sit below a pair of modern globe pendants.

Insighed Designs Remodel Primary Bedroom Design

Which, by the way, you never really notice how much space a bedside lamp takes up until it’s gone. When you bedroom has a small footprint, every little bit counts. If you can relate – stay tuned! We’ve got some things in the works with you in mind. Everyone else stay tuned for the next room in the remodel design tour…the office!

Insighed Designs Remodel Primary Office Overview

June 19, 2024/0 Comments/by Nancy Higgs

Insighed, Our Remodel

Our house remodel: the floor plan

Insighed Designs - Terry and Nancy

I met Terry in April 2020 and we were moving in together by July of 2021. After a year and a half in a beautiful but under-maintained turn of the century home, we finally found a home of our own. It’s a pretty standard mid-century ranch on the east side of Madison; in fact, one of our friends has the same layout!

I think our realtor was surprised when we told her we wanted to make an offer because honestly, the house didn’t show very well. It was in need of a good cleaning and a fresh coat of paint. And then they staged it with sporadic blow up furniture and a too-big dining table.

– listing photo –

Also, there were some fundamental problems with the layout. A full height wall right inside the front door made for a claustrophobic little hallway. Well, that and the stairs to the basement in the middle of a living room wall.

Insighed Designs - our entry per listing

– listing photo –

So yeah, pretty sure she was a little surprised.

But what we saw was that they had flipped the direction of the stairs to make a pantry space in the kitchen. So if we were to flip the stairs back and remove the entry wall, the main level would be more open and function better overall. [This is where having a background in remodeling was a blessing and a curse. Because I was all “oh, yeah. We can flip the stairs back easily and open this up for a better dining room.” Which is true, but apparently the cost of remodeling has gone up a bit in the almost decade I’ve been away. But I digress…]

Insighed Designs - our house remodel - main level before

And we also saw that there were already two full baths AND the basement was fully finished. Did I mention that it was also close to the lake, bike path, and our friends? Why would we ever pass it up?! So when our offer was accepted, we felt like we really lucked out! Thankfully, this house also happened to be the lowest offer we had made. So that helps with the remodeling budget. Now armed with a solid space plan, a decent amount of paint, and a bit of elbow grease, we will have managed to get ourselves a pretty dreamy little house!

Insighed Designs - our house remodel - main level - after

What all are you remodeling, you ask? Well, someday we will replace the kitchen and enclose the laundry room, but for now our plan is to:

Remove the entry wall.
Align opening to dining with entry.
Move closet next to new dining bench.
Reverse direction of stairs.
Lower stairwell walls to half walls.

Where are we at now? Well, we have met with several remodeling firms but did not find a good fit. At this point, we plan to lean on my experience in managing remodel projects and will get individual bids to coordinate the trades ourselves. In the meantime, we will be sharing our plans with you, room by room. Stay tuned for our first big reveal . . . the primary bedroom!

Insighed Designs - 3D space plan - primary bedroom

May 6, 2024/0 Comments/by Nancy Higgs

Insighed

A Four-Square for a Family of Four

Did you know the layout for an early 1900s American farmhouse is commonly called a “four-square” because each floor has four square rooms? I’m generally a fan of anything from this era but particularly enjoy their streamlined but interesting wood trim. So I was really excited when a friend asked me to help her with a couple rooms on the main floor of her family’s four-square!

historical ad for four-square home

Before we get too far into the details, it should be noted that we deeply respect the individuality of our clients’ projects. Unless they have provided an after photo with the intention to share, we will always keep the products sourced for clients private. In this instance, we will share the actual space plan but the renderings of the rooms do not reflect the client’s design.

Insighed Designs - affordable space planning - four square

Okay, let’s get into it. This family of four came to us because their space simply wasn’t working for them. The main floor of their four-square houses the kitchen, dining room, living room, and a pass through room to the stairs. This pass-through room presented a particular challenge for them as the furniture they had didn’t allow for much other than to just pass through the room, but they needed it to do more for their two young boys. They wanted to focus on this room and the adjacent living room; they were even considering removing the partition wall between the two rooms if it would help. In order for the space to function ideally for them, we needed to find room for the following items:

- - Seating for everyone to watch tv together
  - A desk / office area
  - An area to play games
  - Storage for books and games
  - Allllllll the plants
  - A record player
  - A keyboard, if it fits

As with all space plans, we started with the biggest pieces. Here, that was the seating for the tv area. In addition to the stairs creating a challenge, these rooms also have fairly limited wall space due to windows and openings into adjacent rooms. We found that their current living room area did, in fact, present the best space for this. We placed a sofa along the left side wall and rounded it out with a side table and chair in the corner by the door. We then placed a console across from the sofa, on the longer section of the partition wall. This allows for unobstructed movement into the room from outside and also from the pass through room into the dining room.

With one whole room down, we have only taken the first item off the list. Yikes! Thankfully, we had a feels there was a ton of potential within the pass-through room. Through shared inspiration photos, we knew the client liked the look of a wall-to-wall bookcase that extends overtop a doorway. We thought that the opening between these two rooms was the perfect spot for this! Not only does it fit the era of the home, but it also creates ample closed and open storage. We then placed a desk in the corner opposite the stairs with a small chair for reading to the side. The wall along the stairwell would be a great spot to house a keyboard; if not, a larger chair or chaise lounge would be great here, too.

But wait – what about the games and a record player?! Don’t worry, we did not forget. We recommended a sizeable coffee table for game play and offset the tv atop the console in order to fit a record player. This was a real win-win because now the tv is better aligned with the sofa!

So that means . . . we did it! We managed to get everything they wanted into their current space. And without having to move any walls, too. Hooray! Here’s their 2D space plan:

Insighed Designs - 2D space plan for two of four squares

You know what time it is, right? We’ve made the room work better . . . now we get to make it look better! First, we have a 3D view of the 2D floor plan. We kept the walls and woodwork light in order to bring an overall calming feel to the rooms. Then we strategically placed saturated accent colors around the room for interest. The beautiful green color that ties both rooms together was inspired by the client’s love of plants.

Insighed Designs - 3D floor plan

For your viewing pleasure . . . here’s a few different views of the re-designed pass through room! In this version we switched out the desk for a round game table in the corner. Do you love these bookshelves as much as we do?!

Insighed Designs - redesigned pass thru

Insighed Designs - corner game table

Insighed Designs - pass thru library

And a couple views of the living room, too! Like in the pass thru room, we aimed to balance staying true to the era of the home with the client’s love of mid-century modern furniture. How do you think we did?

Insighed Designs - living room

Why should you look to Insighed Designs for virtual interior design? We have options!

Do you want our opinion on how to rearrange your current furniture? Our 30 minute virtual consultation would be great for that!

Do you want our opinion on the best floor plan but you want to find your own pieces? Contact us for a custom estimate to design you 2D floor plan like the one above!

Do you want us to source furniture and accessories with photorealistic 3D drawings of your room? Sure, we can do that too!

February 12, 2024/0 Comments/by Nancy Higgs

Insighed

THE BASICS

Hello, hello! I’m Nancy, the owner and lead designer of Insighed Designs. I have a love of interior design, but not in the traditional sense. While a big house with fancy furnishings is great for some folks, it’s never been my reality. And I don’t desire it to be. No, the reason I love interior design is for the massive impact it can have on our everyday well-being. Whenever I’ve moved to a new place, I’ve always been so excited to figure out how my existing furnishings would fit and what new pieces I may need to buy. I’ve never had a big budget, but I’ve always loved my space. Because when you are surrounded by things that you love, it’s like a hug to your soul. Everyday. We all could use a little more of that, right?!

Before we get too far into who I am as a designer, I want to take a moment to tell you a little about who I am as a person. I am beyond grateful to be living the midlife dream on the east side of Madison, WI with my partner Terry and cat Willow. After almost a year of navigating the wild housing market, we managed to snag one late last year. It’s a good little house, but there are plenty of projects to be done before it will really feel like our home. Before I met Terry, I bought a small vacant lake lot with plans for a dreamy little cabin (stay tuned!). We have a wonderful community of friends and family and find ways to enjoy our little city all year round!

Okay, enough about me. . . let’s get back to design.

How do I approach a new project? I always, always, always start with the basics. The room must function first, then we can “make it pretty”. Because if you are always bumping into that one corner or you have to squeeze around the one chair, THAT’S what you remember about the space. Not how much you like the style or fabric on that chair. So I always start with the floor plan to figure out the most efficient way to use the space according to your needs. The puzzle loving half of my brain gets a real kick out of this part!

Once we’ve got a floor plan, then we get to tap into the creative half of my brain…time to make it pretty! And that looks different for everyone. If you ever see me pushing for a trend for trend’s sake, run for cover because there has been an alien takeover. To my core, I believe that your home should be a reflection of what makes you happy. Not what the design world is toting for the moment. What makes your soul smile? What helps you feel calm? THAT’S what should be in your home.

I genuinely just want to help everyday people love their space. Because everyone deserves to come home and breathe a sigh of relief . . .

December 6, 2023/0 Comments/by Nancy Higgs

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