With the market being shut down and artificially slow, I’m encouraging owners to start considering home renovations. We've all spent so much time in our homes, I'm sure there are a number of things we all want to change after quarantine! Lucky for us, the Construction Industry is going to be the first sector to be allowed to work again when we reopen the economy.

Joanna Tesiny of Galiana Interior Design

If you own an investment Condo or are now buying a townhome that needs to be completely modernized, I encourage you to discuss design options with me to render the best demand for the work you're putting in when you decide to sell. Decisions like installing a bathtub or a shower, are questions a broker and design professional can help you make together so as to increase resale value for the next buyer of your home. She is my go-to for renovations of all types!

If someone wants to hire you to consult on the design of a space, from start to finish what does the process look like? Do you offer renderings? Do you work off of client vision boards?

First would be to develop a project program.. what the ideal renovation needs are. We would walk through their existing space (if possible) to see how they live and go through any inspiration photos that the client has pulled. We would then come up with a design presentation to present our ideas and layout to the client. Once approved, we would begin creating a set of Interior Construction drawings for the GC as well as for Building Alteration agreement and DOB permit along with a detailed project budget with every item outlined to make sure that everything we’re doing is in line with what the client is comfortable spending. We would work on getting all necessary approvals and then upon receiving approval to start, begin ordering any project materials as well as oversee construction from demolition to completion. If part of the scope, we would assist client in selecting furnishings, accessories, wallpaper to complete their design. Throughout the project, we like to keep the process enjoyable for the client and help guide them and keep them from making costly mistakes

What are some of the fixtures and trends you're seeing to be dominant this year?

I think 2020 will see an increase in kitchen renovations. With more people at home cooking and spending time in the kitchen, think we will see a shift to update kitchens to either enhance the layout and design. I also think that we'll see more people wanting to create spaces in their home which will allow them to work from home more efficiently and make it comfortable to do so. Think kitchens will be more two-tone in color as well as combination in materials, with an emphasis on maximizing space and storage

What is your experience with renovating in condos/co-ops?

Our experience with renovating in condos/coops that you have to be very detailed and thorough with the submittal package to make sure the Property Manager/Board has all the information there to approve the renovation as quickly as possible. A lot of times when a client has purchased a new residence and is looking to renovate prior to moving in, we'll work on the building submittal package while the client is waiting to close and even submit to the building for approval prior to closing so that work can start as soon after closing if not immediately after closing. During construction, the key is to make sure the construction team are following rules of the building and any benchmark approvals the building requires during construction are met. This will keep the progress of construction moving along so that the clients can move in sooner than later.

See below before and after pictures of her work. Hiring a professional to help visualize the best use of space can make all the difference. In this project, they re-located the kitchen which completely transformed the residence to create a large, open living area. Would you have thought of that? Your team is your strength.