Recently, I had the exciting opportunity to be one of the ten judges for the 2011 Saratoga Showcase of Homes. The event is an annual tradition in upstate New York that allows homeowners to tour exquisite homes and learn the latest design trends. In total, we had to judge 19 homes that were divided into four categories: condos, classic homes, executive homes and luxury homes. For each home, we were given 15 minutes to view and inspect. We were even given plastic booties to wear over our shoes to keep from damaging parts of the home. I won’t lie; I was a little shocked by this, but would hate for anyone to track dirt into my clean home!
My role was to inspect and critique the homes’ kitchen designs, interior decor and master bath workmanship. For the kitchens, I had to determine if the builder matched work within the kitchen with the price of the home. You’ve heard me say it before, but generally the kitchen should cost 10% of your home’s value. When it came to judging the workmanship in the master bath, I had to inspect everything to see if it was finished properly. Were the walls straight? Was additional caulk needed? How was the application of paint and trim?
Overall, this was an amazing experience, and I am thrilled to have been involved. It was wonderful opportunity to meet other designers and builders who are interested home renovations and style. Moments like these truly make me happy to be the designer that I am today.
-Laura
Columbia Cabinets