Designer, remodeler and home stager Jill Valeri set her keen eye on a new project: a six-bedroom beach house in need of a redesign in the short weeks approaching rental season.

GN: How did you come to develop your style?

Jill: My style has evolved over the years and has reflected my constant need to read everything I can find about interior design. It has also been influenced by the way I live. I realized that a beautiful design is still a failure if it doesn’t match the way you live in a space. My style is about creating warm environments that are welcoming while being very practical.

GN: Tell us about the last project you worked on.

Jill: The last project I worked on was a six-bedroom beach house. It was done in phases. First we did the main floor and loft bedroom, and then they had me back to do the ground floor. The challenges were many. There was a tight time frame because this was a seasonal rental that had to be ready for paying guests by the middle of May. So construction schedules had to be strictly followed, and we had to do the house in two phases so the rental season wouldn’t be disturbed.

Another challenge of designing a rental is that the furnishings and accessories can’t be too personal. They have to be extremely durable, and nothing can be too precious.

The final challenge was the budget. This made the project more fun because I love the thrill of the hunt and getting a great bargain.
 

We chose commercial grade linoleum tiles for their durability, but did them in fun colors to keep the space relaxed and happy. The great room is open to the kitchen, and we incorporated the stair wall as an accent by painting it a rich marine blue to play off the yellow walls. This repeats the colors in the kitchen floor for continuity.

GN: What advice would you have for homeowners in hiring and managing contractors, whether it be for paint, flooring, handymen or big remodels like custom-made closets?

Jill: My advice is to always get three estimates for a job and make sure they’re all for the exact same set of tasks. Always check references. Create a project schedule that all parties agree to, and include penalties for missed dates. Never pay too much up front. You want to withhold the final payment until you have approved of the completed project.

GN: What elements account for a comfortable home?

Jill: A comfortable home is a place where you can relax and gather with your family and friends. It’s possible for everyone, on any budget. Start by thinking about function and how you live, and then gather tear sheets for inspiration.

GN: What’s your philosophy on creating meaning in the home?

Jill: Meaning comes from keeping the things that reflect your past or inspire you for the future. It can be furniture and accessories that have been handed down, souvenirs from trips, photographs of family or meaningful collections. You should surround yourself with things that have a story or history that is uniquely yours.

Jill Valeri is an interior decorator, a remodeler and a home stager. She excels at space planning, adaptive reuse of existing furnishings and color consultation. Jill’s design philosophy is to help you create a space that makes you, your family and your guests feel welcome and relaxed. She creates spaces that combine style and function. For more information, visit Interior Design Solutions at interiordesignsolutionsmaryland.com.

[Photo credits: Jill Valeri]