42 - Wednesday, October 12, 1988 - North Shore News Professional IT LOOKED easy at the beginn- ing, but when the job was finished things were a mess: the whole pro- bathroom renovation project only to have things not work out, they know all too well just how difficult ject was a disaster and would have to be redone. For do-it-yourselfers who have plunged into a kitchen or UNITED LANDSCAPE SUPPLY ‘The landscape store on the North Shore’ teaurre Uasiecore PIAVETS Interlocking Pavers in Various Shapes & Colours. . The unique interlocking concrete paver . ~~ ideal for patios and driveways. Do-it- i yourself or have it done. Also: Garden omaments, patio slabs, planters, railway tles, treated Sumber and everything you'll need for landscaping! 125 Riverside Dr., N.Van. On route to transfer station (dump) LET US DRY CLEAN ‘YOUR CARPET WHY? = «Short drying tim * No fading » Removes difficult dirt «No shampoo residue * Stays cleaner longer « Deodorizes & kills bacteria doing the job properly can be. Bringing design expertise, expe- tience and the latest developments to a project, professionals can save 929-4555 % open Saturdays * Our exclusive purification process leaves your carpet "OZO0-FRESH" Recommended by Carpet Manufacturers homeowners from going wrong and ensure they get the best results the first time. “If you want something more than just the average kitchen, or you want to maximize available space” it is best to get a profes- sional to do the job, explains Julie Lindgaard, an interior/kitchen de- signer with Lonetree Enterprises in Vancouver. Designing numerous different kinds of kitchens for a variety of clients, professionals can quickly sum up the situation and tell what will and will not work well. “We are used to pre-planning things,’ says Lindyaard. ‘‘We know what it’s going to look like when it’s finished. “Someone doing it for the first time will only see it when it’s finished,’’ and then they might be dissatisfied with the results. Seeing their kitchens everyday, do-it-yourselfers are more likely to have a fixed view of the way the new design should look: sometimes PAaAnaPacnion B. that may close the docrs to effec- tive and innovative design ideas. Professionals will sometimes suggest blocking off a door when it would be most beneficiai to the project, but a do-it-your selfer — seeing that door there everyday ~ is more likely to try to work within the existing kitchen framework. “When I look at a kitchen I usually get a few ideas, but I like to forget what is there and take a totally fresh approach,’’ Lin- dgaard said. ‘‘Of course customer preference is important.” With professionals making it their business to keep informed about industry changes, they know about the latest materials in floor coverings, countertops and cabinet work, Armed with this knowledge, the professional is able to give cus- tomers the type of kitchen that is best suited to their needs. While do-it-your selfers can dig up that information themselves by visiting home renovation stores S$ can save you $$$ and suppliers, ‘‘that research is go- ing to take a lot of time.”” After the physical renovations are complete, next comes the business of planning and selecting the decorating scheme, and this is one area where a professional can really make a difference. . ‘If the colors are not weil selected, a lot of the attractiveness of the kitchen disappears quickly,”* Lindgaard explained. “The idea is to have a kitchen look attractive; in my opinion, if it doesti’t you’ve to a large extent wasted your money.”” When it comes to choosing a professional, she suggests home- owners, find one offering help with the color coordination, Some firms will have the cus- tomer select the color scheme and then complete the job ‘as in- structed; help with the proper col- ors can mean the difference be- tween a job well done and a dec- orating disaster. LET US ASSIST YOU OLD AND NEW FURNITURE RESTORATION STRIPPING-REPAIRS REFINISHING Specialty: French polishing Cig. burn repair Done at home FREE ESTIMATES OVER 10 YEARS ON THE NORTH SHORE oe CELEBRATING OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY 8h HE 1/2 PRICE ON ALL SOFAS — ec Mee Were clearing out our ft eS th h made sofas & comer sofa units. Custom designed in 100% wool with feather back cushions, 25 YEAR GUARANTEE! UPHOLSTERING 922-6621 wi Village Square 215-1425 Marine Drive, West Van. pel ee ARE tae Re ania ca a Race eae eee eke hea setae OAK ea