Bringing it all Together

Barbara Margraff, owner of Custom Upholstery by Barbara Margraff in Warminster, initially resisted her mother's sewing machine due to a belief that it would always break when she was near it. After earning a horticulture degree from Delaware Valley University and managing flower shops for 15 years, Margraff's perspective on upholstery shifted in her early 20s when she asked her mother to teach her how to reupholster furniture for her first apartment. This newfound skill evolved from a side hobby into a full-time profession as her talent became widely recognized. In 1997, Margraff made the decision to establish her own business, Custom Upholstery by Barbara Margraff, in Warminster with minimal capital. Her business has since flourished, primarily through referrals, handling a variety of furniture pieces such as stools, pillows, cushions, couches, and ottomans for private homes. Her work has garnered a clientele that spans across various states and even internationally, including Florida, California, Wyoming, and Australia. The growing demand for her services has, at times, resulted in a three-month waiting list. Beyond traditional home upholstery, Margraff has shared her expertise by teaching sewing classes at local stores and collaborating with interior designers on numerous projects. One of her most distinctive experiences involved reupholstering the interiors of military helicopters. In 2004, a private helicopter company in Blooming Glen enlisted her to work on large ex-military aircraft. Unlike typical aircraft with fiberglass interiors, these helicopters featured blanketed vinyl interiors designed to be easily lifted for mechanical access. Margraff's role was to address the unworkable nature of these original pieces and develop effective solutions. Despite initial apprehension regarding the complexity of the helicopter projects, Margraff's persistent collaboration with the hangar team over a decade led to the evolution of innovative solutions. While she no longer works with the helicopter company, she credits this experience with enhancing her ability to tackle unusual upholstery challenges. Diane Strassle, a long-term customer from Buckingham, attests to Margraff's exceptional craftsmanship, highlighting her precision in aligning patterns and designs. Margraff attributes her keen eye for pattern and design to her background in floral arrangements, where she developed an understanding of how elements should visually integrate. She views her work as an artistic pursuit, striving for perfection in every detail to ensure that each piece is flawlessly executed. The constant variation in projects, similar to her experiences in the flower business and with helicopter interiors, provides the ongoing challenge that motivates her in her craft. #UpholsteryBusiness #FurnitureRestoration #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #CustomDesign #SkilledCraftsmanship #InteriorDesign #CareerEvolution

Kit Kemp, the design director behind several sophisticated and eclectic boutique hotels, offers insights into balancing color and pattern, drawing from her experience with the Haymarket Hotel in London. She emphasizes the importance of planning and experimentation in decorating, advising a gradual approach for those hesitant about bold colors. Starting with a vibrant pillow and slowly integrating the shade into other elements, such as painting a single wall, allows for comfort and adaptation. Kemp believes that a room's design should evolve organically, embracing unexpected tweaks that enhance creativity and keep the space interesting. When selecting patterns, Kemp suggests beginning with a beloved large-scale print that features multiple colors. Subsequent patterns should be progressively smaller, ensuring they are distinct yet complementary, without overwhelming the main design. She advises against using large-scale patterns on walls to prevent a busy look, instead recommending their use on furniture to elaborate on curtain patterns. The color scheme for fabrics should build upon the dominant colors in the initial large-scale print. In rooms with numerous patterns, a narrower color palette is generally preferred, though tailored patterns can accommodate more daring color combinations. Texture is highlighted as a crucial element, equally important as pattern mixing. Varied textures contribute to visual depth and encourage tactile interaction, making a space more engaging. Kemp finds personal triumph when her furniture designs evoke a physical response, such as a child or a formal individual touching them. Texture can be incorporated through exposed stitching, fabric thickness, or creative techniques like exposing upholstery seams. This approach adds a unique, handcrafted feel to the decor. To achieve balance in a room, Kemp advocates for contrasting bold patterns with areas of solid color or neutrals. This layering of visual relief allows the eye to rest and appreciate the prints without feeling overwhelmed. Solid colors are employed to maintain harmony and emphasize the chosen patterns. Regarding furnishings, she encourages a reinterpretation of tradition. Classic antique furniture can be modernized by re-upholstering it with contemporary fabrics, such as combining African mud cloth with vibrant felt on an 18th-century bergère chair. Alternatively, placing antique pieces alongside modern items, like pairing a modern rug with an 18th-century sofa, can give the entire arrangement a contemporary feel. Kemp concludes that breaking traditional rules and embracing a playful approach to design can lead to truly unique and enjoyable interiors, transforming conventional spaces into something fresh and exciting. #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #PatternMixing #Texture #HomeDecor #DesignTips #BoutiqueHotelDesign #KitKemp #HaymarketHotel

The "Build Up" is a comprehensive resource curated by Southern Living Editors, offering insightful guidance and inspiration for various aspects of home design, construction, and curb appeal. Published on July 1, 2025, this collection of articles aims to assist readers in navigating the complexities of building or enhancing their homes. Under the "Design That Works" section, several key considerations for new home construction are explored. One article, "7 Questions You’ll Be Glad You Asked Before Breaking Ground On A New Home," emphasizes proactive planning and highlights crucial inquiries prospective homeowners should make before commencing construction. Another piece, "How To Choose The Right Floor Plan For Your Family," provides advice on selecting a layout that best suits individual family needs and lifestyles. The importance of strategic window placement in home aesthetics and functionality is detailed in "How Window Placement Can Make Or Break Your Home Design," offering practical tips for optimizing natural light and views. Additionally, "This Is The Most Overlooked Cost When Building A New Home—And It Might Blow Your Budget" alerts readers to potential financial pitfalls, urging them to account for often-ignored expenses to avoid budgetary overruns. The "Curb Appeal" segment focuses on enhancing the exterior appearance of a home. "How To Pick The Right Roof Shingle Color And Style For Your Home, According To Experts" guides homeowners through the selection process for roofing materials, considering both aesthetic and practical factors. "How To Choose The Best Siding For Your Home" delves into the various siding options available, discussing their benefits and drawbacks to help readers make informed decisions. "The Ultimate Guide To Popular Front Door Styles" provides a comprehensive overview of different front door designs, emphasizing their role in defining a home's character. Complementing this, "Your Guide To Choosing The Right Siding Color, According To Experts" offers expert advice on selecting exterior paint or siding colors to achieve a desired look and feel. Beyond these, the article directs readers to explore broader categories such as general home design and architecture. Related articles further expand on these themes, covering topics like guest house plans, the utility and resurgence of keeping rooms, the traditional design trends in modern homes, best-selling house plans with Southern character, and distinctive architectural styles like Tudor and Shotgun houses. These resources collectively offer a holistic approach to home building and renovation, catering to a wide range of interests and needs within the realm of Southern living. #HomeDesign #NewHomeConstruction #CurbAppeal #FloorPlans #WindowPlacement #BudgetingMistakes #RoofingStyles #SidingOptions #FrontDoorStyles #ArchitectureAndHomeDesign

Los Angeles County outlines a streamlined rebuilding process for residents affected by wildfires, establishing one-stop permit centers to assist with navigation. Construction cannot commence until debris removal is complete, but residents are encouraged to apply for necessary permits as soon as they are ready. A guide titled "The Road to Rebuilding" helps residents understand the steps involved in the complex rebuilding process after a wildfire, including an animated video overview. Key rebuilding highlights include scheduling appointments at one-stop permit centers, applying for building or fire debris removal permits, learning about like-for-like rebuild options, obtaining temporary housing permits, and utilizing mapping resources. Information is also available for navigating manufactured and factory-built homes. The article addresses frequently asked questions related to fire rebuilds, covering topics such as what to expect, permitting timelines, and fees. A "like-for-like" rebuild, as defined by the Zoning Code, involves a replacement structure that is the same size, in the same location, and for the same use as the previous one. In the Palisades Fire affected area, modifications that do not increase floor area, size, height, or building footprint by more than 10% are allowed. In the Eaton Fire affected area, modifications can increase these aspects by up to 10% or 200 square feet, whichever is greater. These structures can have different internal floor plans or be smaller and do not need to comply with current Zoning Code requirements but must adhere to current Building, Fire, and Health and Safety Codes. The timeline for rebuilding is not definitive, with applications for temporary housing and like-for-like rebuilds generally required within two years of an emergency declaration. Extensions may be granted, but building permits expire if construction doesn't begin within 12 months. The duration of the permitting process varies based on project complexity, with expedited services for like-for-like rebuilds and pre-approved plans. More complex projects will still be expedited, with initial reviews within 10 business days and rechecks within 5 business days for Regional Planning. Additional agency approvals, such as a water agency "Will-Serve" letter, are usually required before a building permit can be issued. Minimum submittal requirements include one application with architectural plans and property ownership information to initiate review, with additional materials like structural and energy plans requested later. A debris removal permit is only necessary if homeowners opt out of the government-assisted program. Reusing existing foundations requires evaluation by an engineering consultant, ensuring the foundation meets current building code requirements after thorough testing and forensic analysis. Demolition permits are not required for those in the government's debris removal program if the foundation remains. The article also addresses specific code requirements, including exemptions and waivers for certain like-for-like rebuild projects in the Eaton Fire area, such as electric vehicle-ready infrastructure, cool roof requirements, graywater-ready plumbing systems, and low impact development (LID) requirements for buildings constructed before 2009. LID requirements are not waived in the Palisades area. Guidance is provided on cross-lot drainage and the process for determining previous square footage and available construction plans. Pre-approved building plans are available for homeowners, and solar panels are no longer mandatory but homes must be solar-ready. Fire sprinklers are required by current codes, and while new buildings must be electric-ready, gas appliances are still permitted. Wood-burning chimneys are now allowed for fire rebuild projects. Information on property tagging ("Yellow" or "Red" tags) provides details on access restrictions and safety concerns, with contact information for local Building and Safety District Offices and One-Stop Permit Centers. Temporary housing, including RVs, manufactured homes, or mobilehomes, is allowed with proper connections, and approvals expire two years after the emergency declaration, with possible extensions. Manufactured and factory-built homes can serve as permanent replacement structures if they meet fire-resistant construction requirements and are installed on a continuous concrete footing. Building new Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) is permitted as temporary housing while the primary dwelling is rebuilt, with expedited permitting and compliance with current codes. Utility-related questions cover septic systems, sewer connections, and undergrounding utilities. Existing septic systems can be reused if in good working order for like-for-like rebuilds, but upgrades are required if wastewater flow increases. Connection to county sewer lines is mandated if a property is within 200 linear feet of a sewer main and repair of a septic system is needed. Homeowners are responsible for the cost of lateral connections to underground utilities. The County supports the creation of community-driven sewer districts and clarifies that Public Health Department management keeps all inspectors informed of changes regarding septic, cesspool, and sewer systems. Incorporating greywater systems is encouraged for environmental benefits, though specific policies for new ADUs are still developing. Regarding swimming pools and spas, temporary fencing is required if existing barriers are damaged, and debris removal from pools is covered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers if within the ash footprint. Draining pools to the sewer requires a permit and specific conditions, otherwise, private water haulers must be hired. The rights of new buyers are also addressed, clarifying that while temporary housing eligibility is tied to prior residency, expedited permitting is available to all within two years of the emergency declaration, regardless of property ownership changes. Lastly, contact information for one-stop locations and various rebuilding resources for different cities within Los Angeles County are provided, including links for FEMA assistance, disaster loans, tax relief, and insurance claims. #WildfireRecovery #RebuildingProcess #LAcountyPermits #TemporaryHousing #LikeForLikeRebuilds #BuildingCodes #SepticSystems #SewerConnections #DisasterAssistance

The article details the challenges and rewards of restoring historic buildings, focusing on the work of David Sutphen, owner of Southfen Restoration Home Builder and David Sutphen Design. The piece opens with the experience of Robert Voss and Ben Frey, who encountered unexpected complexities while renovating an historic building for their business, John Brown General and Butchery, in the Shawan Valley. Their initial plan for a quick renovation and opening was derailed by the discovery of extensive, outdated plumbing and electrical systems dating back to 1938. Voss credits Sutphen's expertise and passion for older spaces with successfully navigating these challenges. Sutphen's approach to restoration is highlighted as a blend of preserving historic charm while integrating modern functionality. With interior plans from Towson’s ADW Architects, the building housing John Brown General and Butchery was transformed from a dilapidated structure into a modern shop with a second-floor apartment, maintaining its historic character. Sutphen's lifelong interest in historic buildings, sparked by woodworking in high school and exposure to historic homes in Baltimore and the Eastern Shore, has shaped his philosophy. He is praised for his integrity in treating old buildings and his deep knowledge of historical construction methods and materials, as noted by Barbara Voss, Robert Voss's mother, who also worked with Sutphen on her own historic farmhouse. Sutphen emphasizes that restoring older homes requires critical thinking and problem-solving, going beyond mere assembly of parts. He explains his method of imagining himself as the original craftsman of the 18th or 19th century, which simplifies the process and reveals multiple valid solutions to a task. This mindset helps him preserve the building's spirit while incorporating modern conveniences. The article also addresses the importance of managing client expectations, as historic projects often present unforeseen difficulties. Sutphen's experience allows him to provide realistic advice. An example is the restoration of a 200-year-old log cabin in northern Baltimore County, where defects in the log walls only became apparent after cladding removal, necessitating continuous design adjustments. Despite such challenges, historic restorations can lead to pleasant surprises, such as the discovery of hidden stonework in Traill's log cabin, underscoring the value of recognizing and preserving worth-while elements in old structures. Sutphen views the demolition of older homes as a waste, driven by his commitment to preservation. Another project, Tom Spencer's 160-year-old fieldstone farmhouse, was saved from demolition by Sutphen, who completely restored and updated its interior, added an extension and garage, all while meticulously preserving its historic nature. Spencer expresses gratification at living in such a house, recognizing the privilege of residing in a preserved historic home. The article concludes by encouraging readers to visit southfen.com or davidsutphendesign.com for more information on Sutphen's work. #HistoricRestoration #HomeRenovation #ArchitecturalDesign #BuildingPreservation #DavidSutphenDesign #JohnBrownGeneralAndButchery #MarylandArchitecture #HistoricHomes