Renovation Project Raves

Scope of Work:
Complete renovation, exterior renewal and custom furnishings

Occasionally we receive a referral from an anonymous source, and that is how we met this client. I met C.S. twice and didn't even meet her husband until a month into the renovation. During the project, we communicated through weekly FedEx™ and faxes as well as phone calls since they weren't living in Denver.

We designed lighting enhancements and custom millwork details for their closets. After several suggestions from us to improve the function of their home, I distinctly remember a phone call from C. S.'s husband, J. S. He said, “Gail, this isn't a blank checkbook.” I said, “You are right J. S. Since we haven't even met, please come to Denver and let's review the suggestions together. After I met with them, J. S. said, “You are right, I understand your reasoning and let's do it.”

During the renovation process, we found that the entire kitchen was wired to one circuit. We added a sub-panel to the electrical system for separate circuits per appliance required by code. We also found out that one of the previous owners had done work without permits. There were live wires dangling in the ceilings and no plumbing vents (to remove toxic gasses produced from waste) in the master bathroom.

This project included a complete renovation of three bathrooms, kitchen, 3 bedrooms, family room, living room, guest house/office, laundry room and dining room. We painted the exterior, replaced windows, performed deferred maintenance, and recommended a landscape company (their home was on the garden tour a few years after that). We also assisted with selections of exterior landscaping materials.

“RDI did a complete remodel and restyle of our home in 1998. The remodel was of such an extensive nature that Gail actually ended up acting as a general contractor for the project.

My husband and I lived out-of-state during the time the renovation was occurring and Gail and her staff kept us up to date and informed at all times. The work was done by competent professionals and the result was a truly beautiful home that we continue to enjoy to this day.

Gail was always immediately available for resolution of the few minor problems that occurred after the project was completed.

We have since used RDI for further interior design work and the results are still excellent and just to our liking and taste.

Whenever we return to our home, whether we have been away for six days or six months, opening the door always gives us a feeling of calmness and serenity.

We cannot recommend Gail Doby and Renaissance Design, Inc. too highly. You will love the results.”

CS & JS - Denver, Colorado

Scope of Work:
Residential renovation and addition + landscape layout

These clients are our neighbors. When they asked us to design their project, they were taking care of her elderly father (who was living alone until his health warranted assistance and they moved him to their home in south Denver). The house remained vacant until the family decided to keep the house where the wife grew up with her parents. She and her husband knew that the house was in desperate need of updating so they could comfortably move back to the home with their father. We brought in the contractor and architect for this project and worked closely to make sure that we accomplished their goals.

We designed an addition that allowed for a new family room, powder room, mud room, breakfast nook and expanded kitchen. We renovated the remainder of the house from top to bottom and from inside out. We designed a large master suite and updated three additional bedrooms and two additional bathrooms.

We helped them decide what items to leave at their other house for staging, assisted with layout of furnishings in the new house and helped them hang artwork after move-in. A few months later, we assisted with the layout of their landscaping.

“The house is absolutely the most elegant, yet casual home I dreamed of. Every idea that I came up with had an instant answer. The professionals – Gail and Erin, knew exactly what I wanted and came up with a picture or drawing in a short time that was exactly what I envisioned.

Guests and family members that have known and loved the home for the past 40 years cannot believe the transformation. The wonderful, traditional feeling was preserved, and the home has an updated WOW factor.

The lighting has literally transformed and updated every room. It is elegant and homey. The new family room and kitchen area is gorgeous and extremely comfortable.

Gail and Erin were irreplaceable. I could never have had such an outcome without them. When picking the color scheme, they came to my previous home and saw my furnishings and accessories, and instantly knew what colors would complement my taste.”

SR - Denver, Colorado

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Scope of Work:
Complete residential renovation and exterior color consultation

These clients are our insurance agent and her architect husband as well as friends. As you might imagine, it is always risky to work for friends, but thank goodness we are still speaking after completing a very fast-paced project that grew from a minor $25,000 “freshen-up” to a major remodel in which we ended up acting as the general contractor.

We brought in our tried and true crew for plumbing, electrical, HVAC, carpeting, tile and floor finishing and also worked with the original contractor's crew. The project began with a plan to paint the main floor and update the shower, cabinets, tub and counter top of the master bedroom and bathroom.

When we finished, the job included new windows, doors, skylight, draperies, complete master bathroom gut and remodel, upgrade of electrical and light fixtures throughout the house, refinished hardwood floors, deferred maintenance projects, carpet, complete interior and exterior painting, new kitchen back splash, new fireplace surround, upgrading of lighting in the kitchen cabinets, custom millwork with cabinet lighting, renovation of the powder room, upgraded HVAC, added stereo system inside and outside, new staircase, new stair runner, accessorizing, consultation on new furniture selections and hanging of artwork. We hung the last piece of artwork at 8:00 pm the night before they were to trade houses with an English family for a one month holiday.

“Our home is transformed! Our friends hardly believe it is the same home. The RDI team helped to move us out of our comfort zone for a new look.

My initial instinct was to replace the old items with almost identical new things. Gail helped me have the courage to make major changes. The result is beautiful, elegant and sophisticated.

We love the new master bathroom more that we ever would have imagined. The whole space is light and open – we don't want to leave.

Gail and RDI performed both interior design and general contracting services of the highest and most personal quality.”

SK & AK - Denver, Colorado

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Scope of Work:
Residential renovation of master suite and decorating

We started working with this client several years ago. Our first project was advising on a minor remodel and decorating project for their family room, dining room, kitchen “spiffing” and nook update. They live in a modest tract home in the suburbs. Dan enjoys doing his own work, and he is a perfectionist.

As the years progressed, they asked us to help them improve their lighting, consult on exterior colors, add color to their interior, design window treatments, select furniture and rugs, recommend upgraded construction finishes and, most recently, we completed a very audacious remodel of their master suite.

We had several discussions as they debated about building their dream house or renovating their current house. After looking at property with them and discussing the process, we decided that their best option until they were ready to build their ultimate home would be to renovate their current home to keep them happy for them for another five years. Dawn travels extensively for business, and she has become very accustomed to the five star hotels with spa baths. She decided that they wanted a romantic and cozy bathroom with steam, multiple shower heads, luxury finishes and a fabulous bedroom and closet unlike what would normally be found in a home in this neighborhood. If only their neighbors knew...

We completed the design of their guest bathroom upstairs – they will begin that project soon. They wisely decided to wait until the master suite was complete before beginning that phase.

Our 2008 project is the remodel of their kitchen to include professional appliances (their best friend is a professional chef that frequently cooks at their home) and to enhance their inside-outside space relationship for their entertainment and enjoyment. We will also design the structure of their landscaping to accommodate their tomatoes, spices and roses. They will have a hard time leaving once we complete the next phase.

“Dan and I want to thank you for the fabulous design you did for our master suite remodel. Now that the work is complete, the rooms are beyond our wildest expectations.

We knew we wanted a romantic yet functional suite and you helped us achieve just that. Lighting is such a critical part of design -- the bedroom, bathroom and closet have adequate and functional lighting elements which is an important part of what has made the remodel a success.

We also have a lot more storage room in the bathroom and let's just talk about the increased closet space! There's room for all my shoes and Dan gets to store all his clothes and shoes in OUR closet! It's beyond fabulous.

You did a superb job of making the room romantic but not feminine which was really important to Dan. One of the best comments we had is from a single guy friend who declared, "If I had a bedroom like this, I'd have no problem getting a girl to stay the night." We have little doubt that he has any issue appealing to women, but we thought it was telling that a single guy "got" the romantic appeal of the room right away.

Some friends who just recently built a home remarked that our suite is "...simply over the top. Not one detail was overlooked." They have seen your work previously and said, "It is clear that Gail designed and supervised the completion of this project. Perfection is her signature."

Needless to say, we love, love, love our new master suite and cannot thank you enough for helping us realize our dream.”

DH and DR - Littleton, Colorado

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Scope of Work:
Renovation and custom furnishings

I helped this client select this home eleven years ago. She has a busy lifestyle and high-rise living in downtown Dallas was the perfect solution for her. However, this added a significant level of complexity to the renovation of her home. We actually replaced windows (on the 19th floor), changed electrical, painted and then completely furnished her home with custom designs and artwork. Eleven years later, she asked us to refurbish her home as well as completely organize everything for her. We re-carpeted, painted, added a stone entry, changed electrical again and coordinated the organization and cleaning of every square inch of her home.

“You can’t imagine how much I appreciate your help and support during "project update." I know the job grew from our original scope of painting and minor repairs to a complete refurbishing of my whole house.

When Gail helped me select my home eleven years ago, we picked the perfect place for my lifestyle - constant travel and entertaining. Everyone always comments on the many custom features you helped me design, including my fabulous desk & chest, coffee table, lighting….well actually all of my furnishings. I still love my home - so much in fact that I am keeping everything the same as much as possible.

You were so helpful with flying here to meet with the subcontractors, select materials and schedule the work. You also helped to organize the chaos so that I could continue my work, plus you've enhanced the current furnishings to provide more function for my office area with the design of a custom bookcase. You have coordinated all of the work from a distance, and it has been a breeze for me.

As usual, you and Erin are fun and energetic to work with, which makes the whole project much more enjoyable. I don’t know what I would have done with out you, there is no way I could have done this a lone; you have handled every last detail, and from out of town to boot! I can’t wait to have my first party!”

CLK – Dallas, Texas

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