Common Extra Costs When Renovating

A former visual merchandising manager for Lanvin, Michael Tomei uses his extensive knowledge of design in his work as an interior designer. In addition to interior styling, Michael Tomei has a professional interest in home renovations.

When starting a home renovation project, homeowners should set a part of their budget aside to cover unplanned costs. Some of the most common extra expenses are listed below.

Unanticipated Damage - Some types of home damage, such as rot originating from leaks or termite infestations, only come to light during a renovation. In addition to the cost of fixing the damage, homeowners may also need to pay for extermination services.

Daily Routine Changes - Staying in the home may be impossible during a large-scale renovation. Homeowners should consider the costs of renting a home or apartment or eating out more frequently as part of their budget.

Upgrades - If building code violations are uncovered during a renovation, the homeowner is responsible for all required updates. This is especially likely when working with older homes, as building codes are revised frequently.

Interior Design Trends for the Upcoming Year

New York creative Michael Tomei is an established photographer and stylist who has produced editorial campaigns for publications such as Bal Harbour Magazine and Nylon Japan. After nearly a decade in the high-end fashion industry, Michael Tomei is shifting his focus to interior design.

Interior design trends are reflecting changing real estate preferences and style trends. The push for smaller homes, individuality and uniqueness in decor, and environmentally-conscious consumption have driven the trends described below. 

Multifunctional Pieces - To accommodate smaller spaces, designers purposefully choose furniture that serve a practical and aesthetic function. Some examples include sleek coffee tables with hidden storage and wall shelves that can also function as a desk.

Patterned Ceilings - Rather than using an accent wall to add a pop of color, interior designers are gravitating towards statement ceilings in bold prints and patterns that draw the eye up and make any room seem bigger. This effect can be achieved with wallpaper, molding, or paint. 

Sustainable Materials - In line with eco-friendly trends in other areas, modern interior designs incorporate sustainable materials such as clay, natural fibers, and cork. These materials bring an earthy feeling to a space and have psychological health benefits as well.

Style Saves Sponsors Annual Events for Students

Experienced in visual merchandising and design, Michael Tomei collaborates with brand creative directors to develop global visual techniques for platforms such as press presentations, special events, and window and showroom design. Aside from his contributions to the fashion industry as a creative services director for Calvin Klein, Michael Tomei suppports community initiatives by serving as a board member for Style Saves.

A nonprofit charitable organization, Style Saves seeks to combine fashion with philanthropy. The organization consists of a community of talented and diverse individuals who share a passion for humanitarianism and influencing a new generation to possess the same goals.

Style Saves conducts annual events, such as Back-to-School and Project Prom, aimed at helping students fulfill their school requirements. The Back-to-School program works to supply Miami-Dade county students with school essentials through a pop-up shop. Students are invited to spend a fun afternoon filled with arts and crafts activities, exercise classes, and mini fashion shows.

In addition, Project Prom focuses on providing students with items they need for Prom. This includes tickets to the dance, attire, shoes, and other accessories. Girls can take advantage of free services for hair and make-up, manicures, and pedicures provided by volunteer stylists from beauty schools.

Style Saves Fundraising Initiatives

Interior designer Michael Tomei works with multiple nonprofit organizations, including Style Saves. As a board member at Style Saves, Michael Tomei helps provide students with school supplies and art materials, partnering with other organizations to get the most out of every dollar.

Style Saves operates a variety of fundraising efforts throughout the year. Supporters are welcome to provide donations at any time, helping the organization achieve its goal of helping children in Florida and internationally achieve their educational goals. These events can vary, and often take place in partnership with other charitable organizations and public institutions. One recent event saw Style Saves team up with the Museum of Ice Cream, hosting an ice cream social in which all proceeds went to Style Saves initiatives.

Its flagship event, however, is the Style Saves Swim, which is held at The Setai Hotel in Miami. It receives extensive media coverage, and attracts an affluent crowd known for generously providing supplies and clothes to public school students in Florida.

Tricks for Making a Small Space Appear Larger

For nearly a decade, Michael Tomei has used his creativity to oversee fashion design, fashion merchandising, and showroom design. Due to his extensive design experience, Michael Tomei is now leveraging his creative talents to begin a career in interior design and decoration.

Here are a few interior decorating tricks that help small spaces look larger:

- Use light colors. Dark colors can make a room look smaller. Colors such as white, light gray, and cream create a more spacious feeling in a room.

- Open the area. Many people incorrectly assume that putting furniture against the walls will make a room look larger. However, arranging furniture so that there is plenty of breathing room around each piece may be more helpful. Removing clutter from the room and keeping furniture away from entryways and walkways is also important.

- Add mirrors. Using mirrors in a small room is the fastest way to make the space look brighter and bigger. Homeowners can hang multiple small mirrors in an area to create a statement wall or hang large, full-length mirrors on a key wall.