What categories of discussions would YOU like to see on Houzz?

9 years ago

If you were to imagine more categories of discussions to participate in, what would you like to see?

Tell us below!

https://www.houzz.com/photos/228-pendleton-road-farmhouse-exterior-atlanta-phvw-vp~6564338

Featured Answer

lisianthus

9 years ago

Small homes! I'd really like to see lots more photos of small spaces, too.

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Comments (73)

hatetoshop
9 years ago
Like the "pub" idea and "DIY" ideas.
Emily H thanked hatetoshop
PRO
Our Town Plans
9 years ago
For all you folks who want to see more small space designs, keep in mind that it can be hard to take pictures in small spaces ;-)
Emily H thanked Our Town Plans
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Are you saying that cooking next to the chute would gross you out even if its covered? Andd to use it for its intended purpose? In the first picture, it looks like the stove is directly underneath the chute, but I can see in other pics that it is not. I think it is far enough away. If everything is bagged properly, it shouldn't be that bad. You will have to check on local code regarding having the stove next to the window. Code may make your decision for you. People usually just put shorter cabinets above that type of range hood. I would recommend doing so because you need all the storage you can get. The hood--being different from the bank of cabinets--will provide relief to the eye. With cabinets above, it'll still feel balanced. And, as for covering the chute, do you want to cover it and restrict access or do you still need to use it for its intended purpose and just want to camouflage it? To help the room feel pleasant, cheery, and light, I recommend using a glass tile. Even though it's applied to a wall, the translucency still shows and evokes a sense of the adjectives above. I think it would help keep things light. Consider a slightly higher toe-kick underneath the lower cabinets. It helps to create a lighter-footed feeling. You could also consider cabinets that have furniture style feet. for a more open feeling. Your kitchen seems like an ideal room to use modern, lacquered cabinets. I don't know if you like the super-modern look, but I think it could be nice. Maybe just for the uppers. Use a medium-to-light toned wood on the bottom. A limestone floor might be nice. Or you can do wood or laminate. You could go with dark or light. I think it's mostly about preference.
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The HouzzAU Queenslander club
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I LOVE OLD QUEENSLANDERS.....emphasis on O L D! What a sight, a tall Queenslander...having come into being because of the heat in this State and therefore on tall and not so tall piers...I LOVE these houses but with one exception...and probably because in those days ther were no such things as... LIFTS! Nobody thought of the older Queenslander human whose hips and knees are worn out from hard work on the land..or for the little kids and toddlers.....STAIRS, STAIRS and more STAIRS! Beautiful gracious staircases....but.... Recently a young enthusiastic couple built a magnificent looking replica old Queenslander right across from my place. I watched it go up...and so did the rest of the neighbourhood...well, not criticising the modern builder but I'd rather have a genuine old Queenslander put together with hammer and iron nails! STAIRS seemed to have been made into a feature. The land overlooks a waterway that is prone to flooding so the piers had to be quite high....and that meant more treads! I think that maybe the builders were unaware of the need for a landing every...is it eight? steps? The back steps are straight up the rear of the house...no landings....OOOFFF going to welcome your new neighbiurs! I would not build a replica Queenslander but if I couldn't help myself I'd install A LIFT and I would invent a feature for going up and down .for the children...and I'd get my inspiration from some of the great Theme Parks that have to comply to strict safety standards.....Then and only then would I build a replica Old Queenslander...But I'd prefer A REAL ONE! .It has been my experience that replicas do not have the strength of the enormous oldies. For example: Show me a replica Queenslander with iron cyclone bolts securing the floor of the house to the piers. Show me a replica Queenslander where every VJ board in the walls and ceilings is held to the next with hidden nails? Show me one where the framework is all tongue and groove each piece locked into the other.....that cannot be achieved anymore because timbers are not seasoned for between 30-50 years and such building methods would weaken the structural timbers used today...so said the builder who added a veranda to my old place. He took photographs of the joinery! I LOVE OLD QUEENSLANDERS...But I'd only buy a really old one and renovate it using old methods and as much old timber as possible...and I'd add a LIFT and a kids "upper and downer" if the steps were to be high. One thing above all would deter me from building one from scratch....the unavailability and the expense of genuinely old timber...if it could be sourced.. A replica would never match the longevity and the methods of construction of the old ones. Those times are gone! Those homes can never be repeated...only replicated and its not the same by any bash of the nail. You can't buy those nails anymore and its impossible to hire a crew as large as a swarm of ants to build an old Queenslander from scratch. We just do not build like that these days. Meaning no disrespect to the skilled modern day builder who does marvellous things for the modern day.....its impossible to build a genuine old Queenslander for many reasons. LOVE and ADMIRE and CHERISH the old Queenslander, BUY ONE if you can and restore it as genuinely as possible. We'll never see its like again from any perspective.
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How do I view and participate in discussions?
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The 'Advice' part of Houzz provides a place in which homeowners and professionals can ask questions, discuss ideas, welcome feedback/input, and show off before and afters! You'll find Advice through the tab in the top right corner of Houzz on your desktop computer, or in the 'Latest' section of our mobile apps. Within Advice lives a few different sections: Design Dilemma - a place where you can post a question or dilemma Before & After - where you can show off a transformation! Polls - somewhere to ask a question that involves a choice, or multiple possible answers Using Houzz - questions relating to using the platform, guides, and FAQs Other - anything unrelated to homes, renovation or gardening Pro-to-Pro - only accessible to professionals, where you may discuss business, trends, and trade updates To post your own discussion, click on 'Advice', and you will land on a screen that looks like this: Add a title: Something that isn't too long, but concisely describes what your post is about Describe your dilemma, issue or project: Providing as much detail as you can will ensure other users are well placed to provide accurate answers Add a photo: In addition to your description, providing visuals of the space or project will prompt people to be more responsive - everyone loves to look into other people's work-in-progress! You can either upload one of your own images, or add a photo from Houzz/your ideabook Pick the right category: Ensuring your discussion is sitting in the right category allows it to be found easier, meaning you're more likely to get responses. Try it out, and share your post below so we can see!
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Anyway I can work around with this layout? Seems like pretty limited.
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Comments (10)
HI Callen Aw, Congratulations on your new home! You must be very excited to start renovations based on your wish list and ideas of what you want and need in your space. Most apartments today are rather small but not necessarily limited in what one can achieve. It all depends on what you want from the space. I would suggest you gathers your thoughts and speak to a reliable designer and contractor who will be able to help you design the home of your dreams. http://www.sugarbakers.asia
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User
9 years ago
1. DIY Help and Discussion, not just limited to design and decorating, so including DIY-able plumbing and electrical, basic home repairs, painting, etc.

2. Landscaping and gardening
Emily H thanked User
User
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
DIY tips on everything electrical, plumbing, painting...the basics. I just learned how to switch out an exterior light fixture from another website. Perhaps this may sound silly but I never knew how and how simple it was. :D

I too think more creative designs for small spaces...baby boomers are downsizing everyday, the younger generation are buying their first (starter) homes and not everyone can afford those big luxurious homes.
User
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
What Verve said! :)
pickyvicky
9 years ago
Design on a few dimes.
Emily H thanked pickyvicky
PRO
Sandy G. ltd.
9 years ago
Solutions for downsizing challenges. I will no longer work with clients who are trying to figure out how to fill their mansions. Show me the people who are trying to make a small space work for them and look awesome at the same time.

Repurposing rooms and items, where to shop and what to look for.

Add more explanations and reasons why recommendations are made - using the principles & elements of design. This knowledge can then be carried over into the client's next project.

Set up a DIY, written by designers, addressing things like: how to fill a bookcase, how to develop a gallery wall, how to place objects on a tabletop landscape, how to achieve an eclectic space, what can I do with this collection of plastic fruit, etc. Of course, I realize that most of us would not agree on solutions to these design questions. That's ok.

It would be so helpful if there was a basic, mini CAD-system-type-thing available at Houzz for us to use in the threads in the dilemmas. Could be accessible by a password.
Emily H thanked Sandy G. ltd.
Denita
9 years ago
Sandy what an excellent idea for the mini cad type system!
User
9 years ago
Hi Denita! Long time no see.
Denita
9 years ago
Hi jn3344! I've been really busy this summer. Haven't had time to browzz houzz :)
PRO
Thos. Baker
9 years ago
Several people have mentioned small spaces and I think that's an important topic. I recently downsized to a condo and had trouble finding specific pieces of furniture that would fit well and look nice. So, I measured, designed and drew what I wanted and hired a professional wood worker to create my pieces to scale. Then I painted them. It was a great way to get exactly what I needed.

I think artisan work is a special topic. Professionals create so many unique things, from wood works, iron works, tile back splashes, pottery, lighting, mirrors....and the list goes on!

Christi, on behalf of Thos. Baker
PRO
River Valley Cabinet Works
9 years ago
How about "chat room for conversations having nothing to do with design"...that way I don't have to pop in for a look.
summilux
9 years ago
When looking in on Houzz, I'm drawn to articles that feature libraries, workspaces, shops or other spaces that the occupants are so nutty/passionate/engaged in that it drives the design/use of the dwelling. I also very much enjoy DIY articles and contribute to those as I think that producing rather than consuming should be supported. If you have a bit of yourself in your home, it's more likely that you will want what you have, rather than have what you want. (great NYT article a couple of weeks ago)
PRO
River Valley Cabinet Works
9 years ago
@summilux- Ah, Salem, OR..wish I was there! Well, actually more towards Silverton. I've got friends out there.
summilux
9 years ago
@RVCW- Silverton's great!
Mark
8 years ago
A little less complex navigation would be nice. But generally? More DIY ideas.
Roberto Fortuno
7 years ago
I would like more polls about furniture and decoration ideas
PRO
KOBE Range Hoods
7 years ago
Kitchen Appliances
User
7 years ago
There are lots of articles, but they can be hard to find because of the current search engine.
sootsprite
7 years ago
COLOR! I would love to have a "Stories" category of color education articles and a discussion category in "Advice" for real-life practice in choosing and coordinating colors.
lulu
7 years ago
Traditional house from other cultures
Kathy
7 years ago
More about color combos. How to start a room and proportions of colors.
mramsey
7 years ago
How about a regional shop & swap?
User
7 years ago
We tried that. Didn't fly. Could try again.
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I love to see all the posters sharing ideas. Some of them quite good, but I think there would be an advantage to having a separate "Ask the Pros" section to differentiate the responses.

Also if Houzz could make an effort to bring all the separate forums of the GardenWeb House Forums together with Houzz Design Dilemma, then it's easier for posters to select a topic of interest.
Gail Cupp Turner
7 years ago
I think it would be great to have a forum for product reviews! Like ovens, cooktops, frig, washer, dryer, Toliets, carpet, etc.
PRO
OasisDesign&Remodeling
7 years ago
I second Beverly's idea Of Ask A Pro.
User
7 years ago
That old croc again?
User
7 years ago
Oasis and Beverley
User
7 years ago
Here's the (slightly edited) thread!

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/need-opinions-houzzers-dsvw-vd~3316493?n=341
PRO
JAN MOYER
7 years ago
What this thread taught me, was that the difference in outlook between pro and op can often be somewhat similar to the differences between man and woman; that misunderstandings can occur in a "Mars and Venus" scenario:

Muse (aloud) on most any topic to a man, and the assumption on the part of the man is that you want an answer, a solution........despite your screaming to please just shut up, "I am simply thinking. OUT LOUD"

A woman will very often completely understand, and "think with you".....and this can go on for days or even years.

The pro goes ( a generality) right to solution /solved/move along!!! and the op may linger to "work on it" for three years... ....

I leave you all to duke that out, yet again lol
User
7 years ago
ROFL,.,!!!!.,!!!!!!!!!?
PRO
Monte Cristo Ironworks
6 years ago
I also like the idea of a separate "Ask the Pros" section.
PRO
Blinds-US
6 years ago
I would love to paticipate in blinds and shades section !!
PRO
Master Blinds
6 years ago
Discussion regarding construction can be a part.
Kim KP
6 years ago
I’m new here and this would not be a discussion, but it would be very helpful to have some sort of tutorial that provided newbies like me info on how best to navigate Design Dilemma. What sort of pics should be posted? What are the best questions to ask?
Additionally, it would be great if when you have a new comment and clicked on the notification it would take you directly to that comment rather than scrolling and scrolling all the way through the post. I’ve seen posts with thousands of comments and can’t imagine having to scroll through all of those. Forgive me if I’ve overstepped, but I’m a marketing director and just notice things like that :)
Kim KP
6 years ago
I’m new here and this would not be a discussion, but it would be very helpful to have some sort of tutorial that provided newbies like me info on how best to navigate Design Dilemma. What sort of pics should be posted? What are the best questions to ask?
Additionally, it would be great if when you have a new comment and clicked on the notification it would take you directly to that comment rather than scrolling and scrolling all the way through the post. I’ve seen posts with thousands of comments and can’t imagine having to scroll through all of those. Forgive me if I’ve overstepped, but I’m a marketing director and just notice things like that :)
ngcurt
6 years ago
Please do NOT create an Ask A Pro section! I think a big part of the value here is that we non-pros can provide our experiences and opinions while also learning from the pros. If you added a section like that, your "regular" community will simply disappear
Caroline Brown
5 years ago
Paint colors
PRO
GN Builders L.L.C
4 years ago
"How Not To Do Things" that would be a good category to add.
Nucky Thompson
4 years ago
A “non judgemental ask a question about design or plants or diy or craft area” often I find myself wanting to ask questions here but dread the judgemental self proclaimed “pros” that assume no one but them know anything or are beginners when sometimes it’s just we aren’t as experienced but don’t need to be put down
Lora Strine
4 years ago
Honesty about Houzz reviews for PROS.

The Internet is full of BS reviews. I would like to see Houzz and the users discuss how to make reviews truthful and useful.

I hired a five star Houzz builder who is giving me tons of BS. Anytime anything is wrong he says “I wanted it that way.” He is refusing to tell me when he will finish my project.

I will never believe a Houzz review of a PRO again unless you/we change the system.
Mrs. S
4 years ago
I don't care for "Ask a Pro". Love our pros...but it doesn't take much to designate yourself a "pro". And so many of the pop-up pros (you know, the ones who say, "Sure! Shiplap would look great on your backsplash! And here's our phone number for design services if you're in our area!" will now have a home). And then does that mean that qualified, smart non-pros with real-world experience now can't comment in that forum?

Personally, I think that dumb answers are made obvious by further answers in a thread, and the issue is not that there's too many answers in a single thread. OPs can already tell which responses are made by Pros.
Daniel OConnell
4 years ago
1) Psychology of color, especially as it relates to interiors. Having grown up in sub-zero Montana, I am always amazed at homes in cold climates that have white rooms, especially bathrooms, where one should have a feeling of warmth. 2) It seems every new house built in a pricey neighborhood has to have humongous square footage. I'd like to see some nice, new, smaller homes (up to 3,000 sq.ft.) built in pricey neighborhoods. 3) More emphasis on DIY as opposed to professionally done jobs.
PRO
GN Builders L.L.C
3 years ago
Cooking discussion, post pictures of dishes that users make :-)
Danielle Gottwig
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
It would be interesting to have more articles, and / or a discussion space, that details specific, practical advice for decorating "normal houses" and "normal rooms": that is, the kinds of spaces that often appear in condos, apartments, and small to medium sized middle class homes. Advice for working with existing elements in a room that one may not want or be able to rip out and replace is also useful to many.

Thing is, so many inspiration photos and examples are set in very high end residences that have unusual features, expansive rooms, and access to enviable renovation budgets. It can be hard to apply design concepts when the space pictured is just so dissimilar. Likewise, it would be interesting to know what pros work with smaller projects and houses.
PRO
RBIC HOME
3 years ago
I totally agree Danielle, we need to turn more to lower budgets and easy tips, that will be helpful and can be applied with everyone. We do work for small projects and I must say, there is a lot of fun.
Sandra P
2 years ago
I would like to discuss water garden concerns, ideas with others who have built their own.
Daniel OConnell
2 years ago
Since I last posted in this discussion two years ago, we in California have been ordered to greatly reduce our outdoor watering. I'd like to see more landscape options that don't feature grass and lots of thirsty plants, such as more use of rocks and drought tolerant plants.
jillannbrodd
last year
Discussions on lighting interior of glass cabinets. Strip lights installed just at the top or run strip lighting down the sides of cabinets, especially if not using glass shelves. How to hardwire strip lights with dimmers AND timers.

What categories of discussions would YOU like to see on Houzz?

Comments (73)

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