Architects Share Helpful Tips From Their Own Home Renovations

After: To restore her home’s existing wood beams, Azin spent three days on a ladder staining them herself. Azin advises the following rule when making material choices: "Use ‘real materials’ such as wood, stone, or tiles, rather than [options] that try to mimic [them]. There is nothing wrong with using vinyl or porcelain, so long as they are not faking another material," she says.