February, 2009 - Browsing by month

More organic pieces are being used with formal pieces. Designers combine a local artisan’s tree stumps and use as end tables or stools, with nailhead-studded chairs.

Here’s the question to ask yourself? When it comes to furniture, are you a conformist? Then have fun at Ethan Allen. But if you want wood furniture that’s a little more unique, look for artful pieces made from reclaimed (read: recycled) wood.

The Benefits

· Preserving endangered trees. 50% of the world’s forests are gone. Reclaimed wood furniture avoids using virgin wood from threatened tree species such as mahogany.

· Less energy use. Most wood is shipped from thousands of miles away (example: some teak comes from 8,000 mi away in Philippines). Search for U.S. designers who typically source their wood locally.

· Good news for nonconformists. Reclaimed wood pieces are one-of-a-kind, so you won’t see copycats anywhere.

Tags: artisan, decorating, Furniture, reclaimed wood, recycle
Posted in Ideas and Inspirations | 3 Comments »

I received this article today. This information is so valuable and an easy change to our routine that makes a BIG difference. I encourage you to read it and then reorganize your refrigerator.

From Chris Baskind, “A new United Nations report released Tuesday states that up to half of all food produced globally is wasted through poor management. Wasted food doesn’t just mean lost money — it wastes all the water, energy, and resources that went into production. Let’s all do a better job in this area by rethinking our refrigerators. Move all your perishable items to the front of the fridge or where they can be easily seen. Freeze everything that can’t be used right away. Get into the habit of separating the perishables you plan to use immediately and freezing the rest. Date your food with a Sharpie and review your fridge every three days, and the freezer once a week. Finally, use a thermometer to verify you’re keeping things cold enough. The refrigerator should stay between 35°F and 40°F.. Keep the freezer close to 0°F.”

Tags: food waste, Kitchen, refrigerator
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Thibaut fabric

Since this Seattle interior designer started designing, I have always turned to the Ikat to add interest, history and pattern to my interior design projects.

The chic Ikat fabric (pronounced ee-cat) was all over the runways this year and fashioned its way into our homes. Ikat, a symbol of prosperity, is a style of weaving that uses a dyeing process before threads are woven to create a pattern. Ikat is a near universal weaving style common to many world cultures. Likely, it is one of the oldest forms of textile decoration. (Wikipedia)

Houzz delivered an excellent photo collection seen in this link and combined with an explanation of the dyeing process.

At Faith Sheridan Design Group, it’s all about you. We help you achieve your personal style. Relax and let us guide you through the process of design. 206.973.3743

Tags: culture, decorating, Fabric, Faith Sheridan Design Group, Ikat fabric, interior design, interior designer Seattle WA, Kravet Fabrics, weave
Posted in Ideas and Inspirations | 1 Comment »

The Jessica Charles story begins with a love of chairs. A chair is meant to embrace. To provide a haven and escape from the buzzing world around you. Its also about style. About your desire to express your individuality and sense of design in your home.

Tags: chair, design, Furniture, Jessica Charles, Wingback chair
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Bring the Love to Your Bedroom

How to bring the love into your bedroom? We’re not talking red candles, heart-shaped water beds or satin sheets. (Did those things ever really work?) There are more subtle ways to transform it into a place that invites lingering and take your bedroom from simple to sensual…

Make your bedroom a stress-free zone for you and yours and a place for intimate moments. A comfortable, quality mattress is a first requirement. Do your homework and remind yourself at the time of purchase that this is where you spend one-third of your life! The bed is the major piece of furniture with all the rest secondary. Reduce the clutter and increase romance with restraint.

Choose luxury bedding to aid your sleep. Research tells us that we sleep better when surrounded in comfort and high thread count sheets provide a soft crispness that welcomes us. Quality bedding also enhances the appearance of our bedroom. Personally, I like white for sheets as it feels cleaner. Flashy does not equal elegant.

Lighting and liberal use of dimmers allows you to set the mood. The soft shadows from lamps and chandeliers adds to the overall ambiance in the evening hours. During daytime, I prefer my rooms filled with light. Comfortable light filled rooms shape natural, classic surroundings.

I use room darkening window treatments to aid sleep for my clients in their bedrooms. The draperies keep the outside world from intruding on private time. If your home includes small children or frequent guests, consider a lock on the bedroom door to maintain your privacy.

Soft colors in a neutral palette flatter skin tones such as peach, rose, greige. Avoid green and yellow as they compete with our natural skin tones in uncomplimentary ways.

Set the mood with music and establish a ritual of a favorite soundtrack. It will soothe you as you enter the bedroom and set the stage for what follows. And don’t neglect scents. Treat yourself to fresh flowers once a week or month. Use scented candles or quality incense and find a scent that appeals to you personally. Not too sharp but instead soothing and relaxing.

Remember our bedroom is our personal sanctuary. It is OUR place for rest, relaxation, pampering, contemplation and our place to be private. Make it all that it should be and bring the love to your bedroom.

Tags: bedroom, sensual, Valentine's Day
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