April, 2009 - Browsing by month

In 2006 I enjoyed the opportunity to design a home in the Seattle Street of Dreams, Casa Montecito. For a designer this is a dream and labor of love. It represents a major commitment of time and creative energy. Over a period of 10 months I worked daily with a tribe of talented people who listened to my ideas and translated the design I created for the developer into a coherent, inviting home. Casa Montecito can be seen in multiple views on my website: http://faithsheridan.com.

In the early summer of that year Robert Kaindl found me amid the construction. He offered his glass creations for possible inclusion. Once I saw them I was awestruck. They were incredible works of art and absolutely the perfect art object to communicate my design.

That’s how I came to meet Robert Kaindl who is an amazing, energertic and visionary glass artist. I am so pleased to share him and his work in this post. His work is breathtaking, inspiring and memorable. You want to make it the focal point and inspiration of a design project.

Robert is passionate about glass. You appreciate that when you see the tremendous range of his glass artistry. In February, 2009 Robert installed 4 dazzling chandeliers in the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Robert Kaindl for the Four Seasons Beverly Hills

See information about that project on his website: http://robertkaindl.com/

Earlier this month, Robert announced a collaboration with Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman in conjunction with InCircle, their customer loyalty program.

Tags: design, Faith Sheridan, glass artist, Portland, Seattle
Posted in Ideas and Inspirations | 1 Comment »

Inevitably, there comes that day when your teenager declares “I hate my room. Why can’t I get new furniture and paint my walls the way all my friends’ rooms look?”

Maybe your fifteen-year-old daughter wants a shabby chic bedroom with faded old chintz sofa and curtains. Or maybe she would prefer a retro look with bright colors and some of your old 70s album covers on the wall. Is your son a sports fan or does he prefer music? Outgoing or more reserved? Perhaps your son wants his room to look like a basketball court or maybe graffiti is more his style.

Regardless, it is important to remember that it’s their own space, and the decor needs to reflect their personality and desire to be independent.

In both these images, bedding captures the transformation. Bedding is a very personal choice for your teenager. He might want an animal print bedspread or something in black velvet. Or she might like retro 70’s bright flowers on her sheets. This is a great way to add color and personality to a room without making any permanent changes to the walls.

Adding accents will give the room more interest and personality. A few fun ideas for accent items include funky chairs, pillows, area rugs and wall art. This is where your teenager can really make the bedroom an expression of his or her personality so encourage them to pick things they are really into.

Let me know what changes you are making to your teens bedroom. More tips.

Tags: design, Faith Sheridan, Portland, Seattle, teen bedroom
Posted in Ideas and Inspirations | 4 Comments »

Today’s symbol of living well and a way to express personal style and creativity is the monogram. They are everywhere-totes, napkins, linens, towels, stemware, tableware, chairs.

Seen as a nostalgic gesture to grandparents and family heirlooms, the revival of monograms suggests a return to acknowledging identity, our past and present. Some contend that monograms are a Southern obsession but I see this customization as everywhere but especially appreciated in that region of the US. Monograms are a way to touch the past. You can scour the flea markets and find a treasure or start your own collection.

Here are 5 tips to consider about monograms:

1. Select a letter style that suits the object. By this I mean linen napkins are more formal than plaid so choose accordingly. Towels, with their thickness, often are better with a single letter.
2. Restrain yourself as you add monograms to your interior. I love chair backs but not every chair; but on a simple china plate, yes.
3. Monograms make great gifts. Recently, for my daughter’s birthday, I sent monogrammed cocktail napkins. Guest towels are another option.
4. Surround a monogram in a symbol. This is a classic detail for a throw pillow, like a wreath or outline of a house.
5. Consider monograms an investment. Remember the flea market comment and know monogrammed napkins last a long time. “Ivory hemstitched dinner napkins with a gold monogram are the little black dress of tabletop”, Jane Scott Hodges of Leontime Linens.

Tags: Accessories, decorating, Faith Sheridan, interior design, monograms, Portland, Seattle
Posted in Ideas and Inspirations | No Comments »

Three themes for the bath; how do you interpret your bath?

The Classic bath includes a chandelier, seating, a neutral rug, mosaic tile and personalization.

How about the Fresh bath? Simply elegant marble tilework, brass sconces, daylight lit bathtub, freestanding washstand, and a canvas covered classic chair create the elements of this style.

Finally a Natural bath-freestanding tub, side table for book or drink, mosaic vessel sink, botanical art.

More ideas for small bathrooms

Tags: bathroom, design, Faith Sheridan, Portland, Seattle
Posted in Ideas and Inspirations | 3 Comments »

On the website, HomeAccentsToday, I saw these beautiful bath accessories designed by Clodagh in conjunction with Gail DeLoach (formerly Asiaphile), known for luxurious, clean accents for the home crafted in traditional Asian techniques. Consistent with her vision, shared below, I hope they capture your eye as much as mine.

“a space cannot be truly beautiful unless it functions in harmony with who we are… it’s about pleasure: discovering what pleases us and creating an environment that will celebrate those qualities and sustain us”. Clodagh

The tantalizing description, “Inspired by the idea of bringing spa luxuries to your home, the modern Spa Collection outfits pristine pieces in glossy celadon, white and charcoal lacquer. The Luna Collection expresses Clodagh’s interest in organic texture by combining basketwoven buntal (a sustainable palm fiber) and dark wood trim for an earthy, yet sophisticated feel. ”

Let me know if you love these accessories. Send a comment and share your ideas. Faith

Tags: Accessories, bathroom, Clodagh, Faith Sheridan, Portland, Seattle
Posted in Ideas and Inspirations | 2 Comments »