August, 2009 - Browsing by month

How many sleepless nights have you spent on a futon? For many years I respected their utility but intensely disliked their appearance and the miserable mattress. Just as interior design evolves, so does the mattress industry, thank god! Futons entered the American market in the 70′s. Embraced by college students or first time apartment dwellers, a futon stretched the furnishing budget as a dual purpose sofa and bed.

No surprise that in our current economic challenge, futon sales are up in this down market. Much less expensive than other mattresses, a futon mattress costs between $99-$750. Plus with better materials like memory foam they are much more comfortable too. I checked out Gold Bond Mattress and learned how this family business became the leader in the industry.

Tags: apartment dwellers, dual purpose, futon mattress, interior design
Posted in Ideas and Inspirations | 3 Comments »

When you add color to your kitchen, you add your personality. In my Seattle interior design practice, I see color infused with tile, counter materials, tableware, fabrics and, of course, paint. So how to determine where to start and what color to place where? It all begins with a plan and knowing what color appeals to you. Look around your home and you see how other color selections guide you to choose one for the kitchen. Find more ideas here.

“Color is all about personality,” says Melissa Smith, certified kitchen designer (CKD) and member of the National Kitchen & Bath Association. “Some people may flourish in a calm, relaxing setting, and others may want stimulation. The most important thing is not to be intimidated. Pick colors you love, colors that make you feel good.”

Ideas to Consider

• Accent an area using color: Use color on the island but leave the perimeter neutral.
• Any style can add color: Whether stainless steel or natural wood, use tableware, napkins and window treatments for color accent.
• Balance strong,vivid color with neutrals: Bright walls = neutral cabinets and counters.
• Use tile in a custom pattern: Tile patterns seem like wallpaper on the backsplash. Consider the scale of the pattern just like a wallpaper.
• Accessories brighten up islands and counters: Vases, jugs, platters in solid or patterned colors punch up the kitchen.

$50 for a Fast Solution

Tags: color adds personality to kitchens, color selections, Seattle interior designer, use color in your kitchen
Posted in Kitchen | 3 Comments »

The article last Thursday in the NYTimes, Renovating an Industry, is getting lots of attention and discussion from designers and other industries too. Certainly I read it a few times and enjoyed all the comments too. As a Seattle interior designer practicing for many years I have seen many changes to the industry. The internet makes so much available and accessible. I began to think about offering online quick, expert, direct solutions to those who are DIYers. My name for this service, Fast Solutions for Interior Dilemmas. $50 for a fast solution is email only. You send your design dilemma along with 3 photos of your room and relevant information like measurements. Within 48 hours you receive a professional solution with links to products.

Before and After

See this example of a dining room with simple changes like paint, new rug, chairs and moving existing art to the newly painted wall.

So I say, “Let’s do this!” Try a new approach and benefit like other customers who are finding design more accessible and less expensive. Take advantage of color consultation, art hanging and personal shopping from a second pair of eyes and a short term relationship with a professional designer.

Tags: direct solutions, expert, fast design solutions, online quick
Posted in Before and After | No Comments »

My clients are busy organizing for the upcoming school year. In my Seattle interior design practice I receive lots of requests for color ideas but not as often for teen boy bedrooms. In this post I have a color scheme for a teen boy and ideas to pull it all together. This vibrant blue is a bold choice for a focal wall and the deep taupe on the side walls anchors and tones the warm rich chocolate. I think a bounce of the Sundance yellow as a lamp, beanbag chair, frame or pillow will make his room have personality. You can find suggestions and ideas like these in my newsletter.

Or, gather up to 3 images and a question about your teen bedroom and for $50 get started on a Fast Solution. Are you ready? Let’s do this!

With this color scheme in place I suggest bedcovering fabrics in a pinstripe combined with solids. I found this oxford cloth sample with wide and narrow stripes at Williams Sonoma Home . It adds an easygoing style with the style of casual men’s shirting.

Finally, to make this ‘teen’ and not staid, I found this area rug to place diagonally and partially under the bed or where it isn’t fully exposed.

This is a busy pattern and exposing a portion rather than the entire rug pulls the color theme together.

Tags: Benjamin Moore, color scheme for teen boy bedroom, rich chocolate, vibrant blue
Posted in Bedrooms | 2 Comments »

Transitioning from home to a dorm room is a major life event for many students. As a mother and Seattle interior designer, I know the importance of this new ‘home’ where students need to thrive not just survive. Colleges provide the rules and lists of what to bring and what to leave at home. Still according to Patricia Francisco, director of housing at San Diego State, “Students are concerned they won’t have something they’re used to at home, so they end up bringing way too much.” I encourage parents to allow their son or daughter to express themselves even if you dislike the bedspread, rug or pillows. Let them put their personality on display.

Image courtesy Rochester Institute of Technology

Here are some ideas for personality and practicality for the dorm room:

• Colorful bedding and large stacking pillows for extra seating
• Posters and photos of friends, family and pets
• Area rugs absorb sounds and keep feet warm
• Floor lamp that moves to suit your study location
• Good quality sheets, consider cotton
• Comforter with a duvet cover, suitable for machine washing
• Bathroom totes and laundry bags
• A basic tool kit is essential as well as a sewing kit
• Battery charger
• Message board and full length mirror
• Drying racks are great for underwear and fragile fabrics
• Clip on lamp near your bed
• Small personal size fan

Do you have a dorm room dilemma? Only $50 for a Fast Solution.

Tags: add personality to dorm rooms, dorm room bedding, practical advice for dorm room
Posted in Ideas and Inspirations | 3 Comments »