October, 2010 - Browsing by month

Often I suggest small tables for my interior design projects in Seattle and Portland. I like the interest created and the functional aspect too. Recently I wrote about ‘poufs’ as practical options for seats, tables, and as alternative to the traditional extra seat. Browsing online I happened upon a recent blog by friend and fellow designer, Mark Cutler. A recently completed project was featured in the LA Times, read it here, but my eyes quickly found the seating group with multiple tables. This is an excellent image of the power of tables and of design creativity.

Multiple tables from Mark Cutler Design

From Mark Cutler Design, “In the living room, a collection of eclectic small tables, including a Chinese stool and a Cambodian drum, was used instead of one large coffee table. The grouping is more visually interesting and flexible; the tables can be separated and used in different conversation areas.”

In a more formal area or different aesthetic changing the finish is an option for adding interest. This so called ‘invisible table’ is from Hickory Chair.

Urban Hardwoods is a Seattle based company well known for salvaged materials. I especially like these small tables.

Relax and let us guide you effortlessly through the process of design. We’re here to help. Call us 206.437.8000

Tags: Faith Sheridan Design Group, interior designer Portland OR, interior designer Seattle WA, Mark Cutler Design, Pouf ottomans, small tables
Posted in Ideas and Inspirations | No Comments »

This Seattle interior designer waited in anticipation for the opening of the new concept SBUX since last July. You see, it’s just blocks away from my condo in Capitol Hill. Over the weekend, I saw the signage placed on the building. This afternoon I mingled with a busy after hours group sampling wine, beer, ‘reserve’ coffees and a new menu of appetizers. As this is opening week, the venue was active, inside and out.

After a quick introduction from friendly Kris Engskov, regional vice president, I was oriented and perused the layout, food and seating and then took a seat at the ‘wine bar’. As usual, Starbucks personnel are gracious, helpful, knowledgeable so I was on my way. The menu isn’t deep for food or beverages but represents excellent selections of food, wine and beer that are mostly regional and local. (We do have great wine and beer in the Northwest!) I also liked the calorie count next to the food selections including the double chocolate brownie, 530 calories. Of course, we don’t count calories for beer and wine.

photo courtesy Capitol Hill Blog

Wine is served-photo courtesy Capitol Hill Blog

Certainly to be popular is is outdoor patio (heaters coming) which wraps around the building. Most tables were filled tonight.

photo courtesy Capitol Hill Blog

As for the decor, I suggest you bring your color since there is virtually none. We’re talking monochromatic brown… lots of exposed wood, brown leather, wood ceilings. I understand a LEED certification is forthcoming. Thank you SBUX! I was told the lighting is LED but I will confirm the LEED components in a later blog.

This is a great compliment to the vision of SBUX. I totally applaud them for stretching the boundaries of a ‘coffee concept’ in an urban setting.

Tags: Faith Sheridan Design Group, new concept for Starbucks, Seattle interior designer, Starbucks on Olive Way, Wine at Starbucks
Posted in Ideas and Inspirations | 1 Comment »

2010 elevated the old and mainstay stores, like Restoration Hardware, are filled with pseudo-aged, unfinished furniture. What about real vintage and antique furniture? In my interior design practice in Seattle, I see clients investing in key pieces and I refer to them as the ‘soul’ of the home. Other clients plan and design around family heirlooms. They reflect on the many memories shared with the furniture. We are rapidly approaching 2011 and I happened upon a ‘trends list’ for 2010. Sure enough ‘Old is New Again’ was one and another ‘Mix it Up’ noted that “classic 19th century pieces mix with vintage and current furniture from this year”, (Kimberly Ayres).

Check out the piece my clients are using in the redesigned island of the kitchen.

Finished on all sides, it boasts ample storage and a beautiful marble top. In the room it will separate the kitchen from the family room and inspire conversation about the ’ well traveled look’. In this instance my clients looked at online antique stores and sourced this buffet in Chicago.

Imagine the stories and fun gatherings that will surround the addition of this vintage piece to the kitchen. For the gourmet group gatherings, this 78″ server is perfect for setting up a buffet with accessories and linens. Wine and cheese pairings or tasty desserts, the antique server becomes a functional, vintage addition to a gourmet kitchen.

Thinking about remodeling or an addition? We make it easy for you with experience and a knowledgeable team. Call us today 206.437.8000

Tags: antiques and vintage furniture, Faith Sheridan Design Group, interior designer Seattle WA, remodel, renovation
Posted in Ideas and Inspirations, Kitchen | No Comments »

A few weeks ago, Halie Rosenberg, a Growers guest contributing writer, contacted me. As an interior designer in Seattle, I was intrigued with her story concept for the blog, http://www.growersandnomads.com. After some conversation with Halie, I shared the story of ‘clicking’ with a client around a mutual love of cooking and the story unfolded.

The outcome of the conversation, Halie’s article, related the essence of a successful client and designer relationship: listening carefully. In this instance, I learned about the importance of family gatherings, large and small, and how the kitchen was a central feature. When I listened to my client, I immediately saw the kitchen and it’s design with two islands ( many cooks), lot of seats and the necessary appliances.

Images Roger Turk, Northlight Photography

To Halie’s question, “What element(s) turn a space into a happy home?” I answered, “A comfortable home is all about you—your lifestyle and personality that you want to express.”

If you want that perfect home for entertaining your friends and family, the team at Faith Sheridan Design Group is here to help. 206.437.8000.

All images by Roger Turk, Northlight Photography.

Tags: client and designer relationship, Faith Sheridan Interior Design, interior designer Seattle WA, Kitchen, love of cooking
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The name sounds fussy but the pouf is a performer as this interior designer in Seattle knows. With attitude, this accessory multi-functions throughout the home serving as a place for feet, an extra seat, a small table while delivering punch to your interior. No matter your style there is a pouf just waiting to become an accessory for you to express your design personality.

Here are some for your consideration:

elizabethbauerdesign.com

serenaandlily.com

roomandboard.com

jaysonhomeandgarden.com

Sometimes a picture shows it best. This is from an Elle Decor issue in 2005…poufs are still practical.

We’re here to help you put your personal style into your home. Give us a call 206.437.8000.

Tags: Accessories, design inspirations, Faith Sheridan Design Group, interior designer Seattle WA, Pouf ottomans
Posted in Accessories | No Comments »