February, 2011 - Browsing by month

The cold, crisp mornings of February provide stunning views of the mountains and a glowing fireplace makes a cozy setting for this interior designer in Seattle. It’s been a long, cold winter across the States and for many the warmth of a fire makes it tolerable. Just like other areas of our homes, the fireplace needs an update or face-lift especially as we make changes in nearby areas of our homes. This is the case for a project I’m completing in Portland.

When a decision to remodel the kitchen was final, the fireplace opposite the kitchen in the family room was also waiting for a fresh look. This is the before of the fireplace in this custom 20 year old home in Northwest Portland.

In need of a facelift

Working with Mel Archer who built the custom kitchen, the fireplace mantel became more prominent. The use of veneer allows easy replacement of the heavy brick feature. So now the new fireplace complements the kitchen.

You can review more information about stone veneers for use on fireplaces .

Tags: Faith Sheridan Design Group, Fireplace update, interior designer Seattle WA, remodel, stone veneer
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Don’t be sleepless says this interior designer in Seattle. How can you bring the love into your bedroom? Not talking red candles, heart shaped mattresses, satin sheets and chocolates! Well, maybe okay on the chocolate. There are subtle ways to transform your bedroom into a room that invites lingering and takes it from simple to sensual…

Here are 6 tips for a bedroom that is simple and sensual

1. Declare your bedroom a stress-free zone for you and yours and a place for intimate moments. First requirement-a comfortable, quality mattress. Do some homework and remind yourself you spend one-third of your life sleeping! A typical lifetime for a mattress is 5-7 years. So the bed is the major piece of furniture in your bedroom (Reduce the clutter and increase romance with fewer annoyances). Below, Planter’s Bed from Hickory Chair.

2. Choose luxury bedding to aid your sleep. Research studies show us that we sleep better when surrounded in comfort and high thread count sheets welcome us with their crispness. Quality bedding also enhances the appearance of our bedroom. I prefer white sheets and love Williams Sonoma Home Everyday Luxury Collection.

3. Lighting and liberal use of dimmers sets the mood and provides shadows. Try a chandelier to add a lift and glamor to your bedroom

4. I like room darkening window treatments to aid sleep for my clients. Work schedules vary in our hectic lives and draperies keep the outside world from intruding. If your home includes small children or frequent quests, consider a lock on the bedroom door for privacy.

5. Soft colors in a neutral palette flatter skin tones - rose, greige, pinks. Avoid green and yellow tones as they compete with our skin tones and are often unflattering.

6. Set the mood wit music like a favorite soundtrack to set the stage. Don’t forget scents! Find a scent that is personally appealing, soothing and relaxing. Remember fresh flowers once a week or at a minimum monthly.

Remember our bedroom is our personal sanctuary - our place for rest, relaxstion, pampering, thinking, and a place to be private. Look over the tips and bring the love to your bedroom.

Call us today and create your very own ‘Ritz-Carlton’ suite, a perfect blend of luxury bedding and calming colors for quiet times. 206.973.3743

Tags: Faith Sheridan Design Group, interior designer Seattle WA, romantic bedroom ideas, tips for a sensual bedroom
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Recently this Seattle interior designer enjoyed an article in the Wall Street Journal written by Duane Hampton, wife of well known designer Mark Hampton and mother of Alexa Hampton. She shares the love affair her family enjoyed with a found sofa for 16 years. It was reinvented in various combinations of fabric for changing styles and design interpretations numerous times.

David Michaud of the New York upholstery company Jonas notes that 3 things make for long lasting upholstery:

1. The frame, which should be made of solid kiln-dried hardwood, such as maple. All of the joints should be doweled and glued, then corner blocked—to keep the structure rigid and strong.
2. The springs with individual coils, hand-tied to the frame, are key. Premade units with zig-zag springs often cause the frame to warp or break because of added tension.
3. Look for filling made of horse and/or hog hair. Man-made materials like foam may disintegrate after about 10-15 years, whereas horse hair lasts forever.

Here are two examples of heirloom furniture pieces preserved by my clients. Rescued and restored they received a total redo on the inside and outside. Not only do they provide seating but more importantly they tell a story and provide memories.

Guest Room chair with Brentano fabric

This pattern from Brentano Fabrics surprises on the Victorian arm chair.. and melds perfectly into the blue and soft yellow themed guest bedroom.

From the same home comes a walnut settee which needed lots of tender care to re-enter the family room. The horsehair truly smelled in its disintegrated state and the frame was barely together.

Looking Magical in a Cowtan & Tout stripe

At the time of the photo, the vintage settee was awaiting Samuel & Sons trim to complete the final touch. It is a conversation starter with a long history and story. The fabric is the snappy Baudelaire Stripe from Cowtan and Tout.

Do you have some family treasures that need a makeover? Press the “Easy Button” and benefit from our extensive experience that will save you time and money. We manage and coordinate the details and you reduce your stress and worry. Our team of hand-selected artisans and resources work with you to create your perfect space.

Call us today 206.973.3743

Tags: Alexa Hampton, Brentano, Cowtan and Tout, Duane Hampton, Faith Sheridan Design Group, interior designer Seattle WA, Mark Hampton, preserve family furniture, Wall Street Journal
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Recently this Seattle interior designer designed the remodel of a combined powder/guest bath. In this project a small linen closet is an important addition to the storage solution. During the client interview we determined what must be included.

Whether you’re investigating what’s buried on the shelves of your linen closet or organizing one for the first time, I compiled the basics for your review. The number of beds in your home determines the quantity of basics for each bed.

For each bed you need the following:

• A quality mattress pad-preferably cotton
• Pillowcase covers-ideally with zippers
• A summer and a winter blanket
• A down comforter depending on your location
• Two minimum sets of sheets (three for a splurge) - one on the bed, one available with each including a fitted and flat sheet
• A blanket or duvet or both - the blanket is tucked in exposing the skirt with sheets folded over; the duvet is neatly folded at the foot
• King beds require 3 standard pillows (my opinion) and 3 Euro square pillows
• Queen beds require 2 standard pillows, 2 Euro squares (decorative pillows are additional)
• Consider keeping a hypoallergenic pillow on hand as well as extra firm for guest preferences
• Two of every size towel per person using a bathroom ( again you can splurge with three)
• Consider extra hand towels and wash clothes for children’s bathrooms
• Of course, an inflatable AEROBED for surprise guests or sleepovers
• Lavender scented liners or candles for an extra touch.

Watch this video and learn how to neatly fold fitted sheets.

Remember, we’re here to help you and guide you. Whether you want advise or all the details handled, give us a call to get started.

206-973-3743

Tags: Faith Sheridan Design Group, Linen closet essentials, Seattle interior designer, storing sheets and towels, what goes in the linen closet
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