A long day of travel from Seattle to Chicago and then by limo/bus (and a long detour) to finally arrive in Kohler, WI. The town of Kohler is quite charming though I saw little of it last night. This Seattle interior designer went to sleep with river sounds in the background.

A picturesque river and golf course is outside my window this rainy morning. Today I will learn about shower systems, in particular, the DTV II shower system.

Kohler DTV II brings digital technology to the shower

Today is a day of learning and pampering too. Can’t wait to experience a massage at the Kohler Water Spa. More on that later.

Not to put the pressure on… but September flew by. So as an expert interior designer who wants everyone to enjoy the upcoming holidays, here are some quick fixes that add a fresh look to your home, just in time for Thanksgiving.

What is an “al fresco” design inspiration? Interior design expert, Faith Sheridan interprets her client’s wish list.

My clients found a home in the Madrona neighborhood of Seattle and quickly embarked on a major remodel of the main floor including a custom kitchen. An overriding desire to connect the kitchen to the outdoors results in an eight foot window instead of traditional upper and lower cabinets. Peeks of garden foliage and abundant light from all four directions via the stairwell and other windows unify the main floor remodel of this Madrona home with an open theme. My clients prefer a Zen-like concept of clean lines, sleek surfaces and minimal clutter.

I located all refrigeration undercounter and customized storage throughout the remodel with pullouts that organize recycling, tableware, glassware, cookware and spice storage. A wall of cabinets 24″ deep collects small appliances, baking supplies, linens and other kitchen essentials.

The use of horizontal Wenge and horizontal rift-cut white oak veneers maintains a recurring horizontal design element throughout the home as do the simple cabinet pulls parallel to the grain. The Basalt counter material continues to the floor on the island and maintains smooth, continuous lines.

Enjoy the before images and the transformation. Learn more about Faith Sheridan and her team.

Do you have a focal point in your foyer? As an interior design expert I preach the importance of adding light as a critical element in your foyer. According to Rita St. Claire, ”a focal point is usually understood to be a beautiful object that serves as a room’s visual centerpiece. It’s therefore often used to divert attention from a less attractive aspect of the same room, such as an awkward architectural feature.” This is where the element of light comes in. And it also helps to have a dramatic piece of furniture or art to pull the eye. Read more about foyers here.

Using decoratively painted furniture can add just the element of drama. Take care and consider the balance and proportion of the visual interest of the furniture to the surrounding areas and art.

As Rita St. Claire notes about this composition, “the photo shows a parrot-green painted cabinet that’s part of Century Furniture’s Oscar de la Renta collection. It would surely be an eye-catching addition to your entrance hall. I wouldn’t display it the way this photo does, however. So lovely a focal point shouldn’t be accompanied by a decoratively patterned tabletop lamp or by a botanical print.”

One of my favorite pieces from Hickory Chair can be customized and create a perfect focal point for a foyer or the end of a hallway. The hand-carved elements of this chest - pomegranate, rosette and lion - are symbols in use since Byzantine times. The pomegranate is said to represent eternity and fertility because of their hundreds of seeds; the lions, strength, valor and courage, and the rosette, royalty. A unique aspect of this solid maple chest is in its flush top which allows grouping of multiple units. (Description from Hickory Chair)

What if you had a direction behind your purchase? And accessories. Want to save time and money? Wishing you had a friend in the design business right now? We’re here to help, and fast.

As an interior design color specialist, I relish the fall harvest. The colors are magnificent and inspire me to add color accents from the harvest of fruits and vegetables.

DIY-er? Craving one simple, beautiful space? Wishing you had a friend in the design business right now? We’re here to help, and fast.