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.

An interior design colleague alerted me to this video on Hulu. From the press release, ”Northwest interior designer Faith Sheridan was chosen over two Seattle-based designers to create a new bathroom on “Designers’ Challenge” TV Show which appears weekly on the Home & Garden Television channel. ”

I“competed” to win the contract of a Seattle couple who were looking for a new design for their master bathroom. The couple, Chris and Sharon Lockwood, told me that they loved my design, and that is the reason why they chose Faith Sheridan Interior Design during a two-day shoot.

“The inspiration for Chris and Sharon is a calm oasis, a serene spa-like setting so they will love to come home,” Sheridan said. “This bath features an innovative shower system, luxurious natural materials and a partnership with respected Northwest artisans in glass and specialty finishes. The view of Lake Washington is the focal point.”

The couple heard pitches from Sheridan and the others, and chose Faith Sheridan to re-do the bathroom. Over three months, the TV show videotaped Sheridan working with the couple on the specifics of the re-design, and showed Sheridan’s chosen contractors rebuilding the bathroom. Sheridan maintains offices in Portland and Seattle.

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As an interior designer, before and after images are often requests I receive from website visitors and new clients. When I started with these clients they had lived in a houseboat on Lake Union near downtown Seattle. Then a fabulous property on Lake Union became available. This townhome features amazing views of mountains, skyline and the water plus also offers a cozy family room. But it sorely needed new furnishings except for the big screen TV.

Take a look at what we did.

A new arrangement is both conversational and perfect for watching sports and movies. All the furnishings are from my favorite company, Hickory Chair. The addition of a game table affords another conversational area. The owner loved to sail and I used black and white photos to emphasize and support that interest. More memorabilia is on the open shelf unit too.

Furniture from Hickory Chair: Marshall chair; Cate side table; Gunnison leather chair and others.

The outcome of the design concept introduces paint and color finishes in the wood side table and etagere. A sheer texture drapery fabric over wood blinds combines to add a sense of coziness, warmth and intimacy.

What do you think? Would you like to settle in to enjoy a game or movie in this room? Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for more ideas.

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.

In the project shown in the before and after sequence, my challenge was to stay within the footprint of the existing master bathroom. Also, the soaking tub was a favorite place for relaxing so it too remained.

The other challenge was a very tall male… who loved the the idea of a ceiling showerhead which he often used in hotels while traveling. So now you know the general parameters and can see the transformation.

Now for the transformation

Solutions to this master bathroom remodel:

• a single vanity with customized storage for him and her
• balanced lighting from sconces and overhead fixture
• 36″ counter height suits both
• glass wall between tub and shower enlarges room
• Solartube adds lighting with less expense (original plan included skylight)
• hotel towel shelf stores extra towels
• mosaic border adds horizontal element
• travertine throughout is easy to maintain