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Bathrooms? Yes, this Seattle interior designer creates them often. Why are bathrooms so important? We start our day in the bathroom with a stimulating shower or end the day in a relaxing bathtub. The bathroom supports our lifestyle. And when the important elements of our lives are in harmony we feel confident, rested and relaxed. The best bathrooms capitalize on the available space and are all about the details. The result ~ a perfect setting for daily bathroom activities with creature comforts for our particular tastes. I offer 10 tips for the perfect bathroom and this video with examples of bathrooms created by Faith Sheridan Design Group. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq2MkTLVnGQ[/youtube]

10 Tips to a Luxurious Bathroom

1. Color Scheme ~ soft, pale colors offer a calm sensation; brighter tones invigorate and energize.
2. De-Clutter ~ organize the vanity and newly styled medicine cabinets to keep your counter free. Only keep towels, hand soap and a candle on the counter.
3. Simplify daily tasks ~ Many men shave in the shower-use a fogless mirror. Add an attractive shower organizer for the essentials.
4. Enhance the ambiance ~ scents, such a lavender, are soothing and relaxing; music delivered by devices for a wet environment get you going or calm you down.
5. Quality plumbing fixtures ~ get the right size water heater; add air jets to your tub; consider multiple shower heads and/or a handheld shower feature.
6. Don’t be ordinary ~ carefully examine every purchase and consider how it adds to your visual, sensory experience in your bath right down to the tissue holder!
7. Add luxury ~ don’t shiver in your bath as baths are all about being warm. Heated floors and towel warmers enhance.
8. Luxury hotel lessons ~ remember the thick towels, linen shower curtains, unique containers.
9. Accents ~ beautiful tiles add personalization; art hung on the wall adds color and sophistication.
10. Safety ~ today a grab bar adds a stylish detail that promotes safety too.

Tags: bathroom, Faith Sheridan Design Group, interior designer Seattle WA, luxurious bathrooms, Seattle interior designer
Posted in Bathrooms, Ideas and Inspirations | 2 Comments »

Why is it that the room used most frequently by guests, the powder room, is often a design challenge? In my daily design work as a Seattle interior designer, I notice that the younger members of the family frequent the powder room since is it close by. And in older homes, the designated powder room can also be the bathroom intended for the occupant of the second or third bedroom ( a teen). Keeping the powder room tidy is problematic.

Historically, the powder room either did not exist or was crammed under the stairs resulting in a tight squeeze for the user and also for all the necessary equipment. Both in new construction and remodels there is notable placement of the powder room in a convenient location. Also, since the space is confined, homeowners often take some liberties in the design using unusual sinks, colors or wall paper, lighting and art.

Browsing showhouses and stories, I was attracted to the design of the powder room by interior designer Stephanie Fillbrandt in the San Francisco Decorator Showhouse. Her challenge was a narrow space only 38″ wide by 9’6″ long with a 12′ ceiling. Talk about a tunnel! She creatively used the narrowness to design a focal point at the wall opposite the entrance. By emphasizing the opposite wall, she actually caused it to seem nearer.

One of the reasons I enjoy participating in a Designer Showhouse is precisely what Ms. Fillbrandt demonstated. A Showhouse is an opportunity to design without compromise. Observing the work of a designer you see in a Showhouse encourages you to place trust in your designer, put aside fears and allow the designer to exercise his or her creativity.

I enjoy your comments, so please send them with questions too.

Tags: bathroom, design, designer showhouse, Powder Room
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Our world was already hectic and crazy busy before the economic meltdown. Now many of us cope with more concerns as we observe our daily world and interactions with family, friends, neighbors. In this post, I share some ideas, simple ones, that may make our daily routines less stressful.

The Master Suite is becoming an essential part of the modern home. Whether a remodel of an existing home or a newly constructed home, owners are incorporating features to the master bedroom which create a private retreat. From private, spa-like baths, to well-organized walk-in closets, to mattresses and bedding, designers recognize that the homeowners require a place all their own to relax and recharge.

Here are a few ideas to create a sanctuary in the midst of chaos.

1. A separate shower and jetted tub create an easy start to the day. Touches like dual showerheads and his-and-hers sinks allow room for everyone, especially when both have to be out the door at the same time.
2. Details like tile and granite vanities elevate these spaces from a bathroom to something like a high-end spa.
3. If you lack a budget to create a bath like this, consider changing out your standard shower curtain rod for a curved shower rod. A curved shower rod is a quick and inexpensive way to add elbow room to your existing shower.
4. Hotels place a coffeemaker in their suite’s bathrooms because they know that few grown-ups can start their day without a jolt of java.
5. Remodelers make special spaces for coffee and espresso machines right in the Master Suite. A small countertop with room for the coffeemaker, a few cups, and maybe even a small refrigerator below the countertop to keep milk or cream chilled. This way, you can get the coffee going and enjoy it the moment you’re out of the shower.
6. Choose soothing colors like earth tones, deep greens, browns and blues. These colors create a sense of harmony and well-being and will put your mind in the mood to relax for a peaceful night’s rest or a refreshed start to your day.

Send your comments and questions. I love to hear from you, Faith.

Tags: bathroom, bedroom sanctuary
Posted in Bedrooms | 7 Comments »

Three themes for the bath; how do you interpret your bath?

The Classic bath includes a chandelier, seating, a neutral rug, mosaic tile and personalization.

How about the Fresh bath? Simply elegant marble tilework, brass sconces, daylight lit bathtub, freestanding washstand, and a canvas covered classic chair create the elements of this style.

Finally a Natural bath-freestanding tub, side table for book or drink, mosaic vessel sink, botanical art.

More ideas for small bathrooms

Tags: bathroom, design, Faith Sheridan, Portland, Seattle
Posted in Ideas and Inspirations | 3 Comments »

On the website, HomeAccentsToday, I saw these beautiful bath accessories designed by Clodagh in conjunction with Gail DeLoach (formerly Asiaphile), known for luxurious, clean accents for the home crafted in traditional Asian techniques. Consistent with her vision, shared below, I hope they capture your eye as much as mine.

“a space cannot be truly beautiful unless it functions in harmony with who we are… it’s about pleasure: discovering what pleases us and creating an environment that will celebrate those qualities and sustain us”. Clodagh

The tantalizing description, “Inspired by the idea of bringing spa luxuries to your home, the modern Spa Collection outfits pristine pieces in glossy celadon, white and charcoal lacquer. The Luna Collection expresses Clodagh’s interest in organic texture by combining basketwoven buntal (a sustainable palm fiber) and dark wood trim for an earthy, yet sophisticated feel. ”

Let me know if you love these accessories. Send a comment and share your ideas. Faith

Tags: Accessories, bathroom, Clodagh, Faith Sheridan, Portland, Seattle
Posted in Ideas and Inspirations | 2 Comments »