My clients are busy organizing for the upcoming school year. In my Seattle interior design practice I receive lots of requests for color ideas but not as often for teen boy bedrooms. In this post I have a color scheme for a teen boy and ideas to pull it all together. This vibrant blue is a bold choice for a focal wall and the deep taupe on the side walls anchors and tones the warm rich chocolate. I think a bounce of the Sundance yellow as a lamp, beanbag chair, frame or pillow will make his room have personality. You can find suggestions and ideas like these in my newsletter.

Or, gather up to 3 images and a question about your teen bedroom and for $50 get started on a Fast Solution. Are you ready? Let’s do this!

With this color scheme in place I suggest bedcovering fabrics in a pinstripe combined with solids. I found this oxford cloth sample with wide and narrow stripes at Williams Sonoma Home . It adds an easygoing style with the style of casual men’s shirting.

Finally, to make this ‘teen’ and not staid, I found this area rug to place diagonally and partially under the bed or where it isn’t fully exposed.

This is a busy pattern and exposing a portion rather than the entire rug pulls the color theme together.

Thanks to my friend, Laura Holland, at Hickory Chair. Yesterday she dedicated her blog post to me and acknowledged my relationship with Hickory Chair Furniture. At Faith Sheridan Interior Design in Seattle, WA, I often source furnishings from this venerable US based company in Hickory, NC.

One of the many reasons Hickory Chair is a first option is the ability to customize. I am able to design something totally custom for my clients rather than ‘the standard issue’. I can resize, combine finish stains, add details such as monograms, trims or combine fabrics in unique ways.

Please take a look at Laura’s post. In this project, the mirror and side table each have a custom finish.

Dee's Guest Room

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.