Custom mural with Moroccan theme

Yes, the weather in Seattle and on the West Coast has been teasing us the past couple of weeks. As a result, I hear lots of stories of gardening, planting, and getting the patio or deck ready for outdoor living. Recently, I received the project photos of the featured outdoor space in this blog post. It was wonderful to partner with Gelotte Hommas on this (almost) all season outdoor addition.

The clients entertain frequently and wanted a place for reading and for their family to gather around a cozy fireplace. All the elements of the design were carefully conceived – from the outdoor chandelier, counter stone and indoor/outdoor access to the kitchen and family room.

Easy access to kitchen and family room

It’s the details that make this space so elegant

Counters around the barbecue make cooking so much easier

We consider outdoor space design to be one of our specialties. Click here for more examples of our work. If you’re ready for your own gorgeous outdoor showplace, contact us. We’ll work with your style preferences to create a space that makes you want to live outdoors 24/7!

It’s hard to believe that next Friday starts Memorial Day weekend, the launchpad of summer entertaining. It’s not too late to renovate your outdoor cooking space in time for the summer season.

Here are the must have items for a gourmet cooking experience:

• Sink: This is a must have and cold water is fine unless you plan to wash dishes. Stainless steel is the best choice for outdoors.

• Grill:  You can build the grill into the cabinets (as shown) or select a free-standing gas grill. And there is always the option for a charcoal grill. Consider the optional extras for your grill: auto-ignition, work shelves, storage and the cooking surface area you need. BTU is the other major selection.

• Power:  This is obvious depending on your grill choice, lighting and if you include a refrigerator.

• Refrigerator: I consider this a very important appliance for the outdoor kitchen. It saves numerous trips to the kitchen.  Under-counter models are readily available and easily integrated into cabinets.

• Cabinets: Storage simplifies outdoor entertaining. They should be weather proof and options range from modular, store bought to custom cabinets suited to the outdoors.

We consider outdoor space design to be one of our specialties. Click here for more examples of our work and here for more outdoor space ideas.

If you’re ready for your own gorgeous outdoor showplace, contact us. We’ll work with your style preferences to create a space that makes you want to live outdoors 24/7!

Escala luxury high-rise condo

I’m often asked this question when people come to my website and see the image of the downtown condo.  Certainly one reason my clients choose a lifestyle on the 23rd floor is the magnificent views.  That also equals windows! So what do they do?

Enter the world of automated window coverings to achieve light control and privacy.  And in the featured project, the clients turned to a Seattle company, Definitive Audio.  Definitive Audio supplied a “whole house” system which included Lutron shades on all the windows.  Using your iPad or iPhone you can seamlessly control the lights, shades and temperature throughout your entire home. “With the simple touch of a button, you can automatically raise and lower shades to add privacy, protect furnishings, and adjust the temperature in a space. Adjust the lights in your whole home using a hand-held remote, wall-mounted keypad, or tabletop control. Control temperature control from keypads, mobile devices and the time clock. Save energy by reducing your HVAC use with the eco button. Seamlessly integrate with other whole home systems such as A/V and security for a complete solution.” (Lutron)

Lutron Remote Controlled Shades

The key to selecting window shade fabrics is the opacity levels of the fabric. What we mean by opacity is how much light can pass through the material. For example 1% means virtual privacy versus 10%-14% so you can see the view from your windows. The fabrics block UV rays. And, similar to a two-way mirror when you are inside, you can easily see out, but if you are outside, you cannot see in.

For more automated window covering options, visit the Lutron website here or if you like what you see here, call us for a consultation!

Over the years, I’ve saved all my cards from my daughter, her first handmade ones from preschool. I especially love the ones which included such things as

1. A breakfast in bed (from a 6 year old – wonder what that would be?) and

2. daily art or paintings for a week.

If you’re like me and want to preserve your children’s cards or drawings in an artistic way, many schools sign on with online art studios, which put images into frames, cards, calendars, mugs, you name it. Here’s one, for example….Artsonia.com.

This is the day when all mothers recall the treasure it is to be a mom. And now that I’m a “mema” as referenced by my 2 grandsons, it’s another amazing experience of love.

This Sunday my very special gift is a visit from my daughter… how fantastic that will be.

As for a great Mother’s Day gift, I love this one from my good friend Debra Prinzing…(reviewed by LATimes today)

You can order the book from Amazon.com.

Happy Mother’s Day!

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“Room to Grow” Contest on Pinterest

Got ideas on how you’d like to redecorate your kid’s room, but don’t know where to begin? You’re in luck! Room & Board, YOLO Colorhouse and Annie’s Homegrown, three great family-­friendly and eco-­friendly companies, have joined forces to sponsor “Room to Grow,” a contest to solve one of the modern family’s perennial design problems – how to decorate your kid’s room so that it reflects their unique, creative spirit. The contest runs May 13 through May 31, 2013 on Pinterest.

If you’re the “Room to Grow” winner, you’ll receive $7,500 worth of kid’s furnishings, floor planning and design consultation from Room & Board; a color consultation, contracted painting services and paint for walls and ceiling valued at $600 from YOLO Colorhouse; and a gift basket of Annie’s Homegrown products plus FREE Annie’s product coupons, valued at $1,500.

To enter, create a “Room to Grow” Pinterest board and categorize it under Home Décor. Pin a photo of your child’s room in need of a makeover along with at least three of each of the following from the master “Room to Grow” Pinterest board:

Room & Board furnishings; YOLO Colorhouse paint swatches; and Annie’s Homegrown snacks. Add #annies, #roomandboard and #yolocolorhouse in the description of each image. Submit a link to your board along with a short description explaining the inspiration behind your choices and how these items will brighten your child’s life.

Submit to contest@roomandboard.com. All entries will be judged by representatives from each company and based on originality, creativity, and adherence to the rules.

For complete entry requirements and Official Rules, visit www.roomandboard.com/roomtogrow. The contest is not sponsored by or associated with Pinterest.

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Spin Art Fun in Seattle

A Room & Board in-store event with fun-­for-­the-whole-­family activities, such as creating original spin art with the YOLO Colorhouse Pedal Powered Spin Art Bike, and sampling healthy snacks from Annie’s Homegrown will take place May 18-19, 2013 from 10-5 on Saturday and 11-5 on Sunday at Room & Board Seattle at University Village, 2675 NE University Village St. Seattle, WA 98105.

This past Saturday, I participated in the 22nd Annual Spring Rebuilding Day organized by Rebuilding Together Seattle. Every year, on the last Saturday in April, Rebuilding Together Seattle partners with corporate sponsors and over 1,500 volunteers to repair 25 homes in one day. Rebuilding Together Seattle brings volunteers and communities together to help low income homeowners live in warmth, safety and independence.

Along with the Junior League of Seattle (the Junior League helped establish Rebuilding Together Seattle back in 1989) and nearly 100 other volunteers, I spent the day working on the home of a lovely gentleman named Clarence.

Early start for volunteers

Creating a safe bathroom

Lots of yard debris to clear

Lots of teamwork

The enthusiasm was high and the effort intense on this all day project. I enjoyed the smiles and teamwork.  And I recognize and  respect the planning that takes place over many meetings. Volunteers ask for donations to support the project and drive all over the city in search of supplies and food. It all comes together on this ONE day.

If you’re interested in volunteering with Rebuilding Together Seattle or want more information on this worthy organization, click here.

It’s time for spring cleaning – time to open your windows and insert the screen doors. Time to switch cold weather and warm weather clothes. Time to clean out your closets. 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.

Image courtesy California Closets

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 cloths for children’s bathrooms
• An inflatable Aerobed® for surprise guests or sleepovers
• Lavender scented liners or candles for an extra touch.

Click on the video below to 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.

We are so excited to be able to share with you a very SPECIAL offer…and it’s absolutely FREE!!!

Through this Friday, April 19, you can download on Amazon the FREE Kindle book by Gail Doby, “How to Design Your Perfect Interior.”  Even if you don’t have a Kindle, you can download the Kindle App on any smart phone, laptop or tablet computer, i.e., iPad, etc. and start reading immediately.

To download your complimentary copy of this information-packed, 200-page book NOW, click here.

A few of the things you will discover include:
•    The most common and costly design mistakes to avoid
•    What to watch for when buying online
•    Questions you must answer before making any design decisions
•    When the job needs the help of a professional
•    And so much more!

I just need to ask two favors – AFTER you download the book – FREE offer ends this Friday, April 19:

1.    Tell all of your friends and family to download the book, AND,
2.    Be sure to post a review on Amazon!!

Thank you so much for your continued interest in Faith Sheridan Interior Design. And, please let me know if I can assist you with your design needs.

Celebrate Earth Day April 22nd

My celebration of Earth Day started nearly one month ago with a guest invitation to Seattle International Interior Design Association’s (IIDA) Leadership Breakfast. And how fitting that the honoree, from Seattle, is Denis Hayes. He rose to national prominence in 1970 as the coordinator of the first Earth Day. Hayes founded the Earth Day Network and expanded it to more than 180 nations.

Denis Hayes in 1970

Adding perspective, the keynote speaker, Vincent Stanley of Patagonia, emphasized that of the 4 R’s – Recycle, Reuse, Reduce and Restore, the most important is to REDUCE. Vincent is the author of “The Responsible Company,” a gem of a book.

The messages of these two leaders were inspirational as both truly “walk their talk.” Denis as leader of the Bullitt Center, “The Greenest Commercial Building in the World,” envisions this building as a living organism.

Bullitt Center Video

Vincent, with passion and eloquence, implored guests to “understand what we’re doing when we make things” as we cannot solve the problems of climate change until we reduce.

For more information on Earth Day 2013, click here.

The dust has cleared from the demolition and the next step is getting the new bathtub and valve installed. Now, remember I told you that I reduced the size of the bathtub from 72″ to 60″? Here is the new, shorter tub. It’s a little hard to see, but the tub to the right is the smaller one.

Next, the tile goes in. Really creates a completely different look, no? It’s amazing what you can do with tile! You can also see here the difference between the original wall and the new wall (to your left).

The tape is removed when the grout dries. Here’s the (almost) finished look.

Getting there!

The next time you hear from me, the plumbing will be installed. Can’t wait to see my new Brizo shower head!

Is there anything more elegant than the chaise longue? Even the name evokes images of ancient Egyptian pharoahs being fanned and fed grapes! As a matter of fact, it is believed that the chaise longue (or long chair) originated in ancient Egypt as a combination daybed and chair.

I love working with the chaise and its cousin the settee (a small couch or loveseat). Chaises and settees are the perfect small space alternative to the larger sofas and couches.

I’m especially enamored of the Leigh Chaise by Hickory Chair and specify it often. Not only is it incredibly comfy, but the lines are quite elegant, too. This style comes in right arm or left arm depending on where you want to place it in a room.

Leigh Chaise by Hickory Chair

This chaise from West Elm combines comfort and clean, modern lines.

Bliss Chaise by West Elm

One of my favorite settees from Hickory Chair is the Elza.  It’s versatile, with or without nails, so it can be used in a variety of ways.

Elza Settee from Hickory Chair

This Jonathan Adler settee comes in a variety of fabrics. Imagine how elegant this would be in your office or library.

Jonathan Adler Morrow Settee

If you need help picking out just the right furniture for you, let us help. Contact us for a consultation.