faith sheridan's blog

My Summer is Under Construction

faith — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:17:08 +0000

For my interior design firm in Seattle this summer, it’s all about construction. Condo roof decks, custom hobby rooms, large additions such as the covered outdoor patio/kitchen I share today. And there are more in the queue.

Surely, one of the best parts of my job is to see a project evolve. But my clients have made that a virtual experience by capturing the construction using a web-cam. Week after week, they share the view from the camera making me excited for the next week . I am able to see the shape and form of the addition unfold.

Click here to view the embedded video.

This video displays Week 8. Included in the addition is a sitting room for the master bedroom. One of my favorite aspects is the inglenook at the end of the covered patio. I am pleased to work with the respected architecture firm, Gelotte Hommas, on the project. Scott Hommas sensitively and artistically interpreted the features my clients desired. More to come.

Looking for a friend in the design business? Faith Sheridan Design Group is here to help you create your own beautiful space. Call us today, 206.437.8000.

Awed by the Chihuly Boathouse

faith — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:11:22 +0000

On Tuesday evening I attended an event at the Dale Chihuly Boathouse supporting the local ALZ chapter. (more on that later) As an interior designer in Seattle, my creative juices anticipated a jolt, I just didn’t realize just how awed I would be. Living in Seattle and part of the design community, I am familiar with Dale Chihuly and his history. Needless to say, he is a Seattle icon. I used my capable IPhone and created a quick video to share.

Click here to view the embedded video.

In the photos you can also see his collections and I especially enjoyed the Pendleton blankets. I learned this is a small number of them. He also collects baskets and in general is a ‘collector’.

Pendleton Blanket Collection

About the ALZ event- I listened to Barry Petersen, Emmy Award winning CBS News Correspondent and Author. He authored the book, Jan’s Story: Love Lost to the Long Goodbye of Alzheimer.

I encourage you to see the video of his interview and to purchase his book as he donates 10% to the cause of ALZ.

My ‘Over the Top’ Dining Room on Ava Living This Week

faith — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:49:59 +0000

Yesterday, this interior designer in Seattle, WA received a notice from David Basset Parkins and the team from Ava Living about the selection of my dining room as a feature for the week. Thank you, Ava, for this recognition. Ava assembled all types of dining room designs to display the wide range of dining design options, and the wide range of talent in the designers. You can find more of my projects on Ava Living.

Image Close Up

Wish you had help designing in your home? Need a friend in the design business? We’re here to help.

206.437.8000 design@faithsheridan.com

Georgetown Art & Garden Walk

faith — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 13:15:39 +0000

This interior designer in Seattle couldn’t resist the opportunity to be in an area that is very familiar. It’s also home to the Design District with the Seattle Design Center, slab and tile showrooms, furniture receivers and all the other businesses associated with interior design. Such a delight to enjoy it as a neighborhood.

Georgetown is Seattle’s oldest residential neighborhood and is located 5 miles south of downtown Seattle. An independent city from 1904 – 1910, the neighborhood includes a strong and active residential core, a growing retail district, a thriving creative community and adjacent industrial businesses. July 11th celebrated the 15th Georgetown Art & Garden Walk which brings 3,000 folks to the area to enjoy art studios, gardens, socializing and food.

Some soloprenuers are young and ambitious such as Charlotte who returns with her lemonade.

And I was enthralled with the garden of friend and fellow blogger, Leah Ball Steen of Revival Home and Garden. This garden is cited by many other bloggers but so enjoyable to see in person and meet Leah’s husband and daughters.

Finally, the artists who studio and live in Georgetown create many events. One favorite is Flat Stanley Steamroller Print Initiative II.

The WHAT:
A wide range of artists design 3′ x 4′ and 3′ x 5′ lino cuts. The steamroller is the press. Artists receive a piece of unmounted linoleum and carve their vision in the blocks. Using the exact same materials, each artist creates an entirely personal experience out of the linoleum.

The WHY:
Inspired to act by the BP Gulf Oil Spill, our suggested theme for this year’s Flat Stanley Print Initiative is transportation: planes, trains and automobiles, etc. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Nature Conservancy’s response to the disaster.

What a fantastic way to celebrate a sunny day in Seattle and one of it’s oldest neighborhoods too.

6 Essentials for your Outdoor Kitchen

faith — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:10:44 +0000

The outdoor kitchen continues as a prime space for homeowners with many opting to customize and remodel their patio and deck . As an interior designer in Seattle, WA, my clients can use this space nearly year round due to the climate (rain cooperating). This part of the home is a magnet for entertaining resulting in customization. Gather your friends and family for grilling, wine tasting and special events.

As homeowners increase the use of outdoor spaces, I see a workstation that combines essential elements for cooking and entertaining ease. There are many more options and I encourage readers to explore them at Better Homes and Gardens and BHG.com.

Here are my six essentials for an outdoor kitchen.

A roomy countertop for preparation and cooking.
A solid material such as durable granite for the counter and backsplash (easy to clean and maintain).
Storage such as stainless steel drawers for tools and items used frequently.
Task lighting for evening grilling.
Refrigeration for beverages, condiments, food. (Locate one suitable for outdoor use).
A mobile cart for serving, trays, napkins, flatware, condiments and all the rest.

Are you craving your personal outdoor kitchen? Looking for a friend in the design business? We’re here to help you customize and design your outdoor space. Call us 206.437.8000 or send your request to design@faithsheridan.com.

Need Blissful Sleep? Begin with Bedding and this Coupon

faith — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 13:15:32 +0000

Blissful, restful sleep, in the opinion of this Interior Designer in Seattle, WA begins with bedding. Yes the appearance of the bedroom is ever so helpful too but start with the bedding, please! Many options exist to transform a basic bedroom into one for luxurious sleep. And do take advantage of special sale opportunities with well-known companies when available. So I am pleased to share this link from my friend, Kathy Dessonville of The Linen Gallery who has a special promotion. Check out this video about caring for your new linens by Sferra.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Shop Scandia Down – Lowest Prices of the Year

Do you crave one simple, beautiful bedroom for blissful sleep? We’re here to help. Call us 206.437.8000 or send a request to design@faithsheridan.com.

What About Settees? Why and Where to Use Them

faith — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 13:15:48 +0000

Over the past year in my Seattle interior design practice, I’ve reacquainted myself with settees. In one project, I have a 100+ year old one ready for upholstery after a total restoration of the frame and cushion. (Photos later). The same clients have another settee with arms which is being put to use in the kitchen area. To finish a condo foyer, I am using another settee as a landing spot for sitting to put on or remove shoes. So I am enjoying the versatility of this piece of furniture.

Smaller than a standard sofa, a settee usually accommodates two people, which accounts for its sometimes being called a love seat. The versatile size permits placement in tight spots, and in large rooms, a settee might be part of a secondary grouping. From Elle Decor, The Top Ten Settees, here are some ways to make use of the adaptable settee.

A pair of shallow settees provide a welcoming anchor for an entrance hall
At the foot of a bed for reading or putting on shoes ( like my idea for my client’s foyer)
A settee arranged with a couple of chairs and a table is a breakfast nook/banquette for dining
Two placed back-to-back, with a table in between, expands the seating possibilities in a small living room

I have some favorites and check out the Elle Decor link for the top ten from Alexa Hampton and Thom Felicia.

Deco Loveseat Julia Gray

Verhalen Banquette Hancock and Moore

Farm Wing Settee Hickory Chair

Swedish Rococo Bench Tara Shaw Maison

Need a friend in the design business? We’re here to help! Call Faith Sheridan Design Group 206.437.8000 or send a note design@faithsheridan.com

Ask Faith: How to Beat the Heat

faith — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 13:15:03 +0000

As a Seattle interior designer, I know my clients love their sunshine and many have large window surfaces for all that sunlight to enter their homes. But it comes with a tradeoff. Very quickly your home can become a hothouse and more like a sauna. That makes you sticky and uncomfortable. So what to do? Read this article and call us for advice.

A great solution for windows with abundant sunlight is to install solar shades. I prefer them to be installed on the inside of the window for a clean appearance and minimalist look. In a more traditional or formal room, drapery panels add another layer for a softer look.

These shades reduce glare and will actually absorb heat while you enjoy all the abundant light and views from your windows. In Seattle, my resource for solar shades is Iris Windowcoverings for all the details and knowledge.

Need a friend in the design business? We’re here to help – so call us today 206.437.8000.

Why Use Tables That Stack vs. Nest?

faith — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 13:17:14 +0000

In my Seattle interior design practice I frequently place nesting tables in space challenged interiors. Nesting tables are always a design standard for many reasons. They are space efficient and multifunctional. Two to three tables are sold together and nest in one another. More recently I find tables that stack a fresh alternative. With the popularity of ottoman cocktail tables, the stack table can move to the ottoman for drinks or food and then return as a side table. See the images below as examples:

From Alexa Hampton, the Chris trays

serenaandlily.com

Both the Alexa Hampton Asian inspired stack tables and the colorfully exotic hand-painted tables from Serena & Lily offer a fresh alternative to the tried and true nesting table.

However, there remains a place for the nesting table. Since the smaller tables slide under the larger tables, they don’t take up any more floor space than a typical end or lamp table. For this reason, they are a great alternative to side tables, as they provide small tables, great for nights where you are entertaining guests, or simply want to enjoy a meal in front of the television. Another application is beside your bed as you can stagger lamp, books, cups or candles.

Holly Hunt Egret Tables

Do you crave one simple, beautiful space? Wish you had a friend in the design business? We’re here to help.

Call Faith Sheridan Design Group 206.437.800 or send a message design@faithsheridan .com

Ask Faith First: Why Use Scents?

faith — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 13:09:26 +0000

A tip from a Seattle interior designer, scents make memories. As scents are inhaled, the smell travels across the olfactory nerves located inside the nose and then up into the part of the brain that controls our moods, our memories and our ability to learn. What this means is that smells engage our mind and emotions.

Do you want that first impression of your home to be pleasant, appealing, curious and memorable? No burnt toast or last night’s dinner. I discovered a new resource in April… La Lozerie en Provence. From my friend and store owner, Kathy Dessonville, linensanddown.com, I love this candle scent. Amazing.

Made in France of organic soy with bee’s wax, this candle’s cotton wick burns smoke free. This candle from La Lozerie en Provence “From my garden to your home” comes in fragrances not widely available — choose from alpilles fig tree, wild lavender and candied orange. 40 hour burn time.

Want a friend in the design business? We’re here to help. Call 206.437.8000 or send a message, design@faithsheridan.com