Volume 29: October

All Things Cozy

Fireplaces, candles, and blankets...oh my!

When it comes to interiors, there is nothing more inviting than a beautiful fireplace. Fireplaces bring a cozy and appealing feeling to any room, making it the perfect place to gather with family or friends. Not only do they add warmth and character to your home, but they can also be a great way to tie together the look and feel of a space. Whether you have a traditional wood-burning fireplace, an electric fireplace, or a gas-burning fireplace, they make a beautiful centerpiece to a home.

In decorating around a fireplace, the mantel is an opportunity to show off your personal style. Fresh or dried flowers, leaning artwork, and other decorative elements can all be used to create a beautiful and inviting atmosphere. If space allows, you can also add some comfortable seating around it to make it easier to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of the fire. Sometimes, you have the fireplace but need the style. Take this river rock fireplace for example, it used to be a 1980s gilt mirror and now reflects a much more organic and natural mood. Another way to make a statement is by choosing a pop of colorful tile to brighten the space, as seen in this photo. Kirk Riley Design is “where a colorful life happens” and we love it when our clients embrace that wholeheartedly!

If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to decorate with light and cozy vibes this season, fragrant candles and wool blankets are an excellent option. We have used them in bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, entryways…the possibilities are plenty! Candles foster a moody atmosphere, and the variety of fall-themed fragrances can fill your home with a pleasant aroma. If you are caution-minded, battery-powered candles and scented oil diffusers are a viable substitute for flame-burning wicks. Throw blankets add a comfy feeling and can be used to snuggle up in your favorite chair or settee. Hint: Neutrals, plaids, and tartans have been ever so popular this season.

No matter how you choose to create warmth in your home, we are wishing you “all things cozy” as we head into the winter months! 

Check out more of our cozy designs on Houzz and our website!

Give us a call if you're considering adding a fireplace to your world, or some candles. Either way, we'd love to hear from you.

Volume 20: November

Thankfulness, charity, and a little indulgence

The holiday season is upon us

I don't know about you, but I am pretty excited.

We are fully into fall and quickly approaching all of the end-of-year holidays. I love this time of year as it means more time with family and friends filled with fun activities and new memories made. Here are a few that I am looking forward to.

Enjoy some family time while giving back

Years ago I shared a holiday promotion that “charity is contagious” and I still believe it to be true! Over the years, I am proud to have participated in Providence O'Christmas Trees supporting Providence Home and Community Care. Check out their events at The Westin in downtown Seattle to get your holiday cheer on while supporting a wonderful organization. You can even get a picture with Santa!

'Tis the season!

You (probably) know I love to collect holiday décor. You may not know that I prioritize supporting other female-owned businesses. If your mantel needs a little holiday cheer, Nutcracker Ballet Gifts is a great website to peruse. Here’s a cheerful way to celebrate Pride with these stylish nutcrackers. This cracker is giving us big nut energy!

Treat yourself

This tends to be the biggest time of year for baking (at least in my house) and a good cinnamon roll on a cold morning hits the spot like nothing else. For my fellow gluten-free foodies, have you checked out Mom’s Gluten Free? They have plenty of tasty treats to make at home. Please let me know if you have any favorites! I'm always on the lookout for new recipes.

Most importantly, we want to say thank you for your support and we appreciate you welcoming us into your home! With our deepest heartfelt gratitude, have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Cheers,

Volume 11: November

Many Thanks

Abundance

"I am grateful for all that I have and all that I have to share."

I loved hearing those words at the beginning of yoga class by our instructor Chris Dormaier this week. She is the Director of SoundYoga in West Seattle and has brought together a resilient support community to create a tight-knit group of more than just classmates. Each month Chris focuses on a new intention and it is most fitting to focus on abundance during the month in which we celebrate Thanksgiving. Our weekly class has become an important part of my routine over the past few years and I am very fortunate to set my intentions with intelligent, caring people.

It's also that time of year to spread some holiday cheer

As you may know from me sharing the fun on social media, I’ve been a supporter of Providence O’Christmas Trees since I learned about the program in 2011.

From their website: “Providence O'Christmas Trees is typically a three day celebration held at The Westin Seattle that raises funds for the ministries of Providence Home and Community Care, who offer a full range of services for people of all ages, especially those facing chronic or life-limiting illnesses.”

Images of the tree designed by Kirk Riley Design from their last in-person event.

As so many things do again this year, their fundraising events look a little different. For social distancing, they’ve scheduled virtual and drive-thru events for some Christmas fun. Since we are not able to participate in person we've created a fundraising page for PHCC Special Events. Please consider making a donation to spread Christmas cheer to their residents!

My sincere appreciation for you all reading this and wishing each of you a wonderful and abundant Thanksgiving!