Volume 7: July
We hope you are having a fun and healthy summer!
Hello from Anderson Island!
We hope you are having a fun and healthy summer!
As we get back to visiting family and friends and exploring the outdoors, we are enjoying this little slice of normal that we missed over the last year and a half. The fire pit won't be in use this year (s'mores alternatives, anyone?) at our home away from home due to the fire ban here in Washington. No doubt we'll be able to find plenty to keep us busy as there are so many ways to enjoy the Pacific Northwest in summertime and no prettier place to be!
Volume 6: June
As a small business owner, my goal is to not only be successful for myself, but for my family, my clients, my staff, and the community. I absolutely love being an interior designer and that job changes and grows with each project and client I work with.
Part of our growth means taking a closer look at what we do, how we do it, and who we are doing it for. Over the last month, there have been some exciting happenings behind the scenes.
Just Around the Corner
In the world of business, change is an ever present constant. In the world of pandemics, pivoting is the skill that is needed to not only survive but succeed. Over the last 15 months, like you, we have experienced both in big and small ways.
As a small business owner, my goal is to not only be successful for myself, but for my family, my clients, my staff, and the community. I absolutely love being an interior designer and that job changes and grows with each project and client I work with.
Part of our growth means taking a closer look at what we do, how we do it, and who we are doing it for. Over the last month, there have been some exciting happenings behind the scenes.
Our renewed mission statement:
Kirk Riley Design creates charming and distinctive spaces while incorporating the history of clients' families as well as their home. We specialize in vintage home remodeling projects and facilitate the creation of custom furnishings. Our goal is to infuse the client's style while creating inspired and distinctive spaces. In short, we are here to make things pretty, all while wearing sequins, often with a cocktail in hand.
We also took the time to make some updates to our website. An addition we are really excited about is our new Services page.
Working with an interior designer can seem intimidating and we want to change that concept. The options in working with an interior designer can be a bit of a mystery for those that are new to the experience. For some, there is a fear of not knowing what to expect. This can come in the form of apprehension around the potential cost of a project or perceiving they will need to give up control. All understandable and we look forward to talking through these uncertainties while finding design solutions that fit your needs. Maybe you need “just a little” design help or you aren’t sure how to start. Maybe you feel you need someone to discuss your progress with to make sure you are staying on track. There are packages on our newly created Services page to meet each of these needs when working with Kirk Riley Design. Not every project is all custom furnishings for multiple rooms or a complete remodel, but we love those too.
June is Pride month, so spread the word! It’s a month to support power and inclusion for everyone.
It was uplifting to see the flags and rainbows proudly displayed by national stores while at the local mall – Ben Bridge, Coach and Nordstrom (pictured here) graphics delighted my eyes. A small gesture like that is not so small after all. Showing their support for Pride and the LGBTQ+ community gives customers a way to identify with businesses that have shared values.
Since you can’t see it, our flag is waving in the flowers in our yard, all year long.
Many thanks for being here to watch, support and help shape our pivots and successes.
Volume 5: May
When we are designing a kitchen remodel project with our clients, we often mention that there is going to be a lot less of something in the new space. It could be fewer windows, less floor space, heck, even less cabinetry which sounds a little crazy. This new void allows space for a whole bunch of new wonderful. This kitchen remodeling project was no different.
We love a good before and after
No More Little Drawers
When we are designing a kitchen remodel project with our clients, we often mention that there is going to be a lot less of something in the new space. It could be fewer windows, less floor space, heck, even less cabinetry which sounds a little crazy. This new void allows space for a whole bunch of new wonderful. This kitchen remodeling project was no different.
Working with previous clients is always a fantastic bonus. These clients were no exception, especially since the wife knew exactly what she wanted. I don’t mean the exact hardware or range, but she knew exactly how she wanted it to look and feel. That was ideal as they were open to design solutions but were quick to stay on track and focused.
Here’s what we focused on:
Gray color palette with natural wood for warmth.
An island with seating and a nice big sink with an Insta-hot faucet.
Open shelving for style and display for family keepsakes.
Traditional style cabinetry with custom features.
Black as an accent in hardware and lighting.
All new stainless appliances.
Removing the soffit above the cabinets to add a feeling of spaciousness.
Closing the window without a view while keeping the abundance of natural light in the home.
Is there anything I would change? Nothing. I’m never a fan of an icemaker in the refrigerator door, but you try arguing with native Midwesterners about their ice.
Volume 4: April
Spring is the in between of the better seasons – we’re out of the cute sweater weather, but it’s still too cold for summer dresses. Yes, I know the last week has been beautiful, however, per the usual PNW spring weather the rain is coming back this weekend. With all this time stuck indoors away from the cold and rain, it’s the best time of year to get the shit out of the closets.
My least favorite season of the year
I hate Spring
For some, this could be an unpopular opinion but stay with me.
Spring is the in between of the better seasons – we’re out of the cute sweater weather, but it’s still too cold for summer dresses. Yes, I know the last week has been beautiful, however, per the usual PNW spring weather the rain is coming back this weekend. With all this time stuck indoors away from the cold and rain, it’s the best time of year to get the shit out of the closets. Or the pantry. Or under the bed. Or out of the garage. You see where I’m going here.
It can seem daunting and if you’ve done a remodel (I love these any time of the year!) you likely had to pack up items and store them away. For myself, between moving, remodeling, and inheriting family items, I was drowning in memories and ill-stored items. The overwhelm of trying to manage and organize it on my own seemed to push the projects to the bottom of my list, repeatedly. Realizing I knew a professional who could help me attack these projects and create the spaces that I wanted in my home took a while. I’ve had the benefit of working with an organizer while working with clients on different projects in their homes. So why did it take me so long to recognize that I needed professional help and I knew the perfect person?
I thought, “Duh, I know who could help me”, so I emailed her my thoughts and hopes about cleaning out my clutter. I had a rough idea of what I wanted to accomplish, but I was definitely open to her suggestions. We scheduled a date, and I cleared my calendar. I wanted to make sure I was prepared and was going to make the most of the day. Katrina told me how to prep for the day and I was excited to start.
She kicked my butt; it felt as if I’d spent the day working out. I know how much emotional clutter sticks around with the physical clutter and it is heavy. We spent our time working through what I couldn’t manage on my own. I was exhausted and so proud of the work we completed! I went back to look at our work the next day and it was like my birthday and New Year’s Eve wrapped into one – happiness and optimism in looking ahead. Working with Katrina helped me hate spring a little less this year.
Supporting Local Charities
Another benefit of all this spring cleaning? Being able to support local charities by donating to them. Giving back to our local community is one of our values at Kirk Riley Design.
Clothes and accessories were donated to Jubilee Women’s Center where they support women experiencing poverty and help them to build stable and fulfilling futures. All my household goods were taken to the West Seattle Discovery Shop where the funds raised from the sale of donated goods support the mission of the American Cancer Society.
Volume 3: March
In the spring of 2003, I was living in sunny California and working for a fantastic interior designer who has since become like family. While working for her, we completed four successful showhouse rooms in Pasadena which led to quite a bit of media exposure for her firm.
It’s Our Birthday!
In the spring of 2003, I was living in sunny California and working for a fantastic interior designer who has since become like family. While working for her, we completed four successful showhouse rooms in Pasadena which led to quite a bit of media exposure for her firm.
The next year, as showhouse season was approaching, a couple of my friends who also worked as interior designers encouraged me to apply as an independent designer. I felt like I was cheating on my boss/friend/mentor by applying to do the showhouse in Los Angeles on my own and I don't recall the details. Somewhere along the line I got the call, and my design concept was accepted.
Kirk Riley Design was born in 2004
Showhouses receive excellent media exposure and my project was no exception. I was so fortunate to have that first project featured in print and television. The next few years were a hustle and included a relocation to Seattle where we still are today.
Kirk Riley Design first Design Showcase circa 2004. Yes, we used film that had to be developed from original negatives. No digital here!
As a small business owner, there's often not much separation between personal life and work life. The line can be blurred heavily when you're working so closely with clients and in their homes. Every day I love what I do and still can’t believe I get to call it work. My business relies heavily on the talents and skills of other local craftspeople. Together, we strive to support and work alongside other small and local businesses. 💋
Thank you for your continued support of our female lead business.
Vendor Spotlight
Specializing in vintage home design, we've learned over the years that the kitchen is often the room that needs the most updates. Kitchens are high functioning spaces with built-in features. This means big money and a lot of high-ticket decisions must be made. Since being in Seattle, I have chosen to work with Albert Lee Appliance for my client and personal design projects. Appliances are expensive, and ideally, they feel and work in a way that is comforting to you at the start and end your day.
Volume 2: February
The clients purchased this 100-year-old Craftsman for its charm and character. However, none of that was in place in their 1980s kitchen. A leak from an upstairs bathroom caused them to fast track their kitchen remodel which proved to be a big undertaking.
A Special Update to a Classic
This month we are sharing a unique kitchen we lovingly call the Blue Plate Special.
Read through to the bottom for a sweet Valentine's treat.
The clients purchased this 100-year-old Craftsman for its charm and character. However, none of that was in place in their 1980s kitchen. A leak from an upstairs bathroom caused them to fast track their kitchen remodel which proved to be a big undertaking.
With a love for vintage styling and a fondness for handcrafted materials, we mixed bold, simple, and classic elements. Adding an island with seating for everyone gives them a place to come together for baking, eating, and good old story time.
The paneled appliances playdown the high-tech feel of stainless. While the tiled vent hood adds character and enhances the ceiling height.
Friends and family can gather in the kitchen, sit down for a meal in the open dining room, or continue out to the backyard through their relocated French doors.
Sharing one of our favorites
During a "normal" year, we like to get together with our girlfriends and celebrate Galentines. Even though we can't spend time together in the way we would like, we are still going to enjoy the treats! Being mindful of dietary preferences and needs, this tart from Bakerita has become a favorite. It's an elevated and tempting twist on chocolate covered strawberries.
If baking isn't your thing, we highly recommend Flying Apron here in Seattle for delicious Valentine's brunch.
Volume 1: January
A touch of Palm Springs landed in the Pacific Northwest giving our client the modern amenities they desired in a kitchen with a nod and a wink to the past.
Kirk Riley Design featured in 1889 Washington's Magazine
We made it to 2021!
We are starting off the year with our first newsletter and a look back at a kitchen renovation featured in 1889 Washington’s Magazine.
A touch of Palm Springs landed in the Pacific Northwest giving our client the modern amenities they desired in a kitchen with a nod and a wink to the past.
The original pink backsplash and pale blue appliances in this 1950’s kitchen were in need of a fresh take. Bright white quartz countertops and a matching backsplash in varied textures and finishes were installed giving the kitchen a more modern and functional vibe.
Slab front cabinets in a mixture of wood and glossy white added to the overall casual glam mood of the new kitchen. We continued to tackle the storage issues with the addition of the coffee station in the nook while creatively working around the baseboard heating elements that are original to the home.
New oak hardwood floors keep the design of the kitchen grounded while the pop of color from the Bertazonni oven counterbalances the cool wall color and oodles of natural light. Our client is thrilled to create healthy meals in this charming new space!
We truly hope you and yours are safe and healthy. While the pandemic has created some challenges, it does not stop our creative process. Working with local showrooms, vendors and tradespeople allows us to keep the design ball rolling and bringing our clients wishes to life.