Volume 27: August
Vacation season may be coming to an end, but that doesn't mean sunshine and fun have to.
Let's taco 'bout it
One Week Left
Vacation season may be coming to an end, but that doesn't mean sunshine and fun have to.
What do you do to keep those summer vibes going? Please stand by with your PSL, it's not sweater weather yet.
A little trick I've been playing to make it feel like I'm on vacation is to try something new. Sounds simple enough, but think about it. When you're on vacation everything is new. Where to eat, what to see, how to dress.
Plan a day where you take a little drive, eat at a new restaurant, wear an outfit that you'd pack while on vacation. Try it and let me know how it works for you!
No matter where I am one of my favorite ways to enjoy a summer afternoon is eating tacos in the sunshine! Nothing fancy, I'm talking tacos served in a basket sitting outside under an umbrella. Total chill vibes only while eating a meal off of a tray or in a basket.
Two local favorites in Seattle are El Chupacabra on Alki and Pecado Bueno in Fremont.
Year round palm leaves are another way to keep summer alive. They definitely brought a smile to our clients near Alki Beach.
The nature inspiration continued in the powder room with the handmade kale green concrete sink.
You can see more of this project on Houzz and our website!
Give us a call if you're considering adding wallpaper to your world, or some tacos. Either way, we'd love to hear from you.
Happy blue moon week!
Volume 26: July
With all of the one-day sales and specials of the week, retailers are doing their best to get us shopping this month. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (truly one of my favorite holidays of the year) is such a good opportunity to prep for fall and find things for your home.
Christmas in July. Kinda.
Don't tell me I'm the only one currently watching Hallmark Christmas movies in July. No?
The air conditioning is on and I'm wearing sandals but it's a nice reminder of another season. With all of the one-day sales and specials of the week, retailers are doing their best to get us shopping this month. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (truly one of my favorite holidays of the year) is such a good opportunity to prep for fall and find things for your home. Sale time is the perfect time to try a new look or a new scent. Here are a few of my favorites to try this weekend. But don't wait! Items have been selling out since day one of pre-sale, so check them out now.
Bar Tool Set
If you know me, you know I love a good cocktail. Even more so in the sunshine. Even if you're not the bartender in your home, this would make a perfect gift for perfect someone.
It's summertime, try breaking yours in with an Aperol Spritz.
Nest Candles
A repeat favorite of mine. If you enjoy scented candles, try these grapefruit candles from Nest and enjoy. Let me know what you think!
Crosley Turntable
Who's got some 45's waiting to be played? This mini player is so darn chic in ivory.
Pet Sweater
I wasn't able to grab this in the right size for little Dexter - hoping they get more in stock. How do you keep your pooch cozy in the fall?
Black Marble Serving Board
This black marble serving board would be great for a party charcuterie board and as a great backdrop standing up on your counter.
Here's how we've styled similar serving boards.
Chic Shower Curtain
A white shower curtain always makes me happy. Gray and black are next in line. But with stripes, even better.
Spa-like Skincare
There was a duo included in the Anniversary Sale but it's so good it sold out! Try this Discovery Set and instantly feel like you are using the good stuff found only in a spa.
Enjoy your July and we'll see you next month with more sunny inspiration!
Thanks for being here!
Volume 25: June
Add some personality
Happy summertime!
It's finally here! Summertime and warm weather here in Seattle. Time for adventures and road trips. What are you up to this summer?
Infusing some personality
While we were working on the mid-century kitchen we shared with you last month, we also had the opportunity to bring the clients' adventurous personalities into their powder room.
The original powder room featured plain white walls and a combination of different wood elements seen in the parquet floor, vanity, medicine cabinet, and vent cover. None of which reflected our clients' tastes or the updates being made in the rest of their home.
The first item we sourced for this project was the green cast-cement sink. Brass elements were continued in the powder room through the various fixtures and vanity. White walls have been replaced with wallpaper and textured tile.
We'd love to chat with you about bringing your personality into your home. We are currently booking for Fall, Winter, and into 2024. Contact us now to schedule an appointment.
Volume 24: May
Inspirational finds near and far
Occasionally, the opportunity to travel for both work and pleasure will arise. Such was the case for me recently when I traveled to Milan with a fellow designer. Our only expectation was to take in as much inspiration as possible (spoiler alert: this was definitely accomplished!).
One of the most impressive sites was the Duomo di Milano at night, pictured above. It's mind boggling to think that this structure, as massive as it is, is only the 15th largest in the world.
Classics since the 14th Century
Marble, a truly timeless material, seen in the facade of the Duomo di Milano. Gray, always in style, don't believe everything the blogs tell you. Arches, an interesting detail we often see in the vintage homes we remodel.
Natural is always in
Curvilinear lines paired with natural stone bring both elegance and comfort.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Ever wonder how we get from inspiration to the finished project? After our initial meeting we follow up with a proposed floor plan. Once that is approved, we create a rendering showing you a colored realistic drawing of what your finished project could look like.
These renderings and floor plans are shared with your contractor who then uses them to create your beautiful, updated space.
We would love to help you achieve your vision with your next project. Please reach out to us here 👇🏻!
Volume 23: March
Following the sunshine
Inspiration in the desert
My family and I recently traveled to Arizona during my daughter's mid-winter break from school. The glow of the desert sunshine accompanied by the little bit city, little bit country vibe of Scottsdale had something for everyone.
I decided we would visit Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and desert laboratory, and the Desert Botanical Garden. These were not at the top of the list for my teenage daughter as she was much more excited about attending the Arabian horse show which luckily overlapped with our visit.
I'm proud to share that she was all smiles at the end of both outings.
We'd all recommend the audio tour at Taliesin West, as we could adjust our timing for any crowds and easily walk the tour. Most of the visit is outdoors, so we were pleased to have moderate weather.
In making your plans, get some great Frank Lloyd Wright inspiration at the Arizona Biltmore (in Phoenix). His brick design work is on proud display everywhere and you can take a history tour. The hotel is on beautiful grounds with something for everyone – pool, cafes, even gelato!
Stay tuned next month for a behind the scenes of one of our latest projects.
Volume 22: February
Color is on the horizon 🌈
How are you feeling in 2023?
I, for one, was very excited to enter this new year. Grateful to be feeling stronger and healthier, I'm focusing on the new and fresh ideas in home design. This is an amazing time for those planning a remodel, getting a new sofa, or adding wallpaper to a family room.
The Kitchen & Bath Show as well as the Furniture Market in Las Vegas were both wonderful sources of inspiration this month. These shows offered a glimpse of everything new and on-trend for your home (notice I didn't say trendy). If it goes on your home, in your home, or around your home it was there. I walked around learning about it for days, trying to take it all in.
Please reach out with your question about features, styles, or materials you'd like to know more about. Even if, you too, loved that pink refrigerator, I'd love to hear it.
If white subway tile is not your jam, we've got some new options waiting for you. Bold colors and patterns are back, baby! Some of us never let them leave. Deep ocean blues, calming greens, and bold yellow are having their moment in home furnishings and tiles.
A few design elements you'll be seeing more of in the near future are more organic in nature. Think curvilinear shapes, wood and stone materials, and chunky textiles. All of these give a fun, updated '70's vibe.
We see customization as a game-changer in the appliance world. Your induction range doesn't have to be the same stainless steel as your neighbor's. Personalization makes your choice special and brings a feeling of connectedness.
So tell me...
Which of these can you see incorporating into your home?
Which colors are your favorites?
See you next month!
Volume 21: December
Warmest wishes this holiday season
As we near the end of this time of celebrations and gatherings, we want to thank you for welcoming us into your home - even while wearing masks.😊 It's been a helluva year full of changes and amazement that brought us renewed energy and continues to keep us on our toes.
We wish you the benefit of peace and good health this season and in the coming year.
What did you celebrate with your loved ones this year? We celebrated my Dad, aka Grandpa, turning 80 years young and a milestone year with my partner.
It is with a full and appreciative heart this holiday season that we say thank you for reading these words and supporting our work.
Happy New Year to you and yours. Cheers to 2023!
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 19: October
You'll want to save this for your next project
Getting ready for a home renovation is often full of many unknowns, especially if it’s your first time remodeling. You are so excited to get to the end result, but not sure what to expect in the time waiting to get there. We know that it can seem scary or frustrating at times. It can feel like the waiting is taking FOREVER.
The most important stage of your remodel – planning - is your magic time to prepare…before the dust starts flying. This phase can (and should!) take a little time. Take the time to prepare for living and happily surviving through your remodel.
We have put together a guide to share our best tips for getting your space and life ready to welcome contractors into your home. Life will be different for a while, but with these steps, you will be able to find a little peace during the chaos.
Are you ready for your next remodeling project? Now is the time to chat with us as we are scheduling well into 2023. Sounds crazy right? We are still working closely with our vendors and suppliers to best prepare for supply chain delays and labor shortages (unfortunately, these are still a reality) to make your projects run as smoothly as possible.
Contact us to schedule now. We are here for you!
Volume 18: September
Happy September!
Here we are on this first day of the month but summer is not over yet!
We want to share with you a new beginning for one of our clients.
This 1920s cottage was in need of a refresh and updated kitchen floor plan after multiple remodels through the years. We set out to meet the needs of our clients by giving them more color, light, and function to accommodate their love of entertaining and fur babies.
In the kitchen, we updated the layout for better flow, installed these shaker teal cabinets, and added a touch of gold with the unique light fixture over the sink.
This Dutch door gives a more accessible and charming point of entry to and from the deck for the clients’ two dogs.
A simple paint treatment adds interest in the dining room, with forest green anchoring the space.
We created a functional focal point in the dining room by taking advantage of this existing alcove. The space was opened up and we added lighting. A built in buffet creates the perfect stop for a party spread.
At the fireplace wall in the living room, we added two windows to bring in more light. This added balance to the already vaulted ceiling. We took advantage of this height and raised the fireplace all the way. Shades of green (a favorite of the client) tile and a reclaimed wood mantle finish off the fireplace with layers of color and texture.
Our clients are so happy with the warm and welcoming vibe that this remodel has given them.
We were honored to submit this kitchen for consideration in the NKBA Puget Sound Chapter Design Awards this year and we won 2nd Place for Small | Medium Kitchen - woohoo!
We're currently scheduling for 2023 and would love to discuss your upcoming projects. Contact us to schedule yours.