The Simplicity of Scandinavian Design

Scandinavian design has long been revered for its simplicity, functionality, and beauty. Originating in the Nordic countries of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland, this design aesthetic emerged in the early 20th century and has since become a global phenomenon. Characterized by clean lines, minimalist forms, and a focus on natural materials, Scandinavian design is renowned for its timeless appeal and effortless blend of form and function!

One of the key principles of Scandinavian design is the emphasis on functionality. Furniture and home accessories are designed to be practical, with an emphasis on usability and comfort. This focus on functionality is evident in the design of iconic pieces such as the Egg Chair by Arne Jacobsen and the Paimio Chair by Alvar Aalto, both of which are celebrated for their innovative design and ergonomic features.

Another hallmark of Scandinavian design is its use of natural materials. Wood, in particular, is a popular choice, with light woods such as beech, birch, and pine being favored for their warmth and durability. These natural materials are often combined with soft, muted colors such as whites, grays, and earth tones, creating a calming and harmonious aesthetic.

In addition to its focus on functionality and natural materials, Scandinavian design is also known for its emphasis on light. Large windows, skylights, and light-colored walls are common features of Scandinavian homes, allowing natural light to flood the space and create a bright and airy atmosphere. This use of light not only enhances the visual appeal of the space but also has a positive impact on mood and well-being.

Overall, Scandinavian design is a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the power of thoughtful design. With its emphasis on functionality, natural materials, and light, this design aesthetic continues to inspire designers and homeowners around the world, proving that good design is truly timeless.

Design Horizons: Unveiling the Trends Shaping 2024

As we step into the ever-evolving world of design in 2024, it's time to explore the exciting trends that are set to redefine our creative landscapes. From interior spaces to graphic design, fashion, and beyond, these trends promise to captivate our senses and inspire a new wave of artistic expression.

  1. Biophilic Design Takes Root:

    • Nature-inspired design continues to flourish in 2024. Biophilic design, emphasizing a connection with the natural world, is making waves in interior spaces. Expect to see an influx of greenery, natural materials, and earthy color palettes that bring the outdoors inside, fostering a sense of calm and well-being.

  2. Sustainable Sensibilities:

    • The design community is embracing sustainability with open arms. From eco-friendly materials to zero-waste practices, there's a growing commitment to reducing the environmental impact of design. Sustainable choices are becoming a hallmark of conscientious and forward-thinking creations.

  3. Maximalism Makes a Comeback:

    • Minimalism takes a back seat as maximalism steps into the limelight. Bold colors, intricate patterns, and diverse textures characterize this trend, encouraging a fearless approach to design. Maximalism invites us to embrace the beauty of excess and self-expression.

  4. Tech-Infused Aesthetics:

    • Technology continues to shape the design landscape. Augmented reality, virtual reality, and interactive elements are finding their way into design projects, offering immersive and engaging experiences. The fusion of tech and aesthetics opens new avenues for creativity.

  5. Nostalgic Nods to the Past:

    • Nostalgia takes center stage as designers draw inspiration from the past. Vintage aesthetics, retro color schemes, and nods to specific eras inject a sense of familiarity and warmth into contemporary design. It's a celebration of the timeless appeal of bygone eras.

  6. Cultural Fusion in Fashion:

    • Fashion trends in 2024 are marked by a celebration of cultural diversity. Designers are exploring and blending elements from various cultures, creating garments that tell stories and celebrate the rich tapestry of global influences.

  7. Abstract and Artistic Typography:

    • Graphic design takes a bold turn with abstract and artistic typography. Designers are pushing the boundaries of traditional fonts, experimenting with unconventional shapes and arrangements. Typography becomes a powerful visual element in conveying messages.

As we navigate the design landscape of 2024, these trends offer a glimpse into the diverse and dynamic world of creativity. From nature-inspired interiors to sustainable practices, bold maximalism, tech-infused experiences, nostalgic nods, cultural fusion in fashion, and artistic typography, the design horizon is expansive and brimming with possibilities. Embrace the trends that resonate with your vision, and let the creative journey of 2024 unfold with innovation, beauty, and authenticity.

Embracing Simplicity: A Guide to Achieving the Scandinavian Design Look

Scandinavian design is renowned for its clean lines, simplicity, and functionality. Rooted in the principles of minimalism and inspired by the natural beauty of the Nordic region, this design style has gained global popularity. In this blog, we'll explore the key elements and practical tips to help you achieve the coveted Scandinavian design look in your home!

  1. Neutral Color Palette: Scandinavian design embraces a neutral color palette dominated by whites, grays, and muted tones. Opt for light-colored walls and furniture to create a bright and airy atmosphere. These hues not only reflect natural light but also provide a versatile backdrop for other design elements.

  2. Natural Materials: Bring the outdoors in by incorporating natural materials. Wood, especially light-colored woods like pine and birch, is a staple in Scandinavian design. Choose furniture and decor items made from natural materials such as leather, wool, and linen to add warmth and texture to your space.

  3. Clean Lines and Simple Shapes: Scandinavian design is characterized by clean lines and simple, functional shapes. Furniture with sleek profiles and minimalistic detailing is key. Opt for pieces that prioritize both form and function, contributing to an uncluttered and harmonious aesthetic.

  4. Functional Furniture: Functionality is a fundamental aspect of Scandinavian design. Invest in multifunctional furniture that serves a purpose without sacrificing style. Look for pieces with hidden storage solutions to maintain the clean and organized look that defines this design style.

  5. Hygge: Embrace Coziness: The Danish concept of "hygge" (pronounced hoo-ga) is central to Scandinavian design. It emphasizes creating a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. Incorporate soft textiles like throws, cushions, and rugs to add warmth and invite a sense of hygge into your home.

  6. Minimalistic Decor: Keep decor minimal and purposeful. Choose a few statement pieces that align with the clean aesthetic of Scandinavian design. Consider wall art, ceramics, or carefully selected decorative items that contribute to the overall harmony of the space.

  7. Natural Light: Maximize natural light to enhance the airy feel of Scandinavian design. Opt for light and sheer window treatments that allow sunlight to filter through. Consider strategically placing mirrors to reflect light and create the illusion of a more open space.

  8. Indoor Plants: Introduce a touch of nature by incorporating indoor plants. Greenery adds life to the space and complements the neutral color scheme. Opt for low-maintenance plants like succulents or snake plants to keep in line with the simplicity of Scandinavian design.

  9. Functional Lighting: Select functional and stylish lighting fixtures. Pendant lights, floor lamps, and table lamps with clean lines contribute to the overall aesthetic while providing ample illumination. Consider statement lighting pieces to add an element of interest to the room.

Achieving the Scandinavian design look is about embracing simplicity, functionality, and a connection to nature. By incorporating a neutral color palette, natural materials, clean lines, functional furniture, cozy elements, minimalistic decor, maximizing natural light, adding indoor plants, and choosing functional lighting, you can create a harmonious and inviting space that embodies the timeless appeal of Scandinavian design. Let your home reflect the beauty of simplicity and the tranquility of Nordic living.

DIY Hacks for Beautiful Decor!

Are you tired of seeing the same old furniture and decorations in your home? Why not spruce things up with some cool DIY ideas for interior decor? Not only will you save money by making things yourself, but you'll also have one-of-a-kind pieces that truly reflect your personality and style!

First, let's talk about upcycling. Take an old dresser or side table and turn it into a chic statement piece by painting it with bold colors or adding unique knobs and handles. Another great upcycling idea is to use old wooden crates or pallets to make shelving units or coffee tables. Just sand them down and paint or stain them to fit your decor.

If you're feeling extra creative, try making your own wall art. Use paint or washi tape to create geometric shapes on canvas, or use string art to spell out your favorite quotes or words. You can even make your own macrame wall hangings or dip-dyed tassels to add texture and dimension to your walls.

For those who love plants, DIY planters are a great way to add greenery to your space. Use old teacups or mason jars to make adorable herb planters for your kitchen, or make hanging planters out of copper piping and rope. You can also create your own terrariums using succulents and moss.

Last but not least, don't forget about lighting. A simple DIY project is to use twine or rope to create pendant lights for your living room or dining area. You can also make your own candle holders using mason jars, or use a wire basket to create a unique hanging light fixture.

These are just a few of the many DIY ideas for interior decor. So grab your crafting supplies and get to work! With a little bit of creativity and imagination, you can transform your home into a personalized oasis that you'll love spending time in.

Coastal Interior Design: Get the Look

Are you looking to bring the beauty of the ocean into your home? Coastal interior design is a perfect way to bring a touch of the shore into your living space. Whether you're looking to go all-in with an ocean themed decor or just add a few subtle hints of the coast, this blog post will show you how to get the look of coastal interior design in your own home. From selecting the right colors to choosing the perfect furniture and accessories, this post will help you create a tranquil and inviting atmosphere inspired by the sea.

Simple Color Palettes

When it comes to coastal interior design, it is all about keeping it simple. Neutral colors such as white, cream, taupe, and beige are perfect for creating a beachy feel. These shades are calming, airy, and bring a sense of peace to the room. Accent colors can be added with pops of blues, greens, and yellows for an extra touch of ocean vibes. Adding in dark accents such as navy or charcoal gray gives a modern twist to the look. Keeping your color palette neutral will help to create a unified space that still has personality and charm.

Natural Materials

When designing a coastal interior, one of the best ways to add a unique touch is to incorporate natural materials. Natural materials, like driftwood, seashells, sea glass and coral, all add a unique texture and charm to your space. Driftwood can be used to create shelving or furniture pieces that have a beachy vibe. Seashells can be collected and placed in glass vases or mason jars as decorative accents. Sea glass can be used to create colorful window treatments or wall hangings. Coral can be used to create beautiful statement pieces, such as lamps or sculpture. Adding natural elements to your coastal interior will add an element of beauty and interest to your space.

Textured Fabrics

Adding a touch of texture to your coastal interior design can make all the difference in bringing your space to life. Textured fabrics are a great way to add visual interest and depth, and they’re also incredibly versatile. From light cottons and linens to heavier materials like velvet or denim, there are a variety of textiles you can incorporate into your decor. 

Cotton and linen are great options for upholstery pieces like sofas, chairs, and ottomans. These fabrics are light and airy, perfect for warm summer days and breezy evenings spent by the sea. For draperies, consider adding a heavier fabric like denim or velvet to create an inviting atmosphere that still keeps out the heat. 

When it comes to accessorizing, don’t be afraid to mix different textures. Try pairing a lightweight throw blanket with a more substantial pillow to create depth and contrast. Then add some throws made from chunky knits, woven rugs, or macrame wall hangings for an extra layer of texture. With these pieces, you can create a cozy atmosphere that is reminiscent of days spent relaxing on the beach.

Sea-Inspired Accents

If you want to bring a true coastal feel to your interior design, then adding some sea-inspired accents is the perfect way to do it. From starfish and coral to driftwood and shells, there are plenty of fun and creative ways to incorporate nautical elements into your space.

For a subtle but stylish look, consider using a few statement pieces. A large piece of driftwood makes an excellent centerpiece for a mantle or coffee table, while small shells or starfish can be used as table or shelf decorations. You can also go for something bolder, such as a large wall mural depicting a beach scene or a detailed model of a sailboat.

If you’re looking for something a little softer, try incorporating some textured fabrics. Sea-inspired throws or pillows with a hint of blue or white can make any room more inviting and calming. You could also use seagrass rugs for an earthy texture and fresh, ocean-like scent.

Finally, if you want to add some drama and depth, try incorporating lighting inspired by the sea. Seaweed-shaped chandeliers or lamps with a deep blue hue will certainly create an impact in any room.

No matter what type of sea-inspired accents you choose, they will give your interior design an instant coastal feel. So why not get creative and experiment with these ideas today?








Decorating with Mirrors: Tips and Tricks to Get Started

Decorating with mirrors is a great way to add character and style to any room in the home. Mirrors can be used to brighten dark spaces, create the illusion of a larger room, or simply to give a room an extra decorative touch. In this blog post, we'll explore some tips and tricks to help you get started with decorating with mirrors. From choosing the right style of mirror to creating a cohesive look, you'll learn everything you need to know to get the most out of decorating with mirrors.


The Basics of Decorating with Mirrors

Decorating with mirrors is an easy way to add style and visual interest to any room in your home. Mirrors can reflect light, making the space appear brighter and larger. They also serve as a great focal point and add a touch of elegance to a room. Whether you’re looking for a subtle addition or an eye-catching accent piece, mirrors can be a great option for updating your space. 

Before you start decorating with mirrors, it’s important to understand the basics of mirror placement and size. If you’re just getting started, it’s best to focus on one area of the room at a time. The size of the mirror should be in proportion to the size of the space. For example, if you have a large wall, you should opt for a large mirror that will fill the space without overwhelming it. However, if you have a smaller wall, you should choose a smaller mirror to keep the room from feeling cluttered. 

In terms of placement, mirrors can be hung horizontally or vertically, depending on the shape of the wall and the look you’re going for. Horizontally placed mirrors create an expansive feeling while vertical mirrors tend to create a more dramatic effect. Consider how much natural light the space receives when deciding which direction to hang the mirror. 

When selecting a mirror for a room, consider both function and style. Mirrored furniture can bring a unique aesthetic to a room and can also help to reflect light throughout the space. For walls, look for frames that match the overall décor of the room. If you’re aiming for a more traditional look, consider ornate frames with intricate detailing. If you’re looking for something more modern, opt for sleek and minimalist frames. 

No matter how you decide to decorate with mirrors, it’s important to remember that they can make any room feel larger and more inviting. With the right placement and styling, you can easily transform any room in your home with just one simple addition.

Where to Place Mirrors in Your Home

Mirrors are incredibly versatile and can be used in many different places around your home. From making a small space seem bigger to adding a decorative touch, mirrors can make all the difference in a room. Here are some of the best places to add mirrors in your home:

1. Entryway – Adding a mirror near your front door is a great way to make a grand entrance. Place it high enough so that you can see yourself from head to toe as you enter.

2. Hallways – Make a long hallway appear more spacious by adding a wall of mirrors. Or use a large mirror in an accent color to bring more light and life into the area.

3. Living Room – A large floor-to-ceiling mirror can be used to make the room feel more open and airy. It’s also great for reflecting natural light, giving the living room an overall brighter look.

4. Bedroom – Place a full-length mirror near the bed or closet for convenience and extra light. You can also add several smaller mirrors in different shapes and sizes on the walls for a more eclectic and decorative look.

5. Dining Room – For an elegant touch, hang a large mirror on the wall opposite the dining table. This will make the room feel more inviting and provide an interesting focal point for dinner conversations.

By adding mirrors to these key areas of your home, you can create a truly stunning interior space. Not only do they help make the home look bigger and brighter, but they can also add a unique decorative touch that sets your home apart from the rest.

If you’re looking for a great way to add visual interest to your space while creating the illusion of a larger area, decorating with mirrors is an excellent choice. Mirrors reflect light and create the illusion of depth, making it look like a room is bigger than it actually is. Here are some tips for how to use mirrors to create the illusion of space: 

- Place a large mirror opposite a window. This will reflect natural light throughout the space, making it appear more open and airy.

- Hang two matching mirrors on opposite walls. When placed in this manner, the reflected images create an optical illusion that makes a room appear wider.

- Position a long, narrow mirror horizontally on a wall or lean it against a wall in a corner. Doing so adds length to the room and creates the appearance of more space.

- Utilize multiple small mirrors placed in different parts of the room. This creates interesting shapes and reflections and helps to draw the eye around the space, making it feel larger.

By following these tips, you can easily use mirrors to create the illusion of space in any room. With a little creativity and some carefully chosen pieces, you can transform your home with the power of reflection!












From Washington to Idaho: Kathy's New Home Remodel!

There were several reasons why my husband Rick and I decided to relocate from central Washington to Coeur D’ Alene Idaho this past January of 2022 and we are both very glad we made the move to this stunningly beautiful area. After several months of researching builders and the real estate market, we decided to purchase a three-year-old home in a wonderful part of Coeur D’ Alene. The builder grade home has great bones and just needed to be transformed into our vision for our new home. We both wanted a more modern feel and changed the following elements over the past six months to achieve our overall goal. Come on in to see our transformation!

Paint & Flooring Remodel

I’ve always considered paint colors and flooring to be a strong foundation and an important element to build upon when remodeling. I transformed the taupe and white paint colors that were throughout the entire home into a warm color palette of cream, tan, brown, green, and blue palette, and I gave the ceilings definition by painting them an off-white color. I removed all the bedroom and stair carpet selected a warm beige solid color Evoke laminate plank flooring and installed it directly over a luxury vinyl plank that was a multi-colored stripe pattern. I also installed a luxury vinyl tile over the LVP in the master bathroom and closet. The new laminate flooring and the new paint color palette provided me with a great launching off place for all my other material selections. My new console table will arrive early in 2023 and will be placed under the wall sconces. The animal print Stanton carpet runner in the hall and up the stairs gives the space some personality and provides a warm and inviting feel to our entry.

We removed the entry hall casings and heavy barn doors which immediately provided a lighter feel to our home’s entrance. I painted the baseboards, door trims and window casings the same paint color as the walls to create a seamless flow. By having everything the same paint color, one’s eye doesn’t get distracted by a different paint color and in turn creates better flow. Additionally, by painting bath or laundry vanities the same color as the wall color, it will make the space feel larger and flow better.

Kitchen & Pantry Remodel

The two-tone flat panel cabinets, by Advanced Cabinets, create a modern look for our new kitchen. The brown colored cabinets over the cooktop bring interest to the workspace and its great storage for all our oils and vinegar. I made the great room feel cohesive by bringing the warm blonde and brown cabinet colors on the opposite fireplace wall. I selected a Taj Mahl quartzite countertop material for both the countertops and backsplash both for its natural beauty and its complementary warm color palette. I choose a Rohl polished nickel sleek modern faucet, a large Kohler one bowl cast iron sink and polished nickel cabinet tab pulls to gives the kitchen a clean, warm, and inviting feel. New upholstered Jessica Charles counter stools will find their home by the island in January!

In addition to not wanting a white kitchen for our new home, we also didn’t want a corner pantry in the space. We opted to remove the kitchen desk and closet from the adjacent workout flex room to create a large walk-in pantry. The pantry is now 12’ x 5’ size and perfect for our 2 Perlick wine refrigerators and plenty of additional storage space. I’ve always wanted to have a slat wall to house all my party platters and I am thrilled how my visual storage turned out!

I love our floating shelves on the left side of the sink which is perfect for all our daily dishes and glassware. The large deep cabinets and custom knife, utensil and spice drawers make our new kitchen very functional and perfect for all our cooking and gatherings will plan to have for many years to come! We removed a row of recessed can lights in the kitchen that felt like an airport runway and took away from my Circa Lighting Talia glass ball chandelier which I wanted it to be the focal point of the space. It is centered on the front door and provides interest and whimsy to our home, and it makes me smile every time I see it! The jury is still out as to whether we get island pendants and currently I am loving the openness of our space and feel that island pendants have been overused for some time. Depending on the size of a kitchen, you often don’t need them if you have sufficient recessed can or other task lighting.

Living Room Fireplace Wall Remodel

The builder grade look of the fireplace installed on the floor wasn’t going to achieve the modern direction we wanted, so we chose a liner fireplace with birch logs and raised the unit high enough on the wall so I could have a mantel over it. The fireplace slat wall was an idea I came up with again to provide a clean and modern look for the wall. Base cabinets below and open shelves above the 70” TV balance out the wall and provide interest and warmth to the entire room. This wall is my favorite feature of our remodel and I love how it has turned out!

Master Bedroom Remodel

The master is a smaller size than we’ve had in former bedrooms, and I wanted to achieve a cozy feel in the space. By removing the window above the bed wall, it provides us the space to have our large king size bed on it. Many don’t consider removing windows or doors to add functionality to a space and I hope now you will consider it.

I am a huge fan of custom draperies, and I used a Pindler fabric that is a similar color tone as the wall paint color to give the illusion of a larger room. Especially in a bedroom I frequently use a blackout lining for the room darkening effect. A new Fabrica area rug and beautiful Circa Lighting lamps complete the look of our new cozy and comfortable master bedroom.

Master Closet Remodel

I often say that having a built-in closet is like flying first class, in that once you have one in your home it is very hard to go back to the builder grade wire racks. We invested in a floor to ceiling master closet that finally can store all our clothes! Built in drawers, hamper, jewelry trays, tie and belt racks were included to add to our functional and beautiful new master closet.

Laundry/Mudroom Remodel

The laundry/mudroom door leads to the garage and is adjacent to the master closet. There was a door leading into master closet which didn’t make sense to me at all especially since I was wondering where to put all my shoes! The first thing we did was to remove the door that led from the laundry mudroom into the master closet so to gain more hanging space in the master closet. It also provided us a full wall to have a custom built-in wall with cubbies and a bench. By removing the upper cabinets over the washer dryer, I added a wall-to-wall shelf that is reachable for me and will house decorative baskets full of supplies. Larger Circa Lighting ceiling light fixtures, an undermount composite off white sink and a quartz slab installed over the washer dryer make this space a lot more functional and we are thrilled with the outcome!

Guest Bedroom & Bath Transformation

Since we use the main floor bedrooms as offices, we turned the 2nd floor space into our guest suite. I choose a seafoam green paint color and placed two sitting chairs at the end of the room to anchor it in front of the three windows. And now it’s perfect spot to curl up with a good book. I continued the laminate flooring into the 2 nd floor bedroom and bathroom and installed a custom area rug to create warmth in the bedroom space. All of the furniture pieces came our former home and I feel they all fit nicely in the room. My husband Rick says I created a hotel room in our new guest bedroom!

Powder Room & Guest Bathroom Transformations

Once these rooms were painted, I wanted to create their own personalities and I replaced the countertops, faucets, lighting, mirrors and cabinet hardware to achieve my goal. I stayed with the polished nickel finish for the lighting and cabinet hardware and added fun shower curtains and area rugs to complete the look. That’s all you need to create your own sanctuaries!

Workout Flex Room Remodel

I love the idea of including a workout flex space in a home and our new flex room houses our Pelton bike, weights, mats and has room for an armoire that was in our former master bedroom. I use it now for hiding our work out equipment and some of my business files. We removed the closet in the former space for our new pantry.

Window Coverings

In addition to loving custom draperies, I also love custom window coverings. By adding a fabric window covering to a room you immediately create warmth and interest. I installed custom roman shades in the powder room, my office and a sheer fabric panel on the front door side window. In the other rooms I finished them with Horizon Window Fashions woven weave roman shade in a color like the wall paint colors. The kitchen, dining and living room windows all face north and are very tall so I knew I wanted to be motorized and I choose a Horizons Window Fashions sunshade in they are the same color as the new laminate flooring. Window coverings are often left to the end of a project and it’s important to select and budget for them during the initial phase as they play a key role in completing any space.

What’s Next?

Phase II of our new home remodel is scheduled for 2023 with our master bath remodel as we simply ran out of steam to do it in Phase I. The master bath will be cosmetic with new shower tiles, and a new vanity countertop, faucets, and lighting. We both have separate offices, formerly bedrooms, that will also be finished in 2023. Let the transformation continue!

Horizons Window Fashions Partnership

I am happy to announce I have partnered with Horizon Window Fashions! If you’re seeking assistance with any aspect of your Interior Design, including window treatments, I am happy to assist you! Horizons has a beautiful selection of any kind of window fashion you can think of. And their customer service is impeccable to book! You can see the link for Horizons here.

Workout Room Meets Craft Room

One of the biggest transformations in the home was the creation of two separate rooms that was once a large laundry and storage room.  My clients wanted a separate workout room and a craft room large enough for additional storage and my clients stain glass supplies. The custom cabinets are by Organized Spaces and both new rooms are used daily and add a lot of valve to the home.  The wall color is Greystone and the ceiling is Champagne on Ice.


BEFORES & AFTERS

Sparkling Clean Laundry Room

On the main floor adjacent to the master bathroom was a small bedroom.  My clients, who are both in their sixties, wanted to have a main floor laundry instead of going to the basement to do laundry.  The small bedroom was created into the new laundry room. The custom cabinets are by Organized Spaces and the wall paint color is a custom color I created called Powder Green Light and the ceiling is Champagne on Ice.


Kathy Turns an Unused Space into A Wine Room

Kathy’s client had a room at the bottom of their stairwell that was not being used by the household very often. The members of the family were delighted to see her work magic in this tiny space; creating a beautiful wine room, perfect for entertaining and relaxation.

Pictured Here: the bottom of the stairway with the entrance into the space. (BEFORE)

Wine-Room-Door-Before-e1472158495547-768x1029.jpg

Beautiful stone flooring, a custom made metal door with ornate detailing, and fresh paint adorn the new space. What a difference it makes! (AFTER)

The interior of the space before was stark and uninspired. It had a cave-like feel and was rarely used by members of the household. (Below)

Wine-Room-Before-e1472158215684-768x1029.jpg

The client wanted to create a bistro-like setting, reminiscent of their travels to Europe. Kathy chose a beautiful silver leaf table set that worked perfectly with the color palette of the final design. Gorgeous Cararra marble countertops, a commercial wine refrigerator, and Authentic Home’s Crystal Blue  paint from her Elegant Color Palette add sophistication to the space. The lattice patterned wine racks are reminiscent of old world wine rooms seen in Europe. The bright trim and ceiling give the space a larger feel, while the stone flooring gives a rustic touch to the final design.

This space now has plenty of storage for both wine, but for entertaining guests when they come to visit this gorgeous home.

Seeking design assistance? Contact Kathy Banak today!

Functional Laundry Room

The laundry was remodeled to provide more efficiency to the space.  A new stackable washer and dryer and custom cabinets with a Carrara marble countertop transform this space into a functional laundry room.

Before & After

Grand Stairway

The staircase with new iron balusters is one of the first things one sees upon entering the home. The new scroll style fits perfectly with the lighter feminine feel of the home.  The mission style stairwell pendant was updated with a crystal and glass chandelier that is a beautiful welcome to the homeowner and guests as it is seen through the window outside upon entering the home.

Staircase Before & After

 

Timeless Study

The homeowner’s office was formerly a teenage boy’s bedroom and has since been transformed into a light and airy room with the use of the Authentic Home Pink Grapefruit paint color and custom wool carpet in a grey color tone.  The iron trundle bed and custom bedding coordinates beautifully with the custom roman shades.  The timeless writing desk and dresser were provided by the homeowner and add the perfect feminine touch to this pretty room.

Study Before & After

Rustic Vacation Home Grand Entry

A Grand Entry The 20 foot high ceilings make the entry a truly grand space. The couple wanted it to make a statement with the size of it as well as show their personalities with the décor. Incorporating natural materials, like a locally found wood beam and barn board material, make the space feel like you are outdoors. Upon entering the home you can’t help notice the photos of local Madrona trees, taken by a family member, the weathered ten foot sideboard and oversized tortoise lamp with drum shade all which provide a casual and comfortable feel to guests. Authentic Home COLOR Paint in Café Au Lait was used on the walls to make the large entry feel warm and inviting.

Serene Master Closet

My clients had recently moved from California and desperately wanted to remodel their 1970’s master bathroom so to take advantage of the magnificent view of south Puget Sound. The large bathroom had a Jacuzzi tub, double sink vanity with small cabinet drawers, an enclosed shower and toilet and a walk-in closet that all simply needed to be updated and redesigned.  My clients preferred a shower over a tub so we made the focal point of the room the view and designed a large shower adorned with three shower heads and stone pebbles on the shower floor in front of an 8’ x 8’ window.  They also wanted to bring the natural colors of nature into the space so I created a color palette of warm green, tan and beige colors.  A new linen cabinet was designed and the vanity countertop is a Seafoam green granite.  Other design features include inset medicine cabinets with wall sconces on either side, a new half wall that provides privacy for the toilet area, a large walk in closet with new build in cabinets and the same tile as in the bath area, an exterior retractable window shade and double pocket doors to the master bedroom really make the space feel like a hotel en-suite bathroom.