Master Bath Retreat

The original master bathroom was narrow and simply needed to be updated.  There was a small bedroom next to the bathroom which my clients wanted to make into a main floor laundry room so we extended the new master bathroom a few feet into the bedroom.  The double vanity is now on the opposite wall of the new laundry room and a corner shower allows for easy access.  The toilet room was moved to the front of the bath and is now a separate space.  The Terrazzo floor tile by Pental is a current design element that also ties to the period of the house.  The Strasser cabinets and new lighting provide an up to date feel for this modern bathroom.  I created a custom paint color for the walls and Champagne on Ice was used on all the ceilings and trim throughout the house.

Contemporary Living Room

My client’s custom built a stunning contemporary home on the beautiful coast of the Puget Sound in West Seattle after living in the area for over the past two decades.  They both always wanted to live on the water and finally moved into their two building compound after a two a half year construction. The architect designed the home to take advantage of the water views and the home has over forty windows so to experience every aspect of each day.

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They love to entertain so the main floor has a large kitchen and living room area with access out to a water front balcony.  I wanted to keep the coloring of all the furnishings in the spaces neutral yet with some interest and to not detract from the beautiful scenery.  My clients travel a great deal and their artwork and sculptures also were part of the overall design of the spaces.  The custom bar stools by Trica and dining table and chairs by Old Biscayne Designs provide enough sitting for all of their gatherings. 

The main focal point of the living room is the black slate fireplace which is directly opposite the dining and kitchen areas.  The custom Vanguard sofa with a tweed Pindler fabric has a sweeping view of the Puget Sound while the two Charleston Forge sitting chairs are centered off the fireplace.  A custom day bed was design for both sitting and lounging while viewing all of the daily sea life.  All of the wool custom area rugs are by Antrim.

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The entry of the home is dramatic with the steel staircase and wood slat walls that were designed on all three levels of the house.

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BEFORE

Living Room Before

Living Room Before

Kitchen Before

Kitchen Before

Entry Before

Entry Before

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

Living Room with Stunning Views

The original living room was stark and all white and my clients wanted a warm and inviting feel from the front door that looks directly into the living room.  The fireplace surround and hearth was retiled with a warm natural stone and a new custom mantel now provides the space for decorative items. New window coverings add to the warmth of the space and provide coverage for all the new furnishings during hot summer days.  The new large sectional, cocktail table, area rug and sitting chair provide ample space for my clients to entertain and enjoy the beautiful view. I created a custom paint wall color and used Champagne on Ice for the ceiling and trim.


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.


Zen Guest Bath

The original main floor guest bathroom had a door leading into the adjacent bedroom which took up a lot of valuable space in the small bathroom.  The door was removed so that a full vanity could take up the entire window wall. The shower was enlarged by removing a hallway closet and the pink shower tile was updated with 12” x 24” size tiles in a neutral off white color and installed vertically to create a larger feel.  The wall paint color is Glacier and the ceiling is Champagne on Ice.  The guest bedroom now has modern en-suite bathroom.  

BEFORES & AFTERS



Basement Bathroom Refresh!

The basement guest bathroom is just off the guest bedroom and the original space was dark and cold. We kept the plumbing in the same locations and simply updated the tile, Strasser cabinetry and lighting to create a warm and inviting bathroom. Floor plank tiles were used on the floor to create a rustic feel. The wall paint color is Dove Grey and the ceiling is Champagne on Ice.

Bright and Airy Kitchen Remodel

The original kitchen had blue painted cabinets and simply needed a refresh.  New cabinets and appliances were installed and a wider peninsula island was created for the cooktop placed and to have ample room for bar stools across from it.  The back splash mosaic tile, a new center island and new lighting make this a modern kitchen. Adjacent to the cook area is now a built in desk space and extra storage.  The custom window seats were made to fit in the corner dining area and now this comfortable space is where the family starts the day. I created a custom paint color for the walls and Champagne on Ice was used on all the ceilings and trim throughout the house.

BEFORES & AFTERS



The Perfect Family Room

This family loves to be together while watching TV and the custom J. Redmond sectional was designed to sit all their friends and family and the Maxwell upholstery fabric was selected for its clean ability and durability for any accidental spills and stains.  The custom upholstered ottoman with a wood center top is the perfect solution for the center of the sectional. And the custom TV cabinet by Old Biscayne anchors the wall and has amble storage below. The one of a kind shell lamp by Currey & Co. sets the tone for all the movie watching evenings.

Dining in Elegance- A Before & After

This home was completed in spring of 2018 and my client’s family decided it was their dream home so to create long term memories and it was in the perfect location since their 10 year old son didn’t have to change schools nor friends and they all love the clean modern aesthetic.  The couple has stressful careers and wanted a sanctuary to retreat to after a long day. They love to entertain and the eight and a half foot long custom Old Biscayne dining table can sit several friends and family comfortably. The Pindler modern chenille upholstery fabric is the star of the room and the wood Antrim custom area rug sets off the entire table and chairs!

Zen Bathroom Remodel by Kathy Banak

My clients two teenage son’s bathroom went through a transformation with the addition of a walk in shower and vanity cabinet instead of a pedestal sink.  The Stasser vanity in a light grey color has plenty of storage for both boy’s with the addition of a medicine mirror and ample lighting with the Quoizel light bar. The Authentic Home Greystone Light paint color definitely enhances the lightness and brings a modern touch to this small bathroom!

Beautiful Spa Like Bath Remodel by Kathy!

My client wanted a tranquil bathroom and her master bath went thru a huge transformation just with the change of the paint color from a vibrant red to the Authentic Home Dove Grey.  The layout wasn’t functional for my client to bathe every night so I change the location of the toilet so that the shower and tub was the focal point upon entering the very small bathroom. The custom Furniture Guild vanity and crystal vanity light bar make this a unique and elegant small bathroom!



Kathy's Recent Project- Kitchen Before & After!

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My client purchased this 100 year old Craftsman style home when she was raising her family and was excited to update and personalize it to reflect her personal style.

The initial undertaking was the flooring since it was original to the home and has some holes in it that couldn’t be repaired.  DuChateau luxury vinyl tile, LVT, was the final flooring choice since my client was considering renting out the house once her youngest was out of high school and LVT is very durable and waterproof.  The light grey color tones of the LVT works well with the Authentic Home Dove Grey paint color that is throughout the main floor, both bedrooms and bathrooms. The kitchen cabinet doors were resurfaced and quartz Grey Savoie countertops and backsplash and new Top Knobs hardware bring the space much needed lightness while adding a bit of a feminine touch. A new side counter top was added during the remodel for additional storage and to have the flexibility of sitting on bar stools.  The clean white modern table and clear acrylic chairs finish the space with a light and airy feel suitable for any gathering. And the new range and hood along with the farm house white porcelain sink make this a wonderful kitchen to create meals and entertain in.




Metallics: Reflections of Refinement

There is something so rich and sophisticated about mixing and matching metallics in your Interior. Beautiful metallic decor has been making its debuts at High Point Market- it’s not only trending, but it truly is a timeless way to bring beauty and sparkle into your space.

Metallic Decor- Our Favorite Designs


1. Gold Accents.  Mixing and matching various gold accent pieces can really give a sense of cohesivity and eclectic vibes to your space. Creating a photo collage with unique frames, all in gold hues give a rich, smart feel to the wall space. To really emphasize the metallic theme in your decor, implement a metallic pouf, or throw pillows to make the smaller accents really “pop.”

Image Source: Ohbintang, Online

Image Source: Ohbintang, Online



2. Rustic Meets Organic. Combining natural elements with rustic pieces brings forth a level of nostalgia and eclecticism like no other. Scour your local flea market or antique mall for original, one-of-a-kind rustic metal decor, and pair it with unfinished woods and other organic elements.

Image Source: Maison Decor, Online

Image Source: Maison Decor, Online




3. Reflective Surfaces and Finishes. There is no such thing as too many metallics in a space. Well, maybe– but we have yet to see it. Beautiful mirrored furniture pieces paired with gold and bronze accents will surely bring glamour and sophistication to any space. Geometric patterned metallic throw pillows, and simple metallic poufs can really bring forth a level of beauty to a space.





Interested in a design consultation? Contact Kathy Banak today!







Contemporary Dining on Puget Sound

My client’s custom built a stunning contemporary home on the beautiful coast of the Puget Sound in West Seattle after living in the area for over the past two decades. They both always wanted to live on the water and finally moved into their two building compound after a two a half year construction. The architect designed the home to take advantage of the water views and the home has over forty windows so to experience every aspect of each day.

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They love to entertain so the main floor has a large kitchen and living room area with access out to a water front balcony. I wanted to keep the coloring of all the furnishings in the spaces neutral yet with some interest and to not detract from the beautiful scenery. My clients travel a great deal and their artwork and sculptures also were part of the overall design of the spaces. The custom bar stools by Trica and dining table and chairs by Old Biscayne Designs provide enough sitting for all of their gatherings.

Timeless Design | How to Achieve "that" Look

Because Interior Design is an ever-evolving industry, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to keep up with what’s trending– especially since a beautiful design can be a long-term investment. However, there are some essentials to Interior Design that will never age themselves, remaining timeless and classic in your space. This home, designed by Kathy Banak, is the perfect example of how to achieve a quality, classic interior that will evolve with the ever-changing times of the design industry.

Classic Design: 5 Essentials to Achieving A Timeless Look

1. Window Treatments. One of the most influential and easiest ways to give your space a completed look is by adding window treatments. Choosing rich fabrics and quality craftsmanship is key- it truly will give your home the classic, quality look you’re going for.

Image Source: Nina Hendrick, Online

Image Source: Nina Hendrick, Online


2. Organic Natural Finishes. The first thing you see when looking at this beautiful kitchen is the richness in the quartz countertops.

Image Source: Granite Gurus, Online

Image Source: Granite Gurus, Online

3. Soft, Bright Color Palette. Choosing the right color palette for your home is key when designing your space. Since we reside in Washington which is gloomy most of the year, it is essential to select colors that feel bright and airy even during the darkest months. Rich, fresh upholstered details bring a sense of cohesiveness to this charming family room.

Image Source: Editorial Ink, Online

Image Source: Editorial Ink, Online

4. Accessorize All Of Your Spaces. It’s the little things that make a big difference. Does your hallway or foyer have an alcove perfect for a side table and some ambient lighting? It is these spaces that work perfectly to debut your favorite pieces.

Are you looking to revamp your space and not sure where to start? Contact Kathy Banak at Authentic Home for a consulatation.



Spa-like Guest Bedrooms

Zen spa decor is quintessentially calm and peaceful. It is often a favorite decorating scheme for homeowners seeking a relaxing appearance for their bedroom spaces. By incorporating a nature-inspired color palette, luxurious bedding elements and calming accessories, this design is fairly easy to create for a bedroom that looks and feels like a sanctuary retreat in the comfort of one's own home.

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Natural Colors

Use cool colors. Increase the spa-like feel of the room with a cool color palette that features blue and green. Paint the walls a soft, blue color to simulate the look of water, known for its calming properties. Add an area rug in light green, and place it at the foot of the bed to help anchor the space. A green rug gives the room an illusion of grass, which is a nature-inspired choice to add to the calm environment. Lastly, select white bedding, window treatments and furniture pieces to create a simplistic, Zen-like appearance to the room.

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Bed Textiles

Incorporate simple bedding. Zen bedrooms are often minimal in design, so reflect this with a comforter set that is streamlined. Avoid patterns, as they can create a space with visual clutter. Choose styles with tone-on-tone piping details to give the set a bit of style without being too fussy. Select white bedding to complement the spa feel of the room. Add a bit of luxury with high-thread-count sheets in solid white to give the bedding a pampered, spa look and feel. Finish the Zen spa bedroom with two soft, fluffy robes draped on the end of the bed for a relaxing and calming appearance to the entire decor.

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Minimal Clutter

Organize the bedroom. Clutter is to be avoided on all counts in a Zen spa environment. Use organizational tools to get clutter down to a minimum. Place shoes in a hanging shoe rack in a closed closet. Purchase organizing, closet clothes systems for a more functional closet space. Use under-the-bed storage boxes or plastic containers to store items not used on a daily basis, such as seasonal clothing. A clutter-free room is inherently more peaceful, adding to the visual appeal of the Zen spa space.

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Greens! Are they Here to Stay?

The color green is thought to bring balance and harmony to its surroundings so it’s no wonder that it’s a favorite choice in interior design. Aside from the psychology of it, its connection to the outdoors and especially spring and summer makes it a great color to pair with others, after all every flower, no matter what color, has a green stem. This means that even in a monochromatic green scheme, a pop of any other color won’t look out of place and that’s the kind of interior design that can grow with you.

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If you love the color green but prefer a neutral palette on your walls, there are so many other ways to inject it into your decor. When using the color in details consider using a whole variety of shades from dark to light – see room above. 

Tiles come in almost the same range of colors as paint but also come in or can be used in patterns so when considering a green theme for your home go beyond your favorite shade and think pattern too.

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Blues without the Blues

Well, it’s that time of year already again! The sun is about to go into hibernation (at least in the Pacific Northwest, that is)! But, there are ways you can make your interior still feel luxurious even in the darker months with an unassuming color- blue. Here are ways in which you can implement blues into your interiors without feeling blue.

Interior designers love working with colors that are trendy in order to create unique and stylish spaces that are beautiful. One of the most popular colors that designers are using right now is blue, so incorporating various shades of this hue into your home will bring a current vibe into it and psychologically impact qualities that are associated with blue. If you want to create a soothing environment that will stimulate your mind and improve your ability to think clearly, blue has been scientifically proven to put your mind at ease.

Mix and Match Blue Hues

Blue can be wither an intense color, or somewhat neutral when used throughout various spaces, so it is important to consider the size of your space before choosing blue as the main color. Mixing varying shades of blue is a gorgeous way to not only break up the monotony of a using one hue of blue, but also creates a more calming space. You can also use several patterns in your blue furniture, accents, and wallpaper so that you can provide enough contrast within a room while still keeping the blue color the focal point.

Use Dark Blue with Caution

Darker shades of blue are certainly rich and sophisticated, but they need to be used correctly. Too much dark blue in a room can make it feel colder and smaller than it actually is. Gold, yellow, and other bright hues pair perfectly with darker blues, so add these too offset the cool tone with furniture, accessories, window treatments, lighting. This is how you can truly bring out a darker blue hue in a classic way.

Also, if you are going to have darker blue walls, you may want to contrast them with light furniture or accessories. In the same way, if you have a lot of blue furniture in a room, try to add accessories that are paler or cream colored to break the darkness up while still maintaining the calming vibe.

If you would like to go in a different direction, you can also use dark brown wood to ground blue colors throughout a space. Just think of the color wheel- the opposite of blue is orange (it’s complement).

Simple Ways to Update Your Curb Appeal

Whether you have a brand new home, or an old character one, there are always ways in which you can give your home's curb appeal that extra, well, "oomph." Here are some ideas in which you can truly up your home's exterior's A-Game. 

If your home's architecture speaks for itself, it's best to have an understated, clean landscaped look. You will really want to allow your home to stand out. Adding stone or several textures to your home's exterior truly give it a rich look. 

This beautiful Victorian home has curb appeal nailed down to a tee. Ornate ginger-breading details,  rich paint scheme, perfectly landscaped yard, and a welcoming facade- this home has it all. There has been no detail ignored!

There is nothing more lovely than a bright, bold color scheme on a home's exterior. If your home needs a little TLC in regards to its curb appeal, a fresh coat of paint can go a long way. It's always smart, however, to be mindful of your location's lighting, your neighbor's color palettes, and the style of your home before going too bold!