faith sheridan's blog

Thanks to my friend, Laura Holland, at Hickory Chair.  Yesterday she dedicated her blog post to me and acknowledged my relationship with Hickory Chair Furniture.  At Faith Sheridan Interior Design in Seattle, WA, I often source furnishings from this venerable US based company in Hickory, NC.

One of the many reasons Hickory Chair is a first option is the ability to customize.  I am able to design something totally custom for my clients rather than ‘the standard issue’.  I can resize, combine finish stains, add details such as monograms, trims or combine fabrics in unique ways.

Please take a look at Laura’s post.  In this project, the mirror  and side table each have a custom finish. 

Dee's Guest Room

One of my favorite design resources as a Seattle interior designer is Pike’s Market. Today I had a photo shoot of a kitchen project with Roger Turk, a fantastic photographer and owner of Northlight Studio.  Roger is responsible for many of the images on the Faith Sheridan Interior Design website.

For those of you familiar with Pike’s Market you know about the flower ladies     Today was a fast in-and-out but I couldn’t resist sharing some images taken with my Blackberry. Oh, BTW, the Rainier cherries are here and news has it that the crop is a bumper! Hooray.

So here’s some flowers to brighten your day.

Fresh flowers today at Pike's Market

Fabulous colors for a bouquet

More on the photo shoot soon with some before images too.

In my Seattle bathroom, my mirror sometimes tells me more than I want to know   but nontheless, I love how mirrors transform interiors.  In my interior design practice, I strategically and sometimes whimsically locate all types of mirrors for function, sparkle and a touch of luxury. No matter if your home is older, dark or new and bright, there is a mirror perfectly suited for your taste.

Hickory Chair Soleil Mirror

• This large, 48″ mirror, replaces artwork in this room setting. Look for large mirrors at antique stores, garage sales and attics of family members.  You can make one if you find a picture frame you love or purchase picture moulding and frame a mirror instead of art.

Mirrored Vanity Trays

•  A few years ago I saw a collection of trays like those in the photo.  These could hang over a bed or in a hallway. 

Mirrored Charger Plates

• Add some drama to your dinner by using a mirror as a charger.

Mirrored Hall Chest from Bassett

• Make a statement with a dynamic chest. Modern glamour meets classic design-this gleaming chest from Bassett is a true statement piece. It features mirrored sides and 3 mirrored drawers with faceted glass knobs th a dynamic chest.

Mirrored Screen

• No more dark corners! This beautiful screen from Hickory Chair features a four-panel screen with a black crackle finish and antique gold trim surrounding antique mirror panes. Any corner would take on new dimension with such a stunning addition.

Call on the power of mirrors to add sparkle and luxurious design details to your home.

In my Seattle interior design practice, I like to share the importance and benefits of building green. I saw this article on the website of Central WA Homebuilders. 

Here are 10 reasons for Green

1. More Money in the Piggy Bank.  A built green home typically saves $ on operating costs due to efficient energy use, natural daylighting and upfront construction costs.
2. Less ‘New’ Odors and Better Indoor Air. Using low VOC and low toxic interior paints and finishes reduces toxins and improves indoor air quality.  Paints like Benjamin Moore’s Natura and Aura are my favorite choices.
3. Saves Old Growth Forests. Rapidly remewable materials like bamboo, cork, and strawboard can be harvested in a sustainable way. Plastic lumber made from recycled plastic jugs can be used for decking.
4. Happier Salmon. Water conservation using drought resistant plants and porous pavers are both techniques. Erosion control benefits salmon habitats.
5. More Couch Potato Time. Maintenance is minimized with durable materials like decking made of plastic and materials like stone, tile or slate.
6. Reduced Breezes inside the Home. The impact of outside elements is reduced using caulking to seal windows and doorframes.
7. Healthier Yard with Homegrown Topsoil. Topsoil removed for grading can be saved and reapplied for a better soil compositoin.
8. Reduces Dependence on Fossil Fuels.  Local materials reduce transportation costs and the inclusion of pedestrian access to mass transit decrease auto use.
9. Less Trash. Built Green projects recycle large amoutns of scrap materials as well as include recycled content into the building.
10. Promotes Businesses Committed to Green. The supporting member companies go the extra effort and work with one another demonstating committment to a green, healthy home.

As a practicing interior designer in Seattle, I know my clients love the sunshine!  That means minimal window coverings.  And even though view dictates a less is more approach, there is still the potential for sun damage, desire for privacy or room darkening issues.  The solution?  A window shade. 

The shade is simple and straightforward and a sensible option for many windows.  They can also be boring and unattractive. Thankfully, the industry is offering new designs that are stylish and practical. 

The first two images are the straightforward, clean, effective version.  They do what is intended but don’t add the softening which is ever so much more pleasing to the eye. Though the drapery panels are decorative, they are important to ambience and design detailing which sets a home apart. 

In the final photo, the graceful treatment frames the windows and adds contrast in style and texture.  At the top, the valance achieves a unified and cohesive touch to create function and beauty to the window and room setting.