Don’t be Sleepless in Seattle because of design differences with your partner. Here are tips from a Seattle interior designer to get started and work thru your different tastes.

Are you and your partner planning a remodel, new furnishings such as an area rug, art, accessories or window treatments?  In my everyday design work, I find couples have trouble typically in SIX areas which leads to conflict and unfinished or stalled project.  Here are the problem areas and remedies to resolve those design differences and get your project moving.

·         Color     Translating a color selection from a small sample is daunting. Plus, one partner may like bold, vibrant colors and the other soft neutrals.  There are helpful websites such as www.myperfectcolor.com that show combinations.   Narrow the selection and then test the colors using a mini-can on your wall first.

·         Style      Use magazines to identify likes and dislikes. Independently, select rooms, styles of furniture, arrangements and accessories.  Then each partner can share the vision they have of the project. This is also a good opportunity to discuss the budget.

·         Fabric     The exchange of information from magazines shows who likes what with textures and patterns.  I find one partner may prefer something floral or printed and the other plains.  Use this information and decide if a floral might be on a pillow instead of a chair. Discuss smooth, soft fabrics vs. flat and also if leather is a preference.

·         Television      I know I will encounter strong feelings about the placement of the TV.  Today the large, black screens dominate.   How exposed will it be?  Will it be hidden or front and center. I find most family rooms fully expose the TV as this is the gathering place for family and friends.

.        Windows       In the Northwest, light is very important so windows are mostly exposed. Saving furniture and fabric from excessive sunlight is a consideration so some light control is important. Heat gain and heat loss are also important. Who wants what?  Again the magazine exercise is a chance to voice likes and dislikes. Do you like shades, fabric, side panels and so on.

.        Clutter      I generally find one partner is a neatnik and the other is less concerned with messes. I recommend drawers, baskets and boxes  to keep organized. Get in the habit of clearing off surfaces daily. Group collections of objects for impact and decide which room is best for display.

The most important element of this exploration for a successful remodel is a PLAN. I work with my clients to integrate the information into a strategy of selections, finish specifications and final choices. The finished room reveals a design that is a partnership. 

In my weekly enewsletter, I regularly offer resourceful sources and tips to explore as you dip your toes into a new project. Alternatively, you can receive  quick solutions by email.

What works best for you readers when you design with your partner?

In Seattle apartment and condo living offers many locations and styles. One thing most of the units share is a small space, often 600 square feet or less.  As an interior designer I have ideas and tips to make small spaces feel larger and spacious. Here are some suggestions from Faith Sheridan Interior Design.

• Increase the height of your room by adding curtain or drapery panels floor to ceiling.  Hang them outside the window or even where they are no windows.  Plus they add softness to the standard-issue shades that come with the units.
• Tables and chairs of Lucite  or glass communicate openness and are also functional.

Drapery panels and Lucite tables

• When you add multiple sources of light, your space seems to grow.  Use several lamps to cast a warm glow. Up-lights placed behind a plant or corner grouping will create a focal point and some drama.  Dimmers allow you to set the mood when friends arrive.
• Fit the furniture to the space.  Over sized furniture shrinks space while moderate sized pieces add to it. Balance the furniture to one another, e.g. keep the lamps and tables in proportion to the sofa and chairs. A glass coffee table expands space visually.
• Because most apartments and condos are boxy and rectangular, it’s effective to use round tables or chairs with curves.  Or add a rug that’s oval or round with a pattern that continues the rounded shapes.

Foreign Accents

•  Use wall space effectively with floating shelves.  When you place shelves horizontally the eye moves the same way.  Place and store functional items on the shelves but also accessories like candles, boxes and a few collectibles. Always edit to avoid clutter.

Wall shelves from West Elm

Individual, colorful pieces energize a room  instantly.  Seattle interior designer, Faith Sheridan shares her tips about  adding  color accents and confidently infusing your home decor.

Choose pieces with flexibility. A colorful accent table can sit in the den today, in a guest bedroom tomorrow.

malachite is hot

• Choose a color that’s a personal favorite. You will find a spot for it somewhere because you love it passionately.

• Use a single bright or fun piece in a room with neutral colors or traditional furnishings. Color and whimsy are most effective when they are unexpected.

• Coordinate accent colors with existing colors. Add bright red bar stools to a neutral wood toned kitchen, for example. Or put a black dresser in an aqua bedroom.

• Don’t take yourself too seriously. It’s your home; decorate in a way that pleases you.

• Break some rules, inject your personality. Invite some comments, nothing is more daunting than a perfect room.

• Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. When all you’re adding is a single, inexpensive accent, you can afford an oops! occasionally.

Yes, there are wonderful buys for $25 or less. Whether you want to take a gift to a hostess or good friend, or just treat yourself, I found 5 favorites from online or local stores.  Here there are:

CB2 Earthenware Vases

Handmade weathered earthenware vessels pose as archaeological finds. Collection includes teal Andes, bronzed three-handle Inca, pale green Urpu. $9.95 – $19.95

 

Urbano Trash Can

Go green with Kevin McElroy. If you forgot to bring your earth saver bag to the grocery store, again, don’t fret. This Urbano Trash Can stylishly stores your plastic bags and turns them into waste baskets for the bath or bed rooms. Get two! $25

Linen Cocktail Napkin

 These crisp Classic Hotel Cocktail Napkins from Pottery Barn are woven of washable 100% cotton.  May be monogrammed with a single initial for an additional charge.  10″ sq. Set of 6. $12

Lucite Napkin Rings

Clever place to hold a flower; geometric & modern style. $4.50 each.

Deco Diamond Crystal

Add a spot of sparkle to your home and office with these stunning clear crystal diamonds. Or add glamour to your living room with a bowl of diamonds. Use as a paperweight in your office. $18

 More tips from Faith

 

 

Last week I was browsing through some photos of my kitchen in a former home when I lived in Portland. I had totally remodeled it shortly after I moved in. Since much of the wall area was covered with cabinets, doors, windows, and such, I chose a red paint to create a burst and energy to a busy area of my home

Many designers would concur that RED is a secret weapon that instantly adds a statement to a room.  Even in small doses via a pillow, for example, it catches the eye.  I also think red lifts your mood and is a happy color and introduces a ‘wow’ factor into your interior.

Red Kitchen

There is a shade of red for every decorating style and to match colors already existing in your home. For instance, I love red with shades of lime green.  In traditional interiors red tends to be cranberry but in modern interiors it is more of a true red.  Asian style often includes red. In a room with little light, it instantly brightens the room.

As a summer project, consider painting an old piece of furniture like a chair, chest or bench a bright red gloss paint.  The  furniture piece will quickly become the eye catcher in the room. On smaller pieces using a can of spray paint is an option after properly prepping the furniture.

Think of red as you think of how you select your nail color or lipstick or purse.  If you have a built-in bookcase, consider painting the interior red or perhaps the ceiling of the powder room. 

Here are some of my favorite reds from Benjamin Moore:
2004-20 Chili Pepper
2003-10 Million Dollar Red
1322 Ladybug Red
1309 Moroccan Red
1315 Poppy

Do you have a favorite red to share? Please share yours with a comment. More tips