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?

If you’re not ready for a major kitchen remodel but want some quick, inexpensive updates, here are five to consider.

• Replace cabinet doors rather than all the cabinets.  Easily done in one day and for significantly less money.

Replacement kitchen doors

• Replace hardware. Gold- and brass-finished knobs and handles of the ’70s are out; polished chrome, brushed nickel and pewter are in. You can update a kitchen in two to three hours by spending as little as $200, depending on style and finish.

Cabinet hardware

• Change the lighting.  Add recessed lighting;swap out an outdated hanging fixture for a new one; install undercabinet lights above the counter. It should cost only a few to have a licensed electrician add some brightness to the room.

Add undercabinet lights

• Add a backsplash. Many different styles and materials, including glass, porcelain and marble, are available at reasonable prices. To learn how to craft a tile backsplash, visit a big box store or search for a video at UTube.

Backsplash tile

• Try a fresh coat of paint. A new color can give a kitchen an entirely different look. If the walls have taken a beating from smoke and cooking grease, just adding a fresh coat of your current paint can help improve the space.

Fresh color in the kitchen

Designers Guild Wallpaper

I personally am very pleased to see wallpaper enjoy a resurgence.  There are times when a coat of paint just won’t do and a special wallpaper is the perfect treatment. 

According to LeRue Brown, “wallpaper designers are pushing the boundaries of technology and design with fresh interpretations of traditional patterns.”  Often in smaller spaces like a powder room or entry,  it is less intimidating to introduce wallpaper.  But then at other times we desire a greater emphasis or some pizzazz.  This situation calls for the use of wallpaper on a larger surface such as above the wainscot in a dining room or library or on all four walls of a living room.

The good news is these days wallcovering is much easier to install and remove since the industry knows past memories around either issue contributed to the decline of wallpaper. Renters, you too can install wallpaper and know that it will be easy to remove if requested.

With today’s emphasis on indoor air quality, you find many collections printed with water-based, nontoxic inks.  Many are also biodegradable. Other coverings are made from recycled materials which allow them to ‘breathe’ and stay free of mold and mildew. The technological advances enable a better product and more importantly an eco-friendly one.

I think wallcoverings add a special ambiance and finished ‘touch’.  And in the image above you see the altered attitude of the room with the pattern and color of the paper in combination with pillows, window treatments and painted furniture.  Though paint remains the least expensive way to update, maybe it’s time to reconsider wallpaper and create a fresh, new attitude in your home.

Are you open to a fresh look with wallpaper? Let me more.  More tips.

Annoyed by the faux candle drippings on the candle sleeve of your lamps or chandeliers.  Well now you have delightful, colorful options to dress up your lighting and add some personality.

Before

After

Close Up

You can see more examples and shop online at Kaarskoker.com. What a treat!

Always eager to hear your comments so please send them, Faith.

Do you want to add some zing to your home this spring? I have 6 tips that you can readily use to update your space.  Ready to begin?

1. Rotate Your Accessories  – you can change seasons with fresh colors and patterns. Choose 1 0r 2 accents colors that boost your mood and add them in vases, throws, pillows and other accessories.
2. Get Cagey in the Kitchen – can’t afford new cabinets right now?  Why not paint or replace the fronts.  Even replacing the hardware will provide a fresh look.
3. First Impressions Count – why not paint your front door?  You will enjoy this change immensely.  Test a few colors first but don’t be shy.
4. Give Open Shelves a Color Boost – check out Crate and Barrel for colorful bowls, mugs and other serving dishes.
5. Add Some Attitude on the Floor – rugs are affordable and today’s rugs colorful, graphic and fun.
6. Make Your Entry Standout – hallways often are neglected but with a strong color, a bright hallway runner, a stunning mirror you add glamour and pizazz.

Ikea PS Stuga Rug

Colorful Vases from Crate and Barrel

Orange Front Door

Bright colored tabletop