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In an online interior design update from ASID, I saw the news that “interest in home improvements such as finished basements and attics and outdoor living features remain popular.  As the housing boom has passed, there seems to be a renewed interest in investing in properties to make homes more livable, as opposed to real estate that can be resold quickly for a profit.” In my Seattle practice I know this to be true.

Topping the list of outdoor living and landscaping trends are low-maintenance landscaping (67 percent), outdoor living space (60 percent), and blended indoor/outdoor living (51 percent).

Outdoor dining and entertaining from Wolf

Reasons an outdoor living space is a popular addition:

• A covered patio allows people to enjoy relaxing or entertaining outdoors and while  protected from the weather, whether that is rain, or sun!
• A covered patio in Seattle means the backyard barbecue won’t end because of rain.
• A covered patio creates an outdoor “room” and adds to the space in your home. With a cover, a patio can become an extension of a house, a garden, or a poolside area. Plus it adds resale value for the homeowner.
• Covered patios add an element of design to your home and the space can be decorated to coordinate with your home interior using  plants, patio furniture, rugs.
• A covered patio is a perfect place and excuse for a party. Expect to socialize and entertain often once you complete an covered outdoor patio.

Tags: covered patio, home improvements, outdoor entertaining, Seattle
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Interior design for tweens and teens is challenging.  How to be different? In my Seattle practice I look for sources and explore possibilities that appeal and can be personalized in some way. Here is a resource for parents who want to feature something new, fresh, personal.  The company is Wallter. The clever mobiles and wall decor provide ample opportunities for creativity.  Take a look.

Wallter Squares

Teardrop Mobile

The company introduced its line of paintable wall applications “Wallter” in 2004. The geometric, wood-based applications add a third dimension to the wall on which they are composed, commanding light and shadow in an inventive way and turn the space in to something original.

Wallter’s clients include The W Hotel, Hotel Lucia, Seattle’s Hotel Max, Crate and Barrel, Dreamworks Productions, Chiasso, Urban Outfitters, Stratus Films, ABC’s Extreme Makeover Home Edition, and HGTV’s Debbie Travis’ Facelift.

What do you think? Can you apply one of their options to make a tween or teen bedroom unique?

Tags: Faith Sheridan, interior design, resource for parents, Seattle, teen bedrooms, wall decor
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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

Tags: apartment, condos, decorating, Faith Sheridan, Seattle, small spaces
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In my interior design practice in Seattle, I frequently work with older homes.  The carefully detailed mill work and architectural moldings add wonderful character to these homes.  Sometimes, the desire to preserve stained wood creates a dark, heavy entry without visual interest and warmth.  Our entry introduces our home  to guests and if a stairway looks drab and dark, an opportunity is lost.

There are several options but a simple solution is to paint most of the woodwork along with  some of the moldings.  In the photo is an example revealing light color for spindles, the stringers and the risers.  The treads remain stained along with the floor and handrail.  This is a classic look.

The impact of such a paint treatment is seen  in the photo which adds crispness, lightness, charm and also visually enlarges the space. Another idea, more expensive, but dramatic involves carpeting the treads.  Each piece of carpet must be templated and applied.  It is tedious but beautiful.

In this photo example the stairs curve and wind to the second floor.  Very often the stairs are a straight run or form a clean angle and carpet may be used as a runner.

Tags: carpeting, interior design practice, Seattle, stairs
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For the past two years I’ve enjoyed an incredible view of the fireworks from my client and friends home.  Her deck would be considered ‘preferred’ seating;-) for sure.  Great conversation is shared with old friends, new friends and out of town friends too.  Brisket and salmon and all the other traditions on the menu make it memorable. I especially enjoyed watching with her grandson as he was initiated to this amazing show for the first time. 

When I consider some of my favorite things about Seattle, the annual fireworks at South Lake Union is near the top.  My BB camera sort of captured the spectacle but all the boats on the water and 50,000 people seated in the sun are too far away.  You must imagine it for yourself.

Tags: Faith Sheridan, Lake Union, Seattle
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