OUR BLOG
Case Study: Uptown Renewal - Revitalizing a Bungalow for Modern Living with Aging in Place Considerations
Uptown Renewal transformed a 1996 bungalow in Vashon, Washington, into a modern and functional living space specifically designed for a couple planning to live in place. This project demonstrates how a thoughtful interior renovation can significantly improve a home's livability, aesthetics, and functionality while staying within a realistic budget.
Beyond Beige: Designing Gender-Neutral Spaces That Shine
Gone are the days when design dictated a room's purpose based on pink for girls and blue for boys. Today, we're embracing a more inclusive approach to interior design, creating spaces that celebrate individuality and cater to a broader range of personalities. But how do we move beyond the default "greige" (gray-beige) palette and create gender-neutral havens that are still bursting with style?
Designing on a Dime: Avoiding Budget Blowout When Working with Professionals
Homeownership comes with its own set of challenges, especially when embarking on renovations or building projects. While we dream of stunning transformations, reality often hits harder than anticipated, particularly when budgets go bust. This happened to a close friend recently, and their experience offers valuable lessons for anyone navigating the world of design professionals and consultants.
A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Bathroom Exhaust Fan
Hey there, design enthusiasts! Today, Waldron Designs is diving into a topic that might not be the flashiest, but it's a game-changer when it comes to your home's well-being – bathroom exhaust fans. So, let's clear the air, quite literally!
Benefits and Considerations of Adding a Steam Shower to Your Bathroom
Are you ready to transform your bathroom into a steamy sanctuary? Consider the benefits and intricacies we've explored here, and you'll be well on your way to enjoying the ultimate spa experience in the comfort of your home.
Biophilic Design
The term “biophilic design” may be somewhat new, but the idea of creating healthier spaces with nature’s influence is far from new. But, what is biophilic design? We’ve heard people describe it as “bringing any element of nature into a space”, which is pretty surprising that this would be seen as some new breakthrough idea.
Ensuring Communication Between Designer and Builder
We often hear from clients that communication is a concern based on horror stories or past experiences they’ve had. This is not due to a lack of trying, it’s a challenge of expectations and what expectations are realistic vs. those that are not, as well as communicating those expectations!
Freestanding tubs - What To Consider
Freestanding bathtubs are stunning. We see them on the covers of magazines and posted all over Instagram (with low-hanging pendants and chandeliers - another topic of concern), and we are seeing so many homes pull out those tried and true alcove tubs to replace them with the lovely freestanding tub for the experience of soaking.
Let’s be honest though, how much are we thinking about that bathing experience and what surrounds this experience? There are many reasons people get freestanding tubs, and many reasons why maybe it's just not worth it.
Renovating Women: Being A Woman in Design and Construction
As a female designer, I found that I had to suppress my experience and knowledge when communicating with contractors. It was much more productive to plead ignorance, bat my lashes, and go along with the playful teasing often found on construction sites. I grew accustomed to being called “honey” and “kiddo” and playing up my lack of knowledge of how things were actually built to utilize their expertise.
What Is My Design Style?
Style is a particular way of doing things, a distinct appearance determined by design principles. It is a way of arranging your appearance and the appearance of the spaces around you. It may be influenced by environmental factors, cultural influences, and economic factors among others.
How long does it take to design & build?
The burning question is often, “how long will it take”, and understandably so! A home renovation can mean displacement or incredible discomfort. Most of our clients come to us hoping the design will take a week or two and we can jump right into construction. What we forget is that it takes time to work through all those details and thoroughly consider each goal and need to tailor your home specifically to you!
Where Do Interior Designers Shop?
One of the most common misconceptions I face is that a designer shops retail. While this is true for some designers, it is not at all true for others. We almost never shop retail. That is not to say that we will not utilize our local hardware store for products that are local and yes, retail.