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.

This project is a perfect example of how what we see on TV and in the media is NOT how design truly happens. I think that many people jump into a design expecting the first presentation to be exactly what they’ll get, and the truth of it is that it is a process of molding the design to meet your tastes and needs. Not only that, we start with unknowns, and accommodations are made based on assumptions that eventually are updated to reflect the actuality.

Some projects are smaller- a color consultation, a one-time meeting to discuss ideas and next steps, a quick sketch with suggestions. We have so many of these projects each year, and while each does not result in professional photos and big, front-page images, we take just as much pride in these smaller projects as we do a complete renovation.

Grey is in right now, and I am digging this trend. While grey is known as a cold color, I cannot disagree more. When I see grey, I think of cozy knit blankets, furry kittens (what?), and fuzzy mittens. Of course, if everything in my home was suddenly white or grey with no accents and cool lighting, I'd have to offer my guests a blanket or robe at the door to make them feel at ease! But, there are so many wonderful ways of warming up a grey space.

I’ve been noticing a lot of contractors with the title “design-build” in their company name. When I saw how many there were initially, I was excited and motivated. What a wonderful solution for building owners- to be able to hire one company who can completely manage their project from start to finish, have a keen eye on the costs as they design, and an equally keen eye on design as they build. I reached out to a few of these firms, and was astonished to find that most of them do not have a designer on staff!

I’ve been waiting to write this post forever because… well, it’s not quite done. We have a few finishing touches and when those are finished, we will do a professional shoot of the new space. In the meantime, here are a couple quick cell phone shots to share what I’ve been dreaming of- a design studio designed by me, for me. Who knew I would EVER be able to design my own space?!

During the schematic design phase of each project, I develop preliminary selections. I then confer with the product rep and contractor to broaden my awareness of that particular product and verify that my application is suitable.

I met the owner of this gorgeous bedroom when he was looking at a house across the street from my own, and it was fate... if I believed in fate... for us to be the best of friends. It didn't take us long to discover that we had children the same ages, similar interests, and similarly goofy personalities with a deep-seeded joy for being completely inappropriate.

When he asked me for a color consultation for the home he ended up in (not across the street), I was more than happy to help! When it evolved into more design, I was ecstatic.

This beautiful farmhouse was screaming for an update. The 1920's kitchen had never been touched and the family had only one restroom on their main level in a home that frequently houses guests. I was so proud that they chose me to bring this beautiful home up to date, while preserving its original charm!

This Spokane kitchen design was the first project that was "mine", in my first design job! To this day, I am thrilled and proud of the extraordinary creative space we created!

A short blog with a process video showing this amazing, award-winning kitchen come to life!