After living in home after home that is just not quite perfect, the itch to build often has its merit. But, how does one begin this arduous process (and I won't lie... it is arduous)? Let's take a look at the steps and requirements needed to build new!

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a major concern in our homes. They are released as gases from various household items like paint, cleaning products, furniture, and air fresheners. These chemicals contribute to indoor air pollution and can harm our health, causing respiratory issues, headaches, and even cancer with long-term exposure.

We visit several homes without any range hoods. Nothing, Nada. Moreover, the nearest smoke detector to the kitchen is the first to be removed. We don’t want the detector blaring when we burn a piece of toast after all, right? If our cooking produces enough smoke to set off the smoke detector, imagine what it's doing to our bodies.

We’ve had introductory meetings with several potential clients who are enthusiastic about remodeling their new homes but, after doing some digging, then find out that the dreams for their new home aren’t possible. Of course, it can be heartbreaking to the new owners and, honestly, we hate delivering bad news like that. If only we all had done that research earlier!

We all have our own personal styles at Waldron Designs, but in the end, what we design is tailored to what our clients desire and what suits their styles. That said, when it comes to lighting, I’m a “go big or disappear” kinda gal. I love light fixtures that fill a space and steal the show. It is light after all, one of the most wonderful things we can have in an interior space. So, why not go big? 

We will never advise anything beyond exposing ourselves naturally to… nature. No shoving nature in our ears or up our noses for health causes. How about if we just… sit in the sun?

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. 

Contrast… what’s the big deal? I mean, look at all the beautiful homes that are monochromatic and provide an incredible zen feeling due to the lack of contrast. Why would we want to break up that peaceful aesthetic by introducing contrast?

When doing an interior site visit, it is not unusual for our team to walk to the windows and take in the view. While it may seem strange for our interior designers to stare out the window on an interior design visit, the truth is that it may be one of the most important considerations we make.

The work triangle consists of the three major use areas in a kitchen - sink, refrigerator, and range. The rule is that these three items should form a triangle, without interruption, and with legs of the triangle being no more than nine feet and no less than four feet. But what is it REALLY and why is it so important (or maybe not so important) to heed this long-holding guide?

Vashon Island is a magical place to live, and many people dream of building a home here. What we don’t dream about when we dream of relocation, is the realization that our existing furnishings don’t work, or that there aren’t enough or the right furnishings for the new home. And, the furnishings that DO work need to be located, understood as to where they should live and how to best use existing items in a new space.

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!