OUR BLOG
Understanding the Work Triangle
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?
Scandinavian Farmhouse: Part II
This kitchen was one of our early design-build projects and could not have been as successful as it was without the fantastic family who exhibited patience and grace throughout the entire process. Not only did we get to work with amazing people, but we also had the opportunity to integrate the home’s character with the family’s lifestyle and heritage!
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!
Creating a Space to Retire on Vashon Island
As of 2014, we were one of the top 10 dreamy places to retire according to Huffington Post. It’s not surprising, really. We have a lovely small community. A trip to the grocery store usually means a hug from a friend or a familiar smile and wave. The natural environment here is blissful.
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.
Choosing Your Home Designer
Style, Services, or Cost – which aspect is best to pay attention to when choosing a home designer? We are here to help.
These topics cover the questions we are most frequently asked during our introductory meeting and each one of them is important, though one may be more important or less important depending on the project.
Counter Selection Tips
There are so many options out there for amazing and wonderful countertops. How does one choose?! We have you covered. Take a look at the features and brief descriptions of many of the most commonly used counter materials to make your decision wisely.
Do I Need an Interior Designer or Architect?
We found this as a common question in an internet search and immediately took pause to determine exactly what the question is asking. With two possible interpretations, we thought we would take a moment to answer both from our point of view.
Our Dream Project
Clients have come to us many times with comments like, “I’m not sure if this is something you’d even be interested in,” and others that boast about the multiple quick-flip properties they assume we would be thrilled to take on. In actuality, those assumptions are usually far from the truth.
Creating A Symphony: Designers As Conductors
As designers, we were taught how to do niche, trade-specific drawings, not only because we are expected to create them for technical understanding, but also to be able to coordinate all of them systematically and converse intelligently with the highly-trained specialists who develop the physical aspects of our projects.
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.