Volume 42: November
Cozy November Notes
DESIGNING WITH PURPOSE
Each year brings its own set of challenges, and this one is definitely proving to be a contender. So much has felt uncertain, and yet I’m learning that resisting change only makes the process harder. I’m trying to embrace the challenges instead of fighting them, including stepping into my new board position as President of the Washington State Chapter of ASID.
I first joined ASID as a design student at FIDM in Los Angeles and was fortunate to have incredible instructors who not only taught the fundamentals of interior design, but also emphasized the importance of community and the role we play in shaping our environment. Now, all these years later and in another state, it feels meaningful to be part of something bigger while also supporting and guiding others along the way.
This is why ASID remains such an important part of my professional life. The organization continues to advocate for the value of interior design and supports the ongoing education that helps all of us create spaces that are beautiful, functional, and deeply supportive of the people who live in them.
LIVING GRACEFULLY
Every year, the importance of creating a safe haven at home becomes even more evident. Interior design truly impacts lives in our homes, the restaurants we love, even the grocery stores we shop in. At Kirk Riley Design, color always finds its way into the design, but the foundation is practicality, comfort, and ease of use. Getting to know our clients and understanding what safety features or accessibility needs matter most to them - especially in spaces like bathrooms, is something I never take lightly or for granted.
Here is a case study of a bathroom remodel we recently completed for a repeat client in West Seattle. Our clients are fortunate enough to have been in this home long enough to be completing their second remodel of this space. Their first bathroom reno included a jumbo sized Jacuzzi tub, double vanity, and narrow single shower - all on gray - even the round toilet. As the clients needs have changed, a bathtub was no longer needed in this bathroom. Yes, bathroom photographs with a freestanding tub and sparkly filler are lovely, but if they're not going to be used, why waste the space? In creating an all new space plan, we were able to prioritize storage along with many new safety features. We maximized the budget by working within the existing footprint and keeping plumbing close to previous locations. The client knew she wanted soft earthy colors so from there we found large format flooring, stone pebbles for the shower pan, and a mix of textures for the walls. A neutral color palette does not mean boring beige. Varying shapes and tile sizes create a layered sophisticated style combined with a wood-look laminate are easy to maintain. This laminate has such a nice texture and interesting colorways, perfect for the vanity and additional storage cabinet. We weren’t able to make the shower zero-clearance as there is a lower level but we were able to create prominent visual cues indicating change of height. How gorgeous are those stone pebbles on the shower floor? Also, wonderful to step on with texture for additional stability. The clients preferred a glass enclosure without a door for ease of use so we designed pony walls with glass above for an airy feeling. The large shower features two grab bars to accommodate the folding chair that can also be completely removed. Two shower heads again allow flexibility allowing the fixed shower head option or the handheld which is a benefit while seated. It was a pleasure to work with a client who had a specific vision in mind that was open to the mix of materials and finishes.
IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN!
If you've been subscribed to our newsletter for any length of time, you know that one of our favorite events to support in the Providence O'Christmas Trees. Next Monday, December 1st is their Family Preview Night where you can view the designer decorated trees and vote for your favorite. They will be accepting donations of gently used clothing to support Providence Regina House. There will be activities for the kids and an opportunity to visit with Santa! Admission is free and we encourage you to visit and help give back to the community.
As always, we are so thankful for all of our clients for giving us the opportunity to work with them and allow us into their homes. It is a privilege to be able to design spaces for them where they can create wonderful memories for years to come.
Please check out more of our work in our portfolio, follow us on Instagram, or get in touch to start your own transformation. Thanks for following along!
Volume 41: October
What’s Old is New
Happy Halloween!
My daughter still loves carving pumpkins, even though I could do without the mess! Looking back, it seems my dad really loved pumpkin carving when I was little and my mom loved taking photos. There are a handful of old snapshots of me sitting around this table with pumpkins and they always make me smile this time of year. I absolutely love the new pumpkin varieties in pink and white, and you’ll find those on my porch until Thanksgiving.
I also love visiting the flower fields and pumpkin patches with my family - nothing beats those spooky-season vibes. October is such a perfect time to get outside, breathe in the crisp air, and take in the changing colors. It’s also the season for turning on the fireplace for the first time and pulling out all the chunky blankets and cozy throws.
This time of year always inspires me to think about how we bring that same warmth and texture into our homes. Adding layers of soft fabrics, rich colors, and natural materials that make every space feel just a little cozier.
MCM Trends
Mid-Century Modern continues to hold its place in the spotlight, celebrated not only for its décor but also for its architectural roots. That timeless vintage flair remains aspirational, offering clean lines, straightforward materials, and a versatility that layers seamlessly into other design styles.
For 2026, expect the look to take on a more masculine edge. While bright colors and playful atomic motifs remain, they’ll be balanced with earthier palettes and muted tones. Think deep walnut and rich sapele wood furnishings that are warm, grounding, and undeniably sophisticated.
Incorporating Mid-Century Modern into your home doesn’t have to be an overhaul. Start with something as approachable as a paint color in an earthy hue, add textured solid pillows, or introduce a statement piece in leather upholstery. Small, intentional updates keep the style feeling fresh while honoring its iconic heritage.
Not Your Grandma’s Hutch
A china hutch is a traditional furniture staple that dates back to the early 18th century, originally designed to showcase fine china and decorative pieces. While many vintage versions feel bulky or outdated for today’s lifestyles, they remain incredibly well-built and offer substantial storage. These cabinets typically have glass-front upper shelves, felt-lined drawers, and roomy lower cabinets. Because they’re often found in darker woods like cherry, mahogany, walnut, or oak, many people overlook their potential.
Kirk Riley Design encourages homeowners to look beyond the heavy finishes or ornate hardware that may initially make these pieces feel dated. With a bit of refinishing or paint, a hutch can easily be transformed into a modern, functional statement piece. They’re perfect for displaying books, storing baking tools, organizing craft supplies, or even concealing a television with minimal wire management. And since their height offers valuable vertical storage, they’re ideal for stashing décor items or seasonal pieces in pretty boxes up top. If you come across a solid, well-crafted hutch, it’s worth grabbing as these classic pieces can be repurposed and enjoyed for another generation.
Here’s to a cozy, colorful, and creative fall!
Please check out more of our work in our portfolio, follow us on Instagram, or get in touch to start your own transformation. Thanks for following along!
Volume 40: August
FEATURING OUR LOVE OF COLOR
LIVING IN COLOR
We were very excited to see the Seattle Design Center Designer Spotlight newsletter this week featuring Heather and Kirk Riley Design. Even more significant to us, though, than the feature, is being accepted into the SDC Find a Designer program. This is thrilling for us because if you have collaborated with us and looked for fabrics and furniture you know this is our hub. We love being able to work with the local showrooms located at the Seattle Design Center.
We love living in color! Good Housekeeping graciously featured Kirk Riley Design in three articles this last week - serendipitously these all featured our love of color. None of the projects featured were our newest, but they show that when you invest in the color you gravitate towards that is still the best way to go. We find a way to make the colors that you love work in your vintage home.
TIMELESS VINTAGE
This Good Housekeeping article takes a stroll down paint color memory lane. Find the vintage colors that are making a comeback. Green tones are especially big right now which also have a sentimental touch for Heather. Forest green and burgundy were her dad's favorites back in the '80s.
COLORFUL KITCHENS
Minimalism is out and colorful kitchens are in. Say good-bye to the whites and grays we've seen for years and hello to moody or bright hues that reflect your taste and personality. While colorful cabinets are very in, you can also add color with other elements such as your backsplash, countertops, or appliances.
COLORBLOCKING (NOT JUST FOR SWEATERS)
Want to make a big statement with your new paint colors? Try colorblocking. This can be done with a distinctive break between the upper and lower walls or by defining spaces within an open plan layout.
We hope you're able to enjoy and soak up this last month of summer.
Please check out more of our work in our portfolio, follow us on Instagram, or get in touch to start your own transformation. Thanks for following along!
Volume 39: May
We're excited to reveal one of our most transformative kitchen remodels yet—Gathered in Green. This remodel features rich green cabinetry, natural wood details, and thoughtful upgrades that maximize both style and storage. From reworked appliance placement to a custom vent hood and open shelving, every detail was designed to incorporate the Victorian-era root of the home with the client’s preference for Mid-Century Modern design.
Take a look at the dramatic before-and-after—and see how a few bold choices can completely change the feel of a space.
BOLD CHOICES FOR A BIG IMPACT
It’s time to be bold
Everyone loves a good before and after, right? I mean what's not to love about a great transformation?! Hope springs eternal and that's how we feel about our remodeling projects. We understand that not everyone "can see the potential" and that's okay because WE DO. The lovely images, that we're almost addicted to seeing on social media and websites, take weeks and months to develop. We get to know our clients, talk about their lifestyle, timeline, and budgets. It's a process that's a little different for everyone so your home will be a reflection of you. These are custom remodel projects with the families who live their in mind. With that, here is a recently completed kitchen remodel located in Seattle.
Gathered in Green: A Bold Yet Practical Kitchen Remodel
Welcome to Gathered in Green—a kitchen transformation where color takes center stage and function gets a major upgrade. This remodel was all about saying goodbye to outdated finishes and hello to a fresh, vibrant space that feels as good as it looks.
Our clients came to us wanting more than just a facelift. They needed better flow, smarter storage—especially up high as they are tall —and a design that felt personal and energizing. With a bold palette of layered green tones, natural wood accents, and thoughtful layout changes, we delivered a kitchen that’s full of personality and purpose.
The ‘Before’
Before the transformation, this kitchen was a classic L-shaped layout, with all cabinetry and appliances running along two adjoining walls. While the footprint of the room remained the same, nearly everything else was ready for an upgrade. The original oak cabinets and dark granite countertops made the space feel heavy, and the dated white appliances and light fixtures only added to the tired look.
Functionally, there were several pain points. The upper cabinets stopped short of the ceiling, leaving valuable vertical space unused. The dishwasher placement made it awkward to use the sink while loading dishes, which disrupted the kitchen's flow. And underfoot, an uneven floor created its own set of challenges.
Overall, the space felt disjointed and hard to maintain—something the client was eager to change. With a clearer vision in place, we were ready to reimagine the layout and bring new life (and lots of color) into the heart of the home.
inspiration + planning
From the beginning, our client was excited to bring more personality into the kitchen—starting with color. The wife is drawn to rich, moody colors, and we built the design around two Sherwin-Williams favorites: Jasper Stone and Hunt Club. These layered tones bring depth and sophistication while still keeping the space vibrant and approachable. Giving our client the opportunity to visualize these colors through renderings created by Jenny helped convey this dramatic change.
One of the biggest layout improvements involved moving the range and the sink. An all new space plan relocated the sink and dishwasher to the wall where the range originally sat, creating a more efficient prep and clean-up zone. The focal point then became the range which was topped by a custom wood vent hood and the recessed niche.
To balance the modified Shaker cabinets in varied greens, we introduced natural wood elements in the form of open shelving and the vent hood. These details added a softer, organic layer to the space—providing warmth, texture, and a perfect contrast to the deep greens. The open shelves were intentionally placed at an easy-to-reach height for storing everyday items. The panel-front dishwasher blends seamlessly into the cabinetry for a streamlined, high-end look.
The varied white counter-to-ceiling hexagon tile backsplash adds subtle shine and a clean, uninterrupted look while creating a neutral canvas for the bold green cabinets. Overhead the statement pendant lights coordinated with the black fixtures and hardware while also mixing seamlessly with the terra cotta wall sconce above the sink. The beadboard ceiling added an additional layer of texture and a charming nod to our clients’ Victorian-era home.
Storage and workflow were carefully reimagined and included adding a pantry to the left of the refrigerator. A recessed niche behind the range is the perfect spot for storing oils and spices within arm’s reach while cooking. All hardware and fixtures are finished in matte black, providing a crisp, modern contrast to the cabinetry and wood tones - not everyone loves brass.
The ‘after’
The finished kitchen is a showstopper. The custom cabinetry, painted in Sherwin Williams Jasper Stone and Hunt Club, adds richness and contrast while creating a calming vibe. A counter-to-ceiling tile backsplash adds drama and polish, while matte black hardware and fixtures tie everything together with a sleek edge.
The open wood shelving adds lightness and function, offering easy access to everyday essentials and creating visual rhythm against the tiled wall. The custom wood vent hood anchors the cooktop area beautifully, and the addition of a spice-and-oil niche behind the range adds a layer of convenience that’s as thoughtful as it is stylish.
Tall upper cabinets now reach the ceiling, solving the previous storage problem and drawing the eye upward to the newly beadboard-paneled ceiling, which adds depth and architectural charm. The reworked layout—especially the repositioned panel-front dishwasher—improves workflow and allows the kitchen to function smoothly and intuitively. New stainless appliances round out the transformation with a clean, cohesive finish.
From floor to ceiling, every surface now works harder and looks better. The side-by-side before and afters tell the story best: what was once dated and difficult to use is now beautiful, bold, and ready for daily life.
design tips + lessons learned
Every remodel teaches us something, and this project was no exception. Here are a few takeaways worth sharing:
Color can be classic—if you commit. Deep green might not be a traditional kitchen color, but when paired with simple, high-quality finishes, it feels both bold and enduring.
Balance bold choices with natural materials. Wood shelving, details, and floors can soften and ground strong cabinet colors, adding warmth and approachability.
Maximize every surface. Counter-to-ceiling backsplashes, tall cabinets, and clever niches can make a compact space feel highly customized and efficient.
Small layout tweaks = big functional wins. Even slight changes in appliance placement made this kitchen dramatically easier to use.
This kitchen proves that practical updates and bold design choices don’t have to be mutually exclusive. With a thoughtful layout, smart storage, and a fearless use of color, Gathered in Green became a space that’s more functional and full of joy and personality.
We love collaborating with our clients and design projects like this are a reminder of how much impact a well-executed remodel can have on their daily life. If you're dreaming of a kitchen that reflects your style and works better for your lifestyle, we’d love to help bring that vision to life.
Please check out more of our work in our portfolio, follow us on Instagram, or get in touch to start your own transformation.
Volume 38: Q1 2025
Who doesn’t love a little window shopping?
TIME FLIES!
We're already in the 2nd quarter of 2025 and it's our first newsletter of the year. As you can see, getting motivated before Spring hits can be difficult. Cherry blossoms and tulips blowing in the breeze are here to brush off the Winter doldrums. The start of the calendar year is also full of many inspiring design events including product launches and market trends.
LAS VEGAS MARKET
Las Vegas Market is always exciting where we get to see the newest in home furnishings and accessories. This year did not disappoint. As our design work is primarily in vintage homes, our clients know we're not driven by trends. Colors and finishes come in and out of fashion and often reflects social and economic environments. With that, we continue to see both move towards honed and matte finishes. I especially love honed stone tables mixed with burnished metal and cozy textured fabrics.
KBIS
Las Vegas twice in one month? Yes, please! KBIS was once again in Las Vegas at the convention center, making it a sunny destination for us PNWers living under cloud cover in February. The kitchen and bath markets continue to show expansion into personalized finishes and details. Think finish options on bathroom fixtures and appliance handles that develop a patina like brass and leather. Contrary to what social media looks like, manufacturers do not want your kitchen to look like your neighbors. They are here to offer you customizable handle and finish options and we love them!
BEST OF HOUZZ
This year, we are proud to to have been awarded the best of Houzz for the 12th year! This honor means so much to us as we rely on images and client word of mouth to grow our business. I mean, if we didn't take a picture, did it even happen? Thank you for your continued trust in allowing us to work with you in creating colorful and personal homes.
If you've followed along in our newsletter, you may remember I am not a fan of springtime. This year I am trying to smile a bit more and enjoy moments walking under the pink blossoms and working out in the garden prepping for foxgloves and poppies. I'm trying to take things a little slower in general. I'd love to hear how you are taking advantage of this season, please reach out and let me know!
Volume 37: December
What a year
It's our last newsletter of 2024 - our 20th year anniversary! Was it the easiest year? No. Did we have a blast continuing to work with amazing clients and remodeling their homes? Absofreakinlutely!
GREEN INSPIRED KITCHEN
Did you see our sneak peek from last month? Well, here it is!
We had so much fun designing this project with some really wonderful clients. They were ready to say goodbye to their 90s kitchen and hello to more color with natural wood accents.
The Smeg refrigerator was a must-have and plays into the vintage styling our client loves. A 36" range allows for more more pans on the cooktop as well as a larger oven. This was especially important as our client is an avid baker!
We chose a palette of green, brass, and oak to suit their tastes with touches of pink throughout. Shades of green can be found in the cabinetry and refrigerator as well as the lovely garden backdrop through the windows . Oak upper cabinets were designed to tie in with the new red oak floor. Rounded oak detailing can also be found in the paneled vent hood.
There are vintage touches throughout the kitchen and dining room to complement their 1930s cottage-style home with plaster walls and many original hardware features. This can be seen in the shelf brackets, cabinet hardware, and modern light fixtures that give a nod to the past.
To make better use of the square footage, we enclosed a narrow staircase to the driveway to make room for the pantry and to relocate the refrigerator. Cabinetry and countertops were installed to the back corner to highlight the beautiful view from the corner windows which had previously been hidden. The standard doorway going into the kitchen was enlarged to an open arch that mirrors the existing arch between the dining and living rooms along with the arched niche in the dining room. We designed the built-in buffet style cabinetry to improve storage and in a more formal style to appear as it could be original to the home.
A LOOK BACK
2024 played out a bit differently than years past with some surprises along the way. We were still able to work with our wonderful clients, attend fun and educational events, and continued to work on new challenges that helped us grow.
Our projects continued to bring new opportunities to flex our design muscles including prepping a family home to be listed for sale and more than one client making updates post-heartbreak. Both scenarios allow us to help clients create a fresh start, new beginnings if you will. We were successful in updating a five bedroom, three bathroom house in a competitive market to obtain top dollar and minimize time on the market. Top to bottom and inside and out, we selected paint colors and fixtures to allow the house to be home for the next owners.
It's always a perk when our projects are featured in the media; we were very proud of our Bathroom of the Week featured on Houzz. This all new bathroom was designed for dear repeat clients in a traditional style for their Tudor style home in Seattle. The NKBA Puget Sound Gala was a highlight, too, as we won awards for our Powder Room and Small Kitchen designs!
We continue to give back to our community as I was elected as the ASID Washington State President-Elect. I was active in ASID since attending design school and choose to be active again as we have a fantastic group of designers, vendors and manufacturers in Washington!
As we shared with you last month, we supported Providence O'Christmas Trees by designing a tree for their auction at the Westin Seattle, themed Christmas Memories. That tree was able to bring in $18,000 in donations for Providence Home and Community Care and was donated back to one of their residences. All good reasons to donate our time and efforts.
STAY TUNED FOR NEXT MONTH!
We have some new pictures in the works of a Bellevue home that we are updating with a sophisticated color palette and show stopping wallcoverings! You may have seen some behind the scenes on our Instagram page.
All the best to you and yours as we say goodbye to a helluva year and spend time with our loved ones.
Hugs to you from all of us!
Volume 36: November
We are Grateful!
As we are knee deep in the holiday season, we want to take a moment to wish you all the joy and fun that this time of year can bring. It's not always easy, so I hope you are connecting with loved ones with special time for celebration and reflection.
Growing up in my small Italian family, our holidays were centered around our meals. One of my favorite things to do during the holidays was to go to the Italian deli, grab a number and wait for the magic to be cut, prepped and sliced from behind the counter. My younger brother and I would crunch on the breadsticks they handed out to keep everyone quiet and patient as we waited. It worked as they were yummy! It's a memory that makes me smile and remember my loved ones that are no longer with us to celebrate.
What's your favorite holiday activity? Or one holiday you look forward to more than the others?
As the holiday season is prime time for entertaining, the kitchen often becomes the center of these gatherings. Whether it's baking cookies, preparing a festive meal, or simply gathering to enjoy each other's company, we are often huddled in the kitchen.
We've recently had the pleasure of completing a couple of kitchen remodels for some wonderful clients. If we've had the opportunity to speak about our design projects, you may have heard us talk about how much we love the diversity in our projects. It may be subtle at times, as kitchens have common features, but each one has specific elements for each family. Maybe it's a tile, maybe it's a color, maybe it's a view out the window....maybe it's all those things...
Kitchen with a view
This kitchen was a true delight to work on with a retired couple updating their forever home. We started by opening up the passageway from the dining room into the kitchen which allowed for more natural light and better access for multiple people to be and work in the kitchen together.
The new space showcases the large single basin sink under an existing larger window than in its previous location. Repositioning or augmenting the windows would prove cost-prohibitive with the brick exterior of the house so we worked with the existing kitchen layout.
For cabinetry, a beautiful Pacific Blue color was chosen for the lower cabinets, and Irish Linen for the uppers. The new Shaker upper cabinets were able to reach the ceiling by removing the soffit. We added small intentional cabinet details that play up the traditional style of the house. Those include the shiplap detail on the vent hood and at the end of the lower cabinets and an applied upper door.
For flooring we chose sheet vinyl in a neutral color palette as hardwood floors were not an option due to cost and the maintenance they would likely incur because of their 60lb. chocolate lab. The new flooring blended well with the adjacent original hardwood floors while fitting the budget and the paws of their beloved rescue dog.
An induction range was specified for its safety features and easy maintenance. Ease of use was also supported with the microwave drawer.
In addition, the passage door to the adjacent laundry room was upgraded with a full lite detail. Further supporting their request for a more open and bright feel in the kitchen.
The varied feature tile was placed on the range wall to balance the ever-changing landscape seen outside the windows. This porcelain tile, inspired by Japanese pottery, allowed for an unique pattern and was a fun group effort as we worked together and laid it out on the floor prior to installation.
Green Inspired kitchen
Here is a sneak peek of a recent completion for a 1930s home that was stuck with a '90s remodel. Our directive was to bring back vintage charm coupled with the modern conveniences of today. Keep an eye out next month for our full before and after reveal.
christmas trees
This year we are proud to again support the charitable efforts of Providence Home and Community Care through their O'Christmas Trees auction and events. They are celebrating their 40th anniversary of this festive event.
The theme for our tree this year is "Christmas Memories". Come down to check out the trees, stop by and say hi, and maybe bid on a tree of your own during one of the events December 2-4.
As we approach the end of year festivities, we wish you a season filled with happiness and cherished moments. Happy Thanksgiving and happy holidays to come!
Volume 35: August
Happy summer!
Isn’t August the best month? A perfect blend of the leisurely mindset of summer with the anticipation of back to school time. Sunshine calls for beach days and dinners al fresco. At Kirk Riley Design we are enjoying late summer days around the pool and visits with family and friends. Above is a picture from Roxann's (our business manager) recent vacation to Newport, RI to tour the Gilded Age mansions. I was fortunate to have visited as well some years ago and highly recommend it if you find yourself on the east coast. Would you like to officially meet our team?
The cabanas at the Fontainebleu from Heather's recent trip to Las Vegas visiting close friends.
From Jenny's recent trip to Northern Washington watching the moonlight over the water after a full day with family.
We’ve also been working on some colorful projects. Check out our Instagram for sneak peeks!
Bathroom of the Week
We are honored to share that one of our Seattle bathroom remodels was chosen as a Bathroom of the Week on Houzz! This bathroom showcases a combination of beautiful materials installed by skilled contractors and tradespeople.
With our project, "Wash The Blues Away," we were inspired by the vintage Tudor home and the client’s personal classic style. Standout elements that highlight vintage charm are our use of marble including the baseboards, antique inspired hardware, and textured wallpaper. Varying shades of blue were used in the painted inset cabinetry, strie wallpaper, and printed marble tile on the back wall. We also used a mix of finishes including the oil-rubbed bronze light fixtures and cabinet hardware along with brushed nickel plumbing fixtures.
The Pittock Double Sconces above each vanity mirror are focal points in the space, providing both illumination and charm. Their elegant curves and historic-inspired design enhance the overall ambiance. Pairing them with beautifully crafted Rigdon knobs and pulls creates a cohesive vintage aesthetic. We love sourcing modern reproductions that pay homage to classic design.
Now get out there an enjoy the sunshine!
Volume 34: July
Happy summer and cheers to the rest of 2024!
It’s always so surprising to see the calendar turn the halfway mark on the year. Six months can go by in the blink of an eye! Here’s a bit of what we have been up to the first half of 2024.
The beginning of this year included some amazing traveling, trade shows, and fortunately, a couple of fabulous installs for our clients.
Do you follow us on Instagram to see that we won two awards at the NKBA Puget Sound Gala?! Our designs of a kitchen and powder room were both winners. Deep down we know all of our clients are winners, contests can be difficult and you never know what may grab the judges’ eye.
Made in Spain
Heather’s trip to Spain with Cosentino included a tour of their factory. A highlight of the tour was seeing their natural stone showroom. Ay dios mio! Their hospitality also included a city tour of Granada.
Mid-Century Darling
We were honored to win 3rd Place | Small Kitchen for this project at the annual NKBA awards last month. This project was such fun to work on as we got to really lean into the mid-century vibe with a modern and natural twist.
Organic Aura
We were also quite excited to walk away with a 2nd Place | Powder Room win for this unique project that encompassed our clients’ style while complimenting the other design features within their home.
We can’t say enough about how blessed we are to work with such wonderful clients on each of our projects. Here’s to the second half of 2024!
Volume 33: March/April
It’s Our Birthday
If you haven’t heard us shout about it yet, 2024 is a big year for Kirk Riley Design. This year we celebrate our 20th anniversary!! Kirk Riley Design was started while I was still living in Southern California and continued working on projects there while I relocated to Seattle. I knew I wanted to be in a city and Seattle reminded me of Long Beach, also a port city, and a favorite that I lived in for several years. The first year was exciting as my business launched doing a showcase house that was also featured on a national program.
A Few Favorites
Years ago I got the opportunity to design a bathroom for Bath Crashers on DIY Network. Anyone remember that show where they would “find a couple” in a home improvement store and offer to help remodel their bathroom? That was fun to get to be so creative in the design and see all of the behind-the-scenes action for a week.
Having one of our kitchens featured in Portrait magazine (pictured above) over several glossy pages was also a proud moment.
Finally, being able to support Providence O’Christmas Tree for 10 years has been an incredibly fulfilling and heart-warming experience to contribute to.
On the Horizon
KBIS, the national annual kitchen and bath show, is a great way to get motivated for fresh product launches in the new year just before spring starts! This year did not disappoint as materials and appliances continue to push the envelope for creativity and functionality.
Color, color, and more color is what you are going to see more of in your kitchen and bathroom designs. You know we are always finding ways to use color in our designs so this is really exciting for us! Manufacturers are constantly working on the development of customization of handles and finishes. Think brass fronts, leather pulls, and custom color options for your refrigerators and ranges. Sound good? We are sure to see even more of this coming in the next couple of years.
I am passionate about design and I am proud of being a mom to an amazing daughter who sees how much I love developing this business.
Here’s to the next 20 years!