Volume 32: January/February
Thank you to our wonderful clients for a fantastic 2023!
As we move in to 2024 we are excited to share what we've seen and learned at this year's design shows. Last month we attended Las Vegas Market where we saw the latest and greatest in furnishings and color. Let us know what you think of these new furnishings and decor direct from Market.
Winter just got a lot more fun
It’s design show season!
Thank you to our wonderful clients for a fantastic 2023!
As we move in to 2024 we are excited to share what we've seen and learned at this year's design shows. Last month we attended Las Vegas Market where we saw the latest and greatest in furnishings and color. Let us know what you think of these new furnishings and decor direct from Market.
Stayed tuned for next month's newsletter where we will share fresh to the market fixtures and appliances from KBIS (follow our Instagram for our real-time finds).
Design Trends
If you've followed me since Milan it's still about mixing textures, interesting materials, and natural elements. It’s still curvy, baby! Fluted details, rounded corners and everything wavy continues to be seen in new homes furnishings for a couple of seasons. Think wall details, round tables, and woven materials; keep your eye out for round pillows. If you are looking for reference, Michael Taylor did it best for his California cool look in the 1970’s + 80’s. His design work continues to influence trends and inspire designers decades later.
Color Trends
Jewel tones, muted or bright, they’re here again. If you think things are looking like the 80’s, you’re right. There’s a strong Art Deco influence from the 1930's flowing through the design world. We are seeing styles and trends update every couple years now when it used to take a decade for styles to run the course. We didn’t get our roaring 20’s!
Safety in Numbers
With the new year and holiday decorations put away (hopefully but no judgment), it is the perfect time to address how we all can make sure our bathrooms and kitchens are as safe as they are beautiful.
Here are 5 design elements you can add to your home that not only check off the safety box, but can be visually appealing and, dare I say, elegant.
Grab bars
Installing these in the shower can provide stability and support for those who may have difficulty standing for long periods of time or getting in and out of the shower. I know, you’re thinking of a hospital grab but that’s not what these look like. There are a variety of styles and finishes to complement your bathroom design that are “hidden” in most of our remodels.
Curbless showers
These are inherently a safety feature designed for aesthetics. By eliminating the raised edge of a traditional shower, there is less risk of someone tripping and falling when entering or exiting. Curbless shower pans can be beautifully achieved with the proper floor tile and grout. Material selections matter!
Nightlights
Another simple yet effective safety feature for households with children or elderly individuals who may need to use the bathroom during the night. Think bigger than your typical plug-in nightlight (which can be useful). Hidden lights under a vanity bring a sleek look to nighttime lighting without taking up space in your outlets. Outlets are also available with built-in sensor lights for an easy hallway update. Leviton and Snap Power both have great, easy-to-install options.
Induction ranges
These convenient additions to the kitchen are becoming increasingly popular due to their safety features. Unlike traditional stovetops, induction ranges have no open flame, reducing the risk of burns or fires. They also have built-in sensors depending on the model that turns off the heat when a pot or pan is removed, providing an added layer of safety.
Pot fillers
Adding these can be a game-changer for those with mobility issues, or really anyone that loves pasta! These faucets extend over the stove to easily pots and pans can be filled without having to carry across from the sink. This feature does need some planning as it requires a water line in the wall, so be sure to plan and consider if anyone in your household for those with arthritis or difficulty lifting heavy objects.
Safety in the home is crucial and is easy to plan for and incorporate. We hope these five precautionary principles will help you make your rooms a safer and more convenient place for everyone in your household. Let's make this year a time for prioritizing our well-being and health.
Volume 31: December
As 2023 comes to a close, we are filled with gratitude for the amazing clients and tradespeople we have had the pleasure of working with over the last 12 months. This year's projects featured a wide range of design styles - all in a different vintage era - that were both challenging and rewarding. From Everett to Bellevue to West Seattle, we are proud of the designs updating our client's homes.
Winding down
It's been a great year!
As 2023 comes to a close, we are filled with gratitude for the amazing clients and tradespeople we have had the pleasure of working with over the last 12 months. This year's projects featured a wide range of design styles - all in a different vintage era - that were both challenging and rewarding. From Everett to Bellevue to West Seattle, we are proud of the designs updating our client's homes.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of our job is seeing a project go from just a dream and a moodboard to a fully realized and stunning space. This year, we embarked on some exciting new remodels.
We are constantly pushing ourselves to incorporate new styles and ideas into our designs as often as we can. This year we were motivated by attending KBIS, Milan Design Week, and Cosentino’s newest product launch to soak up all the inspiration.
Our wonderful business manager, Roxann, has continued to excel at keeping all our ducks in a row and making things go smoothly behind the scenes. This year also brought us our newest team member, Jenny, she is the Junior Interior Designer here at Kirk Riley Design. It has been fun to have another California transplant who speaks the same design language (we both went to FIDM!) and loves all things color. Here is a photo of us at the NKBA Holiday party, 76 floors above the city of Seattle at Columbia Tower.
As we look towards the future, we are excited to continue our journey and take on new design challenges. Above all, we are grateful for the opportunities and experiences of the past year, and we look forward to building on these foundations and creating more in the years to come.
From all of us at Kirk Riley Design, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you for your continued support and being a part of our journey. Here's to making 2024 even better!
Volume 30: November
The idea of gathering around the table with friends and family for the Thanksgiving holiday is a tradition that has been around for centuries. Whether it’s a formal, sit-down dinner or a casual buffet, it’s a time to appreciate each other’s company and to give thanks for all that we have. One thing that ties it all together is the table, or in the case of our Thanksgiving, tables. Kids' table, anyone?
Thanksgiving Wishes
A Table of Thankfulness
Food, Family, Friends, and Furnishings
The idea of gathering around the table with friends and family for the Thanksgiving holiday is a tradition that has been around for centuries. Whether it’s a formal, sit-down dinner or a casual buffet, it’s a time to appreciate each other’s company and to give thanks for all that we have. One thing that ties it all together is the table, or in the case of our Thanksgiving, tables. Kids' table, anyone?
A table is an essential piece of furniture in any dining room. It’s not just a place to eat; it’s also a place to gather, to converse, and to create memories. That’s why it’s important to choose the right table when decorating your dining room.
With so many styles to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow it down. We have enjoyed sourcing quite a few at Kirk Riley Design over the years. You could go for a classic, traditional look with leaves in a mahogany or cherry wood table. For a lighter and more modern style look for a glass or metal table which also works well in a smaller space. A mix of brushed brass and a warm, live-edge wood top is an interesting combination! This season we are loving this one from Anthropologie: Nemus Dining Table | AnthroLiving (anthropologie.com) The wishbone legs have our hearts fluttering!
Pro tip: Keep in mind the size and shape of the table you will need for your space. Aside from the table, the other elements of the dining room should be considered as well. Chairs, for example, are best when both comfortable and stylish. If you prefer a rustic alternative, opt for benches in a matching wood to accompany your dining table. Needing to maximize space? An upholstered banquette with a pedestal table make the perfect combo! To add a touch of warmth and texture to the room, add rugs and curtains as well.
No matter what style of table you choose, it’s important to pay attention to the details. On Thanksgiving day especially, the dining table is the visual centerpiece of the holiday and small touches can go a long way. Just this weekend I was setting the table for one of my family’s favorite dishes (Brussel sprouts!) with my antique brass candle holders, rust-color embroidered Anthropologie tablecloth, mother-of-pearl handled flatware from my mom and yes–the plates are from Goodwill. We’ve found that just a few candles, seasonal flowers, and other personal decor can really help to create a beautiful, inviting atmosphere that will make your Thanksgiving dinner that much more special!
In the theme of thankfulness, we at Kirk Riley Design wanted to share with you a list of some of the things we are most thankful for this holiday season:
Family near, far, and those departed but remembered always.
Cherished friends, new & old who make life that much sweeter.
And…YOU! We can’t thank our dear clients enough for trusting us with designing their homes! Home is a special and personal space that we are grateful to be a part of.
Traveling. When relatives live in another state or country, we are grateful for the ability to cross oceans or mountains to see each other.
On a personal note, I’m grateful for my health in 2023 as last year was a bit difficult navigating health issues as well as COVID. It’s been almost a year exactly of working on my healing journey and I’m so appreciative of our resources in Seattle.
Not that I’m rushing through Thanksgiving but it is time to talk Christmas… O’Christmas Tree that is! You may have seen the fun I've shared on social media over the years as I’ve been a supporter of Providence O’Christmas Trees ever since I learned about the program in 2010. Here’s your opportunity to make a memory and take the family to the Westin THIS Monday from 4 – 7 to kick off your holiday festivities.
Wishing you a healthy and abundant Thanksgiving!
Volume 29: October
When it comes to interiors, there is nothing more inviting than a beautiful fireplace. Fireplaces bring a cozy and appealing feeling to any room, making it the perfect place to gather with family or friends. Not only do they add warmth and character to your home, but they can also be a great way to tie together the look and feel of a space. Whether you have a traditional wood-burning fireplace, an electric fireplace, or a gas-burning fireplace, they make a beautiful centerpiece to a home.
All Things Cozy
Fireplaces, candles, and blankets...oh my!
When it comes to interiors, there is nothing more inviting than a beautiful fireplace. Fireplaces bring a cozy and appealing feeling to any room, making it the perfect place to gather with family or friends. Not only do they add warmth and character to your home, but they can also be a great way to tie together the look and feel of a space. Whether you have a traditional wood-burning fireplace, an electric fireplace, or a gas-burning fireplace, they make a beautiful centerpiece to a home.
In decorating around a fireplace, the mantel is an opportunity to show off your personal style. Fresh or dried flowers, leaning artwork, and other decorative elements can all be used to create a beautiful and inviting atmosphere. If space allows, you can also add some comfortable seating around it to make it easier to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of the fire. Sometimes, you have the fireplace but need the style. Take this river rock fireplace for example, it used to be a 1980s gilt mirror and now reflects a much more organic and natural mood. Another way to make a statement is by choosing a pop of colorful tile to brighten the space, as seen in this photo. Kirk Riley Design is “where a colorful life happens” and we love it when our clients embrace that wholeheartedly!
If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to decorate with light and cozy vibes this season, fragrant candles and wool blankets are an excellent option. We have used them in bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, entryways…the possibilities are plenty! Candles foster a moody atmosphere, and the variety of fall-themed fragrances can fill your home with a pleasant aroma. If you are caution-minded, battery-powered candles and scented oil diffusers are a viable substitute for flame-burning wicks. Throw blankets add a comfy feeling and can be used to snuggle up in your favorite chair or settee. Hint: Neutrals, plaids, and tartans have been ever so popular this season.
No matter how you choose to create warmth in your home, we are wishing you “all things cozy” as we head into the winter months!
Check out more of our cozy designs on Houzz and our website!
Give us a call if you're considering adding a fireplace to your world, or some candles. Either way, we'd love to hear from you.
Volume 28: September
Last week we were fortunate to have fantastic designer events in Seattle. First up was a "Tilepalooza" at a local showroom, United Tile. The next was a day of learning about what's new for home appliances at Albert Lee Appliance. Both of these showrooms represent lines manufactured all over the world and they were able to bring in the best from their manufacturers. We got the freshest information from the people in the know.
Fresh for Fall
What we saw last week
Last week we were fortunate to have fantastic designer events in Seattle. First up was a "Tilepalooza" at a local showroom, United Tile. The next was a day of learning about what's new for home appliances at Albert Lee Appliance. Both of these showrooms represent lines manufactured all over the world and they were able to bring in the best from their manufacturers. We got the freshest information from the people in the know.
One of my favorites was speaking with one of the owners of Sonoma Tile, a woman-owned business. They manufacture a lot of their product line in the United States, mostly in California. I especially love their tiles that feature recycled material! Sustainability and eco-awareness are not just buzzwords in the home improvement market. Big companies are spending big dollars to improve their packaging, distribution, and products to minimize their impact on local environments.
Inax is another line that we've used for their gorgeous Japanese glazes. Interesting colors and shapes combined for a truly interesting tile that you just want to reach out and touch. Here we used an inax tile on the kitchen backsplash in a recent remodel.
Appliance manufacturers continue to add customizations, allowing us to create personalized appliances. What does that mean? You want a brass-paneled refrigerator? Okay! Oversized luxurious yet completely durable leather handles? Check! Washing machines with not only a smaller footprint in your home but also environmentally friendly? Done!
What's the word on the street for your cooking range? Induction. Our clients have been selecting induction for years, as they combine fantastic ease of use with numerous safety features. Be prepared to continue to see more of this in the market.
Several prototypes were featured, but sorry, we signed an NDA. Even more new products and cutting-edge ideas will be showcased in February at KBIS in Las Vegas. Be sure to follow along on Instagram as you never know what I'll be sharing. I'm thrilled to live in a vibrant city, fortunate to have such gracious clients, and grateful to work with a team of vendors and tradespeople. We work together to make all of our crazy design ideas come to life! As always, if you're not sure how to start your next design project or maybe you do and you're ready to go, give me a call or send me an email.
Happy fall y'all!
Volume 27: August
Vacation season may be coming to an end, but that doesn't mean sunshine and fun have to.
Let's taco 'bout it
One Week Left
Vacation season may be coming to an end, but that doesn't mean sunshine and fun have to.
What do you do to keep those summer vibes going? Please stand by with your PSL, it's not sweater weather yet.
A little trick I've been playing to make it feel like I'm on vacation is to try something new. Sounds simple enough, but think about it. When you're on vacation everything is new. Where to eat, what to see, how to dress.
Plan a day where you take a little drive, eat at a new restaurant, wear an outfit that you'd pack while on vacation. Try it and let me know how it works for you!
No matter where I am one of my favorite ways to enjoy a summer afternoon is eating tacos in the sunshine! Nothing fancy, I'm talking tacos served in a basket sitting outside under an umbrella. Total chill vibes only while eating a meal off of a tray or in a basket.
Two local favorites in Seattle are El Chupacabra on Alki and Pecado Bueno in Fremont.
Year round palm leaves are another way to keep summer alive. They definitely brought a smile to our clients near Alki Beach.
The nature inspiration continued in the powder room with the handmade kale green concrete sink.
You can see more of this project on Houzz and our website!
Give us a call if you're considering adding wallpaper to your world, or some tacos. Either way, we'd love to hear from you.
Happy blue moon week!
Volume 26: July
With all of the one-day sales and specials of the week, retailers are doing their best to get us shopping this month. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (truly one of my favorite holidays of the year) is such a good opportunity to prep for fall and find things for your home.
Christmas in July. Kinda.
Don't tell me I'm the only one currently watching Hallmark Christmas movies in July. No?
The air conditioning is on and I'm wearing sandals but it's a nice reminder of another season. With all of the one-day sales and specials of the week, retailers are doing their best to get us shopping this month. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (truly one of my favorite holidays of the year) is such a good opportunity to prep for fall and find things for your home. Sale time is the perfect time to try a new look or a new scent. Here are a few of my favorites to try this weekend. But don't wait! Items have been selling out since day one of pre-sale, so check them out now.
Bar Tool Set
If you know me, you know I love a good cocktail. Even more so in the sunshine. Even if you're not the bartender in your home, this would make a perfect gift for perfect someone.
It's summertime, try breaking yours in with an Aperol Spritz.
Nest Candles
A repeat favorite of mine. If you enjoy scented candles, try these grapefruit candles from Nest and enjoy. Let me know what you think!
Crosley Turntable
Who's got some 45's waiting to be played? This mini player is so darn chic in ivory.
Pet Sweater
I wasn't able to grab this in the right size for little Dexter - hoping they get more in stock. How do you keep your pooch cozy in the fall?
Black Marble Serving Board
This black marble serving board would be great for a party charcuterie board and as a great backdrop standing up on your counter.
Here's how we've styled similar serving boards.
Chic Shower Curtain
A white shower curtain always makes me happy. Gray and black are next in line. But with stripes, even better.
Spa-like Skincare
There was a duo included in the Anniversary Sale but it's so good it sold out! Try this Discovery Set and instantly feel like you are using the good stuff found only in a spa.
Enjoy your July and we'll see you next month with more sunny inspiration!
Thanks for being here!
Volume 25: June
Add some personality
Happy summertime!
It's finally here! Summertime and warm weather here in Seattle. Time for adventures and road trips. What are you up to this summer?
Infusing some personality
While we were working on the mid-century kitchen we shared with you last month, we also had the opportunity to bring the clients' adventurous personalities into their powder room.
The original powder room featured plain white walls and a combination of different wood elements seen in the parquet floor, vanity, medicine cabinet, and vent cover. None of which reflected our clients' tastes or the updates being made in the rest of their home.
The first item we sourced for this project was the green cast-cement sink. Brass elements were continued in the powder room through the various fixtures and vanity. White walls have been replaced with wallpaper and textured tile.
We'd love to chat with you about bringing your personality into your home. We are currently booking for Fall, Winter, and into 2024. Contact us now to schedule an appointment.
Volume 24: May
Inspirational finds near and far
Occasionally, the opportunity to travel for both work and pleasure will arise. Such was the case for me recently when I traveled to Milan with a fellow designer. Our only expectation was to take in as much inspiration as possible (spoiler alert: this was definitely accomplished!).
One of the most impressive sites was the Duomo di Milano at night, pictured above. It's mind boggling to think that this structure, as massive as it is, is only the 15th largest in the world.
Classics since the 14th Century
Marble, a truly timeless material, seen in the facade of the Duomo di Milano. Gray, always in style, don't believe everything the blogs tell you. Arches, an interesting detail we often see in the vintage homes we remodel.
Natural is always in
Curvilinear lines paired with natural stone bring both elegance and comfort.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Ever wonder how we get from inspiration to the finished project? After our initial meeting we follow up with a proposed floor plan. Once that is approved, we create a rendering showing you a colored realistic drawing of what your finished project could look like.
These renderings and floor plans are shared with your contractor who then uses them to create your beautiful, updated space.
We would love to help you achieve your vision with your next project. Please reach out to us here 👇🏻!
Volume 23: March
Following the sunshine
Inspiration in the desert
My family and I recently traveled to Arizona during my daughter's mid-winter break from school. The glow of the desert sunshine accompanied by the little bit city, little bit country vibe of Scottsdale had something for everyone.
I decided we would visit Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and desert laboratory, and the Desert Botanical Garden. These were not at the top of the list for my teenage daughter as she was much more excited about attending the Arabian horse show which luckily overlapped with our visit.
I'm proud to share that she was all smiles at the end of both outings.
We'd all recommend the audio tour at Taliesin West, as we could adjust our timing for any crowds and easily walk the tour. Most of the visit is outdoors, so we were pleased to have moderate weather.
In making your plans, get some great Frank Lloyd Wright inspiration at the Arizona Biltmore (in Phoenix). His brick design work is on proud display everywhere and you can take a history tour. The hotel is on beautiful grounds with something for everyone – pool, cafes, even gelato!
Stay tuned next month for a behind the scenes of one of our latest projects.