pacificdesignco, Author at Pacific Design Co.

January 13, 2025January 14, 2025

How to Overcome Overwhelm on Your Home Detox Journey

In the 10+ years of detoxing my home (and life!), I’ve certainly gone through my fair share of the highs and lows that come along with it. The peak moments of feeling so incredible, feeling so confident and healthy and proud, to the defeating moments of feeling like this journey is impossible given our current options in this world. I’ve been through the times where I thought I had found a tox-free option, and then just a few months later, had to go back to the drawing board after new research or studies showed questionable things about a particular ingredient. We can make ourselves crazy, or we can know that perfection is unlikely, and we can do the best we can with the information we have at the time.

Knowledge is power, but stress is probably our biggest toxin.

It’s important to know your why. And once you start learning the truth about toxins in our lives, it’s certainly hard to turn back. Guilt, shame, and stress can play a toll as we try to do better but struggle through the process. So while easier said than done, try to reduce the stress of going through this process. Today, we’re sharing a few tips to hopefully make it a bit smoother.

Aim for progress, not perfection

There are many ways to start and move through this journey. I can’t think of “the one” that is the most right. We all have unique lives – different preferences, creature comforts, and must-have items that you will be damned to give up. We all have different priorities and our “whys” are going to vary as well. So it only makes sense that we have to start in different places. And when there isn’t a clear direct path, it’s easy to get discouraged or lost. We can only do our best. And that looks and feels different for everyone.

Go with the 80/20 rule, a.k.a. pick your poisons

In a lot of groups where we talk about more organic lifestyles, this is an important concept. If you start at a point where you realize the majority of your lifestyle and home products have toxic ingredients, and you make just a 5-10% change, that’s a great start! And for people who are really passionate, if you can get to the point where 80% of your lifestyle and home is tox-free, then that’s a job very well done.

There are always going to be things we do or have that may not fall under a toxin-free lifestyle. But we aren’t here to be miserable either. If you occasionally go out to eat and that’s in your 20% to indulge, then go for it. Refuse to toss your microwave? Fine. If you can’t live without your morning coffee run, great! Pick your 20% and focus on what things you are ready to change. Who knows where you will be in one year’s time! Maybe one of your must-have items eventually feels like it’s ready to be given up.

Don’t go bankrupt

I’m not kidding. One of the biggest concerns I see is people feeling they have to throw everything out and start over, and it’s unaffordable. Some of the overwhelm of this process has to do with the financial aspect of buying new things to replace toxic things, or spending more to get higher quality and safer products. We can be responsible with finances and take things slow. Take the following examples –

You are sorting through cleaning supplies and realize that the majority of your products are unnecessary, duplicates, and have ingredients you no longer want to use. Your approach to this situation could go several ways: throw it all out, donate the items, or use it until it’s gone and then purchase the toxin-free items you’d like to switch to. There really isn’t a wrong answer, but the correct path will be a combination of your financial situation and personal values. “If I donate this, someone else will be exposed to these chemicals. But if I throw it out, it feels wasteful to just dump in a landfill. If I use it myself, I’m adding to my body’s toxin load.” Is there really a right choice? Probably not. None of these are truly ideal. You get to decide what feels right for you and what is financially feasible at that time.

The initial investment to make swaps can be done gradually over time to ease the burden. And in time, you will probably find yourself buying less and saving money, because quite frankly, we don’t need a lot of the junk we are buying. Toxin free swaps can actually be incredibly economical, and oftentimes are simple and reusable, eliminating the need to restock every month.

Create a plan

I’m a Virgo, so this is literally my favorite thing to do. But in this journey, I truly think it’s important for everyone to consider creating an outline. Diving into the rabbit hole of toxin free living can make you feel scatter brained and crazy. One minute you are searching for toothpaste alternatives and then you find yourself researching ingredients and then suddenly you realize that ingredient was also in your body wash so now you need to find a swap for that, then you think about the plastic containers and all the waste then suddenly your entire bathroom needs to be thrown in the trash and now you have nothing to clean your body so you go to the store and buy the old junk that you used to buy. Yes, it can ramble and escalate just like that. But no, it doesn’t have to.

Create a plan of your priority areas to target, and stick to it, no matter how tempting the rabbit hole can be. Exceptions – an ungodly toxic thing you find out about that is lurking in your home and needs to get taken care of NOW. Honestly though, that filter to identify gets really tough because everything can feel extra important to get taken care of right away. Stick to the plan.

Know your priorities

There is always room for improvement and growth. You can have all the best non toxic products in your home and then suddenly realize that the carbon footprint to ship them all the way from New Zealand is actually a really poor choice. Or that the perfect shampoo that finally worked amazing for your hair is in a single-use plastic bottle and you just learned about plastics and now you have to start your search over. Do you though?

Before you start – think through your priorities of what matters most to you. Again, these might change over time as you build confidence or increase awareness. Start where you can, with the budget you have. Below are some ideas about priorities. Pick just one or a few that matter to you:

Starting with a particular category such as food/supplements, body care, or just tackling cleaning supplies. Refer to your 80/20
USA made (or whatever country you are reading from), or possibly zoomed in further, such as locally made in your own region, state, city, or community
No plastics – finding zero waste options
Ensuring certain qualifications – organic, vegan, cruelty free (but do your research as many nice sounding phrases actually have no regulations, aka greenwashing)
Eliminating particular ingredients – palm free, “natural fragrance,” etc.

get help when you need it

Just like with our design clients, who often times need someone to take all the information overload and overwhelm and filter through it and create a plan for them. We see our home detox consulting the same way! Let us simplify things for you and guide you through the murky waters to clean, reverse-osmosis, drinkability. With nerdy jokes, non-judgement, and a heart ready to help support you!

If you’d like to book a consultation to detox your home and lifestyle, reach out! We are opening up our in-person and virtual consultations to address this important aspect of safe and healthy homes for you to live beautifully.

January 7, 2025January 12, 2025

Our Favorite Toxin-Free Swaps for Beginners

Making the shift to a toxin-free lifestyle can feel overwhelming, especially when you realize how many everyday products may contain harmful chemicals. But the good news? Taking small, intentional steps to replace toxic products with safer alternatives can have a big impact on your health, your home, and even the environment.

Whether you’re just starting out or simply curious about how to make your daily routine cleaner and greener, we’re here to help! In this post, we’re sharing our fast and favorite toxin-free swaps to help you begin your journey. From safer cookware to skin-loving beauty items, these beginner-friendly swaps will make detoxing your home easier than you ever imagined.

Let’s take the first step together toward a healthier, toxin-free lifestyle!

kitchen quick swaps

The kitchen is the heart of the home, but it can also be a hidden source of toxins in cookware, food storage, and cleaning products. If you’re looking to make your kitchen a safer and healthier space, starting with a few key swaps can make a big difference. From non-toxic cookware to safer storage solutions, these simple changes will help you create a toxin-free kitchen without sacrificing convenience or style.

Au revoir to aluminum foil –> silicone free parchment paper
No more nonstick pans –> cast iron or stainless steel
Peace out plastic –> glass tupperware, stainless steel utensils
Say goodbye to single use ziploc bags, etc. –> silicone, beeswax, or paper wraps

bathroom quick swaps

Your bathroom should be a place of refreshment and self-care, not a place of poisons. Ranging from skincare and personal hygiene products, there are plenty of opportunities to swap out harmful chemicals for safer, healthier alternatives. These simple changes will help you create a toxin-free oasis. Let’s refresh your routine with products you can feel good about!

Conventional deodorant –> aluminum free
Soaps, shampoo, etc. –> ditch the 1000 ingredients and harmful fragrances and go back to the good ol’ days of soap bars made of goats milk or similar
Feminine hygiene –> chemicals in our most sensitive spots? No thanks! Swap to organic or new menstrual products like cups, underwear, etc.
Picky about perfume –> long gone are the days of the vague “natural fragrance,” it’s time to switch over to plant power such as quality essential oils

Laundry & Cleaning Quick Swaps

Keeping your home clean shouldn’t come at the expense of your health. Many conventional laundry and cleaning products are packed with harsh chemicals that can linger in your air, on your clothes, and on your skin. The good news? Safer, eco-friendly alternatives are just as effective! From non-toxic detergents to natural all-purpose cleaners, these simple swaps will help you create a cleaner, healthier home for you and your family. Let’s tackle laundry and cleaning the toxin-free way!

Save money on the reoccurring dryer sheet expense –> wool dryer balls
Clear out the clutter of 100 different cleaning products –> distilled white vinegar, baking soda, and pure castile soap are ingredients that can be used dozens of ways. Add essential oils to create your own healthy fragrance!
Stay away from synthetics –> when buying new clothing, towels, etc. look for natural fibers such as cotton and linen (no more polyester, etc.)
Save a tree –> make the swap to reusable cloth instead of paper towels, napkins, etc. that you can wash instead of throw away after one use!

your journey awaits

Making the switch to a toxin-free lifestyle doesn’t have to be overwhelming. And it certainly won’t happen overnight. By starting with these beginner-friendly swaps, you’re already taking meaningful steps toward a healthier home and a more mindful routine. Each change—no matter how small—adds up to create a safer, cleaner environment for you, your loved ones, and the planet.

Remember, this journey is all about progress, not perfection. As you explore toxin-free living, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need tailored advice for your unique needs. We’re here to help guide you every step of the way. Let’s build a healthier, happier home together—one swap at a time!

January 7, 2025January 7, 2025

Let’s Talk About Toxic Houses…

When we think about our homes being a safe haven and place of comfort, we probably don’t imagine respiratory issues, carcinogens, neurological problems, hormone and endocrine disrupters, allergies, cancer, reproductive development and health problems, air pollution, and more. We’re diving deep into detoxing, because quite frankly, we deserve more than having homes full of this.

We deserve more than the lies we’ve been told for years about the products we buy and their “safety.” We deserve more than being drug down by heavy metal toxicity, formaldehyde and VOC’s off gassing, and plenty other hidden poisons grossly deemed as “safe” in the majority of our products. From our clothing to our skin and beauty care, to our cookware, furniture, and more. We deserve more than having sick homes and a sick environment – sick air, sick oceans, sick soil. We deserve more.

My personal journey to eliminate toxic products in my home and my body started in 2014, almost 10 years ago! But the seeds actually started back in 2012 when I studied LEED for building design and became certified through their exams for designers! Being a curator of homes, I have realized it should be something I share more about. So, let’s start talking about the things in our homes that aren’t actually safe. There are so many hidden (or not so hidden) toxins lurking in our lives.

In all honesty, this journey can quickly become overwhelming. Even after 10 years I sometimes find myself feeling overwhelmed again, being surprised that there is STILL more to swap. Unfortunately, after 10 years, you’d think there would have been more bans of toxic ingredients to make this easier. But we aren’t there yet.

This topic is one of those that I could probably talk about for ages because I’m so passionate about it! I’ve helped many friends and family transition to more toxin-free lives. If having someone guide you through a home/body detox plan specifically for your lifestyle and situation, let’s chat! Our virtual or on-site consultations can focus on this topic exclusively if this is your goal. Just let us know when you book – “HOME DETOX PLEASE!”. While this process is flexible based on your specific goals, this could look like:

Initial Evaluation of Your Home (virtual or in-person!)

We will find your starting point as far as awareness and education on this topic. Wherever you are in your journey is okay! Then either as a full home overview or broken into parts, I’ll scan your rooms, closets, and drawers in search of offenses. Basically, I will get really snoopy, but no worry – no judgement! I’ll outline the major areas of concern based on categories needing a major overhaul or items that are most damaging and need to get addressed right away. We’ll discuss your goals and concerns and budget for making swaps. Then, we will start to lay out a plan that feels feasible and keeps the overwhelm to a minimum! Depending on the items, I can offer tried-and-true swaps from my own personal experience as well as resources for learning more.

*Important Note: obviously, I’m not a doctor. So, while products in our home absolutely cause medical and health issues, I cannot give medical advice. But I can direct you to resources and people who can address those concerns!

Want to go further after this?

Schedule follow up calls or additional consultations for more suggestions, ask questions, and have me as an accountability partner to keep you on track! Prices for follow up work will vary, but packages can also be created based on your unique goals!

In upcoming blog posts and content on our IG page, I’ll occasionally be offering easy swaps based on products I’ve already researched, have been using, and love. There are so many products out there and many are actually greenwashed (fake marketing to make a product seem less toxic than it actually is)! Or products that just don’t produce quality results when compared to a mainstream product. Stay tuned for more and reach out for your personal home detox today!

Schedule your virtual home detox here.
Or schedule your on-site consultation to get help with this topic in-person!

August 4, 2024December 4, 2025

Looking to Build? Pre-made House Plans Are Available for Purchase!

I have exciting news to start sharing with you!

A few years ago, when I revealed the floor plan for #pdcohome, I put it out there that these house plans would be available for purchase. I get a lot of calls from people looking to build and not knowing where to start. In the past, I’ve referred them to work with architects in our area, or to various websites to search for a floor plan as a cost-effective alternative or starting point. The thing is, I actually LOVE creating floor plans, especially for new construction. But I have limitations on what I can offer in that realm. However, I constantly find myself inspired by home configurations and I’ve wanted a space to freely create and release those ideas without doing them for a specific client with custom goals (or someone not knowing at all where to start, which is common!). Over the last year I’ve began to consider my own interest in creating ready-made house plans as another avenue for people to work with me.

I’ve spent thousands of hours walking in homes of various layouts, drawing and reconfiguring floor plans, and I think this background gives me so much experience as to what functions well and feels good, too.

So, while I’ve tossed the idea around for far too long, I was getting hung up mostly about where or how I’ll present these floor plans to the world. And I finally decided that it’s okay to not have it all figured out here. I’m a recovering perfectionist and planner, and this just feels like something I can work through the details over time. So without further ado, I’d like to officially present the first house plan available for purchase — my very own home, carefully crafted and refined over several years of work on the floor plans. You can now purchase my floor plans, including options to download 3D SketchUp models or raw AutoCAD files for editing, all on my updated Etsy store right here with an instant download.

THE VIDEO TOUR IS HERE!

Below is the video tour showing the rendering of the exterior and main interior features.

the infamous question about new build homes

Many people ask me if I have any regrets or “do-overs” I wish I could have on our floor plan or construction. And honestly, the only thing I can say is that I wish our toilets were better, and that we would have set aside money for finishing the hardscapes around the exterior. To this day, I still absolutely love our floor plan and there’s not a thing I would change about it! I truly spent an overwhelming number of hours measuring and imagining each space to ensure it all felt just right. I’ve never run into issues with furniture layouts feeling odd or corners or spaces feeling too tight. It’s seriously all perfection!

interested in purchasing? reach out!

So, if you are looking to build, and maybe you’ve seen our home around the website, blog, or social media and feel like it’s a right fit for your future home, now is your chance to snag the construction drawing set, or check out the option that includes a 3D SketchUp model ! Want to make your own edits or send the raw AutoCAD file to an architect or draftsman? Snag the drawing set plus the CAD files here! Feel free to contact me to ask any questions or review options for further customization.

July 23, 2024July 23, 2024

Pines Residence: Final Reveal

It’s hard to believe that we first laid eyes and began the original set of drawings for this home back in 2019, about 5 years ago! We went through several renditions of the layout in some parts of the home, but seeing it all together as it is today, it’s hard to imagine it any other way! But because it’s a bit of a tradition around here to take a walk down memory lane, let’s at least show you the before pictures and some of the milestones from the construction process! You can find it all at this link. Be ready to put on your night vision goggles, because those before pictures accurately portray just how dark this house was in the beginning!

a kitchen expansion

How do you increase the size of a kitchen, while not changing the square footage at all? Two tricks – remove useless walls that divide a space and rework the layout so it’s more functional! While these don’t actually change the literal size of the kitchen, it can sure feel like it. By widening our viewpoints and making a space flow properly for its function, a room can feel like it has doubled or tripled in size! Add the power of natural light that is allowed to come through from adjacent rooms where walls have been removed, and you’re exponentially improving the feel of a space.

Despite darker wood floors and medium wood cabinets, this space feels light and bright yet cozy and warm. It’s all in that balance of organic color tones and textural variety. Balancing light and dark is a lovely way to add depth to a space while preventing the feeling of being in a cave. I absolutely love the paint colors and stains we used for the cabinetry – it’s a major “win” on this project! Pairing it with just the right amount of brass gave us a little sparkle that makes our hearts sing!

With this kitchen, we removed a wall that separated the kitchen from a pretty useless hallway. We also opened up the dining room, so it felt connected to the kitchen and integral to gatherings with family and friends. The kitchen truly feels like a central hub – with easy access to the garage, mudroom/laundry, powder room, dining room, and family room.

the dining room

It’s often hard for me to pick a favorite room in a project, but the dining room in the Pines Residence is definitely in my top three of this home. Thinking on this more, it’s probably because we’ve never done a dining room THIS inclusive of a project! Cabinetry, fixtures, and finishes play a big role in elevating this space and making it feel part of the home. Not to mention our client’s exceptional taste and style for furnishings and decor. (Fun fact: a few of their items were purchased from our decor shop when that was a thing a few years ago!).

supportive spaces

As I previously mentioned, the kitchen is a central location for the home, with easy access to the mudroom/back entry and powder room. I love the flow of this layout! Imagine coming home, pulling into the garage, stepping inside and your mudroom is right there to drop off jackets and bags, then you walk into the kitchen to set down the groceries, and turn to the side and there is the bathroom for quick access! Hah – feels pretty functional to me! Laundry rooms and extra bathrooms are often overlooked in basic house plans, but they are some of our favorite spaces to make extra special. Here’s a little peek of each space!

With the laundry room so close to the kitchen, it was important for us to carry the same finishes through the cabinetry. AND bring in the warmth of the rest of the home through wood paneling. A moody, dark slate floor in a herringbone pattern brings pattern while also hiding dirt for this workhorse space.

It felt right to bring some of these same elements into the powder room. Moody, pattern, global and eclectic, with pops of brass to add some elevated luxe to the space. It’s another gorgeous space that looks so amazing as it peeks into your field of view from the kitchen.

double the space

The entry, stairs, and family room were a particularly challenging spot for the clients when they moved into the home. There was sooo much space in the extra-long family room! They struggled to arrange furniture in a way that didn’t feel redundant. We explored plenty of furniture layouts before settling on one. The final choice was a primary living area off the kitchen, and a secondary sitting area near the front of the house. This was perfect for their family to keep an eye on their young child but also be part of tv time even when cooking or having gatherings. We refaced the fireplace after some trials of painting the original brick. It’s now a modern style that feels right for the space!

The original entry and stairs were dated but they felt like such a huge first impression of the home. Double doors lead to a large L-shaped staircase. Originally flanked by drywall columns, we saw an opportunity to make them a feature that felt more intentional. We wrapped the columns and original beam with wood. We then added a few additional faux beams that made the whole configuration more realistic.

The staircase has the same “mass” to it with its custom wood newel posts. We added a wood handrail and black metal spindles to tie the indoor components to the interior finishes as well as outdoor railings. The end result was a major upgrade from the original space!

primary suite in the pines

I think I say this every project, but this might be my favorite bathroom. The tile combination, but especially that wall/shower tile just has me swooning! Overlooking the treetops, it felt so necessary to bring in this earthy color as a focal point. I’m not one for color on walls, but color brought in through tile is pretty alright with me! 😉 Again, this is a space with major depth to it, but still manages to maintain its light and airy feel. Wood and brass accents throughout the space also continue to bring in the natural warmth of an organic space.

a KID’S bath for growth

The last space we’re sharing today is the cute (or should I say gorgeous!) bathroom for this family’s kiddo. We wanted it to feel cohesive to the rest of the space but bring in some play. A patterned tile layout seemed like a perfect way to do it! Pairing a small square floor tile with a rectangular shower wall tile and oversized grout to break up rows was the name of the game here, and I love the combination! We mixed wood and painted cabinets which brought in a variety of colors and softness vs. keeping it all the same tone. Carrying in the brass details made this space feel fit for a princess! This room can easily be a foundation for decor for all ages — from child to teenager and even shared with guests!

That’s all for the Pines Residence reveal! There is so much more to this home, including major improvements done to the basement. But it’s pretty easy to capture the essence of this home and family from what we’ve shared here today! I’m so happy they are settled in – it’s been a long ride! But patience has certainly paid off and it’s a beautiful end result.

July 23, 2024July 23, 2024

Eco-Friendly Picks for the Bathroom

Today we are sharing a roundup of one of our favorite eco-friendly swaps for going to the bathroom! Over the years, I’ve slowly been transitioning to sustainable options with products we use the most. Toilet paper is one of them!

I checked out three brands of toilet paper and below I share more information about each of them, as well as what we ultimately picked for our new household staple.

Reel Paper – Best Budget Friendly Option

100% bamboo
Biodegradable and septic safe
Plastic-free, no inks, dyes, fragrances, or chlorine, BPA-free
Incredible partnerships with organizations that give back
FSC Certification
Made in China

12 pack/$18, Target

This is the first brand that I tried, and it took some getting used to! We used to use the Charmin ultra soft brand, so I knew overall it would be hard to find a sustainable toilet paper that was as soft as that. Of the three brands I compare in this blog, I felt like Reel was the least soft, probably due to the heavier texture/pattern on the paper. Over time, it was something I got used to, but I still wanted to continue our search!

The benefit to this brand is the price point! It’s the lowest price of the three we compare today. I did find that Target is one of the better price points for buying this toilet paper. We did have to order it though as our local store did not stock it. But it was about twice as much on Amazon at the time I was searching! On that note, it was also the smallest roll size of the three brands. I do think the cost-savings makes up for this though.

Pro: This brand is the most affordable option from the three I share today, yet they still give back to other organizations which I really like!
Con: It was our least favorite in terms of softness.

Better Way

100% bamboo
Biodegradable and septic safe
Plastic-free, no inks, dyes, fragrances, , BPA-free. No specification about use of chlorine.
FSC Certification
Made in USA

12 pack/$30, Amazon

I was pretty happy with the softness of this toilet paper! It was very comparable to the next brand I review, which was the softest of the three. The rolls are a bit on the smaller size, but still larger than the Reel Paper brand.

One thing I really like about this product and brand is the extra care they take about the manufacturing process and partnerships. There is a lot of information about it all on their website!

Pro: Made in the USA and a lot of care with the manufacturing partners and processes.
Con: Large price jump and most expensive when it comes to cost-saving factors, such as buying larger quantities which make the other brands more affordable than this one.

Cloud Paper – Softest Option!

100% bamboo
Biodegradable and septic safe
Plastic-free, no inks, dyes, fragrances, or chlorine, BPA-free
FSC Certification
Made in USA

12 pack/$32, Amazon

This is one of the last brands that we tried, and it ended up being our favorite! The rolls were a bit bigger than the other brands, but we mostly liked it because of its softness. Because of that, it felt like it would be the easiest to transition to from a regular or extra soft toilet paper.

I love that this toilet paper is made in the USA. Lately I’ve been trying to be more mindful about where our products come from and supporting local at both a local and national level.

Pro: This brand felt the softest to us and was our favorite because of that.
Con: Costs a little more unless you purchase at least a 24 pack to start getting cost-savings.

What are the alternatives?

These days, we have TONS of clients who ask for bidets! I’m not sure if it was the toilet paper shortage during Covid or just a coming-up on the times for what’s been used across the globe for ages. But I wanted to share just how common this is because occasionally we get a client who bashfully shares how they would like us to source a bidet instead of a regular toilet. You guys, we are sourcing bidets or bidet attachments on at least 75% of our projects. It’s SO common now! So if eco-friendly toilet paper isn’t in the budget, and reusable cloths don’t sound so great, then definitely consider a bidet or bidet attachment!

June 18, 2024June 18, 2024

Lakeside Residence: Final Reveal

The Lakeside Residence is our first large scale renovation in Liberty Lake. Tucked in a wooded area and with beautiful views of the lake. Several areas of the home were reconfigured for an improved layout and added functionality for modern day life with a family. No surface was left untouched on this renovation, from exterior to interior, a garage addition, and even raising the ceiling! This modern home leveled up in every way possible! With its warm wood tones, neutral textures, and play with scale, it’s sure to be a favorite.

Unfortunately, I went to go pull up “before” photos from a few years ago when we first started the project. At some point, I lost the files from the archived project folder when it updated to the current project folder. So, the best I can give you all is this video from the beginnings of construction and the progress video!

no, it’s not new construction!

As you approach the home from the exterior, it’s hard to believe this project is a renovation and not a new build. Every inch is updated! The original home had been mostly gutted from the previous owner. But with no particular plan in place, we were starting from square one to customize the layout and finishes for the new family. This was no small task for a 6500+ square foot home! We spent a lot of time reviewing floor plans, ensuring all the family’s needs were taken care of. This focused primarily on the main floor, where the primary suite, kids’ bedrooms and bathroom, kitchen, pantry, powder room, laundry, mudroom, school/craft room, and more were located. The new layout is incredibly functional, flowing from exterior spaces inward to family-oriented living.

kitchen dreams

My favorite part of the whole home is definitely the kitchen, with its central oversized island, and sleek wall of cabinets and hidden appliances. A modern feel was achieved through consistent use of oversized drawers and sleek linear finger pulls. Deep charcoal painted cabinets paired with warm wood tones on the perimeter cabinets and flooring keep the space feeling inviting and livable. I love this pairing with bright countertops and white walls, as it reflects all the natural light flowing in! Dark cabinets do not have to mean dark rooms! It’s actually quite incredible how much natural light we were able to maintain in this space. The original space felt dark and closed in, but with minor adjustments to windows and finishes, we achieved a light airy feel. It certainly helps that the ceiling was raised a substantial amount. No small task, but well worth the results!

In this project, we really loved playing with scale and texture. I think the kitchen shows this off quite well! From the oversized concrete pendants (lessons here about reinforcing ceilings, haha!) to the textured backsplash, I absolutely love the final results! The backsplash is a favorite of mine for sure! That vibe it gives with the simple hood and wood tones is too good!

mudroom & laundry, two instead of one!

In many projects, it is very common to have the laundry room also serve as the mudroom and back entrance to the home. But this project is anything but ordinary, and it was important to our client to have these spaces separate. Living with a combined mudroom/laundry room myself, I can totally understand why! Combining too many functions in one space can sometimes make for chaos and messes (speaking from experience). However, at the Lakeside Residence, the sleek ventilated locker-style cabinets contain the messes that come with family life. The wood bench ensures durability for many years to come.

The laundry room sits parallel to the mudroom, so quick access for easy cleaning is not a worry! And with lots of storage and shelves stocked with laundry bins to keep organized. All of these rooms are near the kitchen and sitting room, so it’s easy to keep up on home tasks and cleaning supplies at your fingertips!

SPLISH, SPLASH! THE KIDS’ BATHROOM

How do you achieve an elevated and neutral interior design while still making it fun for the kids? How about some pattern! Small scale patterns add texture and visual interest to a space, and we had so much fun creating that for the kids’ bathroom! Aesthetics are fun for these rooms, but just as important is functionality! We designed a long vanity with various types of storage from cabinets, drawers, and open shelves for stocking as needed. My favorite detail though is definitely the extra long sink complete with two faucets! This maximizes counter space on each side of the vanity, while still allowing multiple kiddos to get ready at once. Keeping the privacy door between the vanity and shower/toilet area keeps in mind the use of the space for multiple kids at once. It’s a layout that just makes sense here!

the parents oasis (that becomes the kids’ waterpark!)

Upon returning for the photoshoot, I had to laugh when I came across the primary bathroom. Its full walk-in shower/tub area had kids’ bath toys around the tub, and it’s clear this family has a similar scenario playing out as I do in my home. When you have a big open wet room paired with children, you will find this space becomes a wonderful waterpark. Kids don’t want to use their cute little bathrooms anymore. They want the splash pad! Needless to say, we still tidied up for our final photos. A parent can dream of their oasis, right?

The bathroom has a similar layout to my own personal home, which I’ve found to be so functional, feels open, and definitely like a spa at home every morning and evening. This client is especially fortunate to have beautiful woodlands outside of their windows here! It brings so much natural greenery and texture into the space! We still had some fun though with sourcing! Glossy linear tiles with matte tile floors made for a fun pairing. Of course, continuing to bring warmth in through wood tones such as the vanity and open shelving.

Well, my friends, that’s a wrap on this project reveal! I’m so happy to have these beautiful project photos to finally share here with you. And, exciting news… one more photoshoot is on its way in the future! It’s taken some time to catch up here on the blog and our portfolio, and maybe now you can see why! Last year was certainly busy!

If you have a project in mind you would like to discuss, feel free to check out our design services and reach out! From hourly design consultations to full-service packages, we have various offerings that allow us to help you on all types of projects, big and small! Let’s chat and see how we can assist you in moving forward on your dreams!

June 15, 2024June 15, 2024

Helena Residence Part 2: Final Reveal

We are finally rolling out the project reveal for our Helena Residence! A two-part renovation, where we started with the basement and then over the last year, moved into the construction of the incredible main floor! Between the two phases, I spent many months dreaming of the day where we’d get to come back and design the main floor. The house features incredible architectural details such as divided windows, planked walls and ceilings, and more. It had so much potential hiding under an outdated contemporary kitchen and bathrooms that just didn’t fit the true style of the home. Read on to check out all that we did to bring this midcentury gem to life!

cleaning up the kitchen

We had great square footage to work with for the redesign of the kitchen! We made some modifications to the layout but more than anything, it needed simpler lines and updated finishes. New custom cabinets from Old Hat Workshop included a custom stained white oak design. Some of my favorite features was the flat panels (and naked upper cabinets sans hardware!) and the hidden pantry behind doors matching the cabinet style. If you look extra close at the first image on this post, you may also see the little brass line detail on the side panel of the island. This was a super creative solution that came from our clients and putting our heads together when the panels were not wide enough to span the whole island!

the unforgettable ceiling

Before the mob comes after me for painting a wood planked ceiling, let’s make something clear. The ceiling in the kitchen and family room was NOT the same as the beautiful ceiling in the formal dining and living room! Unfortunately, the ceiling in here had been slightly whitewashed. It felt so disjointed from the rest of the paneling throughout the home. Sanding and staining was not an option, so we went the route of a solid stain in an ebony color.

Throughout my career, there’s been an ongoing theme of gaining trust. This was one of those scenarios where the clients maybe thought I had lost my mind! They explored many other color options before coming to terms with my idea of the dark charcoal. I’d say they’re pretty happy with the end result, and it’s definitely a favorite part of the house for me! With all the wood tones throughout the home, I think the ceiling adds contrast and highlights the architecture!

rooms with a view

A few rooms throughout the home felt perfect as they were. But with some slight refreshes and additions, they turned out even better, which I didn’t think was possible! In the breakfast nook, we designed a custom bench to match the angles of the room and tie into the cabinetry. In the sunken living room near the front of the home, new custom upholstery and curtains were added for a new look while honoring the unique parts of this home’s history.

bring in the funk

With midcentury homes, I really prefer to let the architecture stand out while creating a warm, organic vibe with natural tones and textures. Bold bright colors just aren’t my style, but I can definitely get down with some earthy tones, textures, and patterns! We wanted to bring up some of the green tones from the basement renovation. We had a few perfect spots around the main floor to create some peekaboo moments! Near the sunken living room is a “closet” bar that was existing to the original layout and just needed a refresh. A deep green oversized round tile was just the thing to bring some fun(k) in!

bathrooms, galore!

We had several bathrooms to design throughout this home. But powder rooms can be the most fun to work with, and this one was no exception! The clients were looking for something dark and moody, but still pulling in color and style. We brought in the same green tones with just a vertical stack full wall of tile. A veined hexagon tile floor plays off the hexagon tiles in the basement. But it’s a little something new with the added picket detail. And finally, brass on brass details here that bring a level of elegance and warmth that I absolutely love! You may also notice the mix of walnut and white oak cabinetry throughout the home. It is a favorite combo of mine when used in a meaningful way!

The guest suite’s bathroom was another area with color and pattern! Still playing on green tones, we went a little lighter here and with a level of variation that I absolutely love! In this room, the floor was a light-colored terrazzo tile. It is such a perfect fit for this age of home, but it feels so fresh and spa-like in this space! Brass fixtures carried throughout this room also bring in a flow from the rest of the home.

primary suite deets

We had so much fun dreaming up the details of this room with the clients! They have incredible style but still needed help with execution and flow. It was such a fun time dreaming and scheming room by room with them. And yet, we still accomplished the main goal of honoring the home’s roots while bringing it into modern day.

Laying out the design for the tile backsplash was a challenge, but well worth the extra planning to ensure perfection! Every size, shape, color, and pattern were looked over to strike that balance of movement and negative space. The walnut vanity, surround, and built-ins outside the bathroom totally bring in the built-in vibes known in older homes and maximize storage AND style!

final surprises

With a renovation of this scale, you are bound to have some surprises along the way. Whether they are good or bad, well, that’s the unpredictable part of it! One of my favorite (happy) surprises on this renovation was the fireplace. We had a full design to take the contemporary drywalled/mirrored fireplace to something new. But as demo began, we uncovered something wonderful! The original basalt fireplace was hiding behind a contemporary facade! So with a little elbow grease to clean it up, and a charcoal concrete surround and hearth added on, this beauty was restored.

That’s all, friends! I’m so grateful to have known these clients for the majority of my career. From nearly my beginning years to where I’m at now, I’ve had the pleasure of overseeing this home’s entire renovation come to life! I couldn’t be more happy with the results!

And seriously, go look at those before pictures!!!

June 14, 2024June 18, 2024

The Man Shop Corporate Office: Final Reveal

We are rolling out several project reveals this month, each one is so unique and we’re so excited to share! We’re starting off with a project that we were a bit behind on revealing after the photoshoot, which also happens to be one of our first commercial jobs!

COOLEST cuts IN TOWN

Introducing, The Man Shop Corporate Office! Anyone local to Spokane will be familiar with this barbershop franchise known for it’s fun, quirky, and bold personality. Catering to quick but quality men’s haircuts, my husband and now my little man of 2 years old have enjoyed their pampering from The Man Shop. I was so excited when their local owner trio reached out to me for this project! What a fun group of people to work with and it was an honor to bring their brand and company to the next level with the design of their first large-scale corporate office.

We had a range of goals to complete, from consulting on the exterior finishes and signage for the new construction building, to working through the interior layouts to ensure functionality was maximized for the growing team’s current needs and future possibilities. The team wanted to bring in their brand’s personality while also elevating it to the corporate world.

THE LAYOUT

The main areas in the building and design included the reception area alongside an exciting peekaboo of the branded training room to meet the company’s need for growth and education for new hires, private offices for the owners and support team, a storage and receiving area for all merchandise and products, and a large open space with modular seating and a kitchen to serve large gatherings, conferences, and a variety of other functions.

ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS

One of my favorite design and architectural features of the overall space was the addition of ceiling “clouds.” These rectangular panels drop lighting down from the extra tall ceilings and added visual interest to the large span of ceiling space. I’m so happy the team was open to this idea! I feel it’s such a big part of the incredible end result of the large gathering space! I really can’t visualize this space without that detail now!

Modern and sleek details throughout the spaces feel clean and cool, but we didn’t want to miss out on some opportunities to bring in contrast, texture, pattern, and pops of color where we could. From the kitchen countertops, backsplash, and pendant lights, to the wood paneled focal wall of the reception area and bold color of the training room, among other details such as patterned tile in the bathrooms (not shown).

FURNISHINGS

A big showstopper piece among furnishings we sourced was the custom designed T-shape conference table. It sits 11+ people for video conferences across the region as their franchise continues to expand. Various other seating areas include modular sofas allowing for rearrangement based on the company’s needs and events. Not to mention the inviting feeling of different “meet and greet” spots.

We had so much fun working through all parts of the design on this project! From exterior to interior to those final details of furnishings and decor! Big congratulations to this company for a well-deserved incredible office space as the franchise continues to flourish!

June 15, 2023June 15, 2023

Hillside Residence: Final Reveal

The Hillside Residence has been a fun project but also one that’s filled my cup. I’ve mentioned throughout the “Before” and the “Progress” posts how our clients are absolutely amazing and so wonderful to work with. This project was done in phases so you may have already seen some finished rooms before this post, but here we get to officially reveal every space!

The Kitchen

The heart of the home. And even though you’ll see how many amazing entertaining spaces the Hillside project has, the kitchen will always be the most loved on. We kept the kitchen layout similar to the existing layout. However, we rearranged some appliances and straightened out the island so it was no longer intruding on the living room and dining room spaces.

The finishes were completely changed throughout! We paired a darker wood island with lighter perimeter cabinets, combining both finishes on the custom hood. We then pulled in a backsplash full of character with uneven edges, dimpling throughout, and a beautiful variation in color. Adding a white countertop with large yet subtle veining throughout kept things light and clean. We finished the space off with a new wood planked ceiling and refinished the hardwood flooring with a natural topcoat.

The pantry

The pantry is one of my favorite features of the home! The clients wanted a large walk-in pantry off of the dining room. However, we didn’t want a plain door along this focal wall. So a custom built-in was designed with a hidden door to conceal the pantry when not in use. The pantry is stocked with small appliances, a full-size freezer, and tons of storage space throughout!

Primary Suite

This is one of those spaces that if you never walked through or saw the “before” photos, you’d be surprised what was originally here! For this space, we did a lot of reconfiguring to the floor plan to get an incredible luxury suite! We took over an unused bedroom, and then rearranged the existing bathroom and closet spaces. The return? A nice flow from the primary suite to a bathroom and closet of our clients (and my!) dreams! These spaces feature a washer and dryer in the closet, a large built-in for linens, a steam shower, and a freestanding tub with a gorgeous view!

Their steam shower transformation needs a moment to itself. It went from a bit of a cave-like vibe to sleek and sexy! One big custom piece in this shower is the curved bench. I’ve gone into a little detail in the progress post on how the process of getting it went. So today I’ll just say, can every steam shower project please include a curved bench!?

Entertainment Addition

The biggest and probably most talked about transformation to the Hillside residence is their entertainment center. To make this space happen, our clients took over their existing large garage. Later they did an addition to the home of an even larger garage with a storage room and loft. But let’s talk about their entertainment center! We started off with a professionally installed golf simulator and a custom bar top. The bar features a large piece of glass with a shadow box below to display their golf collectibles and memorabilia.

Behind the bar is a game area and large bar/kitchenette. And the main attraction leads us into the most professional in-home theater I have ever laid my eyes on! Our client is incredibly tech-savvy and did so much research and work to determine what kind of equipment he wanted in this space. From speakers, insulation, lights, and getting the sound to bounce at just the right spots of the room, this theatre is impeccable! On one of our final walk-throughs of the house, we got a little preview of the video and sound quality. I have to say, whether lounging on the cozy sofa or supported by the ergonomic recliners, it gives you quite the movie experience!

The Hillside residence will always be a favorite of ours and one we think back on often! A home like this that has all the comforts and luxury is one you can settle down in for a long time!

Be sure to check out the before and progress posts of this job, you’ll be surprised by what you see!