PRESS: Seattle Times Article

In a well-designed primary bathroom, two can happily coexist

July 14, 2023 at 10:00 am Updated July 14, 2023 at 10:00 am

Kate and Tom Keehn of Vashon Island worked with designer Angie Harpole to change the entire orientation of their bathroom to accommodate two people, including moving the shower to the exterior wall. (photo Courtesy of Taggart Sorensen)

By Bree Coven

Special to At Home in the Northwest

What’s more romantic — and practical — than a bicycle built for two? A bathroom built for two! 

Dual sinks have been credited with creating the necessary space for a relationship to survive and thrive. These Pacific Northwest bathroom remodels, overseen by local interior designers, showcase the modern features of a primary bath for two that anchors a happy home and creates a shareable space in this room that we use every day.

Give me space

Kate and Tom Keehn of Vashon Island worked with designer Angie Harpole, the owner of Harpole Home, to completely redo their primary bath that was built in 1987. Kate wouldn’t use the bathroom in her own primary suite because it was in such need of a remodel.

“I didn’t ever really enter that room,” she says. “It was not built for two at all — a single sink, really small, old fiberglass shower with an old shower curtain. It was not a place that was inspiring or spalike in any way.” 

Her husband used it, but Kate preferred the guest bathroom instead.

Harpole worked with the Keehns to completely change the orientation of the bathroom to accommodate two people. She moved the shower from one end of the room to a spot against the exterior wall; she relocated the toilet to a corner for more privacy; and she added a larger window to let in light. A custom vanity by a local Vashon cabinet maker now serves as the room’s centerpiece. Sconces on each end and one in the middle bring things together.

Designer Angie Harpole likes to design floating vanities, including this pair in her own home. “It makes the bathroom more expansive by not having them touch the floor, and it’s easier to clean,” she says. (photo Courtesy of Sumaira Amber)

Simple structural changes also made the space more usable, Kate says. “We had a really odd closet. Angie suggested changing the location of the door, so we enter the closet from the hallway. The only change was the door, and it better accommodated the bathroom and gave us a hall closet.”

Kate says she loves her primary bath now. “Being able to share a space in harmony” makes a difference, she says, “so you’re not tripping over each other. One thing Angie helped us with was, I may have wanted one look, while Tom may have wanted another. She helped bring us together in a compromise where we’re both happy. We both love that bathroom and being in it. We can use it together. It really meets our needs.”

The double sinks are a plus. “I like to have my own counter. Getting ready at the same time, it really streamlines the morning and makes things simpler,” Kate says.

On a practical note, Tom adds, “If we were ever to sell the house, it adds a lot more value to have two sinks available.”

Local design trends

Designer Karen Ellentuck, the principal of Ellentuck Interiors in Seattle, says double sinks are common now, but they require space. For a smaller area, trough sinks can accomplish the same effect. “They could have a double faucet off the wall, but one large continuous sink,” she says.

Ellentuck has noticed a few trends in Seattle-area bathrooms:

Soaking tubs. “It used to be jetted tubs and Jacuzzis, now people seem to prefer soaking tubs,” she says. “They’re deeper and more spalike. Mostly tubs are built-in, but I see more free-standing, soaker tubs.”

Curbless showers. “The last showers I’ve done are all curbless and flush to the ground, with a linear drain at the entrance or the back so the water drains in a slope,” she says. Curbless means there’s no height to step over, creating a smooth line. “One bonus is that this allows you to continue your floor tile into the shower.”

Steam showers. These are very popular, Ellentuck says, incorporating a steam vent and a concealed generator. Steam showers require enclosed glass that goes up to the ceiling. She’s designed teak benches that mount to the wall, folding benches and built-in benches from the same solid surface material as the bathroom countertop.

Bidets. The toilet fixtures are still popular and feature bells and whistles. “Some have heated seats, or if you walk up to it at night, the light goes on and the seat goes up automatically,” Ellentuck says.

Rain shower heads. Usually 8-12 inches in diameter, some are growing to as large as a 20-inch square, mounted in the ceiling, recessed or hanging down.

Porcelain slabs. These thinner, lighter-weight shower wall options are an excellent solution for people who desire a seamless look. “They can be mounted on the wall with a single solid sheet to avoid having grout lines,” Ellentuck says. Another option is large-scale tiles, which can measure up to 24 by 36 inches or even 48 by 48 inches.

According to designer Angie Harpole, a new trend in bathrooms is the use of hinged, frameless shower doors as an alternative to moldy shower curtains or bulky sliding glass doors. (photo Courtesy of Taggart Sorensen)

Cost-saving moves

Harpole designed her own en suite bathroom for two in her Vashon Island home. “At the time, we had a very tight budget, so we had to go with sturdy materials that were reasonably priced,” she says. “The lighting is all Lamps Plus, and the floor and wall tiles behind the mirrors were under $5 per square foot. We did the tiling ourselves.

“The vanities were a great cost savings because they were sets that came with the quartz countertops and faucets from Modern Bathroom. If you don’t have a tricky size or setup in your bathroom that requires a custom vanity, go for a set. There are great combos out there for very reasonable prices. I try to design vanities in bathrooms that are floating. It makes the bathroom more expansive by not having them touch the floor, and it’s easier to clean.”

Do what you can yourself …

Harpole and her husband built their house themselves, literally by hand. “We just hired for the foundation, the roof, mud and taping of the Sheetrock, and that’s about it,” she says. “Everything else we did ourselves — electrical, plumbing, framing. We are not builders or general contractors. My husband is a financial controller! But we passed all of our inspections.”

Tom Keehn says, “We had hoped to use a general contractor, but it was impossible to find someone. Timelines were more than two years out. So, we decided to do it on our own and just sub out the craftsmen. We found someone on our own to install the tile, to do the window, and to do the plumbing and electric.”

… but not too much

Harpole offers her own shower project as a cautionary tale of what not to do. “We made it much too hard on ourselves. Lining up subway tile in a grid pattern is very hard and time-consuming because walls are rarely plumb, so you have to compensate with the lines of the tile,” she says. “Also, tiling a ceiling is quite complicated with trying to hold the tile sheets in place while they are drying. We also poured our own concrete pan. I don’t recommend that for anyone. I highly recommend prefab shower pans.”

Mirror, mirror on the wall

Harpole recommends setting up the mounting brackets for the mirrors before you tile the wall behind them. “Drilling through tile isn’t the easiest,” she says.

Also, “If you have enough wall space behind the vanity mirror, opt for wall sconces that flank the mirror instead of having a light panel or fixture at the top of the mirror. The light at the top casts shadows on your face that aren’t the most flattering. Having light at either side of the mirror, about three-quarters of the way up the mirror, shines light evenly on your face.”

Think long-term

To the Keehns, thinking long-term means aging in place. In addition to raising the bathroom countertops, they put in solid wood doors in place of hollow core and levers rather than knobs on the door handles for ease of use as they age.

They also say to be prepared to spend more than you thought. And brace yourself for inevitable delays — supply chain issues persist from the pandemic.

Bree Coven: breefoster@seattletimes.com

PRESS: Seattle Times Article

Design hacks and tips to create extra space — or the illusion of it

Aug. 10, 2022

By Bree Coven

Special to At Home in the Northwest

Minhal Baig always wanted an office. In her previous apartments, all she had was a desk pushed up against a wall.

When she moved from Los Angeles to a house in the North Beach neighborhood of Seattle, it was time. “I’m a filmmaker/writer/director in feature films and TV, and this is my first official office,” Baig says. “My job is very stressful, so I wanted it to feel serene.”

The office sits in a small basement with very little light, so Baig’s designer, Pallavi Kale, of Pallavi Kale Interiors in Seattle, created a “Writer’s Lair” to maximize the space and cultivate creativity.

“Six and a half feet is not a lot of height for a basement,” says Kale. “Vertical trees on the wallpaper, which was already there, make the space feel taller.”

The tree motif also helps bring in an outdoor vibe.

“Always bring nature into a space,” Kale says. “Especially a basement.” Baig agrees: “Sometimes the life of a writer can feel quite insular, but bringing in nature helps so you’re not feeling like you’re in a dark cave 14 hours a day. Plants make every space better. It’s a really good investment — makes every room feel a bit more alive.”

Light wood and natural fibers completed the look and kept the color palette neutral. And the space leads to the actual outdoors. “Even though it’s small, there’s a door that leads out to the backyard,” Baig says. “I can hear the creek from my office. It’s the perfect backdrop to writing — very inspiring.”

Along with bringing the outdoors in, here are some other tips from local designers, homeowners and realtors for making the smaller areas of your home feel more roomy.

Built-in bookcases provide lots of flexible storage space in the 180-square-foot Crow’s Nest Cottage in Seattle’s Captiol Hill neighborhood. The space was designed by Seattle firm Board & Vellum. (Courtesy of Andrew Giammarco)

Store it away

To organize Baig’s writing retreat, Kale installed customized built-in oak shelves, working around a tiny 2-by-2-foot window. Baig wanted one area to house the computer, and an open space for an idea board she can look at every day. The modular system hides the printer and other small desk items.
Built-ins are great for containing clutter and maximizing small spaces, says Jeff Pelletier, managing principal and founder of Board & Vellum architecture and design firm on Capitol Hill in Seattle. “We love designing custom built-ins, and they are especially helpful in small spaces because you can really make the most out of every inch in a way furniture just can’t,” he says.

Board & Vellum designed the Crow’s Nest Cottage, a 180-square-foot guest house on Capitol Hill that packs in a loft bedroom, 3/4 bath, bar, washer/dryer, clothes closet and flexible main space that converts from living room to dining room to a second bedroom.

“With small spaces, we encourage you to think not only about how to maximize the use of your space — such as with adaptable furniture or hidden storage solutions — but also how to make it feel bigger than it actually is,” Pelletier says. For the Crow’s Nest, this includes built-in bookcases and a Murphy bed with a drop table, for starters.

“Floor to ceiling shelving is a huge space saver,” says Kale, who often uses the Vitsoe Universal Shelving System for small spaces.

Wallpaper with a vertical tree motif makes the low ceiling in Seattleite Minhal Baig’s basement office feel higher. The room’s design, by Pallavi Kale, also brings in an outdoor vibe. (Courtesy of Cleary O’Farrell)

She recommends hiding things away to create clean, open spaces, and employs the strategy in her own home: “I live in a small space with a large sideboard that hides under the TV,” Kale says. “If kids’ toys have to stay in the living room, they better be in a nice sideboard.”

Get creative in the kitchen

Lindsay McDonald, a real estate broker with Berkshire Hathaway and a stager for Reveal Home Staging in Seattle, recommends dining nooks with built-in bench seats for small spaces — preferably ones that open or have built-in drawers below for storage.

“Bench seating for your dining table takes up less space than chairs,” she says. “In a home we staged recently, we made a cramped dining space hold a table for six by choosing a long, narrow table paired with a large, upholstered settee pushed up to the wall for seating on one side, and three more chairs on the other side. The settee was a space-saver and ended up making the whole room feel cozier and more comfortable than a typical dining room.”

Designer Angie Harpole, of Harpole Home on Vashon Island, says every client asks her about increasing storage space in the kitchen. One technique is to hide the microwave in the pantry instead of allowing it to take up valuable counter space. She also recommends installing cabinets on the back of an island or peninsula in a small kitchen. This storage area can hold lesser-used items like serving plates or canning supplies.

Vashon Island homeowner India Alarcon hired Harpole to fix her problem pantry. “We went from an extremely cramped closet in our kitchen that was hard to access and had shelves that blocked the water heater. With having a designer come in and lay out a proper pantry, we almost quadrupled our storage space,” Alarcon says.

An appliance garage in a West Seattle home houses the espresso machine. (Courtesy of Catie Bergman)

Another big trend in kitchen design is appliance garages, Harpole says. “Everyone wants a clean, clutter-free countertop, and that can only be achieved if appliances and utilitarian items are tucked away,” she says.

Harpole designed a coffee station in a Seattle home with an espresso machine that slides out in its own tray and plugs in at the back of the cabinet. All of the coffee supplies are located on the shelf above the machine, saving counter space and keeping it looking neat and tidy. Her client, Katie Keefe, loves it.

“My appliance garage for my espresso machine is a game changer,” Keefe says. “When I am bleary-eyed and just need my morning coffee, I can slide the machine in and out and not have to worry about cleaning the coffee grounds on my countertop. I just shut the cabinet door, and there’s no mess.”

Let it float

Sometimes less is more. “Simple things, like opting for a floating vanity in the bathroom, hardly eliminates any storage, but makes a small room feel larger since your eyes — and feet — experience more floor space,” Pelletier says.

A floating vanity in a Vashon Island home helps the room feel lighter and larger. (Courtesy of Sumaira Amber)

Harpole likes that floating vanities make the room feel “weightless.” She also likes to add large mirrors to bounce light throughout the space. Another visual trick is to lay out large-scale tiles vertically to create a feeling of a higher ceiling. “Having floor tiles the same size and same direction as the wall tiles enhances this visual effect,” Harpole says.

Another space-saving measure in the bathroom is to use sliding pocket doors.

McDonald likes floating shelves for any room of the house. “They can work well in any space, but in a small living space they have the benefit of taking up less space than cabinetry and provide a lighter, airier feel,” she says.

Let the light in

We need as much light as possible in our Pacific Northwest homes, Harpole says. “Don’t be afraid to put the bed against windows,” she says. If you do, she suggests a slat-style headboard, since it won’t block light, rather than a tall, upholstered headboard.

Harpole also suggests getting a bed frame that allows for storage under the bed. “This increases space and makes the bed visually lighter in the room, making the room appear bigger,” she says.

Lighter paint colors also help a space feel larger. “In small spaces, it’s best to choose shades of white or other lighter colors that reflect light to make the space feel open,” McDonald says.

Baig also has practical advice for fellow homeowners: pare down your stuff. “One of the things I learned is that I need a lot less than I think I do,” she says. “That minimalist approach has made the space feel more open and larger than it is.”

Her small-but-airy writer’s lair has anchored and inspired her. “In the last two years, I’ve been more productive than the last seven,” she says. “I wrote more pages in two years than I did in the five before.”

Bree Coven: breefoster@seattletimes.com;

PRESS: Redfin Blog Article

12 Kitchen Trends to Avoid In 2023: Experts Weigh In

Published on February 23, 2023 | by Jenna Hall

Trends are cyclical, and while there’s a chance linoleum flooring may come back in style, if you intend to undertake a full-on kitchen remodel, the last thing you want to do is pick a trend that’s outdated or overdone. After all, the kitchen is the heart of the home, and whatever design choices you make can set the tone for the rest of your home’s design. 

To help ensure your kitchen design choices withstand the tests of time, we reached out to kitchen and design experts to weigh in on kitchen trends to avoid in 2023 and alternatives you can use instead. Whether you’re hoping to remodel your home in Minneapolis, MN or you’re just gathering ideas while living in an apartment, you’re sure to find some easy ways to level up your kitchen design. 

1. Modern farmhouse design

If you like to find design ideas on social media, there’s no doubt you’ve seen the modern farmhouse design. Although it was all the rage a few years ago, Allisa Jacobs from Allisa Jacobs Home Styling warns homeowners about incorporating this trend into their home. 

“This trend, complete with farmhouse sinks, barn lights, and rustic details, exploded onto the scene almost ten years ago yet now feels too trendy and overdone. Instead, opt for timeless accessories and hardware. And, if you have a hard time letting go of the modern farmhouse approach, just choose one element to incorporate such as black cabinet hardware or butcher block countertops.”

2. Gas stove tops

Certified Kitchen Designers Joy Wilkins, Chrysan Liedholm, and Maurice Velez from Custom Kitchens by John Wilkins Inc. all agree, traditional gas stove tops are on their way out. “Gas cooktops and ranges, once very desirable, are slowly being phased out of many residential kitchens. Heat transfer inefficiency, indoor air quality concerns, and natural gas use regulations/limitations are leading more consumers to induction cooktops. They’re affordable, easy to clean, and offer higher heat transfer.”

3. Over-the-range microwaves

“Over the past decade, almost every new construction kitchen had a microwave over the stovetop range. Not now.” says Erica Reilly from Miller Flooring. She continues, “New appliances have changed the game, allowing microwaves and other appliances to be hidden in the island or behind cabinet panels.”

4. All white kitchens 

An all-white color scheme in your kitchen seems like the safest choice, especially if you’re looking to attract home buyers. But today, kitchen designers are leaning towards creating warmer, cozier spaces and aren’t afraid to play with texture and color. 

Principle Interior Designer and Founder of McNeill Brown Interior Design, Niki McNeill Brown gives her insight on all white kitchens. “In 2023, all white kitchens are going out of style. Homeowners are gravitating toward cabinets with saturated colors punctuated by neutral textured tile. For tile, they’re choosing classic shapes with subtle texture variations.” 

5. Open shelving

Angie Harpole from Harpole Home gives her insight on another trend that’s being phased out – open shelving in the kitchen. “Open shelving can be beautiful if styled aesthetically and for those who can maintain the dust and accumulation of clutter. For many, however, this concept is not sustainable. If clients are looking for a minimalistic appeal, I encourage them to opt for modern minimal cabinetry and propose a focal feature in that area with glass doors for items they want to showcase.” 

6. Gaps between the ceiling and cabinets

“Never leave a small gap to the ceiling when installing cabinets,” advises Len Marcu from Len’s Remodeling and Contracting Services. “Either leave enough space that you can store things and clean, or close the gap to the ceiling with crown molding.”

7. Kitchen vent hoods 

Current kitchen trends are shying away from large, traditional hoods and instead leaning into a more modern appearance. “Hoods are disappearing”, says Jennifer Dainelli from KDS. “You’ll see them integrated into the wall finishes, and downdrafts will be big. Designers are taking the focus off the hood and making them seemingly disappear.”

8. Appliances sitting out on countertops

Sometimes, keeping up with the latest trends is as easy as moving items around. Lindsey Escalera from Everyday Grace Designs suggests removing appliances from your countertops to keep your kitchen looking sharp. 

“Appliances on the counter can take up a lot of useful space and aren’t visually appealing,” Escalera says. “The best part about this, it doesn’t involve a large renovation or any money to fix. Simply decluttering your countertops can go a long way on how your home looks and feels. So, if you’re looking to give your kitchen an instant upgrade, clear those counters!”

Dan Oswald from Kitchens Inc. echoes Escalera’s recommendation and advises homeowners to remove their microwave from their counter if possible. “A microwave sitting on an open shelf contravenes the modern, built-in appliance look we seek in today’s kitchens.” Oswald continues, “Under counter, drawer style microwaves are the bomb when space allows, despite their budget bending cost.”

9. Speckled granite countertops

If you’re an avid HGTV fan, you know that granite countertops are homeowners’ darlings. While granite countertops remain popular choices due to being heat, scratch, and stain-resistant, many homeowners are opting for less busy countertop choices. 

Oasis Kitchens proposes a simpler alternative. “Trends are pushing towards engineered stone, such as quartz, with clean and simple patterns and solid colors like whites or grays.”

10. Dark painted cabinetry

If you’re opting for darker painted cabinetry, keep the wear and tear of the finishes in mind. Dings, bumps, and scratches from everyday use can be more apparent on a darker surface, making them a kitchen trend to avoid. 

Wood & Co. share their insight on dark painted cabinetry. “Kitchens are the heart of a home, which means they take a lot of wear and tear. All materials will wear, but some wear better than others, so it’s best to keep materials and finishes that wear well in mind. Even though it looks beautiful and is in style today, it wears quickly, requiring routine touch-ups. If you do want a dark look, go for a dark stain over dark paint, as stains, in general, will stand up to the constant wear and tear.”

11. Monochrome color schemes

Monochrome might be a go-to fashion trend, but it can easily look bland, not to mention less pristine, with the constant use and amount of time we’re spending in our kitchens. 

“White continues to be on-trend through 2023, but it can be overdone. White on white on white will get you Instagram likes and saved Pins, but when viewed in person, white can fall flat, look cheap, and is boring. Make a remodel memorable by mixing white elements, natural textures, and neutral hues to achieve that light and bright look.” – Dahlia Home Co. 

12. Stainless-steel finishes

With more homeowners spending time personalizing their kitchens, many are opting for warmer-toned finishes on their appliances to bring a cozy element to this space. 

“Instead of industrial-looking appliances, black stainless is the popular option now. Get rid of stainless steel because there’s now a wide range of finishes available for your appliances. Yes, we know it’s considered a classic, but it’s practically impossible to keep clean. With all the other options out there (including panels that hide appliances altogether), why waste your time and energy trying to keep fingerprints off your stainless steel?” – PFNY Designs

Kitchen trends to avoid in 2023: Final thoughts

As we move into 2023, it’s essential to avoid outdated kitchen trends that can make your space look tired and uninviting. From open shelving to dark cabinetry, there are several design elements to steer clear of if you want a modern and timeless kitchen. By following the expert advice outlined in this article, you can create a beautiful and functional space that’ll stand the test of time and keep your home feeling fresh and inviting for years to come.

How to Create Productive Home Workspaces for Both Adults and Kids

With more and more workplaces allowing flexibility, having a dedicated home workspace is vital. Most businesses are allowing work-from-home days, so an adult workspace is now necessary, in addition to an area where the kids can do homework.

Step 1: Locate the Right Space in Your Home

Adults need a room where they can shut the door for quiet and concentration. Younger school children benefit from a homework station near adults so they can ask questions and get help with tasks. As the children grow and become more independent, having a dedicated work station in their rooms might be more appropriate.

My son was in Kindergarten when Covid hit, so we utilized an area off the kitchen as a desk where we positioned his Chromebook for Zoom classes. Now that he's in 3rd grade, we converted the closet in his room into a "closet office" that he absolutely loves! Nobody misses the closet space since he never hung any long items, and all of his clothes fit just fine in a chest of drawers.

Step 2: Choose a Functional Storage System

Having good storage at a workstation is extremely important. Personally, I like neatly stacked clear acrylic containers for storing my office supplies. I can see easily everything that's at hand. Some people might want their items more hidden, so wood storage might be better.

Try to keep your storage system and any clutter off your work surface. Shelves can be hung above the desk and will help keep your workspace clear while still giving you easy access and views of necessary items.

In my son's new closet office, we have shallow shelves above his desk in the closet filled with reading books. The shelf that is directly above his desk is strung with cool string lights for a really fun glow when he's working or playing Minecraft on his computer. We painted the whole closet Benjamin Moore Mysterious (a very dark navy blue), which adds to the neat little cave-effect that is brightened by the fun string lights.

Step 3: Select Furniture & Decor Intentionally

My son doesn't weigh very much and sits at his desk for less than 2 hours at a time, so a simple, modern side chair was fine for his desk area. If designing an office space for an adult or someone who spends more than 2 hours at a time in the chair working, I suggest an ergonomic desk chair.

When considering decor for your workstation, remember that live greenery is a must! You can also fake it with a well-made faux plant if you aren't the greatest at maintaining plants. Just as you want to instill contentment and peace in your entire home, designing your workspace with a focus on natural elements can boost your mood and productivity.

Kids can go nuts with colors and accessories. When designing my son’s space, I found success by picking 2 or 3 options that I liked, and then giving him the choice from those. He still feels like it's completely his space since he had a say.

Wondering where you might be able to fit a workspace into your current home's floor plan? Call us in for a consultation...we're here to help!

Cheers,
Angie

3 Essential Features For Your Luxury Kitchen Island

How many functions does your island serve? A kitchen island is an excellent spot for seating but does it heat leftovers, wash dishes, and charge devices? What about serving chilled drinks while storing every day serve ware?

If your kitchen island has limited functions, you could greatly benefit from an island redesign. From homework spots to hosting a dinner party, it’s time to maximize your island's potential. Here’s how… 

1. Space for Seating

First and foremost, an island should seat people. I cringe at islands that just have cabinets with no counter overhang for stools. Everyone gathers in the kitchen, so having a comfortable place to sit encourages great conversation and loving memories. While someone is cooking, everyone else can gather around and watch the magic happen while engaging in conversation. 

2. Drawers are Easier than Doors

Create an island with many purposeful drawers like microwave, dishwasher, and refrigerator drawers. Regular and appliance drawers are my favorite things to design on an island.

Why? Drawers are much easier to access than doors. When you pull out a drawer, you can look at everything inside of that drawer instead of trying to fish for items inside a cabinet. 

Pro Tip: For efficiency, place drawers for your everyday dishes next to the dishwasher.

3. Enough Outlets for the Electronics

Everyone has a device these days and is looking for a charger. Try placing outlets strategically on the island. For example, install elegant powerstrips tucked under the countertop. My favorite way is to install charging drawers.

4. Bonus Features!

Your kitchen island is the hub of your home, and you can fill it with so many incredible features that will make your life so much easier. Here’s a quick list of features:

• Pull-out cutting board 

• Primary sink or prep sink

• Beverage fridge

• Microwave drawer

• A garbage bin and recycling center that also includes a compost bin

If you're ready to design your most luxurious kitchen (with an island, of course), reach out to us. We can't wait to hear about your project.

Cheers,

Angie

3 Tips for Creating a Home that Instills Contentment and Peace

In the wake of Covid, our homes became our sanctuaries, our quarantines, and our havens. Our homes are our nests—the places where we now play AND work. Homes must now pull triple duty in making us feel safe from health hazards, relaxed from stresses and daily grinds, and content in our own spaces.

Each of us is different in our needs for feeling safe and comfortable, but having a home that instills peace and contentment is a universal need. Here are some tips on how intentional design can create your own sanctuary.

1. Incorporate Natural Materials

Nothing soothes us like Mother Nature. Just think of how calm you feel after a walk in a park or a hike in the woods. Intentionally bringing nature into the design of your home is the easiest way to create the same sense of serenity you feel outside. Using natural materials like real woods, fibers like wool, and genuine stone floors under foot bring in that nature inspired comfort.

2. Center Functional Design Around Wellness

A skilled designer will understand the way you function in your home in terms of your family’s daily routines, and will seamlessly integrate health and wellness into your design.

Sourcing custom materials and suggesting radiant heating underneath stone floors for maximum comfort are a couple of examples of functional design centered around wellness in your home. Functional design and designing around your own wellness are highly personal, and can merge effectively when working with a skilled designer.

3. Create a Sensory Experience

Not only are natural design and functional design important, but you must include design that appeals to your senses. Again, a great example is heated natural stone floors for your feet. There is nothing more comforting than sticking a toe out from the covers on a cold morning and stepping onto warm stone.

What colors do you see around you? Are they calming and cool in the bedroom? Are they invigorating and appetizing in the dining area? Can you smell your lilac trees from your windows in the spring? Can you hear frogs croaking in the evenings? How soft is your bedding? Is it comforting to the touch? That is all part of intentional design.

A Home Designed for Wellness

This is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what functional design and design centered around wellness can do to create a sanctuary in your home. It doesn't happen by accident— it is carefully planned in a new build or large remodel.

Take inventory of your current space. Does it bring calmness, or are you agitated on a regular basis? If the answer to the latter is yes, then you could greatly benefit from functional and wellness design offered by a skilled designer.

If you're ready to create a wellness-inspired home that encourages relaxation, reach out to us. We can't wait to hear about your project.

Cheers,
Angie

5 Stunning Bar Stools to Bring Style and Function to Your Outdoor Entertaining Area

If you enjoyed last week's blog post, today's blog post features 5 great bar stool options to go along with your outdoor entertaining / kitchen area. During these summer months, our outdoor spaces get the most love and attention, and we want yours to be everything you envision. Bar stools are great focal features for an exterior area where you, your family, and your guests can sit back and relax with a summer cocktail while catching up.

Porto Outdoor Bar Stool

The Porto bar stool is a great option for those looking to incorporate a transitional or modern style to their outdoor entertaining area. Its unique rope-based features stand out and the richness of the dark finish makes a great focal feature. Find yours here.

Wiscasset Acacia Wood Bar Stool

If your outdoor entertaining space has a coastal vibe, consider the Wiscasset bar stool set. The aluminum accents incorporate a modern and industrial twist to the light-washed tone of the acacia wood base. And bonus... the cushion covers are washable! Grab yours here.

Piazza Outdoor Bar Stool

This bar stool is eye-catching due to its unique pattern. It comes in several colors and is made to last with the durable polypropylene material and powder-coated metal legs. Make them yours here.

Sojourn Outdoor Patio Bar Stool

If your traditional design style is starting to slightly merge into a modern and contemporary style, consider the Sojourn bar stool. Its dark bold colors scream contemporary, but the rattan weave gives buyers the safety of a traditional exterior furniture look. It comes as a set of 2 and includes Sunbrella fabric cushions...bonus! Get yours here.

San Salvador Patio Bar Stools

This bar stool is so versatile that it can be incorporated into a few different design styled atmospheres. The stool’s arms give buyers function and comfortability as well as a stylish angled design for visual appeal. Purchase yours here.

Enhancing Your Outdoor Entertaining Area

Incorporating bar stools into your outdoor kitchen and entertaining area is a great way to spice up an additional gathering area while still providing function and comfort. Whether it’s relaxing and having an outdoor dinner with your family, or entertaining your guests with drinks and appetizers, you’ll love the additional seating that bar stools will offer.

Look through our Sidedoor bar stool collection for a few more options in addition to the 5 listed here! Lead times can be long in the furniture industry right now. If you love one of these options but don't love the time it may take to arrive, reach out to us and we will help you find a similar alternative so you can start enjoying your exterior space sooner!

Ready to design a home that feels comfortable, stylish, and personal? We can help. Reach out to us and let's chat.

Cheers,
Angie 

Disclaimer: This blog post may include affiliate links that will earn me a small percentage on any purchases at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

3 Steps to Creating Your Outdoor Entertaining And Living Areas

Studies prove that people who spend a significant amount of time outdoors are more likely to be happier and healthier mentally and physically. Those of us living on Vashon Island and in the Pacific Northwest have gorgeous landscapes that allow us to find serenity and tranquility when we spend time outside. 

You may love the outdoors but also want to entertain at home. You can achieve that inner contentment by creating outdoor living and entertainment spaces that provide the best of both worlds. Here’s how…

1. Plan Your Space

Consider how your family spends their time. For example, if your family prioritizes reading and yoga, why not create a space outdoors that can offer more tranquility. If your family loves to play board games and cards or have friends over for drinks, make sure there is lots of seating and a stocked beverage fridge.  

2. Create Functional Living Areas

Creating an outdoor area that provides the same function as your indoor living area is ideal for those who want additional living spaces. You plan the outdoor living the same way you’d execute a livable indoor design by deciding which areas to add based on your family's needs. Will you be adding just an outdoor living space, or will you create a second dining area and kitchen? 

3. Choose High-Quality Materials

My number one tip? Invest in high-quality furnishings and exterior fabrics.

There is nothing worse than buying items for your exterior space that cost less and look good temporarily but look sad and worn out the following year from weather, wear and tear. Then, you’ll have to restart and spend time and money to figure out how to repair, paint or resurface.

Excellent exterior furniture materials include:

• Polywood/HDPE plastic

• Teak 

• Aluminum 

• Polypropylene fabrics will be the best go-to for upholstery on your lounge furniture, cushions, and umbrellas.

Need Help?

Do you need help creating an additional living and entertaining area outside? You may have ideas but are finding them challenging to execute. Or do you need help building a concept or vision? I’m here to share creativity, and ideas, so you can create a functional and enjoyable space.

Get more beautiful and impactful tips sent to your inbox monthly by signing up for our newsletter.

Cheers,

Angie

Investing 101: Where to Save vs. Splurge on Home Furnishings

Have you started furniture shopping for your newly remodeled home? I bet your wish list filled up quickly, and now you're suffering from sticker shock when you see how fast you’ve spent your investment.

With the inflation of building materials, furniture prices are suffering the same increases, so you will need to consider investing strategically in furniture to furnish your desired area completely. Here’s how…

1. Invest Your Money Thoughtfully

High-traffic areas need furniture that is well made. Things like mattresses for the people living in the house are where you should pay for quality and durability. Save your pennies on guest room mattresses. 

Does your family curl up on the couch every night for movies and popcorn? Then spend the money on that sofa or sectional that will be used daily. Save on the accent chairs that round out the room décor but don't get used frequently. Spend the money on a durable rug with high traffic, but save on the rug under the new guest bed you just purchased.

2. Strategically Save

For things like fixtures and finishes, I like to mix high and low to keep the project within budget. For example, in a kitchen that has a small area that requires a backsplash, I won’t worry about the tile price tag since it's such a small section. But if there is a large backsplash wall, I will keep the tile options to under $20/sq ft. 

Quartz countertops are an excellent investment for a reasonable price and for durability instead of investing more in marble or granite. See a video on my thoughts on countertops. It's a delicate balance of mixing high and low items to stick to a realistic remodeling and furnishing budget.

3. Plan Your Project First

Spend the time and money to design your whole area first. Create a list of everything you may need, down to the wall paint, bookshelf accessories, and even silverware. This will give you an accurate budget before you even begin. 

And after you have listed everything you may need, you can start strategically replacing expensive items with affordable items.

Hiring an interior designer can save you thousands of dollars on a renovation budget. In addition, they can help you decide on where to spend and where to save.

Have some questions about developing a thoughtful budget for your design project? Give us a call...we'd love to help you out!

Cheers,

Angie

3 Tips to Mentally, Physically, and Emotionally Prepare for Your Renovation

Renovating is extremely exciting. It's putting a plan together, envisioning the future, and imagining how you will use your place. Do I need an espresso station? Do I really need wall ovens or will a range suffice? It is making a plan to better your life.

What Should You Expect During a Renovation?

But renovating is NOT like HGTV. I constantly tell my clients that renovating is like a roller coaster— it's thrilling at times and other times you feel like you're going to throw up. During a renovation, you will be very elated, very devastated, very peeved, and very impatient. But then a couple of walls get knocked down during demo, and the vision starts to come to life. You finally realize just how much space you now have for your spa bathroom.

Today, I’m sharing 3 tips to help you endure the renovation process from start to finish.

1. Trust Your Expert Team and the Process

You spend 10-20% of your renovation budget on a designer. Trust that your designer has your back. There will be hurdles, but we will get over them together. Things will be scary at times and things will look ugly at times. For example, when the sage green cabinets are installed, but the backsplash, paint, counters, and light fixtures are forthcoming, the color might be daunting! Trust that your designer has carefully designed your palette, and when they are all installed, the sage green will look amazing with the arctic white quartz and vibrant, polished brass faucet and fixtures.

2. Adjust Your Lifestyle During Construction

My husband and I lived in a trailer on our property for two and a half years while we were building our home. If you can live away from the construction, your life will be so much easier. Sheet rock dust is pervasive and subs using nail guns at 7am is quite jarring. Can you AirBnB for while? Can you tolerate your in-laws for a month or two? You will be better for it. Well, depending upon how nice your in-laws are!

3. Believe in Your Beautiful, Renovated Space

Print up your designer's 3D rendering of your new kitchen and tape it to your rental cottage’s fridge to remind you of the final outcome. It's so close! The uncertainty of remodeling is nearing a close and the end is in sight! You just have to take a deep breath and remind yourself that you are in good hands with your designer and your general contractor.

If you enjoyed these renovation tips and want more advice you can use at home, you'll really love our free interior design guide!

Cheers,
Angie

4 Ways to Invest in Your Home's Design for Now & Later

Remodeling a home to age in place is an investment in your future and increases the home's resale value. Have you ever shopped for a new home with an older friend? The first thing they look for in a house is a primary en suite on the first floor. That's one way to "age in place." Age in place describes how to remain safely in your home as you start to slow down.

Here are 4 features that you can incorporate into your home’s design for a desirable setting to age in place… 

1. Spacious Doorways & Hallways

Create ample space for wheelchairs and walkers. By having ample space in passageways, anyone can get through easily. And a home that is more accessible for everyone increases resell value. A designer can help you assess your home for future functionality and suggest the best use of your space.

2. An Accessible Home 

If you can get a single-story bungalow, great! If not, hire a designer to help create a primary en suite on the first floor. There are also other solutions you can consider. For example, would your home benefit from an elevator? You would be surprised to know that elevators aren't that expensive and can integrate pretty seamlessly when designed correctly.

Do your full bathrooms have tub/shower combos? Stepping into a shower isn't the easiest when you have mobility issues. A designer can help you design a thoughtful first-floor bathroom without steps into the shower.  

3. Built-In Balance Assistance 

Evaluate your home to determine if there are locations where balance is tricky. When you hire an expert, like an interior designer, we can help you assess where grab bars might help. And designers know how to specify great-looking mobility accessories that won't make your home look like a hospital. 

4. Prioritize Functionality 

It's essential to design for functionality in an aging-in-place home. Consider these functional updates:

• Accessible light switches

• Motorized drapery

• Eliminate or limit upper cabinetry so people in wheelchairs have full storage access 

It's the list of things like this that a designer can help prioritize in your home.

Designing for aging isn't only important for retirees. Young homeowners can increase their property value if they have an ADA-compliant home. And hiring a designer will help ensure that adding functionality to your home won't take away anything from the aesthetic value of your home. 

If you're ready to create a functional and fashionable home that lets you age in place, please reach out to us. We can't wait to hear about your home.

Cheers,

Angie

How to Design Your Ideal Home to Highlight Health & Wellness

Over the last two years, our homes have been our health haven. We have spent plenty of time thinking about our homes and how they promote and protect our family’s health. Of course, we all approach this differently, but there are ways that we can consistently and efficiently foster health in our homes.

Today, I’m sharing 3 ways to design your home to cultivate health, wellness, and a sense of belonging. Take a look…  

1. Be Inspired by Nature

The most soothing thing for humans is nature. It is a constant quest to bring as much of the outdoors into our homes without it feeling cluttered or dirty. When you mimic nature, our natural homeostasis is rest, and we actually relax. 

To bring nature into your home, bring in nature's colors. A soothing paint palette can ease the mind. Think of your favorite relaxing places, such as spas and retreat centers. The best ones have a calming, nature-inspired palette. 

2. Create a Home with Functional Design

It is not always easy to achieve wellness. That's why we have designers! Designers can help make sure a nature-inspired home complements your routine. A house designed to function with you in mind will allow you to have a stress-free and joyful experience. 

3. Sensory Design Must-Haves

Wellness is a delicate balance of stimulating senses. For example, your eye is intrigued by color, but with a gentle harmony so as not to overwhelm you. Calming things like soft fabric textures aid in this sensory treat. Natural textiles aid in the touch experience, and when it's something that feels soft, like nature, it relaxes you.

This is just the tip of the iceberg regarding what biophilic design can do to increase your relaxation and comfort in your home. Hiring a designer can help you create a whole plan for your entire home to be an oasis of natural products that benefit your mental state while being good for the planet.

If you would like support in creating your healthiest home, we would love to help. Reach out, and let's get to know each other.

Cheers,

Angie

5 Stylish Rugs Perfect for Your Living Space

Have you tried to order any home goods recently? Are the shipping times absolutely abysmal? These gorgeous, hand-selected rugs are available right now, and all at reasonable prices. Each is a perfect anchoring of neutral colors, while adding a great depth of texture and pattern to any space.

Genesis

This very unique pattern is a wall painting for your floor! If you need a tiny pop of teal, this will give any room a much needed splash of it without overwhelming the space with color. It's grounded in beiges and greys to go with a soft palette. Find yours here.

Noverre Handmade Abstract Taupe/ Cream

This rug makes a bigger statement, while remaining quite neutral. The bold, geometric pattern creates a focal point, while the soft taupe and cream keep it subdued so you won't get overwhelmed or bored with the pattern over time. Grab yours here.

Tear Drops

This is a fun patterned rug that would work perfectly in a high traffic area. Its dense, wool tufting is great for hiding dirt. I would use this in a foyer. Make it yours here.

Franklin

This rug has a calm, muted pattern, perfect for a bedroom. The subtle geometric lines give a soft pattern without being too bold. Get it here.

Navyan

This dense, wool rug has a mellow pattern and even mellower colors that will ground a room without causing any distraction. It's a great basic for any room, and it goes with pretty much anything. Find yours here.

Tying Your Space Together

As the Big Lebowski said, a rug really ties a room together. It's the anchor, the cornerstone, the centerpiece. Rugs define areas and anchor furniture that would otherwise be lost or "floating" in a room. A rug brings together a sitting area with a sofa, table and chairs. A foyer rug welcomes you into a home. A rug in a bedroom creates a cozy landing area under your feet when getting out of your bed.

Considering the current challenges of shipping furnishings, it's hard to find rugs that are available now! This list is a great grouping of neutral rugs that can go anywhere, and you can get them quickly.

Ready to design a home that feels comfortable, stylish, and personal? We can help. Reach out to us and let's chat.

 Cheers,
Angie

Disclaimer: This blog post may include affiliate links that will earn me a small percentage on any purchases at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

5 Stunning Side Chairs to Elevate Your Living Room Design

I am a sucker for a nice side chair, and I rounded up a small handful of quite reasonably priced options. A good side chair in a living room can really elevate your design plan.

Garson Kona Chair from Currey & Co

This one is on the wild side. Its design hints at a zebra stripe, yet is far more refined. Get it here.

Empire Occasional Chair in Revere Dusk and Aged Brass from Alder & Tweed

This chair is tailored and refined, stately and sturdy. I would add this chair to a living room that needs a touch of "masculine" appeal. Get it here.

Zola Chair from Bernhardt Furniture Company

This petite chair has great curvy legs. The black steel is a perfect touch if you have a matte black and brass theme going through the rest of your design. Get it here.

Open Framework Club Chair from Caracole

This is a cozy chair, without being frumpy. The unique chrome legs and framing add elegance to a basic club chair. This would be great in a family-friendly home design that needs a touch of sophistication. Get it here.

Vita Chair from Four Hands

This unique chair deserves an upscale living room with a flair for Modern with a capital M. It has a great, low back making it easy to rest your arms or swing a leg over while reading a good book. Get it here.

Bring Style to Your Living Room

Club chairs are the way to add flair to a living room. With the sizable investment in large pieces like sofas and sectionals, they are a great way to incorporate some funky style at a more reasonable price. If you tire of them in a few years, upcycle and purchase a new set of fun club chairs!

Ready to design a home that feels comfortable, stylish, and personal? We can help. Reach out to us and let's chat.

Cheers,
Angie

Disclaimer: This blog post may include affiliate links that will earn me a small percentage on any purchases at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

How Much Time Does it Take to Design & Renovate Your Home?

During COVID, in the Seattle area, especially Vashon Island, construction timelines are as nebulous as our near-constant cloud cover.

Creating accurate timelines has been extremely challenging due to supply chain issues with lumber materials, window manufacturing, tile shipments, and the like. In addition, most of the general contractors on Vashon Island are booked out for at least a year, complicating renovation planning even further.

Working directly with a designer and listening to input from a general contractor is the best way to establish the most accurate timeline. So today, I’m sharing helpful tips for turning around your next renovation project...  

Phase 1: Planning

Your project can’t move forward without creating a robust plan. A designer helps you establish a home's overall look and feel before designing the remodel. A solid plan ensures that your home has a cohesive aesthetic that you can base all your design decisions on, making sure the design flows throughout the entire house.

How Long It Can Take: A complete home remodel design can take several months, even up to a year. The timeline can vary depending on how quickly you make decisions and the number of revisions you make to your design.  

Having a GC available for quick meetings is extremely helpful even if they can't start the project for over a year. They can answer important questions, like determining if a wall is load-bearing, which can significantly influence your design. Establish a great relationship with a GC so they can come and answer questions while you are in the design phase. 

Phase 2: Procurement

Designing over the last two years during COVID has changed how we operate here at Harpole Home. We now complete the design work and then try to specify and order all materials before the GC can start. That way, the GC can hit the ground running when their schedule is free to start the remodel, with all materials on hand.

How Long It Can Take: Material lead times are ALL OVER THE PLACE. For example, custom window sizes and doors take 3-6 months. Tiles can take 6-12 weeks. Things like quartz countertop installation goes a lot faster, so I am specifying quartz in every kitchen remodel.

Phase 3: Construction

When the GC can finally start, they will have all of the completed construction documents supplied by Harpole Home. At this phase in the project, Harpole Home's involvement is project oversight - site visits checking on projects and answering questions.

How Long It Can Take: Construction phase timelines all depend upon the GC. If they have a large crew of subcontractors, the timeline is shorter. If it's just one person, construction will take longer. For example, if you are remodeling your kitchen, you can expect a completed project in a couple of months with a single person working. On the other hand, if your GC has a crew, it can be done in a matter of weeks. 

Phase 4: Installation

If your design project includes furnishings and accessories, then you need to order them at the same time as the windows, fixtures, and finishes. The same supply issues apply to the furniture as it does with windows and doors. It's a long lead time. The project's final phase includes bringing in all the new furniture and accessories and styling your new place to perfection! 

Then, the big reveal!

How Long It Can Take: With furniture stored in a warehouse, this phase just takes a couple of days. 

Your Next Step

Remodeling a home in real life is definitely not like the timelines on HGTV remodeling shows. First, it takes time to establish a look and feel appropriate to your home, lifestyle, phase of life, and personal style. 

Then booking a GC takes a considerable amount of time. It's just the new reality of life during COVID. But going through all of these steps and working on your patience will ensure a beautifully remodeled home! 

Ready for a home that supports your happiest life? Let's talk and see what we can create together.

Xoxo,

Angie

3 Ways to Improve Storage During a Kitchen Reno

Improving your kitchen storage during a renovation is a strategic endeavor. There is a lot to consider from cabinetry, specialty built-ins, and drawers when making the best use of your space. For example, in my kitchen, I only have lower cabinet drawers, and I have ample storage.

I want to make sure you know the best ways to improve your kitchen storage. So today, I’m sharing my top 3 ways to increase your storage during a kitchen renovation… 

1. Kitchen Cabinets and Molding Touch the Ceiling

Always take upper cabinets to the ceiling and have the molding touch the ceiling. This creates a seamless, built-in look that draws the eye upwards and makes the room appear taller than if you had shorter cabinets with disconnected molding. 

2. Double Sinks

I love adding two kitchen sinks to every design, even if it's a micro bar sink in the island. That way, you can cook unimpeded, and children and guests can help themselves to handwash and water refills out of your way. 

3. Increase Island Storage

I love adding cabinetry on both sides of the island. This increases storage space tremendously, even if one side of the island is for counter seating. The cabinetry behind stools can be used for specialty storage for serving pieces that are occasional use. They are out of your way for daily use but easily accessible when you have guests. 

Bonus: Storage Tip

All of my kitchen cabinets, except the sink cabinet, are drawers. It is so much easier to pull open a drawer and view all of the contents than to open a door and search for items at the back of the shelves.

Let's set up a consultation to discuss how we can increase the functional storage in your kitchen. Having everything in its place and a place for everything makes your life a whole lot simpler.

Warmly,

Angie

3 Easy Shifts You Can Make to Go Green at Home

Today it’s easy to shift to sustainable and eco-friendly products. Environmentally friendly products are readily available containing ingredients safer for the planet and safer for your family's health. 

Here are 3 simple steps that you can use to start protecting your family's health and help the planet at the same time... 

1. Reduce Waste with High-Quality Furnishings

When I specify client purchases for important things like furniture, I always start with very transparent companies about their operations. I lean toward companies who are part of the Sustainable Furnishings Council, like Room and Board. 

I have found that purchasing high-quality pieces from transparent companies makes a sound investment. 

Like so many of us have, I have been burned too many times by falling into the fast-and-cheap purchasing trap. Those products are made with inferior components, like particleboard and toxic glues. And I eventually have to replace the item anyway because it doesn't last, and I end up buying the expensive piece to replace it, anyway. 

So save yourself the cost of the fast-cheap-toxic item and just invest in quality craftsmanship with superior and sustainable parts in the first place!

2. Favor Toxin-Free Alternatives

Toxic chemicals cause long-term damage to people, and they also compromise the environment in producing and getting rid of them. However, there are excellent alternatives that are readily available. 

For example, I always look for "free and clear" ingredients like laundry detergent and cleaning spray. When shopping for cabinet manufacturers and furniture makers, I opt for companies that produce products made from genuine materials like solid woods, steel, and natural fibers in the fabrics. When materials are layered, like in plywood and veneers, that's where you find toxic chemicals with the adhesive and filler chemicals.

3. Improve Energy Efficiency Where Possible

I am big on ambiance. I keep low lights on throughout the house for ambient lighting and mood. But am I racking up the electricity bill? No. I use LED bulbs. Whenever I design a home remodel, I specify LED bulbs and dimmable switches. 

I also recommend connecting lights to a home monitoring system controlled by a smartphone app. Then, you can set up all of your ambient lights on timers to manage the intensity throughout the day and program them to turn off when you leave and at bedtime.

There are many options to save the planet and reduce toxic exposure to your family while even saving money. These changes don't have to happen overnight, but simple awareness while you’re involved with a remodel, can help bring peace of mind that you are protecting the environment for your family's health and the planet's health.

In addition, hiring a designer that is up-to-date on sustainable practices and technologies that offer green efficiencies will help you transition your home to a healthier place.

If you want support creating an environmentally-friendly home, we would love to help. Reach out for a consultation, and we can talk about how we can help you make sustainable changes to your home. 

Warmly,

Angie

How we Quadruped the size of a Pantry

photo by Emily Kennedy

Being in the construction industry, I see a ton of strange things. Vashon, especially, gets its share of funky design and build because, in my opinion, one of the biggest contributors to this is because building codes aren’t always adhered to.  Whatever the reasons, I encounter countless code violations and strangely "creative" ways to solve problems.   It makes me proud to know that my talents can help improve these situations and make homes safe WHILE becoming more beautiful as well.

Before photo of a chaotic pantry with empty space behind the shelving, and little room due to the oversized, inaccessible water heater living behind the shelves.

A recent client had an extra-large water heater enclosed in a drywall box, hidden behind pantry shelves.  I am sure at the time the house was built, there wasn’t an interior design professional watching over the project. One of my favorite parts of my “job” is to problem solve using my design knowledge, creativity, and past experiences to not only see the current situation but to analyze and reflect on  possible solutions.  As you know, if you change one aspect of a house, it often affects several other areas as well.

There is a huge water heater behind these shelves which is a code violation because it’s completely inaccessible.

As you can see in this photo, the dark void behind the canned goods is where the water heater is located. In this photo it kind of looks like R2D2 lurking at you and I would know because my son is 7 years old so I have them all over my house.  Here is one of the challenges with this situation, if you bumped a can, it would fall behind the shelves and disappear forever.

A second challenge is that the shelves were static so there was not a door to access the water heater. This was against code because appliances, such as water heaters, need to have access without having to remove permanent construction (IPC Code 502.5).

When we started to tackle this design dilemma, we had discussions on what the owner liked and didn’t like about the current pantry.  We played around with keeping the water heater in the pantry, but the water heater and pantry lived in this “box” in the center of the kitchen and the living room, along with a coat closet.  As I mentioned before, it is not safe, and now we also are focused on the fact that is it in the center of kitchen and living room. Remember, each adjustment has an effect on other parts of your home, so it is important to consider all of these aspects when planning.

The homeowner also wanted a cleaner more streamlined look for their kitchen, without all of the clutter with the recycling, trash, and microwave.

Keeping a full-sized water heater made increasing the size of the pantry quite difficult. We also contemplated converting to a tankless water heater, but we would still need a door accessing it, and that still took away from the pantry’s real estate.

The best solution was to put a strong platform in the attic and relocate the water heater up there. This provided a wide-open space around it and since we rarely need to get at it, why keep it in the main living space?  This now provides ample room for a larger, walk-in pantry without compromising the volume of the already-tiny coat closet.

I took these concepts, the measurements, and the goals back to my drawing board and created a few ideas so the client could see it on paper.  In the next few images, you can see how we manipulated the space so the microwave, trash, and recycling can all neatly tuck away within the new pantry, which has a great door for closing it all away.

We had an amazing general contractor on this project who created the shelving from some cabinet panels that were damaged in shipping. Those were replaced by the manufacturer, so it left these large pieces of finished  wood available to us.  Here is one of the reasons why I love working in this community, we all want what is best for the environment. What an awesome use of recycling!

Now, I am proud to say, the new pantry is extremely roomy and very well lit. The space is calm and “neat” when you walk inside, and the homeowner is pleased.

One of the most pleasing aspects of interior design and remodeling is that my team and I are able to improve the quality of life for our clients, reducing daily stress by creating a calm and organized atmosphere!

@clarajearlyphoto

@clarajearlyphoto

@emilykennedyphoto

Here are 5 tips if you are wondering if a remodel would benefit you and your home.

1)     Create a list of areas that cause stress or anxiety in your daily life.  What is bothersome to you as you move about?

2)     Determine if all of your appliances are up to code.  If you need help, let me know.

3)     Close your eyes and try to imagine your home with the perfect flow. What walls or areas would be removed?

4)     Determine if your outside living spaces (like deck, front porch, basement, attics, and closets) are being utilized to their maximum capacity.

5)     Identify what is in the way.  Chances are, it can be hidden from site.

Please be sure to download my free interior design guide!

How Architectural Details Will Uplevel Your Space

Everything you need to know about woodwork & millwork.

What sets your home or commercial space apart? Your same light fixtures are being used in hundreds, if not thousands, of other places. Your layout might be standard (because, hey, the traffic flow just makes sense). Your furnishings and decor might be custom, semi-custom, or straight from the big box store.

You look at your space and think, "What else can I do to make this reflect the rich values, the story, and the legacy that I want people to tangibly experience when they enter?"

We have the answer: Custom woodwork and millwork. Look at any historically-acclaimed or award-winning, modern building. They always have custom woodwork, millwork, or a combination thereof. This is what sets spaces apart and makes them quite nearly impossible to duplicate.

1. WHAT IS WOODWORK?

Architectural woodwork is any exposed wood that is meant to be included in your finished space. This includes wooden cabinetry, paneling, staircases, ceilings, molding, doors, trim, and flooring. Exposed structural components, such as beams and supports, can also be considered architectural woodwork. Most often, this woodwork serves both an aesthetic and utilitarian function (e.g. kitchen cabinetry).

2. WHAT IS MILLWORK?

Millwork is often used as another name for woodwork, but the two terms aren't quite interchangeable. Millwork can include standalone pieces, structures made of wood, and can also refer to those made of plastic, plaster, or laminate. Non-wood millwork is most often found in business and hospitality spaces.

3. DO YOU NEED BOTH?

Many custom cabinetry or architectural firms will specialize in both woodwork and millwork, as the two crafts are often beautifully combined. Think of your ideal custom cabinets. Are they made entirely of wood? Often not. Instead, they will include glass panels — and perhaps even fabric panels or metal accents and features.

Vashon Island Interior Design

 You love where you live, but your house feels a little...tight. You don't want to move, and you can't find any other houses that you like in your area (because you already looked!). We feel for you. Fortunately, savvy interior designers and architects exist, including yours truly, who can add a creative addition to your home.

First a bit about me. I am Angie Harpole. I have been helping clients with redesigning their homes since 2014. I live on Vashon Island in the Puget Sound Region of the Pacific Northwest, just a 20-minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle, Washington. I am your Vashon Island interior design consultant.

My background includes client-side and agency-side internet marketing project management. My passion for interiors started at my corporate jobs at Herman Miller and Knoll. Then the nail in the proverbial interior design coffin was hammered in while building a home on the North end of Vashon Island. I left the corporate world to get schooling, as well as experience, designing interiors.

Now I am the Founder and Head Designer of Harpole Home. My specialty is full home remodels, stripping interiors down to the studs and designing a whole new living experience for clients. My focus is on functionality and flow of your rooms, efficiency of space, and making the space YOURS.

As an interior designer, I believe additions should look timeless, as though they were always part of your whole home design. Today we are sharing three types of additions to consider. Not all will be applicable to your situation, but they'll get you pointed in the right direction.

The best way to make this a reality is to speak with Harpole Home. We'll do a site visit, draw up a plan, and execute it. The only downside is that you'll never want to leave your house!

1.  THE SECOND STORY
Unsurprisingly, this is a great option for homeowners with limited acreage. If you can't build out, build up! Not only does this increase the curb appeal of a ranch home/single story home, it also greatly enhances resale value and usability. A second story can double your bedroom count, provide space for a home office with a view, or allow room for that perfect spa bathroom you've been imagining.

Is your home a good fit for a second story addition? We can work with architects and engineers to determine this by evaluating your home's existing structure, and outlining the extra measures that will need to be taken for load-bearing and code requirements.

 2. THE GLORIFIED GARAGE LOFT
From becoming a glorified home office to a noisy game room, the space above your garage was meant for more. You could even go wild and make it a mother-in-law suite or a rentable listing on Airbnb. (All the opportunists reading this just perked up.) Whether you choose to fulfill your tiny house fantasies in regal style or create the craft room of your dreams, you can be certain that Harpole Home will help design the perfect solution.

Is your home a good fit for an above-garage addition? Contact us with your budget, timeline, and a description of what you'd like. Or, let us help you design a whole new plan.

 Check out Harpole Home’s design for our client’s detached two-car garage with a mother-in-law suite above. 

3. THE ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT
Affectionately referred to as "granny flats," these accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are gaining fast popularity. If you want more living space but would rather not change the footprint of your main house, adding a micro-house elsewhere on your property is a real option. This allows for the privacy and comfort of your guests, aging family members, or short term rental guests (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.).

Is your lot a good fit for an ADU? Harpole Home can address your zoning issues and develop a plan during our consultations. If you're serious about revamping your property, creating rental income, or just increasing your family's comfort, we are too.

A Taste of Vashon's Interior Design

As your Vashon Island Interior Design expert, I wanted to give you just a taste of what I have been able to do for my clients here. These three types of additions might spark your interest or might pique your curiosity.  Feel free to contact me to see what I can do for you.