How many times have you gotten ready to leave for work, looking amazing in your new outfit and not been able to find the mate to the perfect pair of pumps that complete the look?  Have your ever searched high and low for a scarf that you know has just the right color for the suit you plan to wear for your presentation?  Maybe it’s time to reorganize your closet.  An orderly, well designed closet will save time, space and frustration.  Any interior designer in Seattle will agree this is also the best way to organize your clothes, shoes, and belongings enabling you to find them easily. When planning to redesign your closet, think about the way you get ready to go out.  Do you wear suits or separates; dresses, pants or skirts?  Do you own a small fortune in shoes or a fabulous few that go with everything?  Make a list of items you need to access on a daily basis.  Use this list to start the design process.

In order for everything to be in place, it is convenient to divide the closet into several sections so that you can combine different types of storage such as shelves and drawers.  Bars hung at different heights will easily accommodate the clothes according to their length.  When using plastic storage bins, try to find the clear ones or clearly label the opaque ones so you know what’s inside with out having to open them.

Tips on storing clothes: One practical thing to do is group clothes according to frequency of use. The central part will be reserved for everyday use, while the higher shelves will be used for out-of-season clothing. To avoid undesired creases on shirts, hang them leaving a space of a bit less than an inch between them. When it comes to sweaters, it’s better to fold them because when hanged they tend to get stretch out of shape.  Another way to organize garments is by color.  That way if you’re looking for that fiery red silk blouse to go with your incredible black skirt, you can easily find it in the red section of your clothing.

Bathroom

Bathrooms are frequently small places, so it’s better not to fill them up with large furniture or objects. Use shelves to find things easily and keep everything tidy. Drawer organizers help keep make up and sundries from getting lost in a jumble.  You can also add small closets to keep towels and other articles. It is better to store these items in closets with doors that absorb humidity. To store medicine and cleaning products, keep in mind they need to be out of children’s reach. It is safer to keep them on high shelves or a medicine cabinet rather than under the sink.

Kitchen

Bedroom closets aren’t the only places it pays to be organized.  Imagine being able to find the garlic press or the tea strainer with out straining your patience.

Tips on storing kitchen utensils: The key point here is keeping the items you use the most close at hand. Pots, pans, and lids should be near the cooking area, while the set of dishes can be further away. It’s convenient that the pantry, where food and warehouse products are stored, is placed in a cooler darker part of the kitchen, to conserve provisions better. You can use baskets to store fruits and some vegetables adding extra visual texture to the kitchen. The standard measure for kitchen cabinets is 36 in. tall by 24 in. deep.  Drawers have to be big enough to keep frying pans, pots, and other kitchen utensils.  If you find yourself still searching for the handbag that works with your outfit, rummaging through your drawers to find your black eyeliner or hunting for the meat thermometer, it’s time to call an interior designer.  We can help design your space so you walk out the door with both black pumps.  We can also design a kitchen that has a place for all the tools you need to create a culinary masterpiece, or at least make sure the roast is the right temperature.

Tile

On a recent trip to New York for ICFF I came across this chic new ‘living’ tile. This product plays with light and shadows, diffusing them throughout the tile to give a truly unique look to a counter top, backsplash or even a floor.  There is movement in the material, a reflection of light and shade reflecting the movement and life in the space.  Think of a using it as a room divider, letting the luminosity from adjoining rooms create different experiences as you move through the space.

There are a few different tiles made with this technology; an acrylic tile made with the same acrylic polymer as aquariums and a terrazzo version which is micro concrete embedded with light channels.  These channels bend light, transferring it from one point to another achieving a twinkle effect.  Both tiles are resistant to staining and scratching.  They can be used indoors and out for a myriad of possibilities. Let us help you put this distinctive material in your next project!

Palm Wood

At Amely Wurmbrand Designs, we are always looking for new green materials. Bamboo is a great green product, but we’ve found something that will express your individuality as well as your commitment to the environment: an engineered product using reclaimed palms. Available as plywood, flooring, paneling and veneers, the dark to medium red mahogany color brings out the exotic grain that can be used in many applications.  Imagine the woven panels as an unexpected treatment for walls instantly adding interesting texture to a space. Use the flooring in a great room or a family room to add warmth and richness.  We look forward to showing you all the exciting and distinctive ways to use this product in your design.

Whether you’ve just moved into a new home or you’re just tired of seeing the same old thing every time you walk in the door, you’ve decided it’s time for a change. You want the cohesive put together look you see in all the magazines.  You want that feeling of pride in your personal space which functions as well as it looks. You’ve even saved and budgeted money for the remodeling and redesigning. Now you face the daunting task of finding the right designer to help you realize the home of your dreams. How can you choose the best designer for you and your project? What are the key components to consider when choosing one?

You might get recommendations from friends; you may do your own research or visit design professionals in your area,  but how can you be sure you’ve found the right fit? Here are some tips to consider when selecting the right design professional for you.

1. Look for a designer who speaks about working closely with you and is willing to reflect your needs, wants and personality. A well trained and experienced designer is versed in numerous styles, you want one that reflects your aesthetics and functions as a vehicle for your specific taste. Your designer should be a good listener. You should expect them to realize your vision; after all, it’s your space.
2. Source local professionals on the web; reduce your search within your area: “interior designers in Seattle”, for example (or whatever area you live in). This will save you added expense of lengthy travel time for both you and your designer.
3. Review design portfolios, take a look at the scope and breadth of previous work. Do you need help with a little decorating or do you need help with a full scale remodel? Much of this information will be available to you online, look for work that speaks to your taste, creates an emotion for you or inspires you.
4. Inquire about fee structure. Design fees can be hourly, fixed or percent of budget. Talk to your design professional about what fee structure makes the most fiscal sense given the scope of your project needs.

After taking these tips into consideration, you’re better equipped to find the right design match for you and your project.