Da Stark Interiors

As we continue thru the warm summer days are you wondering if you still feel like your outdoor space needs some help? If so, ask this one simple question, "Can I hang it up?" This summer finds me working on many outdoor spaces. Mostly, giving existing spaces a bit of a "pick me up". Well, I am choosing, in most cases, to "hang it up". An interior designer based in Seattle, Dixie enjoys elevating the 'design curious' on her Design Salvation podcast. She has been featured in dozens of publications including Elle Decor, Luxe, House Beautiful, and Seattle Homes & Lifestyles.

I believe, a room with an interesting chair is always more fun! I have a fondness and a curiosity of chairs. I always have. Likewise, I have always used an accent chair or chairs to give spaces a little spark and some personality. Often times these chairs have been vintage treasures or family heirlooms that deserved a little tender loving care and a new leash on life. Other times, I have. Designing spaces that will also accommodate furry family members is definitely an added consideration. Upholstery should be cleanable and durable if your pets are allowed, or often help themselves to a comfy sit on your sofa or chair.

Of course, I relate interiors to fashion. Many of my clients have heard me refer to hardware, in particular, cabinet hardware, as the jewelry of the home. I often explain that the cabinetry is the basic wardrobe or outfit and it simply needs jewelry to complete it. The hardware is primarily functional, but it can also be a real asset to the room's design aesthetic at large. For Holiday decor, I am often asked how to bring in the old with the new, or how to add sparkle with the rustic. While I definitely respect the family traditions of the holidays, I also want to embrace the latest holiday trends as well.

What inspires you? Is it a person, a place, a thing? Is it nature or architecture? Is it a color, or a shade, or a shadow? This past week end, I watched the documentary film on Iris Apfel. Iris was an interior designer, a textile business woman (Old World Weavers), and today, an international fashion icon. Oh, her jewelry! I know for a fact that. I chose the interiors industry because I personally believe that when your surroundings are beautiful and functional your life is much easier and more enjoyable.

As the days get shorter, I find myself taking client appointments earlier and earlier in the day. Why? We loose light! It is essential that we have good light when reviewing any surface samples. Not only is it important to have good light to select paint, it is also critical when choosing flooring, wall tile, wallcoverings, and any textiles. I always encourage my clients to. Black is anything but just basic. I love black. I love to see it used in interiors and every time I do I am entranced. From wall coverings, to flooring coverings, to artwork and textiles, I always gravitate towards black.

Oval or rectangle? Long or short? Choosing a tub is like choosing an outfit. It should fit the bather. With today's ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing options, the freestanding tub has risen back into popularity and has been holding its own for several years. These tubs are now very complex with many variations from simple soaking to air jetted as well as options for synchronized LED lighting and massage or. The flexibility of using pendants at a bath vanity is undeniable. I opt to use pendants when there is an ample amount of vanity space, but mostly when we are space challenged.

I am not talking about the comic book character, the transformer, rather the underrated lampshade. I was recently preparing for an install of a few new pieces of furniture that were going to blend in with some of the client's existing pieces. Among those existing items was a nice metal floor lamp and a lovely pair of table lamps. My first reaction was to "transform". Sometimes all you need is a good mirror. Something interesting and unique to just jazz up a space. A mirror reflects light while expanding the space.