Beautiful Spa Like Bath Remodel by Kathy!

My client wanted a tranquil bathroom and her master bath went thru a huge transformation just with the change of the paint color from a vibrant red to the Authentic Home Dove Grey.  The layout wasn’t functional for my client to bathe every night so I change the location of the toilet so that the shower and tub was the focal point upon entering the very small bathroom. The custom Furniture Guild vanity and crystal vanity light bar make this a unique and elegant small bathroom!

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Kathy's Recent Project- Kitchen Before & After!

My client purchased this 100 year old Craftsman style home when she was raising her family and was excited to update and personalize it to reflect her personal style.

The initial undertaking was the flooring since it was original to the home and has some holes in it that couldn’t be repaired.  DuChateau luxury vinyl tile, LVT, was the final flooring choice since my client was considering renting out the house once her youngest was out of high school and LVT is very durable and waterproof.  The light grey color tones of the LVT works well with the Authentic Home Dove Grey paint color that is throughout the main floor, both bedrooms and bathrooms. The kitchen cabinet doors were resurfaced and quartz Grey Savoie countertops and backsplash and new Top Knobs hardware bring the space much needed lightness while adding a bit of a feminine touch. A new side counter top was added during the remodel for additional storage and to have the flexibility of sitting on bar stools.  The clean white modern table and clear acrylic chairs finish the space with a light and airy feel suitable for any gathering. And the new range and hood along with the farm house white porcelain sink make this a wonderful kitchen to create meals and entertain in.

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Metallics: Reflections of Refinement

There is something so rich and sophisticated about mixing and matching metallics in your Interior. Beautiful metallic decor has been making its debuts at High Point Market- it’s not only trending, but it truly is a timeless way to bring beauty and sparkle into your space.

Metallic Decor- Our Favorite Designs

1. Gold Accents.  Mixing and matching various gold accent pieces can really give a sense of cohesivity and eclectic vibes to your space. Creating a photo collage with unique frames, all in gold hues give a rich, smart feel to the wall space. To really emphasize the metallic theme in your decor, implement a metallic pouf, or throw pillows to make the smaller accents really “pop.”

Image Source: Ohbintang, Online

2. Rustic Meets Organic. Combining natural elements with rustic pieces brings forth a level of nostalgia and eclecticism like no other. Scour your local flea market or antique mall for original, one-of-a-kind rustic metal decor, and pair it with unfinished woods and other organic elements.

Image Source: Maison Decor, Online

3. Reflective Surfaces and Finishes. There is no such thing as too many metallics in a space. Well, maybe– but we have yet to see it. Beautiful mirrored furniture pieces paired with gold and bronze accents will surely bring glamour and sophistication to any space. Geometric patterned metallic throw pillows, and simple metallic poufs can really bring forth a level of beauty to a space.

Image Source: Graham & Brown, Online

Interested in a design consultation? Contact Kathy Banak today!

Contemporary Dining on Puget Sound

My client’s custom built a stunning contemporary home on the beautiful coast of the Puget Sound in West Seattle after living in the area for over the past two decades. They both always wanted to live on the water and finally moved into their two building compound after a two a half year construction. The architect designed the home to take advantage of the water views and the home has over forty windows so to experience every aspect of each day.

They love to entertain so the main floor has a large kitchen and living room area with access out to a water front balcony. I wanted to keep the coloring of all the furnishings in the spaces neutral yet with some interest and to not detract from the beautiful scenery. My clients travel a great deal and their artwork and sculptures also were part of the overall design of the spaces. The custom bar stools by Trica and dining table and chairs by Old Biscayne Designs provide enough sitting for all of their gatherings.

Timeless Design | How to Achieve "that" Look

Because Interior Design is an ever-evolving industry, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to keep up with what’s trending– especially since a beautiful design can be a long-term investment. However, there are some essentials to Interior Design that will never age themselves, remaining timeless and classic in your space. This home, designed by Kathy Banak, is the perfect example of how to achieve a quality, classic interior that will evolve with the ever-changing times of the design industry.

Classic Design: 5 Essentials to Achieving A Timeless Look

1. Window Treatments. One of the most influential and easiest ways to give your space a completed look is by adding window treatments. Choosing rich fabrics and quality craftsmanship is key- it truly will give your home the classic, quality look you’re going for.

Image Source: Nina Hendrick, Online

2. Organic Natural Finishes. The first thing you see when looking at this beautiful kitchen is the richness in the quartz countertops.

Image Source: Granite Gurus, Online

3. Soft, Bright Color Palette. Choosing the right color palette for your home is key when designing your space. Since we reside in Washington which is gloomy most of the year, it is essential to select colors that feel bright and airy even during the darkest months. Rich, fresh upholstered details bring a sense of cohesiveness to this charming family room.

Image Source: Editorial Ink, Online

4. Accessorize All Of Your Spaces. It’s the little things that make a big difference. Does your hallway or foyer have an alcove perfect for a side table and some ambient lighting? It is these spaces that work perfectly to debut your favorite pieces.

Image Source: Kannalla Mongon, Online

Are you looking to revamp your space and not sure where to start? Contact Kathy Banak at Authentic Home for a consulatation.

Spa-like Guest Bedrooms

Zen spa decor is quintessentially calm and peaceful. It is often a favorite decorating scheme for homeowners seeking a relaxing appearance for their bedroom spaces. By incorporating a nature-inspired color palette, luxurious bedding elements and calming accessories, this design is fairly easy to create for a bedroom that looks and feels like a sanctuary retreat in the comfort of one's own home.

Natural Colors

Use cool colors. Increase the spa-like feel of the room with a cool color palette that features blue and green. Paint the walls a soft, blue color to simulate the look of water, known for its calming properties. Add an area rug in light green, and place it at the foot of the bed to help anchor the space. A green rug gives the room an illusion of grass, which is a nature-inspired choice to add to the calm environment. Lastly, select white bedding, window treatments and furniture pieces to create a simplistic, Zen-like appearance to the room.

Bed Textiles

Incorporate simple bedding. Zen bedrooms are often minimal in design, so reflect this with a comforter set that is streamlined. Avoid patterns, as they can create a space with visual clutter. Choose styles with tone-on-tone piping details to give the set a bit of style without being too fussy. Select white bedding to complement the spa feel of the room. Add a bit of luxury with high-thread-count sheets in solid white to give the bedding a pampered, spa look and feel. Finish the Zen spa bedroom with two soft, fluffy robes draped on the end of the bed for a relaxing and calming appearance to the entire decor.

Minimal Clutter

Organize the bedroom. Clutter is to be avoided on all counts in a Zen spa environment. Use organizational tools to get clutter down to a minimum. Place shoes in a hanging shoe rack in a closed closet. Purchase organizing, closet clothes systems for a more functional closet space. Use under-the-bed storage boxes or plastic containers to store items not used on a daily basis, such as seasonal clothing. A clutter-free room is inherently more peaceful, adding to the visual appeal of the Zen spa space.

Greens! Are they Here to Stay?

The color green is thought to bring balance and harmony to its surroundings so it’s no wonder that it’s a favorite choice in interior design. Aside from the psychology of it, its connection to the outdoors and especially spring and summer makes it a great color to pair with others, after all every flower, no matter what color, has a green stem. This means that even in a monochromatic green scheme, a pop of any other color won’t look out of place and that’s the kind of interior design that can grow with you.

If you love the color green but prefer a neutral palette on your walls, there are so many other ways to inject it into your decor. When using the color in details consider using a whole variety of shades from dark to light – see room above. 

Tiles come in almost the same range of colors as paint but also come in or can be used in patterns so when considering a green theme for your home go beyond your favorite shade and think pattern too.

Blues without the Blues

Well, it’s that time of year already again! The sun is about to go into hibernation (at least in the Pacific Northwest, that is)! But, there are ways you can make your interior still feel luxurious even in the darker months with an unassuming color- blue. Here are ways in which you can implement blues into your interiors without feeling blue.

Interior designers love working with colors that are trendy in order to create unique and stylish spaces that are beautiful. One of the most popular colors that designers are using right now is blue, so incorporating various shades of this hue into your home will bring a current vibe into it and psychologically impact qualities that are associated with blue. If you want to create a soothing environment that will stimulate your mind and improve your ability to think clearly, blue has been scientifically proven to put your mind at ease.

Mix and Match Blue Hues

Blue can be wither an intense color, or somewhat neutral when used throughout various spaces, so it is important to consider the size of your space before choosing blue as the main color. Mixing varying shades of blue is a gorgeous way to not only break up the monotony of a using one hue of blue, but also creates a more calming space. You can also use several patterns in your blue furniture, accents, and wallpaper so that you can provide enough contrast within a room while still keeping the blue color the focal point.

Use Dark Blue with Caution

Darker shades of blue are certainly rich and sophisticated, but they need to be used correctly. Too much dark blue in a room can make it feel colder and smaller than it actually is. Gold, yellow, and other bright hues pair perfectly with darker blues, so add these too offset the cool tone with furniture, accessories, window treatments, lighting. This is how you can truly bring out a darker blue hue in a classic way.

Also, if you are going to have darker blue walls, you may want to contrast them with light furniture or accessories. In the same way, if you have a lot of blue furniture in a room, try to add accessories that are paler or cream colored to break the darkness up while still maintaining the calming vibe.

If you would like to go in a different direction, you can also use dark brown wood to ground blue colors throughout a space. Just think of the color wheel- the opposite of blue is orange (it’s complement).

Simple Ways to Update Your Curb Appeal

Whether you have a brand new home, or an old character one, there are always ways in which you can give your home's curb appeal that extra, well, "oomph." Here are some ideas in which you can truly up your home's exterior's A-Game. 

If your home's architecture speaks for itself, it's best to have an understated, clean landscaped look. You will really want to allow your home to stand out. Adding stone or several textures to your home's exterior truly give it a rich look. 

This beautiful Victorian home has curb appeal nailed down to a tee. Ornate ginger-breading details,  rich paint scheme, perfectly landscaped yard, and a welcoming facade- this home has it all. There has been no detail ignored!

There is nothing more lovely than a bright, bold color scheme on a home's exterior. If your home needs a little TLC in regards to its curb appeal, a fresh coat of paint can go a long way. It's always smart, however, to be mindful of your location's lighting, your neighbor's color palettes, and the style of your home before going too bold!

Making Purple Masculine

There tends to be a love-hate relationship with the color purple and it's sister hues. This is because it has been long associated with being considered a feminine color, unique only to girlish spaces. But we beg to differ. Purple can make an otherwise stark space feel big, bold, and even masculine! 

This gorgeous restaurant space is adorned with antique tufted sofas in place of booths. The purple upholstery gives it a more masculine feel in the way that the space is designed with industrial finishes, patterns and accessories.

When purple is used in clean, contemporary rooms, it definitely exudes a more masculine vibe. The simple purple, velvet throw pillows on the bed still have a streamlined feel, suited for a king!

In history, purple was a well-sought after color, as only royalty were able to get their hands on this pigment. You will often see purple adorning interiors from past times, as well as royalty dressed and accessorized in this color. 

What is your relationship with the color purple? Most people either love it or highly dislike it-- either way; most people are unsure as to why or why not they would use this hue in their space. 

Lamps! How They Truly Make A Difference

One of my favorite accessories of all time is lighting. There is no better way to make a statement than with beautiful, understated, or even ornate lamps! Oftentimes if your space is feeling stark or like it "needs something," the simplest remedy is to add a table lamp or two. Turn off overhead lights, turn on your lamps, and viola- a completely different feel to your space!

You can make your bedroom space feel like its own little paradise at bedtime, simply by placing table lamps on the side tables next to your bed. Enjoy a relaxing cup of tea while reading your favorite novel in the pure coziness of dimmer lighting. Studies show that when you dim your lights an hour before bed, it releases Melatonin, a naturally occurring sleep endorphin, giving you a better night's sleep overall!

You can find some of the most elegant lighting in many places these days. This understated lamp in a rustic brass finish surely gives this unique space a clean, streamlined look, while providing warmth to the otherwise cool color palette.

The lighting in this contemporary space surely makes a statement. The tripod style drum floor lamp is a gorgeous accent piece that adds to 

The lighting in this contemporary space surely makes a statement. The tripod style drum floor lamp is a gorgeous accent piece that adds to the modern style of this living room area. The industrial style pendant lighting makes a beautiful accent, continuing the streamlined, simple look.

Have questions about lighting? I would love to assist you! Contact me today for a consultation!

Gorgeous Outdoor Oasises

We love this time of year, when the sun is shining and we are spending time on our balconies or in our yards, breathing in the fresh summer air! If you're seeking a little outdoor inspiration, we've picked out our favorite little outdoor Oasis's and we will tell you why. 

1. Indoor and Outdoor Perfection! This gorgeous little bungalow has both a sun room to relax in as well as beautiful little outdoor areas for pure bliss! The gorgeous landscaping creates the perfect backdrop for evenings barbecuing and mornings over coffee.

2.  There is nothing more luxurious than having an outdoor living room like set up. Imagine enjoying an iced tea or your favorite wine while gazing at the crackling fire in the comfort of your own outdoor space!

3. We absolutely love the classic style of this beautiful Southern porch. When it comes to decor, it's all about simplicity, allowing for the gorgeous architecture to stand out on this colonial home. Imagine evenings of crickets and fresh dewy breeze.

4. The ultimate set up! Talk about entertaining company! This is an industrial outdoor kitchen, worthy of celebrity guests! As people love to gather in the kitchen, they now can in fresh air and breeze. Complete with beer on draft, this outdoor oasis is at the top of our list!

5. As scenic as it gets. Imagine evenings of fresh breeze coming off of the water while reading a favorite book. The beautiful Doric columns adorning the ornamental railings give this beautiful porch the most classic, traditional feel. 

Which is your favorite outdoor oasis? Comment below!

The Best Interior Design Trends for Spring & Summer 2018

We are always seeing the trends change in the design world, but for this season, we are definitely seeing some timeless, fun, elegant designs worth considering:

Pastels! It seems ironic, but we are seeing bold, saturated pastels make their debut all over the map in both the design and fashion worlds. Bright pops of pastel pinks and blues truly make a statement in your interior- bringing fun and lightness to the space.

Foliage! At one point, houseplants were seen as a dated way to decorate. But they're back! Different from your typical spider plant, you are seeing unique and distinct uses of foliage in interiors that surely make a room pop.

Turquoise! Turquoise is one of those colors that ebbs and flows- one day it's all the rage; the next, it's seen as antiquated. But, there are ways in which you can implement this beautiful hue into your space that are both timeless and classic.

Gold! Remember in the early 2000's when we were all trying to replace our brass knobs and hardware with brushed nickel? Well, gold is back in at full speed. But not the shiny brass we saw everywhere in the 90s- a more rustic look is what is trending. 

Metallic Floors! Such a statement! We are seeing designers all over the world painting concrete floors with metallic paints. We are seeing small flecks of silver and gold in carpet patterns. We are seeing metallics all over the flooring industry and they surely make a statement!

Get Your Home Ready for Spring!

We have all been hold our breath waiting for the sunshine to come back, the birds to start singing cheery songs, and blossoms- yes, blossoms galore! But then the sun starts shining, and the seasons start changing, we start to notice that our homes may feel somewhat in need of extra love moving into the new months.

Here is How You Can Get Your Home Ready for Spring!

Bring the Outdoors In! By placing fresh, seasonal flowers throughout your space, you will come to find that your mood is uplifted, your home has an extra pop of color, and things just feel overall a bit more polished in your interior. There's really no such thing as too many fresh flowers! 

Update Your Linens and Bedding.  There is nothing more refreshing than clean white towels, beautiful fresh sheets and bright, airy linens. You will find that putting your winter bedding away and replacing with fabrics reminiscent of Spring, you will be in the spirit!

Set Up Your Outdoor Space. Now that you can enjoy the outdoors and take in the sunshine and fresh air, make your outdoor seating area the best it can be. We love to update old upholstery on outdoor furniture, implement bright colorful pillows, and add fresh potted plants. Viola- an outdoor oasis worthy of your favorite book.

Clean those Closets! It is so easy to acquire extra clutter and unneeded items over the winter months as we are burrowed away from the harsh elements. Put those unused sweaters neatly away and get organized and ready to flaunt your bright, light, clean clothes.

Ultra Violet: 2018 Pantone Color of the Year

Rich and pensive, Ultra Violet is reminiscent of existential energy, the mystery of what the future holds, and the new discoveries of the past and present. It reminds us of the night sky, dark but endless, full of mystery.

Why Pantone Chose this Color

With everything happening in our world at the present moment, Pantone color researchers thought it necessary to remind ourselves of our sheer presence on earth and the vast endlessness of our atmosphere. Ultra Violet is cosmic, rich, and timeless.

Our Favorite Ultra Voilet Uses in Interior Design

1. Using rich purples make a bold statement as an accent. This gorgeous bedding truly brings forth a timeless, rich look to this elegant bedroom. Rich purples tend to pop when placed in an otherwise neutral color scheme. 

2. Even the tiniest purple accents in a space can make a very bold statement. This otherwise very white bathroom stands out with just the pop of color of its hand towel. 

3. Ultra Voilet in Commercial Design. There's no doubt the guests who visit this elegant restaurant will never forget the gorgeous, sophisticated upholstery on the dining chairs. What a statement!

Ultra Violet in Fashion

Reminiscent of the Victorian Era followed by the 1920's rich purples always manage to make a fashion comeback. We are seeing this beautiful hue in every aspect of the runway, from hair color to couture. The beauty of this otherwise considered feminine color is that it truly works for both genders and truly makes a haute statement!

The Bee's Knees: Tropical Prints

Tropical design has been a timeless look for many years and there is a reason for it. The nostalgia of vacation and happy times can be brought into your interior in a beautiful way that stands out! Here are some ways in which tropical patterns can be implemented into your home's interior in an elegant way.

1. Throw Pillows. Adding throw pillows to an otherwise neutral interior with tropical patterns give your space a fresh, organic and beautiful touch! 

2. Wallpaper. Implementing gorgeous tropical themed wallpaper to your smaller spaces such as your bathroom will provide a focal point and conversation piece.

3. Window Treatments. You can bring a piece of vacation memories into your home with the use of tropical patterns in your window treatments. If you're not a fan of busy patterned drapery, you can implement a tropical look with natural fabrics such as tweed.

4. Upholstery. Add a touch of whimsy to your interior with an arm chair patterned in fun, organic, tropical prints. 

5. Bedding. You can find beautiful bedding in tropical themes, reminiscent of your best days at the resort.

6. Tile. With all of the beautiful options out there, you can make a gorgeous statement with tropical tile in your baths and kitchen.

Christmas Tree Designs

Can you believe the holidays have arrived? Time to put those harvest inspired pieces of decor away, and dive into Christmas spirit! Need a little inspiration for your Christmas tree design? Well, look no more. Your Christmas tree is the centerpiece of your home's holiday decor, so it plays the ultimate role in getting the right festive vibe down in your space. 

Stately and simple or dressed in holiday finery, a tree is an enduring symbol of Christmas. Steal ideas from some of our faves! 

Wrap Lights in Garland. Eliminate a step from your tree decorating routine by combining garland and lights. Simply choose several different fabrics in coordinating patterns and colors, cut them into thin strips, then tie the strips onto a string of Christmas lights until the chord is completely covered. 

If your home is dignified and sophisticated, then a chic tree is a perfect fit for you. An elegant Christmas tree will create a rich, welcoming feeling without overpowering the rest of your home.

Anyone can throw some lights on a tree, but a beautifully decorated Christmas tree can light up the holiday spirit of everyone who sees it. Make sure your tree looks exquisite and classic by decorating with elegance. You'll need some planning time and a budget for ornaments, and then arrange all the decorations in order.

Let's Talk Color: 

• Classic Christmas colors, red and green. Accent the green tree with red ornaments, garlands and ribbons. If you want to add some pizazz with one metallic color, try gold or silver. Red, green or clear lights would work best with this style.

• Wintry colors, like blue, silver and purple. Use your tree to imitate the icy, glittering colors of a snowy Christmas. If you choose this scheme, try to avoid mixing in anything red, yellow, or golden. Pick clear or blue lights to go with it. For a truly minimalist winter look, use only white and silver decorations.

• Metallic colors, such as gold, silver and bronze. The good news is that metallic colors are easy to mix, and you can play with one, two or three. They're best accented with clear lights.

• Cool or warm colors. If you want a tree that's a little more diverse, try sticking to colors that are either cool (with blue undertones) or warm (with red undertones). For instance, a warm tree might feature red, orange and gold decorations; a cool one could have green, purple, blue and silver.

We're Blushing! The Color that's Coming Back...

Pale pinks were very popular in the past and tapered off up until recently. We are seeing beautiful rose colors, blushes and other feminine pink hues throughout the Interior Design world. Here are some of our favorite uses for blush tones.

1. Fabrics. Pale pink fabrics can truly bring elegance into a space. This beautiful blush Chesterfield sofa gives this room a sophisticated, classic look.

2. Decor. There are many ways in which you can incorporate this feminine hue into your décor. Through the use of fabrics or throw pillows, you can give your space an extra pop. Fresh flowers are always a beautiful touch too!

3. Paint. Beautiful pink hued walls bring a sense of warmth and classic feel to any space. This especially pink color creates a soft, welcoming, and elegant look.

4. Window Treatments. Pale pink window treatments can really complete a space. Incorporating beautiful florals and other patterns will give an otherwise basic room an extra focal point. 

Fall Decor Trends 2017

Well, it's officially Fall! We are seeing that some trends that were making their debut last year are now going out of style, and new ones coming in. There are many design trends that we will see this year, starting in the fall and here they are.

1. Dark Paint.  There is nothing richer or more classic than a saturated, darker color palette, specifically when applied to a wall color or furnishings. We are also seeing beautiful dark cabinetry, window treatments and decor that really make a statement!

2. Woven Textures. Wicker, wool, and other woven textures will give your space a warm, welcoming and organic appeal. Baskets and woven decor bring the outdoors in and create a rustic, traditional look.

3. Velvet. Velvet is a classic as it gets. The easiest way to incorporate this plush upholstery into your interior is through furnishings and window treatments. Velvet has been around for centuries and creates a timeless, sophisticated look.

4. Blush Color.  Soft blush colors are being seen all over the design community and there's a reason why. Soft pinks have a calming effect and create a both feminine and elegant look for an interior space.

5. Brass. Brass is back! We are seeing it presented in more of a bronzed, brushed style as opposed to the shiny golden that was so popular in the 80's and 90's. It seems that this time around, designers have mastered how to incorporate this beautiful finish into their themes.

ELLE Decor: What's Trending for Fall 2017

What we're seeing a lot of for fall design trends consists of organic decor, eclectic old timey products, and vibrant color schemes. 2016's gray palettes are starting to fade away (no pun intended) as more saturated colors are being seen on the forefront.  According to ELLE Decor, warmer color palettes are becoming very popular.

Beautiful bright green and blue color schemes are making their comeback, and we're seeing boldly painted furnishings, wall colors and decor that really make a statement coming to fruition on the design front. One timeless way into which you can implement a timeless look is through collecting old novels and stacking them under your favorite decor pieces to create height and weight.

A fun way to jump into fall trends is by implementing old fashioned pieces into your space. We love scouring antique stores and rummage sales to find the perfect piece for a focal point. This old wall sconce is a gorgeous piece that would look beautiful in any room in the home. 

Warmer colored metallic pieces are all the rage in the design world this year. Bronzes, brass and golds are being seen in both designer commercial and residential spaces. You can implement this look through the use of throw pillows, accessories, and lighting.