Renovations Archives - Kelley Astore Interiors

Home Spa Retreat – Testimonial

My client has always dreamed of being able to come home and feel like she is stepping into a spa retreat. She played volleyball in college and now plays in an adult league. Therefore, it was very important that she has a place to rejuvenate after a long game or practice. It was my pleasure to deliver this spa retreat to her home.

“For years I have dreamt of bathrooms with a calming atmosphere to come home to each night. Kelley Astore Interiors partnered with me every step of the way to make my home oasis come to life. From the relaxing earth tones, heated floors & textured pebbles that rub the bottoms of my tired feet, I couldn’t have imagined being happier with Kelley & her experienced team.”

Sarah H.

The first request was that she has a free-standing jetted tub so that she could relax and enjoy a pulsing massage after practice and games. Another wonderful feature of the fabulous tub is it has a heater to keep the water at just the perfect temperature for soothing achy muscles. The spa feel did not stop at just the tub. The shower stall has all the latest and greatest plumbing supplies from Grohe: a rainfall shower head, individual wall jets, and an additional pulsating shower head. We installed pebble flooring on the shower floor for an instant massage to those tired feet! Since my client and her husband are both over 6’ tall, we opted for the custom-made vanity to be installed higher than a normal countertop. And last but not least, of course there is floor heating under this lovely tile!

Interior Design Through the Years

Through the years, interior design has shifted from traditional to transitional to modern, some trends adopting signature statements from former decades. For example, mid century modern and art deco are resurfacing once again. I have gone back and pulled a few of my favorite trends that I have seen transform during my time as an interior designer.

Bathrooms

The photos above depict the evolution of an old style, traditional bathroom. The stone is not bright and fresh, the vanity is a dark stained wood, the window treatments are heavy and dark, and the plumbing fixtures are antique brass. The newly renovated bathroom is much lighter! We’ve used chrome finishings, sleek roman shade window treatments, and the vanity is white instead of mahogany. The tile has evolved from 18 x q8 travertine tiles to marble pattern tiles, which have become popular.

Interior Design Through the Years

Window Treatments

Twenty to forty years ago, window treatments were heavy and complex with lots of swags and cascades. Now, they are much lighter in both fabric and style. In the photos above is a window treatment upgrade that brought the room to life. The breakfast nook was quite dark before but we were able to bring in more light by changing the fabric and choosing brighter colors, which happen to be my client’s favorite colors. It was a simple design that went from out of style to timeless and made a world of difference.

Lighting

Another big shift in interior design trends can be found in lighting, moving from sconces and candles to smooth fixtures with clean edges. In the past, lampshades were made of parchment; now, we find lampshades of different fabrics and brilliant designs. An example being a beautiful ‘Ikat’ print.

There are many trends that have made a splash into modern interior design and several that feed off of decades prior. It is fun for me to see the progression of interior design trends through the years and use them as I am bringing my clients’ visions to life. I, also, enjoy incorporating beautiful antiques throughout my designs for a unique statement!

How to Create the Perfect Outdoor Entertaining Space

It’s Summertime when the smell of backyard barbecues lures us outside and life in the Washington DC area calls for fun outdoor gatherings with friends, family, and coworkers! Regardless of the size of your backyard, patio, or deck, you want it to feel like an extension of your home. It needs to be cheerful and inviting for all guests. Let’s talk about the ways we can make your backyard oasis the entertaining epicenter of the summer.

Outdoor Seating

Let’s start with outdoor seating because that is where the majority of your guests will be spending their time. If you have the space for both a dining space and an outdoor living space, that’s great. If you don’t, there are ways of incorporating the dining space into the living space so don’t fret. By making sure that the living space is useful and well-appointed, your guests will feel at ease enjoying their summer meal and drinks amongst company.

The most important element of your outdoor seating area is the actual seating. Your outdoor furniture should be weather resistant; the best materials are powder-coated aluminum, stainless steel, acrylic and synthetic woven resin, and teak. You’ll want to layer it with soft furnishings that are UV and mildew resistant; I’m talking nice plump, washable cushions. Plus, outdoor throw pillows add comfort and style to your space. Since we are aiming to bring the indoors out, an outdoor rug adds an extra touch of design. Planters with beautiful greenery and blooming flowers can define the outdoor seating space, pop in color, and remind you that it’s summer. When you are wanting to entertain before the sun goes down, an umbrella, awning, or pergola can give you shade from the hot sun.

Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor kitchens get you outside and help you make the most of your outdoor entertaining space. However, the location of your outdoor kitchen is key; it should be close to your house to avoid the hassle of scurrying back and forth between indoors and out with miscellaneous cookware and side dishes. The best outdoor kitchens are outfitted with a sink, grill, storage, and some type of refrigeration. However, outdoor pizza ovens are all the craze right now so if your friends and family are up for the occasional Italian night, you might want to consider one. They do not have to be permanent; the mid-sized, countertop pizza ovens save space and money. Lastly, verify that all of your outdoor kitchen appliances are made of durable, waterproof, and rust-resistant materials.

Outdoor Bar

An outdoor bar makes your backyard the ultimate spot for sundowners. It gives the potential to turn an average backyard into the perfect space for entertaining. Picture a refreshing cocktail with a drink umbrella as you laugh and talk with all those closest to you…. Ahhh sweet summertime! Not to mention, you won’t have to miss any of the fun by having to go inside to make drinks.

Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting is the icing on the cake for outdoor entertainment. It sets the perfect ambiance once the stars come out. Festoon lights can stay outside all year long and are an easy, inexpensive way to add sparkle to outdoor living. Also, I am a big fan of uplighting trees throughout the backyard. Another simple addition is solar stake lights placed along paths or patios. My favorite feature for lighting is a water feature that can bubble 24/7 and give off subtle light in the dark. It adds a feeling of zen and relaxation.

Having the perfect outdoor living space means that you can entertain all summer long. You can effortlessly update your outdoor entertainment space by adding pops of color and lighting or you can go full out with a complete backyard makeover. Whichever path you choose, or somewhere in between, will make for more enjoyable outdoor get-togethers!

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