- July 30, 2025
- Martha
Walk in Shower with Low-Profile Threshold
This winter and spring I renovated two bathrooms in my own home.
I can certainly appreciate how clients feel undergoing the disturbance of construction and sometimes a little chaos in your home. In one bathroom I removed a tub/shower combination and replaced it with a Safe Step Tub/shower. This will make this bathroom more accessible as I age. I also replaced all tiles and the vanity and lighting.
The second bathroom is in my guest house. Again, I removed a tub/shower combination and replaced it with a walk-in shower with a low-profile threshold and a teak seat and grab bar. This was also done to make the bathroom more accessible for anyone.
The Beauty of Classical Design
This issue I want to highlight two designers that have changed the landscape of classical design. The first is Dorothy Draper—she was a pioneering designer in the 20th century and the first woman to approach design as a true business. Her projects include the historic Greenbrier Hotel and the historic Grand Hotel in Michigan. Her use of color is phenomenal.
The second designer is a gentleman who currently works in the Northeast. His name is Corey Damen Jenkins and his work is stunning. His work is a modern approach to classical design.
Please check out the work of both of these great designers!
Two Truths and a Lie
- Paint is a consistent color in all applications
- We react emotionally to certain colors
- Neutral colors can go beyond beige and white
We do absolutely have an emotional reaction to color. There is an entire study of the psychology of color and how certain colors make us feel. Some illicit a positive reaction and some a negative reaction dependent on personal experiences. Neutral colors can include soft greens and blues as well as soft peaches and creamy yellows. So, we should always consider other neutrals besides beige and white.
Finally, paint colors of course are dependent on the type of light and the size of the space they are in. In small rooms, the paint can be very saturated. Natural light and artificial light affect the color paint will display. The number of coats of paint also affect the outcome.
What about your house keeps you up at night?
Poor furniture placement! Furniture blocks pathways or makes the room feel unbalanced. Possible solutions:
- Follow good space planning principles—an interior designer can be of great help.
- Arrange furniture for functionality and flow leaving enough walking space.
The Joy of Being a Designer
As I mentioned in the last newsletter, I approach the design process as systematic problem solving and have therefore adopted a 15-step process of project management. S
- Step 1 referred to the detailed consultation which is conducted after a discovery call.
- Step 2 is when the contract (letter of agreement) is reviewed with the client and the budget is discussed. A retainer is also collected then. Reviewing the contract informs the client of all expectations for both the client and designer. It also includes a description of all 15 steps of project management. This step 2 ensures that everything is transparent and understood by all parties involved in the project.
Transparency and communication are key to a smooth process and a satisfying experience for the client. I want all my clients to have a satisfying experience!
Step 3 will be discussed in the next newsletter.
One of My Favorite Quotes
“Decoration is really about creating a quality of life, and a beauty in that life that nourishes the soul, that makes life beautiful.”
—Albert Hadley
