When an interior designer is hired to do a whole house design, sometimes there’s a special moment. That moment comes when the decorator and the client walk into one room and something just clicks. Seattle-based interior decorator Faith Sheridan shares how her passion for cooking melded with that of her client’s and informed her recommendations for a “big family kitchen” redesign.

GN: How did you come to develop your style?

Faith: I have a keen sense of observation combined with curiosity. Whether display windows, books, movies, magazines, museums or galleries, my eye is ever attuned to design elements. Over time my aesthetic evolved to a signature of simply elegant restraint.

GN: Tell us about your latest project.

Faith: Although I worked on the whole home design, my love of cooking and entertaining melded with my client’s in the kitchen design. Large family gatherings once a month and frequent entertaining with friends required a kitchen with professional appliances and two islands.

In the main image by Roger Turk, you can see the Tuscan-theme custom kitchen with dual islands.

The second island has under-counter refrigerator drawers and an entertainment sink that doubles for food prep. It’s also adjacent to double ovens and a warming drawer.

[Image: Roger Turk, Northlight Photography]

GN: What advice would you have for homeowners in hiring and managing contractors, whether it be for paint, flooring, handymen or big remodels like custom-made closets?

Faith: Require references and do your due diligence to contact more than one. Have a contract that is clear about deadlines and dollars. Maintain good communication.

GN: What element(s) turn a space into a happy home?

Faith: A comfortable home is all about you—your lifestyle and personality that you want to express.

GN: What's your philosophy on creating meaning in the home?

Faith: It’s not about possessions—it’s about a warm, welcoming place to gather and share secrets, stories and laughter. It’s about the memories you create. Your home and every last little detail should be well considered and perfectly executed so it reflects your good taste, passion for comfortable living and joie de vivre.

Faith Sheridan, interior designer, gains inspiration from magazines like Veranda, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, Traditional Home and Sunset. In her own words, “New online magazines and more blogs than you can imagine offer ideas to explore. I advocate living and enjoying all aspects of your home and understanding the implications of parties, children, pets, friend and family gatherings combined with a love of beautiful things.” Faith has resided in Seattle for the past five years and finds inspiration all around her. See faithsheridan.com and faithsheridan.com/mydesignblog.