The Beauty of Aging in Place

What is Aging in Place you might ask?  The CDC defines it as, "the ability to live in one's own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level."  So this topic is not limited to your great great grandmother, but rather anyone who wants the house they live in now to be their lifetime home.  From an Interior Designer's standpoint, it is making sure that the design being implemented right now will still be functional and beautiful 20 or 30 years from now.  Not to say that things cannot be switched up, but the real bones of the structure should be able to carry your home into the next decade and the next.  If you are going to go to all the trouble of a house remodel, then why not make sure that this is a design that can stand the test of time.


Some structural things to think about are putting in reinforcements where future grab bars can be installed, for example around toilets and showers/baths.  Making doorways wide enough to accommodate walkers or wheelchairs will not impact the look of your current design, but may allow you to enjoy it much longer.  Creating custom counter heights is another great idea to get the most out of your home.  An Interior Designer or CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist) can offer many suggestions about a specific space and can come up with a plan to design with aging in place goals in mind.

It is never too early to think about aging in place, in fact the earlier the better.  This week is National Aging in Place week and we at Donna DuFresne Design felt like this would be the perfect time to introduce a project that was recently completed where aging in place played a big factor.


This recent project was for a client in their 50's who is over 6' tall and looking for this house to be their home for as long as possible.  Here are some of the things that were carried out during the design process that addressed aging in place:

• Reinforcements in the walls for the placement of future grab bars
• Seats in the shower for comfort and usability
• An infinity drain so that the shower required no barrier
• Wider doorways for the possibility of future mobility issues
• Slip-resistant flooring in the bathroom
• Increased lighting put on dimmers to account for a decrease in eyesight
• Custom counter heights for ease of current and future use

You would never guess from the pictures that this project was designed with an aging in place mindset.

Do you have a remodel planned that includes aging in place?  We'd love to hear about it.

Inside Out: Outdoor Living Spaces

Here in the Pacific NW, where it seems to rain more often than not, sunshine is a hot commodity.  This fuels the need to get outside and celebrate when that nice weather hits and there is no better way to do this than to make an outdoor space that you really enjoy!

Of course, a little rain shouldn't keep you from making the most of what lies right out your back door.  Here are a few tips on how to create a comfortable and inviting space outside that you can make use of, rain or shine!

• Think about what's over your head.  Covering your patio or deck can extend it's use, that way you can still use your outdoor space when the weather is wet or the sun is blazing. Plus, it can help protect any pieces you decide to put outside.
• Choose things that are designed to live outside.  Make sure any cushions are upholstered with weather resistant materials and that you regularly maintain them to keep any mildew at bay. It's always helpful if the cushions can be removed and placed in a safe, dry place when not in regular use.  Just because it is meant for the outdoors does not mean it won't still need some TLC.
• Fire!  Some type of contained fire, such as a fire pit, can make your space much more cozy and allow you extend the time you spend out there.  Rainy days and cool nights are always better next to a fire, especially with a great blanket or throw.
• Let there be light.  Over head lighting will make it much easier to utilize outdoor space.  Something as simple as a couple of strings of cafe lights can really change the ambiance and make you more likely to stay out after the sun goes down.

This article from Better Homes & Gardens on Functional Outdoor Spaces is a great read too!

Here are a few of our favorite outdoor spaces that we at Donna DuFresne Design have had the pleasure to create:

Hiring an interior designer does not mean that only the inside spaces are fair game.  So speak to a local designer to have them help you transform your outdoor space into something you truly love!

Do you have any plans to design or redesign your outdoor space?  We'd love to hear about it or see the finished product!

Fabulous Design without Breaking the Bank

Many people see designing a new or existing space as a daunting task. It can seem overwhelming, and even deciding on a budget can stop a project in its tracks.  This is where an Interior Designer can come in to really get things on track.  And just because you might have a smaller budget in mind doesn't mean that most designers won't be willing to work with that.  Many designers see working within a budget a great challenge that leads to even greater outcomes.  When there is a tight budget, designers are tasked with looking outside the box and coming up with creative ways to make the space pop!

Here at Donna DuFresne Design, we recently finished a project for a client who didn't want to spend a lot, but needed to update their new home.  This 1950s ranch style home in SW Portland included a makeover for two bathrooms and a living/dining room for around $10,000.

Here is a look at the space before all the magic...

Guest Bath

Master Bath

Living Room

Dining Area

Some of the ways to stay on budget that were used for this project include:

• Utilizing existing furniture that the client already owned and giving it a makeover.  For example, this can be done by recovering existing furniture that has great bones or painting/refinishing a piece that has been sitting around and needs some tlc.
• Craigslist!  If you have some patience and a little bit of luck, shopping on your local craigslist can be a great source for budget pieces that might be worth a lot more than what someone is asking.  The gorgeous and unique coffee table now residing in the living room area was a craigslist steal.
• Retail stores such as Target or Ikea can be a good source for finding some fun pieces to fill out the space that won't cost you an arm or a leg.  The 'bug' pillow on the couch, found at Target, adds some interest to the space without overspending.
• Online shopping is another way to get more bang for your buck.  Try out Lex Mod, Overstock, or One Kings Lane for some budget friendly finds.  The dining set was a great addition from Lex Mod.  Be sure to read all the fine print when purchasing online though so you are not surprised at what shows up at your door.
• Finally, a new paint color is a great way to change the look and feel of a space without spending a lot.  Talk with your designer to find the perfect color.

So without further ado, here are the finished spaces!

Guest Bath

Master Bath

Dining Area

Living Room

What a difference!

So the next time you are stressing over changing your space without breaking the bank, think about talking to some local design professionals to utilize their expertise!

Do you have any tips for great design while staying within a budget? Or did you do a recent remodel that turned out amazing without spending all your savings?  Please share!

Shagreen in the 21st Century

Shagreen is not a new material but it has taken up a new fascination in the interior design world, yet again.

West Dean

Shagreen Finishes from John Lyle Design

Shagreen is the hide of stingrays or dogfish that is treated and used like a leather to cover many different things.  The hide is salvaged from fishing companies, mostly in South East Asia, that catch the stingrays for food.  It can be seen in cultures as far back as the pharos and has come back into fashion time and time again, most notably in the Art Deco era.  For more information about shagreen you can visit Apartment Therapy's blog post on the topic.

While this material may be controversial, there is no denying that it is once again a popular look.  For a more Sha-'Green' feel there are many choices out there for faux shagreen as well.

Faux Shagreen Boxes from Maze Home

Here at Donna DuFresne Design we recently finished covering a table in shagreen and couldn't be happier with how it turned out.  We worked closely with Evyn Design to make this beautiful piece come to life.

Shagreen can be seen in many other applications in both interiors and in fashion.  Here are a few of our favorite finds!

Manchester Waste Basket from Pigeon & Poodle

Shagreen Field Tile with Bone Border from Ann Sacks

Faux Shagreen Bookends from Mecox Gardens

Shagreen Clutch from Celestina

Shagreen iPhone Case from Treillage Ltd.

To Shagreen or not to Shagreen, we'll leave that up to you.

Fusing Old and New

Fusing together old and new pieces in your interior can create a unique dynamic without the need for a huge budget.  Don't be afraid to pair things from different eras or styles.  Although it may seem easier said than done, this is where an interior designer can come in handy to help meld the old and new without it looking disorganized or erratic.

This can be seen in the new project we just put together at Donna DuFresne Design.  Pairing a rustic handmade dining table with modern chairs gives this kitchen some added drama. 

Designer: Donna DuFresne Design

Table from Bernadette Breu Experience (1338 SE 6th Ave, Portland, OR)

Chairs from Hip Furniture (1829 NW 25th, Portland, OR)

Here are some more examples from a blog on 'Eclectic Decor: Mixing Old and New Styles' by Apartment Therapy...

Living Room by Apartment Therapy

Loftlife via Coco+Kelley

MadebyGirl via Canadian House and Home

Do you have any interesting combinations of old and new or future plans to do so?  Please post pictures and/or comment. 

Whatever your style, think about mixing some old and new pieces in your next home makeover!

14th Annual Northwest Design Awards

Check out all the winning designs!

On Thursday, Donna DuFresne Design, was honored to take home 2nd place in the category of Best Individual Room - Traditional, at the Northwest Design Awards Gala in Seattle.

It was a wonderful opportunity to meet with other inspiring design professionals from throughout the Northwest and Canada.

About the Project:

The challenge was to create a functional and comfortable master bedroom retreat, from what was originally a sleeping porch in an early 1890’s farm house.  A poor remodel done in the late 1980’s  left an awkward closet that bumped into the bedroom.

Original Master Bedroom Floor Plan

Before Photos:

Bedroom Before

Closet Before

Bathroom Before

Project Challenges:

Eliminating the bumped out closet was the first challenge.  This was achieved by harvesting 3 feet from the guest room that backed up to the north wall of the bedroom.

During Construction

Creating cohesiveness within these spaces was very important.  The solution was to completely panel the vestibule and north bedroom wall, concealing the closets behind.

Using many of the clients' existing furniture pieces, the next task was to select flooring, lighting, drapery and bedding.

The master bathroom remained within the original footprint, but needed a update.

Finished Project:

Floor Plan After

Completely Paneled Bedroom Wall

Open to Show Closets

This treatment created a look of understated elegance, yet still connected with the architecture of the home.

Carrara subway tiles were used to surround tub and shower.

Retrofitting an antique cabinet into a sink cabinet brought character and charm into this small space.