Sherri Tatum Interiors

   All of the materials and finishes I plan to use in the design of my holistic spa will include sustainable products.  One of the manufacturers I am using is Trinity Furniture.  Our class visited their warehouse and toured the facilities.  We saw the process that they use in receiving lumber and making their furniture pieces.  We also learned a great deal about the organization.  All of the wood that Trinity uses in making their furniture comes from 100% FSC certified lumber.
It's important to not just pick a piece of furniture because it is beautiful in the interior.  The furniture needs to be beautiful to look at and beautiful for the environment.


The Sustainable Forestry Initiative is one organization that practices responsibility in environmental design.  I'm trying to incorporate all FF&E from companies that practice sustainability in some form or fashion.  Whether it's within the residence or the spa itself, the materials, fabrics, or accessories, Rocky Springs Medical Spa will be an overall holistic design experience.

Not only am I working on a commercial spa design, but I'm also designing a residential home located in the place of my choosing.  After some back and forth, I chose Birmingham, England.  The design style for my clients is Equestrian which embraces England's love of horses.  Since England is a regal country, the colors for this project are navy and cream with a bit of red.  These colors also hint at the British flag.  My clients are a husband and wife, with a tween daughter.  The wife works from home selling handmade quilts, so she will need a comfortable spot in the home to quilt.  The husband is a busy, working architect.  Leisure time on the weekends is very important to the family, and the English countryside is perfect for outdoor activities, like horseback riding.
Just like the commercial project, I'm also entering a residential design competition.  This competition entails using Lazzaro leather furniture within a travel-themed room.  England will be perfect for this project allowing the Equestrian style to shine!

-Sherri

 -Sherri

     I'm finally in my last year of college as an interior design major!  Woop-ee!!  This semester I'm taking Residential II and Commercial II.  In my Commercial class, we are entering an interior design competition and we are designing a health spa from scratch.
      Since I am wanting to go into Commercial design when I graduate, this project will be a great avenue for me to explore.  I want to work as an Imagineer at Disney World in the interior design field.  I will be designing the retail shops, hotels, restaurants, and ride queues.  I can't wait for this wonderful opportunity!! 

The Competition

     The competition that I am entering has multiple rules and guidelines to adhere to.  First, the spa is located at the base of a mountain in a park like setting.  I am at liberty to pick the location of my spa, so I chose to place mine near the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.  

Denver Colorado has a lot of parks, so this would be the perfect spot for my spa.  Next, the spa must be a health and wellness spa, not a beauty spa.  The spa specializes in treatments for multiple sclerosis, so I will need to research this condition and the treatments for it.  The spa also needs to have eco-friendly FF&E.  There is a checklist I must follow with the requirements for the spa, including adding grab bars in the restrooms.  I have a blank slate to space plan, and I can't wait to get started on what I'm hoping will be a fun and challenging project.   

-Sherri

     As a recent watcher of Little House on the Prairie, the American pioneer history is of great interest to me.  It is interesting to see how people lived in our country's early years, the way homes were built, and the types of furniture used.  The Early American design style, sometimes referred to as Colonial, has deep roots in the American history.

     Before settlers came to America, design was only heard of in Europe.  It wasn't until after settling that the Early American style came about.  It was inspired by European design, but quickly became its own style completely.  Now considered an old, historic style of furniture and design, Early American design was once new and reflective of the furniture maker and designer.  

Duncan Phyfe, The Great    

By 1675, Englishmen began making distinctive American designed furniture.  One hundred years later, a man was born who would become known as one of America's greatest furniture designers, Duncan Phyfe.  Originally from the highlands of Scotland, Phyfe was apprenticed as a cabinet maker while young, grew a successful business in New York, and owned a workshop, showroom, and warehouse.  He was a quiet, simple man who preferred to stay out of the spotlight.  Much isn't found on record about him, but he produced quality pieces like lyre-backed chairs and tripod-based tables.  He sold his furniture for high prices.  One bill on file for twelve chairs, a sofa, three tables, plus packaging totals to a high sum in early America: $800!

Locations of Early American Homes

Some early American homes can still be found in the following states: 

• Massachussetts
• New Hampshire
• Maine
• Vermont
• Rhode Island
• Connecticut
• Illinois
• New York
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania
• Ohio
• Indiana
• Michigan
• Wisconsin

The oldest home in our country's history is the Hart House in Massachussetts.  It was built in 1640.  It is currently being used as an Inn.




Identifying the Style 


Tin trays were popular back in those days in the following styles:

• Queen Anne
• country tin
• pie crust
• rectangular
• gallery
• lace-edge 

The use of paint was not boring during those times, but rather bold in color.  The smallest amount of pigment went a long way.  Common for that style was painted plaster, woodwork, and stenciling on walls, trays, and furniture.  Contrary to what some may believe, early Americans loved to used color in their homes.

Even though the style was inspired by European design, there are identifying markers to distinguish between American and European furniture.  One example is the chest-on-chest.   Similar in style, the English chest-on-chest has cockbeaded edges while the American version has lipped drawers.

 -Sherri