Jeff Pelletier

Consider buying furniture in components, such as these metal legs from Etsy paired with a custom top.

Interior Design

To Buy, or Not to Buy, Knock-Off Furniture

Not everyone can afford to buy a house full of designer furniture. So, do you turn to knock-off pieces instead? (No. Or, not 100% no.) Here’s our philosophy for stretching your furniture budget, planning for longterm, and, all the while, still having somewhere to sit down at the end of the day.

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Sketches of common bathroom floor plans.

Ask a Designer, Custom Residential

Common Bathroom Floor Plans: Rules of Thumb for Layout

There are a few typical floor plans to consider when designing the layout for a bathroom in your house. These eight lessons illustrate the common plan options and describes the advantages and disadvantages of each. Of course, there are always exceptions, and a good designer can find a solution that meets your needs.

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A tenant improvement allowance helps businesses like Oasis Tea Zone build out new commercial spaces.

Ask a Designer, Commercial

What Is a Tenant Improvement Allowance?

As a business owner, understanding what a tenant improvement (or TI) allowance is, is essential to inform the choices you’ll make when selecting a new commercial space and negotiating your commercial lease. The TI allowance will also define how much of the cost of your commercial build-out will come out of your pocket.

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Ask a Designer, Custom Residential

Why Custom Construction Details are Worth It

When you find yourself in a space that really feels amazing, take a moment and study how the details come together. These custom details take time and skill to produce, typically done during the construction documents phase, and the details are what take a project to the next level.

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The Business of Design

Advice for Starting a Design Firm

Starting a design firm isn’t easy. It takes a lot of luck, it can exciting, but also stressful. You’ll need to take some calculated risks. It worked out at B&V, and we’ve grown to about 40 people in 8 years. Here are some tips learned along the journey of starting a design firm.

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Modern Interpretation of a Classic Farmhouse – Foothills Retreat: Rendering from Driveway – Board & Vellum

Ask a Designer, Custom Residential

Should You Remodel, or Tear Down Your House and Build New?

So, your house isn’t meeting your needs. How do you decide what to do? Should you remodel or tear it down and build your dream house? Or, should you leave the house alone and move instead? Here are six areas you need to consider to help you make this complicated and delicate decision.

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Would you like to read more from the team?

If you enjoy reading our blog as much as we enjoy writing it, that simply makes our day. You may also enjoy a few of the related posts below.

Your House Shouldn’t Be Perfect

Homes are meant to age. And while obviously new spaces have their place, there is something special about a home that feels a little imperfect. Here are some of our favorite materials that add an organic, lived-in feel to a home, even when the spaces are entirely new.

A back and white rendering of the exterior of a single-family home.

Why Architects Are Your Best Advocates in a Complicated Permit World

Permitting in the Puget Sound Region is a complicated endeavor, but you don’t have to go at it alone. At Board & Vellum, we have the knowledge and experience to help get your project to the permitting finish line. In fact, architects are key players in helping you achieve permit success. Here’s how.

Living room space in a Mid-Century style with a large, stone fireplace.

Fireplace Options For Your Home

If you’re considering adding a fireplace to your home or restoring an existing fireplace, the options may seem overwhelming. There are many things to consider, like aesthetic goals, ambiance, and sustainability. Luckily, we've assembled this essential guide on fireplaces to help you decide what’s right for you.

Vintage Shopping for Your Design Project

Vintage pieces can elevate your space by adding unique and personal flourishes. If you’re looking to incorporate vintage accessories, antique furniture, or second hand lighting into the design of your home or space, here are a few pointers to help you get started – and stay on track – on your next shopping trip.

Inverness Primary Suite – Board & Vellum

Five Simple Bathroom Upgrades

Bored with your basic bathroom? We spend more time in our bathrooms than we realize. At Board & Vellum, we believe bathrooms are all about self-care – they’re an important space where you’ll consistently begin and end your days. Love your space more with these five simple bathroom upgrades.

Bedroom climbing wall for a kids bedroom. Interior Design by Board & Vellum

Must-Have Spaces for Kids

Designing spaces for your little ones can be fun — but it can also be a challenge to create a space that can withstand their growth, needs, and ever-changing interests. Here are some unique, must-have kid’s spaces that will give your child their own room to grow.

Check out our blog.

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