Tuesday, October 08, 2024

One Room Challenge WEEK 2: Drywall, Insulation, plus a new bathtub is in + PLUS MEET DANIEL MATUS of DESIRED SPACE!

Hi friends! 
If you are joining me for the first time, WELCOME! My name is Shana & I am a THRIFT addict and lover of all things vintage & design. We recently bought our Mid Century Modern Dream Home here in Las Vegas, & I am currently remodeling my sons bathroom in the One Room Challenge. You can see all of the before photos and details of what my vision is from Week 1 ( HERE


But as a reminder here is a BEFORE pic...I swear we took more before pictures of this bathroom but this is what I could find! 60's meets 80's! 

WEEK 2 is here...and a lot is happening! Insulation and Dry wall went in as well as plumbing and electrical... AND without thinking about it we realized that the plumbers needs to put the niche in and a tub...See not sure if I explained before but our General Contractor is well...my husband haha So yeah...here we are. We decided to go with this one below as well as the windows. We ended up ordering a new window for this area as well in a 2 pane...Did you know how expensive windows are??? ugh 
We ended up putting the niche across from the shower this was hard to figure out and we had like 24 hours...did we do it right? no clue haha we will see we made it big haha 
I believe it was this one with the Brass. We also decided to go with DELTA for the shower more to come on the pictures...but this one needed to be done before the dry wall and insulation went up!!

Underscore (Acrylic) Actual Height (Inches): 19”, Soaking Depth (Inches): 15.5”, Actual Length (Inches): 60”, Actual Width (Inches): 32”


It was A LOT...but honestly...we could not have ever gotten here without a special angel named DANIEL MATTUS. Once we demolished the damaged walls and had to re do the pipes we realized we were in over our head in the kitchen and well with the rest of the house for that matter. I was literally in tears searching online to see if there was someone who could help get us through.. I mean as much as I like DIY and Design I have a full time career, a 5 year old and we just moved! plus a side passion and business with my BFF! I immediately did a search on HOUZZ... and about 5 interior designers popped up. I submitted my name, number and our project and timeline as well as budget and waited. 

Within 24 hours Daniel Matus of Desired Space was the first to leave me a message. I have been a broker for over 23 years and if there is anything I have learned in business it is RESPONSE time. And with the way we are moving with this house I knew we needed someone who was responsive, was detail oriented and well quite frankly not an asshole haha So I called him back, explained the space and scheduled a time for him to come and check out the madness. 

Daniel came out and immediately won our heart! I mean I checked out his designs of course and they were great...but more importantly I wanted someone who I could communicate with...someone who got me..and someone who was just as excited about this project as we were...and he was it! 


LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO THE AMAZING Daniel Matus of Desired Space! I hope you love him as much as I do! Check out his INSTAGRAM and give him a like as we will be sharing it all! Design tips, Design do's design no no's and everything in between! 

THIS IS PART 1 of our Interview!


What sparked your interest in Interior Design?

As a child, I was always captivated by the beautiful homes I saw in movies and on television. They weren’t just backdrops—they had the power to evoke emotion, set the mood, and influence how people lived and felt. I was fascinated by how the design of a space could completely transform an experience, making a home not just a place to live, but a reflection of personality and a source of comfort. That early passion for how environments can shape our lives is what inspired me to pursue a career in interior design.


When did you establish your business? Tell me your story of how you started.

 

At the age of 25, my world was turned upside down by the crash of 2008. The architecture and interior design firm I worked for—the place where I had envisioned building my career—suddenly closed its doors. I was left heartbroken, unsure of what to do next. As I walked into my home that day, the weight of my situation hit me. I had just bought my first house, filled with hope for the future, and now I was jobless, uncertain about how I would make it through the next few months.


Weeks turned into a month, and despite my best efforts, my job search yielded nothing. The frustration and fear began to creep in, but alongside it, a determination started to grow. I realized that waiting around wasn’t an option, and I needed to create my own opportunity. So, with nothing more than hope and grit, I placed an ad on Craigslist, offering interior design services. I didn't know what would come of it, but I was ready to take a chance on myself.

A few days later, I received a call. My first client—a local ER doctor—had reached out to me. I’ll never forget that feeling. It was like a door had cracked open, and I was determined to burst through it. This wasn’t just any project; it was my first solo job, designing a large home that would push me to my creative limits. I was nervous, excited, and utterly determined to prove myself. I poured everything I had into that project—every bit of passion, every late-night idea, every detail I could perfect. I knew this was my chance, and I gave it everything, hoping it might lead to more opportunities, to word of mouth, to something bigger.


From that one job, my career began to unfold. What started as a one-man show, running my business from the back of my Nissan, slowly grew. And today, after more than 15 years of hard work, countless challenges, and unwavering belief in what I could build, that small seed has blossomed into a multimillion-dollar business. It's a journey I look back on with pride, knowing that every step, every obstacle, and every triumph has shaped the company we are today. What started from devastation became a story of resilience, passion, and a relentless pursuit of my dreams





How would you describe your aesthetic?

 

As an interior designer, it’s hard for me to stick to just one aesthetic—that’s part of what I love about my career. It allows me to explore a variety of styles, always with my clients' vision at the forefront. However, if I had to choose a favorite aesthetic, I’d lean towards transitional with a touch of casual elegance. There’s something special about creating a space that feels cozy and inviting, while incorporating timeless, traditional elements that never go out of style. It’s a balance that brings both warmth and sophistication to a home.


Daniel, what makes a design a "good design" in your opinion?

 

In my opinion, good design is all about how well it suits your personality and lifestyle, no matter what the current trends may be. It should reflect who you are and cater to your daily needs, creating a space that feels genuinely yours. When a design resonates with you personally, it transcends fleeting trends and stands the test of time, making your home a true sanctuary.



How do you help clients choose materials? What is the benefit of having a designer when choosing materials?

 

I help clients choose materials by guiding them through the selection process, focusing on their vision, preferences, and practical needs. I provide insights into various options, helping them understand the benefits and drawbacks of each material. The advantage of having a designer in this process is that I can navigate the overwhelming choices available, ensuring that clients select high-quality materials that not only fit their aesthetic but also work cohesively within the overall design. This expertise ultimately saves them time, reduces stress, and leads to a more successful outcome for their project




You have been doing this for more than a decade, I imagine you’ve “developed” your own personal philosophy ...

 

After more than a decade in the industry, I’ve definitely developed my own personal philosophy when it comes to design. I believe that every space should be a true reflection of the people who inhabit it. It’s not just about following trends; it’s about creating environments that resonate with individuality and enhance the quality of life. I prioritize functionality and comfort, ensuring that each design choice serves a purpose while also being aesthetically pleasing. Ultimately, my goal is to craft spaces that bring joy, foster connection, and provide a sense of belonging, making every house feel like a home.


You’re a design curator and also an interior designer. So you must be constantly looking to the future...


I am indeed always looking to the future. I believe that staying ahead of trends and emerging styles is crucial in this industry. This means continuously researching and exploring new materials, technologies, and design philosophies. I aim to blend innovative ideas with timeless elements, creating spaces that are not only functional but also forward-thinking. By anticipating what’s coming next, I can better serve my clients, ensuring their homes are both relevant and enduring, ultimately providing them with a unique experience that feels fresh and inspiring.




 How do you combine beauty and function?

 

Combining beauty and function is at the core of my design philosophy. I believe that a space should not only look great but also serve the needs of those who use it. To achieve this balance, I start by understanding my clients’ lifestyles and how they interact with their spaces. From there, I select materials, furnishings, and layouts that enhance both aesthetics and usability. For example, I might choose stylish yet durable fabrics for high-traffic areas or incorporate clever storage solutions that keep a space organized without sacrificing its visual appeal. Ultimately, I strive to create environments that are as practical as they are beautiful, ensuring that they enrich daily life while being a pleasure to behold.


What inspires you?

 

My inspiration comes from many sources, but travel is one of the most influential. Exploring new cultures, architecture, and landscapes opens my eyes to different design perspectives and techniques. Whether it's the vibrant colors of a marketplace, the intricate details of historical buildings, or the way natural light plays in a serene environment, each experience adds to my creative palette. I also draw inspiration from my clients’ stories and lifestyles, as their unique needs and preferences shape the designs I create. Ultimately, my goal is to blend these inspirations into spaces that feel both personal and innovative, making every project a reflection of the beauty I encounter along the way.


If a student wanted to enter the field, what advice would you give them?

 

If a student is looking to enter the field of interior design, my biggest piece of advice would be to embrace curiosity and stay open-minded. The design world is constantly evolving, so it's essential to explore various styles, techniques, and materials. I also recommend seeking out internships or hands-on experiences; these opportunities provide invaluable insight into the practical aspects of the profession and help you build a network.

Additionally, honing your communication skills is crucial, as design is about understanding and collaborating with clients to bring their visions to life. Finally, don’t be afraid to take risks and develop your own voice. Trust your instincts, stay passionate about your craft, and remember that every experience—whether a success or a challenge—will contribute to your growth as a designer.


What do you look for in a candidate during a work interview?

 

During a work interview, I look for a combination of creativity, passion, and a strong willingness to learn. It’s important that candidates demonstrate an understanding of design principles and an ability to think critically about their work. I also value good communication skills, as collaboration with clients and team members is key in this field.

Equally important is a candidate's adaptability and problem-solving mindset; the ability to think on your feet and handle unexpected challenges is essential in design. Lastly, I appreciate candidates who show enthusiasm for the industry and a desire to contribute to our team's growth. Ultimately, I'm looking for someone who is not only skilled but also aligns with our values and can bring a fresh perspective to our projects.


FOLLOW DESIRED SPACE ON

HOUZZ HERE 

INSTAGRAM @Desiredspacellc

WWW.DESIREDSPACE.COM





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Tuesday, October 01, 2024

One Room Challenge WEEK 1: NY Mid-Century Eclectic Kids Bathroom


It is October 2nd 2024. HOW. HOW IS IT OCTOBER 2024. The last post I made was THIS gorgeous Entry way in our OLD home. Yep. you heard that right. WE MOVED. Well Sort of. More on that. It has been a hell of a year since we moved in 2023. Long story short...we moved, I went in for my Embryo transfer and it failed in December. I was left to once again pick up the pieces in silence. If anyone has gone through multiple miscarriages, IVF, and well LIFE..than you know what I a mean. I had gained a good 25lbs and moving over 17 years of STUFF was well absolutely OVERWHELMING. But, I am ok. I will be ok. My husband, my son, my sister, my brother in law, my father and my best friends have been there for me through it all and I am forever thankful you know who you are! 

Anyway, How do I even begin...sadness was not even the right way to explain how I felt moving into this new home..I know...why the hell am I sad. I should be blessed and elated and all the things...it is literally our DREAM HOME and I am about 22 steps away from my best friend ( my sister ) The thought of the additional bedroom becoming a gym rather than a nursery just broke me and I found myself not even wanting to go into the home. How can I visualize a home without the baby I had bean visualizing over the last 3 years. 

Here we are October, and the house is slowly starting to feel like a home. I feel a new sense of freedom letting go of what it was all supposed to look like and I am ready to dive into what will be. If you follow along on my Instagram I will probably share more there on BEFORE of the home and man was it a BEFORE! While we have done so much I will be going through room by room and hopefully sharing the journey to remodel this mid century Eichler inspired A frame home here in Las Vegas! 

I am also going to be introducing someone very special who I will be working with...and when I say I feel like god helped me in bringing him in our lives...he has been an angel! More to come on him in Week 2, so stay tuned!!!

SO, here we are WEEK 1 of the FALL ONE ROOM CHALLENGE! THIS is the start to what I think is the biggest challenge yet...we never did much renovation mostly just painting and building..but this time around the project could not be any more complicated! haha I will go into it more on my instagram and probably my youtube, but this beautiful home just needed so much love. IF you know me you know my love for OLD and vintage so I was down to keep as much as possible...but after inspections and well quite frenkly us sitting in the space we realized that the plumbing, the electricity, the roof the installation, EVERYTHING need to be replaced, gutted and put back together. I know. We didn't have a blue toilet or I would have kept it!! So we literally built this from scratch with the layout pretty much staying as is! We will be putting up walls, floors, shower, toilet, vanity, lighting ...haha basically EVERYTHING! 

Hoping to work with some amazing companies more to come on that! 

So...here are some inspirations I have had in addition to my son's vision whose bathroom this is! 


INSPIRATION:

My vision for this bathroom is a mix of mid century , as this home was built in 1963, as well as some modern elements. Honestly, Zev spent some time with me in NY when I was going through IVF and during this time he was OBSESSED with Spiderman and all things New York City! So I am trying to pull some of that into this! If you know me the art work will probably change and even the color of the tile but it is a good start. 

  • So I started with the flooring as that was what I took from all of the NEW YORK bathrooms! I came across THIS bathroom and I just LOVED the mix of the blue ( which is what Zev wanted) and the black and white flooring...plus I LOVE the herringbone! 

  • As far as the Vanity...while I loved this metal I really wanted to incorporate wood to mix in that mid century modern vibe. I was trying to do maybe a vintage dresser but the space we have is literally EXACTLY 72 inches and I am just not finding anything but THIS was the inspiration!!
  • Fixtures- So I have gone back and forth with black, gold, brass..but since we had to do the plumbing so quickly without having an actual design, yes I am aware this is backwards haha wait till you see how we did everything haha we decided on brass a brushed brass is what we are thinking. The brass on the blue tile is what I am loving. Hoping to be working with a company on the vanity faucets and fixtures for the bathroom we shall see! 
  • Color- So I mentioned blue...that is the main theme haha it is just deciding on the tile, does it fit into the budget, can we get it in time etc etc. Painting the walls probably a warm white and THIS blue tile from Studio DIY I just love her use of color, it just popped but I am thinking not only is it hard to find but it just may not be affordable! 
  • I want to add Wallpaper. I know. It is a lot but I don't care haha I just haven't figured out what wallpaper I want to add and how...so we will come up with that together k? K.
MY PLAN

So ultimately the goal is to end up with a gorgeous, NY Mid century, Avenger Filled, Eclectic bathroom for my son & well my future child...I will put it out there..since when I started this blog it was always about manifesting my life anyway what do I have to lose! 

Here are some BEFORE shots after we had to gut it...I do have a walk through video that I will share on Instagram if you are interested! @SHANAEMILY_

I will share more on why we moved and more on. This special 1963 Eichler inspired home...but let's chat about our first project ! 




This is the entrance


This is where the vanity and sinks would go



We are also going to replace this window... but I want to keep the vanity windows I love them! 





After taking some of the ideas here is what the mood board looks like NOW...haha I am not a professional designer so this will change... but wait until I introduce my special guest next week....


I can not wait to be back on here regularly. And I can not wait to share with you our week one wrap up next week!! Make sure to check back as I will be updating every week and more on INSTAGRAM









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Thursday, June 22, 2023

One Room Challenge: ENTRY WAY REVEAL

 



Here is she is. I still can not believe I did the whole entry way. It isn't completely done and while I still had so many things I wanted to do and add..I must have changed the seating 100 times. I still envisioned my grandmothers mirror on the wall above the chair, but couldn't bring myself to mess with the wallpaper just yet. I wanted to sit on it. literally. Sometimes a room speaks to you and sometimes you want to hear what the room says? 

and while most people would want their room to look like the BEFORE below haha white, neutral, plain, whatever you want to call it. Less busy, clean, don't worry I have heard it all. THIS did nothing for me when I walked through the door. 


THIS spoke to me. and while I still think it needs Jewelry as I say...haha lighting, electrical plates, the gold mirror, and the lighting I have so many ideas on lighting...again...I just wanted to let it sit. 

The needlepoint you see there was one my mother did. If you remember I was painting this needlepoint. I still haven't finished. More on that another time but my dad surprised me with it. THE REAL ONE. I cried and was just so happy to have this beautiful lady in our home. I placed her there for now. 





The brass light fixtures were my mothers and I plan on adding bulbs so they can work, they used to sit in our childhood home. This beautiful cane loveseat was found at Salvation Army, if you are a Thrifters Anonymous Member then you know! I paid approximately $24 and Edwina wouldn't let me leave it there! I am sucker for cane and seating so together. I was going to change the upholstery but the cream really went well with the cherry blossom trees in the wallpaper. The small sequin pillow was also thrift and added some texture. Honestly, I am still playing. Isn't that the best part of these projects? I spent a lot of years not playing and forcing myself to just get what your supposed to get. But those days are long gone! Oh and that rug, that rug is from Ikea haha and it probably belongs in a bathroom but whatever the color was perfect and it was small so voila. 

This beautiful wallpaper is by Milton & King. It's called Almond Blossom, and if I could take every color and place it in all the rooms I would. You can learn more about it on THIS blog post where I reveal the pattern I chose! 
Will share a close up on Instagram and soon a room tour on Thrifters Anonymous YOUTUBE! 

Until then, I am hoping to share more of the details!!!


xoxo,
Shana 






 











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Tuesday, June 20, 2023

One Room Challenge: Choosing the wallpaper for our entry way REVEAL + Things to think about before you order!



I feel like a broken record. Not sure if you guys are out there. Hi. Me again. I can't believe I am just getting to updating you on the progress of my One Room Challenge, my fault for doing essentially 2 rooms at once. My life has been on a journey of a lifetime, most of you know I am going through IVF and just finished our 5th retrieval in New York. I filmed it all but will share more soon, I also lost Sasha my cat. She was 20 years old and one of my best friends. That makes 2 animals during a one room challenge. I don't know what that means...maybe diving into this helped through it...but regardless here we are. But until then I wanted to share my reveal of the entry way wallpaper!!! 

If you know me then you know my love for wallpaper. While bold this wallpaper has brought me pure joy and has most literally brought me out of such an incredible low. It brightens my day and has always brought a smile to everyone's face when they walk in. Sharing more on Instagram and soon will be doing a fun tour on Thrifters Anonymous Youtube!! So let me walk you through! 

If you remember the below were my top picks after ordering samples from Milton & King.They send a standard 8.5" x 11". I am just so impressed with Milton & King and have fallen in love with their patterns and even more with the qaulity. If you have been thinking about wallpaper, look no more, I promise you will fall in love with your home all over again and bring new life to every wall! 

If you followed along... the beginning of this year I revealed our dinging room wallpaper reveal and it is exquisite and beyond my expectations. You can view the reveal HERE. We chose the Tuscan Landscape Mural. So....


This paper is described as a romantic wallpaper inspired by Japanese woodcut prints, drawn from Van Gogh’s masterful command of color and emotion. and wow does it evoke emotion alright. and I FELL IN LOVE with the quote on the site. I know, but once I saw it I knew I had to take the leap! 

“Normality is a paved road: It’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it.” – Van Gogh

I know so good! This pattern comes in 6 colorways but the CHARTREUSE was calling my name! 

Below you will find the dimensions and more importantly the pattern repeat and pattern match! Something I have learned are really important when designing with wallpaper! Pattern repeat means that the design on your wallpaper repeats within 24" in this case. So it will appear again vertically 24 inches! yeah, I know! Something I hadn't' even noticed!  This is important when you are measuring how much to order also if you are trying to create a pattern on a smaller wall or some sort of awkward area. I also keep in mind on how large the space is, as I feel like when the pattern repeat is really short the pattern would look better in a smaller room like a bathroom etc. This pattern was right in the middle and could go either way depending on styling! 

Oh and a straight match pattern match will make your life a 100 times easier! 

  • ROLL DIMENSIONS

    24" (61.5cm) x 33ft (10.05m)
  • PATTERN REPEAT

    24" (61cm)
  • PATTERN MATCH

    Straight Match
  • FINISH

    Pre-trimmed Butt Join
  • CLEANABILITY

    Washable
  • USAGE

    Domestic & Commercial
Did I mentioned the wallpaper got to me in 4 days!!! 
After FINALLY choosing the wallpaper and color after being scared and re-thinking my decision a hundred times I was so excited. I knew I wanted to also paint the door on the inside since our HOA won't let us do anything to the outside of our house EVER haha. After several swatches i.e. 12 haha I went with Benjamin More Blue Danube. It complemented the gorgeous peacock blue in the paper and looked amazing next to the chartreuse and let's face it. Who doesn't want a blue door? 

First thing's first we removed the texture on the wall, because now I can't unsee how amazing it looks when you do that. 


We then primed the whole area. I used Sherwin Williams Professional Primer. 

We did the whole area AND the door!



And then we painted the door BLUE!!!! 

Ugh SO MUCH BETTER! 

With a few friends who have done a space like this before we layed out the wallpaper measured and began pasting! I used the recommended paste on the Milton & King website FAQ's Roman Ultra Clear and a paint roller! 

It took about an hour, a wet sponge to smooth it out worked perfectly and a razer for the ends. I learned my lesson from the Cranes...and cut it immediately and didn't let it dry! So... head on over to my Instagram later today and I will be sharing some of the process and pictures and yes even a reel...and then the big reveal tomorrow!! Excited for you all to see the final wallpaper reveal! 

and well, while you are waiting head on over to Milton & King's website and check out the other colors of the Almond Blossom Wallpaper...um can someone please get the eggplant peacocks? PLEASE??? Seriously!!! Ugh gorgeous!! 


xoxo,
Shana 






 





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