What to do when your Old Window Treatments just need to be updated…
Window treatments are by far one of the budget worthy items to consider when remodeling or purchasing a home. But after we make that initial investment, we tend to hang on to them too long.
If you still have “theater” window treatments, with heavy drapes, large trims, heavy valances, swags or jabots and feel you are stuck in the 70’s 80’s or 90’s it’s time for a change!
Today’s window treatment trends are all about simplicity. Transitional styles have put an emphasis on clean, crisp lines. We are all less stuffy and luxury has a new sharp style. Are you in the market to replace outdated window treatments, or looking to reinvent your current treatments? Here are some ways to accomplish this:
- If you have an old-style theater look, your drapes could be made lighter by removing the valance and the tiebacks. Allow the panels to hang straight from a pole rod with wooden rings. This will give your draperies a new life.
- Update your rod. Rods are generally thinner and sleeker, gone are the large finials and large wooden poles.
- Remake your heading, try a Euro Pleat.
- Add a leading edge or tape trim, to an existing panel, it’s all in the details…
- Hang your panels above the window, closer to the ceiling. This will create an illusion of a larger window!
- If they aren’t long enough consider adding a color block at the top, bottom, or both!
- Consider Roman Shades… I love Roman shades they’re my all-time favorite for so many reasons. The tailored look they provide can be dressed up by adding stationary drapery panels, and/or you can add a pretty tape trim and give then an elegant look.
- Use panels and romans together or layer them!
Roman shades can be made with a continuous bead chain or cordless so no unsightly and unsafe cords hanging like old time roller shades or traverse rods. Roman shades are simple, functional, and cost effective. Choose your fabric of choice and then add a boxed valance with a coordinating fabric!
- Mount them high to extend the window height.
This stationary shade has a double banding at the bottom, it adds a simple but elegant feel to the room.
The options are clearly endless when trying to update your window treatments. Rest assured, less is more, that is definitely the trend moving forward.
My design intention at the beginning of any project is to provide a space that is luxurious and approachable. A space that is as beautiful feeling, as it is looking. A space that would fill you with joy when you enter and would keep you inspired as you stayed. A space where you could retreat after a long day of work. A space custom built for your lifestyle, reflecting who you are, and how you live. Contact me at (518) 852-4185 or email me at mconti21@nycap.rr.com. Let’s create a space that is comfortable, elevated, and curated just for you..
Stay tuned for more from Adventures in Styleland…
Michele Conti
Designsbymicheleconti.com
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As the granite countertop trend continues to slowly ebb in high-end homes, other alternatives are starting to pick up in popularity. Soapstone is a natural material, a metamorphic rock that is composed primarily of talc with varying amounts of chlorite, micas, amphiboles, carbonates and other minerals. It has been known for centuries for its ability to retain heat (for example, all of our original hearthstones in the farmhouse are made of soapstone).
Since it is nonporous it is naturally antibacterial and stain resistant. It is an inert material that is impervious to chemicals, acids, and heat. Soapstone is the only natural stone that does not need a chemical sealer since it is siliceous, meaning it is unaffected and unharmed by acids in things like lemon juice, wine, vinegar, etc. It does not “etch” like marble. It is easy to clean, needing no special cleaning products.
Like granite and marble, soapstone is very durable, but since it is a softer stone it has the tendency to scratch and chip more easily. So many Sales people will try to talk you out of Soapstone or Marble.. I say DO YOUR RESEARCH!! If you want a product read all the positives and negatives.
Remember soapstone has been used for over a hundred years in the kitchen. I love it, and have used it in homes locally because of its historical New England reference and the fact that I know it will stand the test of time and not be a trend. Know the maintenance and upkeep if you decide this or any product is something that you really want and are willing to live with the maintenance. Knowing the pros and cons of everything you want for your home helps you make wise decisions. I’d like to remind our clients “Know what you want and don’t let anyone dissuade you from your vision!”
As always Stay Tuned For More Adventures In Styleland…
XOXO
M
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December 26, 2017 by adventuresinstyleland
As we lean closer to closing out 2017 and look forward to welcoming 2018, the cliche’ that a house is never finished comes to mind. The trick is to find a way to put it all together so it feels complete.
Painted Cabinetry
While open floor plans are still working in most new builds, I’ve definitely witnessed the coming and going of many trends and period styles from English Country to Midcentury Modern. But I feel we’re post trend now. I think current design allows us the freedom to incorporate history in an unfussy contemporary way. When choosing kitchen cabinets, the easiest way to accomplish this is to mix finishes. Choose a lighter color for the perimeter cabinets and another darker color for your center island. Your eye is naturally drawn to the darker cabinet finish, while the lighter shade cabinets against the walls will make the room appear larger.
Always in-style are painted white cabinets, they have dominated kitchen design for easily the last 5 to 10 years. Many homeowners considered it to be an easy choice. White kitchen cabinets have a certain timeless quality and always brighten up the space. As a neutral color, white cabinets also played equally well with cooler walls. And while we will never see painted white cabinets go out of style, a couple of new color trends have started to pick up steam in 2017.
First, we have started to see a slight shift away from white, and moving toward gray. Gray shares many of the properties that people love about white, but in a slightly more subdued tone. While lighter shades of gray will never brighten up kitchen in the same way that white cabinets do, many come close, like Merillat Classic LaBelle in Maple Shale. As a naturally neutral color, gray will also look good alongside warm or cool accent colors.
In the past few years we’ve seen former warehouse carts being cleanup and re-purposed as coffee tables across suburbia. Just like other rooms of the home, more and more elements of both traditional and industrial design will enter the home kitchens space. A coming together of the best of both worlds! We’re already seeing this trend of traditional shaker cabinetry, being topped with concrete counters, combined with a farm sinks, and topped off with a tall, goose-neck faucet that would be at home in any kitchen…Elements like brick along with wrought iron stools help accomplish this industrial look, while the Merillat cabinetry: Sutton Cliffs in Hickory gives this kitchen elements of traditional style.
Talk with a kitchen and bath designer about how to create a unique space in your home! What styles have you seen start to emerge this year, or which do you think will start to really take off in 2018? Tell us in the comments!
As always stay tuned for more Adventures in Styleland…
XOXO
Michele Conti
Posted in Designs From Merlin Drive, Uncategorized | Tagged Art, bathrooms, bedroom, Bernhardt Fu, Brookhaven, design, Designs By Michele, diningroom, furniture and design, great room, Inspiration, Interior Design, Kitchen Design, kitchens, Kravet, lifestyle, lighting, livingroom, Lumens, Merllat Cabinets, Michele Conti, open concept, Roman Shades, Stout, walls, Window Treatments, Windows, WoodMode | Leave a Comment »
I really, really try to avoid being “trendy” in my designs. Trust me, there was a time in my life where every weekend I was popping in and out of Home Goods or Marshalls for some great new accessories to decorate for a gathering or dinner party … I was, regrettably, a home decor addict. Now that I’m older and wiser I think I have a pretty good eye for determining what styles will stick and which will be as regretful as the dreaded lava lamp. Now when I’m retail shopping (which I’m doing less and less of these day as my vendor list changes and grows more refined) I make sure to pick items that will become classics, and not a passing trend, something I know won’t be out of style in a year (or a week).
Accessorizing and styling a room is just as important as designing and decorating it. No matter how perfect the layout, the furniture and the fabric, a space is not complete until it is styled. Styling adds dimension and personality to any space. It’s also a great way to add unexpected pops of color and texture by adding “trending” pieces. Although we always love to incorporate items that are meaningful to each individual client.
Personalize window treatments with decorative embellishments. It’s fun using trim to create custom-designed treatments with store-bought pieces. These fabulous panels are dressed up with Greek Key Tape trim, aren’t they just stunning? We used M&J Triming greek key jacquard 2 3/8 tape on these gorgeous store bought panels. Below is a Roman Shade adorned the same trim…
Tape trims or ribbons are really trending and becoming more and more popular. Adding ribbon trim to pillows is an easy way to embellish a home décor item making something ordinary…extraordinary!
Clean aesthetics and understated design is a new trend that allows us to switch off from our surroundings and enjoy personal time. The patterns are simple with a focus on 3-D texture. The simplicity through non-color and texture is a calming way to introduce design into your home in a subtle yet sophisticated way.
Organic materials are bringing nature indoors. This year it’s all about nature-inspired and eco-friendly materials and designs. It’s no longer a trend, but more of a philosophy in the evolution of design. Bamboo, matchstick blinds and natural woven shades layered with simple sheer linen panels create an elegant yet earthy sophistication in any space.
Back in vogue is lace! Spring 2017 style alert, I have a feeling, lace will be around for a while. Now, I’m no lace expert but after surfing the net, trying to figure out what types of lace I kept seeing everywhere…I think these three types are most popular…crochet, venise and guipure type lace. These laces featured here have an almost cotton-like quality (although most are polyester) with great weight and drape.
Depending how it’s styled and designed, these types of lace can take on a 70’s bohemian vibe or utilized in a more structured shape it looks modern and fresh.
I love the mixture of different materials! Hope you enjoyed my choice of trends for 2017…
Stay Tuned for more Adventures in Styleland!
XOXO
M
Posted in Designs From Merlin Drive, Uncategorized | Tagged 2017 Trending, Adventures in Styleland, architecture, Art, Bernhardt Furniture, Custom Draperies, Custom Furnishings, design, Designs By Michele, family, home, Horse Art, Inspiration, interior decorating, lifestyle, style, Styleland Interiors | Leave a Comment »
Oh, Goodwill! Just when I’m ready to break up with you , you surprise me with something cool..
Throw out the notion that good design is expensive, or must be carried out by a 
professional and can only be bought in a fancy store. I live in a real home on a thrift store budget. A great look is affordable and attainable to anyone who is willing to roll up their sleeves and dive in. So, get ready to go junking, tune up the sewing machine, and buy a good paint brush. Your home’s potential is waiting to be realized and you’re the one who’s going to discover it.
Remember these two gems for $5 each!!
I transformed these thrift store chairs into Ballard Design Chairs… see the ad from Ballard Designs below. I used a canvas drop cloth for the upholstery, $9
Total $14.00
How about some art for your walls? My favorite Garage Sale find was this landscape piece of art for $5 the solid wood frame is Stunning! (See it hung on my wall in the picture above the Recycled Chairs!)
Best Yard Sale find $5.00
A clock style top gives this table an original look while a distressed finish keeps the design country. This would fit in a Joanna and Chip’s Fixer Upper design!!! Learn more at scavengerchic.com on this transformation.
When spring time comes around, homeowners across the country take the opportunity to make a big push towards organization and cleanliness. One of the best ways to get rid of all that clutter after the big cleaning is to host a garage sale, which is why spring is the best time of the year for avid bargain hunters, too. If you’re looking for the bargain of a lifetime or that rare find, goodwill, garage sales and thrift stores are full of great bargains!
XOXO
M
Posted in Designs From Merlin Drive | Tagged Ballard Designs, Beautiful homes bedding bedrooms Bellini candice olson Certapro Painters curtain panels Curtains decks decorating decorative painting design Dining Rooms family fashion Faux Effects grey colors grey t, Chip and Joanna, Cycle up, design, Fixer upper, Garage Sale, Garage sale finds, GoodWill, Inspiration, Interior Design East Greenbush Ny, Interior Design East Greenbush NY Home Decorating, Interior Design Saratoga Springs, Interior Design Saratoga Springs NY, Interior Design Schenectady NY, Interior Design Service, Interior Designer Albany NY, Michele Conti, Recycle furniture, style, Thrift Store finds, traditional homes | 3 Comments »
When I dream of relaxing in my home the place that comes to mind is an exquisite room, with a collection of furnishings, art and accessories that resemble who I am… A place to rest and read or gather and gab with friends and family.
A whole experience, with pieces linked together through an array of elements that establish a new transitional feel. This linen high back sofa would be perfectly stunning in my dream living room. The Baxter sofa is from Arhaus, the classic design takes full advantage of the Nailhead trim which plays a transitional part in this otherwise retro style…
Other pieces I would include in this enchanting space would be equally striking and exhibit stylist influences from different eras. I would blend styles with bold geometrical structure and mix them with small accents that resemble the industrial era. Additionally I would add eye catching accents with art, lighting and pillows to bring a sophistication through out my room…
I love the combination of elements and texture in this room, the metal accents are like jewelry. The fluid outline of the pieces, and the gorgeous white ash burl face on the console… I could honestly go on and on about the space. But I will end here, what would your dream space be? What items would describe your lifestyle?
I can’t wait to share more with you in my next post!!
As Always, stay tuned for more Adventures in Styleland…
XOXO
M
Posted in Designs From Merlin Drive, Uncategorized | Tagged Accents, Albany NY, architecture, Arhaus, Art, Bernhardt, Consoles, design, family, Geometric Rug, Horse Art, Inspiration, Interior Design, Lamps, lifestyle, Michele Conti, Michele Conti Interior Design Consultant, Mirrors, rugs, Telescopic floor lamp, Tufted Side Chair, Uttermost | Leave a Comment »
Holiday Shopping has started, well it’s really in full swing! Looking for the perfect gift for friends and relatives this year? Gift giving is a tricky task, especially for friends. With so many ideas on what to get, I thought we would give you a few ideas to get your holiday shopping started, and Santa a run for his money.
Share some happiness – Surprise them with a family day or evening out, purchase tickets to a local show or concert. Admission to the Museum or Ice skating. Locally we have the Times Union Center or the Palace Theater, Proctors… you’ll be giving a memory that will last much longer than that sweater or pair of boots.
Light Up Their Holiday – Candles are always a great gift for anyone, the ambiance created by candles makes a home warm and welcoming for holiday. Candles also promote a feeling of relaxation during the stressful holiday season. Seven out of 10 households use candles as a focal point for their home décor, says The National Candle Association, and candles inspire aromatherapy-like relaxation and stress reduction. Who can’t use that this time of the year?
Size, Shmize – Skip the sizeable items this year. Not only does receiving the wrong size gift mean an annoying trip back to the mall to exchange it, you can also end up hurting someone’s feelings. Wrap up a pretty Scarf around some movie tickets for your BFF!
When it comes to gift giving, it really is the thought that counts. So this season, be thoughtful. Reflect on the past year and what your friends and family need, what will make them happy, and the sort of thing that will make their lives easier.
If you’re really drawing a blank, do something homemade. Lottery tickets in a clear Christmas ball…Cookies, candies.. homemade wine??? Homemade gifts that are sure to put a smile on someone’s face, and actually tend to be the biggest hit.
I hope these ideas will help you get your holiday shopping/baking started…hmmm…I can smell the cookies!
Stay Tuned for more Adventures in Styleland.
XOXO
M
Posted in Designs From Merlin Drive, Uncategorized | Tagged Adventrures in Styleland, Art, Christmas Decor, Christmas Gifts, Custom Designs, Custom Window Treatments, design, Designs By Michele, home, Inspiration, Interior Decorator Albany NY, Interior Decorator Saratoga Springs NY, Interior Design Schenectady NY, Interior Designer, kids, lifestyle, Thoughtful Christmas gifts | Leave a Comment »
Hi, it’s Michele here with two design makeovers for fireplaces this holiday season. Below are some fun before and after photos I wanted to share with you!
The cold weather is here and families love to gather around a warm fireplace, especially for the holidays. In this before photo, the homeowner’s added a beautiful reclaimed wood wall in their family room and now feel that the fireplace looks too busy. The stone facade competes with the newly installed wood wall. The couple also wanted to make the fireplace more transitional to fit the decor in the rest of their home by changing from wood burning, to a linear gas fireplace.
At Matchless Stove and Chimney, we found a great option for this room offering a sleek, elegant heating solution for this family. The Slayton direct vent gas fireplace offers a more modern style without being too contemporary. Updating the façade with white wood horizontal paneling, floating wood mantel and sconces, keeping the hearth in tack.
The crisp white fireplace wall contrasts nicely with the existing wood paneled wall. We recommended the floating wood mantel, taking this design in a stunning direction. They selected black transitional sconces for both design, and to add some personality and interest to the white shiplap wall.
Our next fireplace redo is a red brick fireplace that was feeling old and dated. Keeping it wood burning and just changing the facade helped keep this project on budget for this client.
Living in upstate New York, quartz stone just seemed to be the direction to take this fireplace from past to present in a more transitional style. Lowes Dessert Quartz Ledgestone was used in this application and the results were amazing!
Lowes Leonia Porcelain Floor Tile used on the hearth finished this homeowner’s makeover beautifully. Pleased and looking forward to Christmas, She wanted to share her Christmas mantle with you. (Are you smiling?)
Tis’ the season, for warm thoughts and wishes! Are you ready for a new fireplace or facade makeover? Matchless Stove and Chimney and Lowes are at The Times Union Home Expo Starting February 10-12th! Come and see me at booth 328. Bring your ideas and let me help you with your next project. Thanks for stopping by and make sure you stop by again for more amazing Adventures.
Stay Tuned!!
XOXO
M
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November 30, 2016 by adventuresinstyleland
Sure, you could buy everything at the store, but what’s the fun in that? I looked for some common household items that were around the house and transformed them into the most adorable holiday gifts!!! Mason Jars have been popular for many DIY projects; this is like a little magic in a jar… just sweet! Some little child would love this night light on their bedside table.
Illuminated Jar Light
All you need is some magic, imagination and:
· Wide mouth mason jar with lid and cover (Kerr brand is the best because one of the sides of the jar is clear)
· Battery-operated tea-light
· Button magnet
· Glue
· Faux snow
· Ribbon
· Whatever you’d like to place in your jar
Sooo clever!
Light up Snow Men
So you’ve got a ton of Tea light left from Halloween… well here is a reason to use them this season!
· Black Felt
· Orange Sharpie
· Glue gun
· Battery operated tea lights
· Black Sharpie
· red ribbon
· red pipe cleaners
· red pom poms
Coffee Filter Wreath
For our next project all you need is an 18 straw wreath, a large package of white coffee filters and glue sticks:
Do the back first, fold the filters in a ‘flowery’ way and hot glue. I went around the outside on the back. Do the back first, fold the filters in a ‘flowery’ way and hot glue. Go around the outside on the back.
Once you do the back, turn it over and start on the front. Work in rows/loops around the wreath. Making it full and fluffy.
What a great way to dress up the mantel! Such a pretty Snowy White Wreath!!
Wine Bottles
After painting the wine bottles, add some letters to them to spell a fun Christmas word! Depending on how many bottles you have, you can spell “joy,” “merry,” or any other word that’s festive!
You can simply add a string of Christmas lights to different size and shaped bottles…
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!! So decorate and don’t break the bank doing it. It’s that joyful time of the year when you want to gather your family, especially your children to craft some décor or gifts. There is nothing better than sitting around the table making memories…
Stay Tuned for more Adventures in Styleland…
XOXO
Michele Conti
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As a designer I must admit I am addicted to design trends and 2017 is quickly approaching.. I think now is a great time to start exploring what trends are already shining through:
Organic color pallets – Muted, blues and greys still shining, with more organic and natural influences this years pallet will have deep greens, deeper greys and steel blues. There Back…..Deeper Jewel Tones! Deep colors are the best way to kick up a traditional space.
Cork – As a designer I am very attracted to natural texture. Cork does double duty. It creates warmth in rooms while adding texture. To add another excellent element to this already shinning star, cork absorbs noise in our increasingly open and larger homes. In a home office or luxurious bedroom this trend is often a overlooked design element. Cork brings a unique story to any part of your home. The natural but soft texture of cork complements every style.
Home Bars – This latest home trend raises the bar on what was once considered only for the uber wealthy. Home bars are now becoming the norm. At the end of a tough day at work, coming home and popping open a beer or decanting a glass of wine is a great way to unwind, but there’s just something special about making a cocktail at the bar.
Vintage goes Modern – In design, what goes around comes around. … start heading on over to your local vintage furniture store now to grab some great finds. Burled wood of the art deco period, classic campaign furniture and other vintage looks were front and center at High Point again this fall. Historic pieces and mid century modern are still going strong.
Upholstered headboards – Expect more of this glamorous look, with luxurious fabrics and tufted bed heads. This trend is very versatile, and fits into any room. Nail head’s to tufted buttons, upholstered headboards are an instant way to update your boudoir. Tailored lovely and very desirable!
Terracotta – The color is already prominent in fashion trend this fall, but this is not your mamas tile! Tiles with a matte finish are used on feature walls and fireplaces. The tiles are bordered and in uniquely warmer hues with added texture.
With only a few months left in 2016, trends in 2017 for your home are already arising! Forecasters and designers are rolling in with the newest and hottest trends for your luxury home. So if you’re thinking about or already renovating or building your own luxury home, these are some trends to look out for. Come visit me at the Home Expo for your renovation projects, let the pro’s help you, stop in and see me for some inspiration! in booth 328. We have a variety of experts on hand to talk to, so bring your ideas and let them help you complete your list.
Stay tuned as always for more Adventures in Styleland…
XOXO
M
Posted in Designs From Merlin Drive | Tagged Adventures in Styleland, architecture, Beautiful homes, Beautiful homes bedding bedrooms Bellini candice olson Certapro Painters curtain panels Curtains decks decorating decorative painting design Dining Rooms family fashion Faux Effects grey colors grey t, Interior Design and Decorating Services Albany NY, Interior Design East Greenbush Ny, Interior Design East Greenbush NY Home Decorating, Interior Design Saratoga Springs, Interior Design Saratoga Springs NY, Interior Design Schenectady NY, Interior Design Service, Interior Designer Albany NY, Kravet Fabrics, Michele Conti, Relaxed Roman Shade, Roman Shades, Sherwin Williams, Showhouse, style, traditional homes, Window Treatments | Leave a Comment »
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Adventures In Styleland! 