Adventures In Styleland!

Where to start??? Our home has changed so much, I guess THE MASTER SUITE !! The best part of the whole transformation. My bedroom originally was on the main level of the old raised ranch.  We added a second level and created this Master Suite. Our room is 35 x 35 Holy cow!!! I was wondering if this was enough room when we were first framing this space in!!

 The walls are painted Smokey Topaz ( sw-6117) a Sherwin Williams color. Trim color is Tatami Tan sw-6116, also Sherwin Williams.

Master Bathroom

The Master bath was just a dream!! The tile is real stone with frameless shower doors and a luxurious soaker tub. The vanities are both mahogany, and the chandelier just finishes the space!!

 Window treatments are custom-made by yours truly, I found a great deal at Burlington Coat Factory in housewares this is a Christopher Lowell bed set. The Panels and valances were sold separately.  I altered the valances  into Cornices, and added a beautiful fringe to the panels to customize them. I added  pull shades to the window treatment by purchasing a clearance fabric and fusible web at Joann Fabrics .Next, I purchased a $2.00 roller shade from Lowes,   I cut the material and webbing  to desired length and width, took off the plastic shade and attached the material and webbing by stapling the fabric to the wooden rod. Well-la!!!! Instant Fabric Roller Shade!!

Since I can go on on about this space I will reign myself in and just continue to post pictures of the rest of the house!!  Living Room!

The Entry –

This was my creation!! I saw this space in my head and my Wonderful Husband did the mill work. Hot, I tell you this guy is on fire, MY OWN ITALIAN STALLION!!! Of course these are not professional shots, but they will do! I love the space we added and love our home but…………I’m ready for change now.

Dining Room’s next, what do you think so far?

Giovanna room has been up dated so many times, It would be hard to show the whole transformation, so I will show how it was originally and how it is now!

Just love this room window treatments to follow!! Stay turned for more on Merlin Drive!!

XOXO

M

There was a  raised ranch……., My husband Gabe and I were just married a year and I was expecting our first Cherub, Giovanna. We needed more room as our little bungalow barely fit  all of our STUFF, much less all of the STUFF  we now needed for a baby. Our budget was little to none, so we looked for as much space  as little money could buy. That lead us here, to suburbia Niskayuna New York.

 We started our family and put down roots. We soon loved the neighborhood and decided that our drafty old home needed a fabulous make over (it was definitely showing its age at 40 years). So construction began….

The roof was off and a second level was added, the front of the house was bumped out to create a 2 story foyer, with gorgeous gothic windows. The deck was modified to  three levels and every wall inside but one was knocked down. Once we had the new  space renovated we  had a beautiful master suite, on its own level. Along with a completely new home to settle back and decorate. This will begin the chronicles of  “Designs from Merlin Drive”. Our home is now decorated in French Country with Victorian influences. I would like to create a more transitional look with Chic furnishings, clean lines and an aire of elegance. 

The girl’s rooms are first, Giovanna’s room is in full swing and this spring we are going to transform the living room, dining room and entry. This is sure to be an adventure, OMG!! can’t wait to see this unveiling of these beautiful spaces. Along with our home project, I am a designer and have a small space inside a shabby chic store. I’ve also been awarded a space in a local Showhouse. The showhouse will be a different adventure all together. Another project on a budget……. Wait till you see what I have in store this year!!!

 For now we will finish Giovanna’s room and start Rosaria’s room (can’t do one teenage daughters room and not the other! Paahleaseeee!!). I will post current pictures of the interior next, stay tuned……. Hope to hear from you!!

XOXO

m

Teenage Dream

This is my 15 year old daughter’s new room make over. If this isn’t a Teenage Dream I don’t know what is!
So starting this project was Hairy to say the least, anyone who has dealt with a fifteen year old knows exactly what I’m talking about… Giovanna my little angel has grown into a very strong and confident individual (wasn’t that great!!! I gave a compliment without any sarcasm!!).  She defiantly knows what she doesn’t like but could not quite figure out what she wanted. This is a very precarious situation for any parent.. how do you gently suggest a color scheme that would not stand out as a black hole in your home and please a teenager??  Well by some divine power I was able to introduce a lime green (Ben Moore – Stem Green 2029-40) and a Hot pink (Ralph Lauren –  Aruba Pink IB52) that just made her giddy!! The Stencil from The Artful Stencil (custom-made into 18 x 24) Was the Pièce de résistance !!  www.theartfulstencil.com.

The Room started off in Aqua and brown with beautiful custom window treatments (Made by yours Truly) notice the lovely lady that’s Gi as we call her room was already starting to transform into the Lime Pink Palace!!!!  The furniture was a gift from Aunt Donna (another colorful family member) who also provided the gorgeous Lime

Chest on chest

Chandelier that only Aunt Donna would find while vacationing in Sturbridge Village MA, always thinking of the girlies ( Sadie Greens in Sturbridge had this wonderful piece).

The furniture started in a antique yellow, handles gold. Mirror at local thrift store $20.00, transformation to the lovely hot pink pieces you see in these photos. New window treatments to follow stay tuned>>>

XOXO

M