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Posts Tagged ‘Custom Interiors Albany NY’

This recently completed master bath renovation was in a newly built home. The owners were happy with the layout of the bathroom but, wanted to punch it up a bit! The master bathroom should be your sanctuary, as stylish as it is soothing. We wanted to turn the existing bath into something unique.

I’ve rounded up a stunning way to create the dream bath that they would love being in. This bathroom was to be transformed into a peaceful escape reserved for the masters of the house.  With stunning tile work, soft fabrics and a calming color palette blend to form a decadent space designed for relaxation.

I started wall a gorgeous tile, the moment I saw this glass tile I knew.. this was perfect. And I was right, the owners squealed with excitement when I presented my ideas and finishes.

We chose a white glass tile, Jeweled j-603 in diamond white: The combination of finishes on the sheet of tile are clear glass,  wavy glass, frosted glass and marble,  it is exquisite.Jewel tile

The countertop, I used is  Cambria: Berwyn, this silver flecked stone adds a soft yet glamorous touch to this master bath.

Cambria-Berwyn

The Delta Vero Lavatory Faucets with waterfall spout, gives the right touch of sophistication to this charming master bath without breaking the budget.

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I took the bathroom mirror and lighting under the microscope to show how this bath accessory can change the ambience of your bathroom. Remember the main task of lighting in the bath, both direct and indirect is to caress and compliment you.

What do you think about illuminated mirrors? I used the LED Strip lights to back light the mirrors in this design, providing illumination as well as visual style above the vanity’s white under-mount sinks and quartz countertops.

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Two glass jeweled pendants hang above the double vanity adding a bit more interest and an elegant look.  Its tailored, not to girly for a man, and has a upscale feel in a restrained way.

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The lighted mirrors are remote controlled to fade to different colors and also soften or brighten with a touch.  The darker wood cabinets provide a subtle contrast with the lighter tiled floor.

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“It is a very luxurious spa like experience in this bathroom” the homeowners said when the project was completed.

It’s the details that give this Master suite a luxurious touch. I was hoping to create the sense of a 5 star hotel, it’s very important I think, that is  the experience you have when you walk into this space. This space is serene and peaceful, you have the same experience in the master bedroom.


To visually connect the master suite each room plays off the colors and fabrics of the last space. Though they’re usually hidden behind closed doors, master bathrooms deserve to be as thoughtfully decorated as your home’s living spaces.

 

As always, stay tuned for more Adventures in Styleland!

 

XOXO

M

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In honour of mothers on their special day, I asked myself what decorating secrets did I learn from my Mom…

mom carol and I

She made our home beautiful, chic and inspiring while juggling both a full-time job and being a mother. I learned about fabrics and sewing from my mom. She was an extraordinary seamstress. When I was little, I loved going to the fabric store with her — it was a world of imagination and creativity. She taught me to appreciate quality, natural fibers like wools, silks and fine cotton. Now working with fabrics is one of my favorite parts of decorating.

Another important lesson she taught me,  never to buy what I don’t need: a bargain is only a bargain if it’s something important. I also learned all about color selection and furniture arranging from her. We lived in Brooklyn NY in a 6 room apartment, she always kept it fresh, ever changing.. and I firmly believe that had this wonderful woman been any less interested in our family home as I grew up, I might not be where I am today.

My mother taught me that it’s important to develop personal style,  buy the best quality you can afford and mix family pieces, antiques and comfortable upholstered furniture– eat in the dining room, use your china or better dishes on Sundays.. I learned to respect our home and everything within it, including my mother.

My mom used to rearrange the furniture a lot — it’s surprising how furnishings can look completely new when viewed from a different angle or in a different room. She also taught me that every window looks empty and cold unless softened by a window treatment, she changed hers often.

She was never afraid of bold patterns, I remember her sewing room or the SPARE ROOM, we had large orange and yellow wall paper, and smaller floral wall paper on the ceiling.. It was cutting edge at the time..

When I was little, my mother always dressed — she was glammed up even when cleaning the house. From her, I learned to dress and decorate with the intent to be gorgeous, having no fear of color.

I will end here with a couple of ideas for what to do for your mom..

Source and pay for a house cleaning service for a few months. A house cleaning every two weeks, I’m sure all moms would appreciate the break. That being said, do not buy her a vacuum, cleaning supplies, or tools unless she specifically asks for them. I’m looking at you Dad.

Brunch was always a favorite of mine.. I loved to go to a special Italian place locally that served cured meats..fresh fruits..baked delights and my family would all laugh and enjoy the meal together…

table scape

Spend time, yes…time… take the day and pull out pictures, family vacations reminisce with her, make cookies sit and have a cup of coffee.. Love her and let her know that she is the most important women in your life.

Mom and Dad

 

Miss you Mother Theresa…All my love

 

XOXO

 

M

 

 

 

 

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habitat Post-and-Beam-Waterfront-Home

What makes the Post and Beam homes so alluring? Is it the massive strength of the post and beam frame and the enduring stability of the homes, or is it the unmatched calm and comfort of the homes  style, in stark contrast to life itself? These beautiful post and beam designs are made to have engineering strengths that allow for long, unobstructed spans, open floor plans, and walls of glass. The result is a signature: a mix of casual elegance and livability that never goes out of style.

habitat Post-and-Beam-Waterfront-Home 1

There is a network of Post and Beam Designers (also known as Timber Frame Homes)  nationwide and internationally, do your research. Post and Beam homes are a legacy that can be passed down for generations, those who inhabit it can enjoy these benefits for decades… or even centuries.

Habitat comtemporary Post and Beam

Habitat post and beam interior by hearthstone

Post and beam homes are true works of art. And just like art, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, whether your contemporary, traditional, classic or rustic, the timeless beauty and ambiance of a Post and Beam home results in a warm and inviting space in which to live. .

Habitat post and beam interior kitchen

Stay tuned.. Spring is in the air.. what will we discover on our adventures in Styleland….?

XOXO

M

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Nancy and Ruby Wokowsky Ganesvroot Home

Nancy and Ruby Wokowsky Ganesvroot Home

This month I was published in a local magazine that comes out once a month, it contains articles on home decorating and ideas for the DIY’er. I was happy to see my clients home on the cover as well as a generous spread in the magazine,  I’d like to share some of the photos, click on Life @ Home for the link.  Enjoy!!! This is a great home, I was honored to work with this couple and be part of their design team,  here are some interior pictures!!

Dining Room

Dining Room

Relaxed Roman Shades were done with Dura Lee Fabric, Faux Silks Pattern: 32191,  Trim: by DKEI Tassle Ball Fringe G0515oe. Shade by custom work room. Contact Designs by Michele @ 518 852-4185 For details.

Nancy and Rudy

Nancy and Rudy

My Clients the Wokowsky’s, great couple with a passion for life, love and family. Rudy and Nancy said they’re home was an on going project for 20 years!

Front Stair case

Front Staircase

Rudy uncovered this beam when they opened the wall in the front entry, to the living room.

Living Room Window Treatments,

Living Room Window Treatments,

The London Shades in Seabrook Fabric: Disturbance color Chocolate, Relaxed Roman in Dura Lee Casements Pattern: 50951 Color: Ivory Window Treatments by Designs By Michele 518 852-4185.

staircase

Front Staircase looking down to entry.

dining room

Ceiling Medallions Rudy added!

This is truly the stove that Nancy uses both to heat the home and cook!

This is truly the stove that Nancy uses both to heat the home and cook!

Dressing room off the Master Suite

Dressing room off the Master Suite

Valances were by Country Curtains, Custom Relaxed Romans in DuraLee, Eyelash Sheers, Pattern: 50813 Color: Lake

Window Treatments created by Designs by Michele 518 852-4185

Some of the soffits that Rudy restored when the home was first purchased.

Some of the soffits that Rudy restored when the home was first purchased.

Some of the intricate painting by Certa Pro Painters.

Hope you enjoyed the photos, take a moment to read the article about this beautiful country home!! Stay Tuned…….

XOXO

M

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Even if you don’t know the name, chances are you’ll have at some point seen de Gournay’s fabulous wallpapers. Perhaps it was a striking backdrop in some glossy fashion shoot, in the luxury penthouses of some of the worlds most high-end hotels.

Since it’s founding back in 1986, De Gournay’s exquisite wallpapers have been hand painted in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province. The company specializes in creating wallpapers inspired by 18th century Chinoiserie, all adhering to traditional methods. Literally meaning ‘Chinese-esque’, the style was popular in Europe and was a true fusion of East and West: designers would create their own interpretations of Chinese compositions, and stately homes, palaces and castles across Europe would invariably have at least one room entirely decked out with Chinese mirrors, lacquer furniture, and, of course, wallpaper.

 

Recently someone asked if I could identify the wallpaper in these Miles Redd designed rooms which I posted here on the blog …of course I said it’s de Gournay , one of my favorites!  This exquisite hand painted wall covering costs around $650 and up per panel, is truly a luxury. . Here are a few other example of genuine de Gournay goodness:

The hand painted papers of de Gournay stand at the pinnacle of interior design.

Although an investment, a room done in de Gournay certainly does not need artwork or much embellishment.

 

 

Painted Panels
The London-based firm De Gournay specializes in 18th- and 19th-century chinoiserie and neoclassical French designs. The Papiers Peints Panoramiques are particularly remarkable. These are made of block-printed sheets with panoramic landscapes and historical and mythical scenes meant to re-create the spectacle in a wraparound fashion. Some designs are more than 200 years old. Prices vary widely. $ By appointment only. At 143 W. 29th St., New York; 212-564-9750; www.degournay.com.

How decadent! If money were no object, I would love to swathe my dining room in a beautiful Chinoiserie de Gournay design. Chinoiserie designs are so timeless to me and depending on what you pair them with they can look so fresh and modern. They’re rather versatile and truly classic.

Here is another Miles Redd, this rich chocolate is exquisite!!!

To quote Martyn Lawrence Bullard, I have to say that de Gournay’s line of hand-painted wallpapers is absolutely “delicious”.

Maria Christofilis, founder and creative director of the Anthousa collection, loved her custom-made peony and cherry blossom silk panels by de Gournay that they inspired her new  home fragrance, De Gournay Jardinieres and Citrus Trees, and the beautiful fabric swatch became the packaging.

Do you have any favorites?

 

Hope you enjoyed today’s adventure, its always nice to see you here again, stay tuned ….

 

XOXO

 

M

 

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Bedroom Verona

Dressing up windows has never been easier. Anything goes. Home centers have a multitude of rods and poles designed to achieve a custom look for any style window!

Windows come in all sizes, and there’s a drapery or shade for every situation. Long draperies generally create a formal effect, while short curtains or shades look more casual. Curtains can create an illusion, altering the look of the window dimensions.

Before

To create an illusion there are a couple of things we can do, widen the window and make the window taller. With this layered treatment we did just that! Creating a sleek and sophisticated layered treatment!

Romans and Panels hung close to the ceiling and at the sides

of the window.

The features and functions of window treatments are many! The create a sense of style, visual interest, softness and warmth. They also are used for light control, privacy, exterior noise control and interior noise reduction. As I mentioned above, illusion create balance between windows or add height to low windows. Another use for window treatments is to camouflage to hide architectural flaws, or oscure a bad view.

I love layered treatments such as custom Flag valance panels,

Flag Valance Panels

I love the options you have, whether it be romans or roller shades, cornices or pelmets layering is in!!

Jackie Von Toble has a blog that I love, she has written one of the best design directories for window treatments, here is a link to her blog Jackie Blue Home. Window Treatments are a great addition to your home, my facination with fabric and design has just begun, so…

As always stay tuned for more adventures in styleland!!!

XOXO

M

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