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Posts Tagged ‘Home Interior Design Albany NY’

Trending in Design…Large Master Bathrooms

Posted in Designs From Merlin Drive, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 8, 2016| Leave a Comment »

It’s time for the largest Home Expo trade show in the upstate area and we are delighted to be back. Mark your calendar starting February 10-12, 2017, Save the date! As always we’re talking design, trends and new innovative products. Our home improvement and home remodeling show is a wonderful place to get really great ideas for your next home improvement or home remodeling project. At The Times Union Home Show you can find highly qualified companies to help you tackle your home improvement and home renovation needs.

Perhaps you have an event happening this year, feeling your home is in need of improvement, it may be time to seriously consider remodeling areas of your home or even adding to it!

What’s hot this year in design??? The latest trend is Master Bathroom renovations. A (bath)room with a view, bathrooms are now occupying prime window space in many homes.master-bathroom-with-view

Everybody wants to relax at the end of the busy day. The best way to feel relaxed is to chill in your bathtub. After all, the bathroom is a quiet, private and relaxing space.

Luxury Bathroom upgrades grow more expensive and more lavish in 2017. As much as $350 billion in 2016 will be poured into home remodeling’s, additions and improvements, according to the American Institute of Architects 2016 spending projections released late last year. That’s up from $ 325 billion in 2015 and more U.S. homeowners are opting for luxury bathrooms over other rooms in the house, even kitchens.

large-master-bath

With near record low interest rates that encourage mortgage refinancing (the lowest since the record low set in November of 2012), many homeowners are going bigger on renovations and remodeling than ever before.

This architectural tub by MTI is the centerpiece of this master bath. Black and white color theme gives contrast against a palette of whites and creams, with Asian-influenced details.

freestanding-tub-spa-like-feel-in-this-master-bath

The freestanding tub gives a spa like feeling to the bathroom. The tub filler gives a tradition and elegant look to the tub area. One of the most impressive luxurious bathroom ideas, don’t you think?

I look forward to seeing everyone again this year at The Home Expo 2017, in the Times Union Center. Stop by my booth and say “Hello” I’m located in Booth #328!

As always Stay Tuned for more Adventures in Styleland…

XOXO

M

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Master Bath Glamour..

Posted in Designs From Merlin Drive, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 9, 2016| 3 Comments »

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.

IMG_6884

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.

IMG_6886

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.

IMG_6883

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.

IMG_6880

“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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Mothers Day.. Moms really do know best..

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 4, 2016| 1 Comment »

 

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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A Splash of Colour

Posted in Designs From Merlin Drive, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on January 16, 2016| 1 Comment »

Albany Centerr Gallery

Albany Center Gallery has provided a platform for 39 years for the work of contemporary visual artists to engage the public, Leslie Urbach opened the gallery’s doors in 1977.  The Albany Center Gallery (a non-profit art space) that is dedicated to exhibiting contemporary art of the Mohawk Hudson Region. They have at least 7 major exhibits each year. Located at 247 Lark Street in Albany, the Gallery holds regular classes and workshops.     

Albany Centerr Gallery 1Take Shape:  Opening in May 2015

Telling Oct-Nov13Telling featuring: Jane McCambley, Theresa McTague, Josette Pastore, Allan Sparrow

Leslie Urbach passed in 1997 at age 88.  His mission of fostering regional art helped launch the careers of numerous area painters, sculptors, photographers and printmakers. Albany Center Gallery will have various artists on display at the Times Union Home Expo. February 19-21st.

Our adventures continue with this DIY Art Project…

Wall Art for Less Than $10!!

Art done right..I love finding these little DIY projects that we all can appreciate! Surfing the internet on FB. I came across this article from Popsugar.com. I just had to pass it along! Enjoy!!!

How-Turn-Photos-Wall-Art

XOXO
M

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Holiday Ready Home

Posted in Designs From Merlin Drive, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on December 7, 2015| Leave a Comment »

1024x1042From our home to yours… Have yourself a Merry Christmas.. See The article on our home in 518LIFE

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My Cousin Guido…

Posted in Dishes from Merlin Drive, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 17, 2015| Leave a Comment »

guido Guido was one of my favorite cousins growing up in Brooklyn. Now living in Upstate New York one of my favorite places to visit is Guido’s Ice Cream Parlor in Albany..  Recently I  thought… why can’t we eat ice cream for breakfast????  how is it that different from milk and cereal, except in format?   Guido's Italian Ice Should some foods — like ice cream  — be off limits for breakfast?   I think not!  L.O.L…Let me say that ice cream is one of my favorite foods in the whole world; I like all kinds, with all sorts of toppings, and I have been known to find reasons to partake in this yummy treat multiple times within a single day. I mean compare your yogurt and your ice cream label…or your granola and your cone ingredients (or sugar content)! It’s all a numbers game my friends….   Growing up in Brooklyn, Italian Ice runs in my veins! This past weekend we had family in for the weekend so we headed out Saturday to Guido’s for some Italian Ice and to pick up some ice cream for home. Last night we finished dinner and brought out the ice cream from Guido’s for desert…. it was so much better than the supermarket ice cream that we normally have on hand. As we dished some out, my niece decided she wanted hers in a cone… guido's ice cream       I can honestly say I have never seen someone eat an ice cream cone by starting with chomping into the cone just below the ice cream . When I saw this we realized there was no way to salvage the situation so we just let the little honey bunny eat the cone in whatever way she wished.

She finished the whole thing………………………. then she had a bath………………………………. then we did the laundry..

I’ll end here today with this thought when I grew up we didn’t have a dishwasher, I’ve found that some shortcuts in life are worth it. And eating ice cream off paper plates is one of them.

Stay Tuned…for more adventures in Styleland…

XOXO

M

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Stay Warm In Style..

Posted in Designs From Merlin Drive, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 2, 2015| Leave a Comment »

our yardOn Merlin Drive today my yard looks pretty but very cold brrrr…..

As temperatures drop outside stay warm inside with some cozy fireplace inspiration. From traditional to modern, gas to wood-burning, a fireplace can add a serious cozy factor to your room. Just imagine snuggling up to a warm fire on these frigid nights.

Matchless Stove and Chimney

If you’ve already got a fireplace, there are many ways you can give it an update to change your look. Repainting the mantle or changing out the accessories and art above it can update your space with little effort. This neutral fireplace mantel is dressed with a bright, colorful painting!

Matchless Stove and Chimney 2

This modern fireplace adds warmth you can enjoy from every angle.

Matchless Stove and Chimney 3

You won’t have to worry about tripping on this fireplace that fits seamlessly in the wall.

Grab a good book, settle in and Stay Warm… Stay tuned for more wintery days and Adventures in Styleland..

XOXO

M

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Moving On to Brighter Things

Posted in Designs From Merlin Drive, Mother Theresa, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 3, 2013| 3 Comments »

Green Interiors

Green Interiors

This life is short, but very, very sweet. I’ve been dealing with a couple issues in my life recently, Mother Theresa passing, my daughter Giovanna leaving for college and taking on a job in an office, to help with college tuition for Gi. The office is nice, the girls are so sweet, (well, most of them) and the Gentleman who owns the business is young , good-looking, a talanted surgeon and a great guy!

But I’m missing my design friends! well to be quite honest, I miss being up on the ladder, in the middle of my designs, with the noisy construction workers that I just can’t leave alone,because I constantly have to put my 2 cents in !!  I miss Wednesdays at Denise Maurer Interiors, with Betsy Mattice and Patty Miller, but most of all I miss sitting at my computer during the day and taking a few minutes to blog to you and share my projects, ideas and news about whats got my attention in the Design World!!

I’m rethinking taking on this extra job, its taking me away from my first love, Design so maybe just working harder at my current business will bring in the extra cash for Giovanna’s education! Some new ventures have come my way, one is a great women I met through the internet. I am looking forward to meeting Carol from Green Interiors in person. She is a client that has opened a Green Design store in MA. The name is Green Interiors! She is coming to my neck of the woods for a couple of hours to meet with me and see my workroom (which is pretty impressive if I say so myself) .  We have been talking by phone for a couple of months and I have enjoyed our early morning conversations, starting our days off sharing ideas and working together to get projects on track,  and collaborating on designs. I can’t wait to meet her, I know we’ll hug and get right down to business.  No chatting about the weather and good local shopping.  We’ll get straight to the heart of things…our faith, our businesses, our families, our journeys, our struggles, our dreams for the future.   Conversations like that are good for the soul.  It’s amazing the kind of connections that are formed through this crazy social media and blog world.

Well, I’ve learned that when you meet internet friends, you bring a gift, so I’m bringing her one of my amazing bags made of vintage fabric. that my friend Kitty makes. I can’t wait to see if this Adventure will bring me back to Styleland full-time!

As Always, Stay tuned….

XOXO

M

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Highlights from Kips Bay and My First Blog Giveaway!

Posted in Designs From Merlin Drive, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 8, 2013| 6 Comments »

Kips Bay Showhouse 2013

Kips Bay Showhouse 2013

As I mentioned in my last post, this was one of the most memorable weekends I’ve had. We went full-out for three days and one of the highlights was the Kips Bay Showhouse.

My favorite Room was the Dining Room:

Dining Room

Dining Room photo by Courtney Price

Design by Kristen McGinnis Design Inc.

This photo cannot relate the how beautiful this room was, the amount of work that went into the space was apparent just by the finish on the blue lacquer walls, the faux finish over the gold leaf on the ceiling was done by Maya Romanoff. OMG! it was exquisite, and the lighting over the table… This branch with LED lighting was magnificent (again I’d like to point out the finish on the walls, just amazing!).

Kristen Mcginnis Designs

Kristen Mcginnis Designs

The art: Al Held Thalocropolis 1966 Acrylic on Canvas 84 x 72 inches, (also in this room but not pictured, Al Held Acracropolis 1966, acrylic on canvas, 84 x 72).

The buffet in the dining room, this piece was sensational,  it truly was another piece of art in this room…

Sideboard Kips Bay Dining Room

Kips Bay Dining Room

Buffet is by Vincent DuBourg – Bronze Double buffet Nouvelle Zeland 2011 Collection of Chum Langhome

Wendel Castle Bench

Wendel Castle Bench

This bench over looked the two-story atrium, you can see Denise Maurer peaking through the railing on the lower level!! The bench was made by Wendell Castle,  an American furniture artist and a leading figure in American craft. He is often credited with being the father of the art furniture movement. Kristen told me this bench was made by him at 84 years of age. Again this at every turn of the head this room was astonishing!

Gomez Assiciates Drawing Room

Gomez Assiciates Drawing Room

(Above) The Drawing Room, beautiful Loto Chinese Carpet, Doris Leslie Blau

Sitting Room/Barbara Ostrom

Sitting Room/Barbara Ostrom

This was another great use of a small space, the Sitting Room:  ceiling mural by I-Faux-Professional Decorative Finishes Andrei Chichkine, Inc., the Drapery and sofa fabric by Jerry Pair/Dedar.

Judy King 4th fl. Landing Aquatic Pass

Judy King 4th fl. Landing Aquatic Pass

The 4th Floor Landing was so beautiful, I would love to have the art work! Art By Modern Aquatics Series: Central Park #1, 2 & 3 Richard Bettinger Studios

Now there were so many great rooms, I could on and on seriously! This Bath blew me away!!  Toward the end of our time at Kips Bay, Denise Maurer and I made a stop in the kitchen to sip the Champagne!

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Okay let’s get  to the giveaway!!

This giveaway was sponsored by Kravet Blogfest 2013, and  HGTV Magazine,  One lucky winner will receive a Dyson DC 47 Animal Vacuum!

Dyson Vacuum

Eligibility to win the Dyson DC 47 Vacuum:

1) Check out my past blog  read about Blogfest 2013 and tell me what where the Kravet Blogfest 2013 lunheon with Thom Filicia was held.  Name the place in a comment on this blog post.

2)  Share this giveaway on either Facebook or Twitter and tell where you linked (FB or Twitter.)

3) Like my Facebook Page

So you know what to do, like my Facebook page, Tweet about this blog and giveaway, and answer the question above! the drawing will be held on June 30th!

I want to thank Kravet again for their inspiration,  HGTV Magazine and Dyson! Visit Kravet’s blog Inspired Talk take a look at the Highlights from our weekend! See more photos on Blogfest2013 Facebook

 

As Always stay tuned …….

 

XOXO

M

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Kravet Fabrics Tells A Story of Color…

Posted in Designs From Merlin Drive, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 11, 2013| Leave a Comment »

Kravet: Ted Fall

Kravet: Ted Fall

Yesterday was my day at Denise Maurer Interiors. We met with Ted Fall our Kravet consultant, he was excited to talk about some new fabrics, carpets and wall coverings from Kravet, Lee Jofa and Brunschwig & Fils. Here are some highlights from our meeting! Here is Ted  Fall holding up one of our favorite fabrics of the day!!!!

Ted Fall Kravet

Ted Fall Kravet

Brunschwig & Fils Le Jardin

Chinoiserie Le Jardin

Chinoiserie Le Jardin

Le Jardin Chinois Collection celebrates the fantasy and timelessness of chinoiserie. This as you know from past posts is a design that intrigues me! It takes me to an elegant faraway place and holds my imagination. European trade with China brought about a passion for chinoiserie, a style that captured fantasies of Chinese life ~ephemeral pagodas, long-tailed birds, men in coolie hats, flower laden vines. During the 18th century, French artist Jean Baptiste Pillement combined Chinese themes in a particular and stylish manner which proved to be very popular. Jean Baptiste Pillement  was a painter and designer, known for his exquisite and delicate landscapes, but whose importance lies primarily in the engravings done after his drawings, and their influence in spreading the Rococo style and particularly the taste for chinoiserie throughout Europe.

Brunschwig & Fils

Brunschwig & Fils

In 1941, Brunschwig & Fils founder Roger Brunschwig went off to war and his wife, Zelina, took over the family business. Mrs. B, as she was affectionately called, was a woman of great style, sophistication and inventiveness. Mrs. B is credited with developing the brand and aesthetic of Brunschwig & Fils as we know it today and for introducing scheming into its marketing efforts. Her motto “Good Design Is Forever” still holds true today.

These new collections bring a colorful approach to design with linen embroidery and crewel. Featuring bright colors, bold graphic patterns, geometric, abstract and comtemporay linear patterns that range in both vivid colors and neutrals. We were all inspired by the colorful animal prints, paisley, and Ikat fabrics that are the trend this season!

Some other fabrics Ted Fall shared with us…

Mulberry Fabric

Mulberry Fabric

Johnathan Adler

Johnathan Adler

Here are some Cheveron patterns that again have made a comeback with Johnathan Adler for kravet!

Cheveron earth tones

Cheveron earth tones

Thanks to Ted Fall for his time and sharing Kravet, Lee Jofa and Brunschwig & Fils designs in new carpets, wall coverings and fabrics. I’m looking forward to going to New York City  May 20-21, 2013 and visiting Blogfest 2013, hope to see you all there!

Blogfest 2013

Blogfest 2013

                                                                                              Blogfest 2013!!!!

Kravet is once again hosting for Interior Design Bloggers a two-day event.  Featured designers and design collaborations: Candice Olson, Thom Filicia and Sara Peterson. Also sponsors include Kravet, Lee Jofa, Brunschwig and Fils, Newel (whose showroom I’ve visited on many occasions and actually met Mr. Newel on one of my visits!) New York Spaces, HGTV Interiors, Wilsonart, Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse and ICFF.

Here is some information you’ll need:

This event is: Private

Admission Fee: $100.00
On Twitter: @blogfest2013

Please click on the widget on my sidebar for a link to the site and register!!

As always stay tuned for more adventures in Styleland!!

XOXO

M

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