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Posts Tagged ‘Home Interior Design Albany NY’

Spring is just around the corner, and one of the best ways to celebrate the season of new beginnings is to mix some of today’s fresh new fabrics into home decor. If you’re sad to see prints like the lattice, trellis and chevron start to lose traction, never fear. Many of these designs are still around, but with a twist. And other clean, bold styles are emerging. Below we spotlight some fabric patterns that are back in style. They are “new” in the sense that they are causing a stir this season, but you’ve definitely seen them (or some version of them) before. Check them out!

Ikat

Ikat Fabric designs unite centuries-old modes of craftsmanship with many gorgeously suffused palettes. Ikat literally translates as ‘to bind,’ hinting at the intricate processes involved in its making.

New Ikat Patterns

New Ikat Patterns

The ikat pattern takes the traditional chevron and gives it a little blur, ikat style. This is such a stylish and current design decor. The soft shades of gray with just a hint of yellow make it a perfect neutral choice. Chevron pulses with youthful energy. Perhaps that’s why it’s so popular with customers in their 20s and 30s. It’s fun to see their faces light up when they walk into stores and see fireball chairs.

If you’re closer to my age, chances are when you see chevrons you are reminded of the flame-stitch patterns that were so popular back in the day. Believe me, today’s chevrons are not like those kooky patterns in your mom’s living room. Done in turquoise, coral and emerald, they look brand-new. I love a chevron mixed in with more traditional fabrics in pillow arrangements, whether on a sofa or bed, to give the overall look more zip.

 

Ikat Chevron Pattern

Ikat Chevron Pattern

Carole Fabrics

Carole Fabrics

This Carole Fabric has been so popular, the citrine and blue together are exquisite! This fabric would make a great window seat!

Honeycomb

A honeycomb resurgence has been in the works on for the last few years, but recently designs have shifted away from heavily outlined prints and toward more natural, modern renditions. The Honeycomb Crewel Pillow Cover from West Elm, shown below, features a raised textural surface and an elongated design.

Honeycomb Pattern

Honeycomb Pattern

These patterns geometric in design are more classic with a modern twist!

Honeycomb

I love not only the honeycomb pattern but the color combination used on this distinctive light shade! Imagine building a room’s colors around this palette. Learn more at Shades of Light

Honeycomb Light Shade

Honeycomb Light Shade

 

Trellis

The Imperial Trellis pattern is nothing new but it has been making a big statement in interiors lately.  I must say, I think I am falling in love!

Imperial Trellis Schumacher

Imperial Trellis Schumacher

It is everywhere from upholstery, drapery, accessories and even wall paper. I am loving this dining room below.  The trellis pattern can be a bit busy as with any pattern, but this design was executed perfectly!  It is balanced with the white color palette and simple forms in the space.  There are so many traditional elements in this space yet it has a clean modern feel, my favorite!

trellis1                                                                                               Kelly Wearstler’s trellis is one of the most popular here are a few other favorites.

Fioretto Graphite

Fioretto Graphite

 

Dura Lee Covington

Dura Lee Covington

This great pattern is a Relaxed Roman on my Etsy Store!

 

 

Lattice

I must say that Trellis and Lattice are almost one in the same, but today’s designers have given yesterday’s lattice patterns a modern vibe. Even though the new look in lattice motifs is big and bold, this reinterpreted classic is really pretty quiet, so it works well mixed in with fabrics that are stronger, brighter and busier.

 

Lattice Chairs

Lattice Chairs

My favorite way to use lattice fabrics right now is on side chairs. They create an interesting backdrop for a host of fun decorative treatments in a room.

JeannieBottleTeal

Lattices also are ideal for layering, whether you’re pulling together window treatments or a grouping of accent pillows on a bedding ensemble that is as perky as a cup of morning coffee.

Carole Fabric

Carole Fabric

Lattice panels and pillows

Lattice panels and pillows

 

 

Lattice or Trellis??

Lattice or Trellis??

 

Scales

Sometimes mod, sometimes purely modern, the fish scale pattern can be traced back through a variety of decades, sporting an equal variety of looks. In this decade, the print has re-emerged on pillows, rugs and bedding, such as the Coral Lamu Duvet from Serena & Lily:

Fish Scale Design

Fish Scale Design

The pattern also comes in shades of brown and coral, making a striking statement as bedding, especially when paired with an upholstered headboard. The Chocolate and Coral Fish Scale Euro Shams can be seen in the images that follow. While the pattern is advertised as sporting a bohemian style, the curves of the print can veer into Art Deco territory with the right accessories.

Fish Scale

Fish Scale

 

 

If you’re a true Hollywood Regency enthusiast who appreciates a clean-lined geometric pattern, you’ll love the Scales Pillows in Citron and Teal, Fabric from Spoon Flower. These Down filled pillows would make a statement in any room!

Spoon Flower Fabric

Spoon Flower Fabric

 

What do you think of these “new” fabric patterns? It’s nice to change things up, right?! Trends are clearly leaning toward the tribal. If tribal style is a reaction to crisp, clean-lined patterns, then what could be next? Another celebration of defined, outlined prints? Hope you enjoyed this take on patterns…

 

As always, stay tuned for more Adventures in Styleland!!!

 

XOXO

 

M

 

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The art of Gift Wrapping!!

The art of Gift Wrapping!!

Holiday Gifts: How to make yours stand out

November 21, 2012 at 9:31 am by TU Magazines

The Art of Wrap

By Janet Reynolds/Life@Home

Sure, you can cover a box with some holiday paper, stick on a bow, maybe some ribbon and call it a day. Or with just a little extra time and ingenuity you can create something that has recipients feeling special before the box is even open.

We asked interior designer Denise Maurer, of Maurer Interiors in Troy, aided by interior designer Michele Conti, of Designs by Michele in Niskayuna, along with a secret elf who wants to remain nameless, for their best wrapping tips. Here are just a few of their wonderful ideas.

Bright Idea!  Save wallpaper scraps and you’ve always got gift wrap on hand.

Just about anything can take on a second life as a gift decoration.

Bright Idea!  Use a mini picture-frame instead of  a card.

Who says red and green are the only holiday gift wrapping colors?

Among the goodies Maurer and Conti used for these natural-looking wraps are wallpaper, brown paper bags, retired drapery tassels, older Christmas tree ornaments and, of course, pine cones.

Maurer’s top tip: Wrap first; embellish later. “You can focus on how it all goes together that way,” she says. Maurer saves bits of everything. “I’m always looking at something and thinking what could I do with this?”

Who says red and green are the only holiday gift wrapping colors? Both Maurer and Conti try to color-coordinate their wrapping. Here, peacock feathers and bits of former ornaments help make these packages pop.

Why take the time? “It’s a lot of fun putting it together,” Maurer says. “And it’s nice to unwrap something you don’t want to unwrap.”

Adds Conti, “It’s part of the gift.”

What every wrapper should have on-hand

  • glue gun
  • glue stick
  • double-sided clear tape
  • floral wire
  • regular clear tape

Photos by Colleen Ingerto/Life@Home

Great ideas for gift wrapping, holiday or any occasion!! Enjoy!!

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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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This year I was totally out of my realm. Perfect is how I always do a holiday!!! This year was more relaxed to say the least. but my home (as a designer is usually over the top)  this year….Not so much… Clearly not a sign of things to come I can assure you, but phrases like “less is more”  and words like “thrifty” were our motto as we attempted to finish a huge project (painting the livingroom, dining room and kitchen) we took on a week before Thanksgiving! OH MY DEAR LORD! What in heaven’s name was I thinking. This ment exhaustion, stress and I have to say, my home was not ready for entertaining and no window treatments (hence the “Less is more” phrase came into play here!!!) Some Pictures of the before and after…

Before

Before

After

After

So here I am New Years Day ! Reflecting on all I have accomplished  during the holidays, our home was crazy busy!!!! Working, caring for our children, baking, shopping, taking care of Mother Theresa, Decorating, Thanksgiving, Christmas and finally New Year!!!!!!!   Yay, whew……we made it.. and in the midst of all of the holiday rush and the busyness I had to admit to myself that I was addicted to Creating and Decorating. Yes My Name is Michele and I’m a Designaholic!!! This realization came when I  somehow volunteered my time to paint eighteen panels of scenery for the Sand Lake Center for the Arts Theater,  “The Secret Garden” play.  I must say that although I was feeling a bit pressed for time when the panels that were suppose to arrive the beginning of November, came December 2nd but, we quickly settled into a routine (far from a schedule) my two partners in this project Betsy, Rae and I. All at once we were just rolling them out! I must say most of the time (although chaotic in my household,)  it was absolutely wonderful, and  it was very fulfilling .

A different time long ago,  we were “busy” with daily living needs. Cooking and cleaning took time, as in serious time. We really appreciated the product of our labor. This year my girls Giovanna

The 1st honey bunny

The 1st honey bunny

and Rosaria

The 2nd honey bunny

The 2nd honey bunny

realized,  that the baking our family (Aunt Carol, Mother Theresa aka “Grandmother”, cousin Stefanie and our newest addition Lydia)

Mother Theresa and Lydia

Mother Theresa and Lydia

do each year, taking the better part of a day, would  give them a  such a sense pride and fulfillment because of the effort it took. Try getting that feeling from the cookies purchased at the grocery store. How many of us can say we feel fulfilled by running errands, answering emails or sitting  alone searching the internet for something to purchase for a christmas gift ?

Sometimes I wonder, this lovely life, with a husband, and two teenage girls and a great family how could I ever forget whats important?????

Our home with the Conti's and Mother Theresa

I have a feeling this is going to be Delicious!!

So through it all, I seemed to have maintained some sort of clarity. I know, I know,  although I want to sometimes use duck tape on my children, disown my husband, pretend I have lost Mother Theresa at the Feast of San Gennaro and escape to Margaritaville with a large glass,  I  truly love my life, my work and my wonderful family. Hope you all enjoyed the holidays as much as I did!!!!

As Always, stay tuned for more adventures!!!!

XOXO

M

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Expressing yourself with things you love is what makes your home your retreat. An escape to a place that brings happiness, where you come to gather with family. As summer comes to a close, we begin our retreat indoors. Taking a new look at our home, we start to think of things to edit aesthetically. Simplicity is what we are moving towards, time to declutter! We are looking for the serenity that means “home”.  In spring, we do “spring cleaning” after our winter solstice, we do” fall cleaning” and when we return indoors after our summer soiree we do exactly the same, we look at life’s transitions that often warrant taking stock, so we begin to edit getting rid of excess baggage. What we end up with are our favorite things.

Autumn to winter, winter to spring,

Spring into Summer, summer into fall…

So rolls the changing year, and so we change:

Motion so swift, we know not that we move.

by Dinah Mullock Craik

Since ancient times, September is viewed as the beginning of a new year, a time for reflection and resolution. I love antiques, but this year I feel the need for change in my own abode!!! I would like to become more transitional than traditional. Feeling the need to lighten the load! A palette of neutrals and cool pastels… linens, canvas, sisal is my soothing antidote. I will keep my antiques, I love the chips, cracks and crumbles of the pieces I’ve collected, but I will declutter and lighten the pallet in my home, adding some transitional pieces that will make a change.  I’ll leave with some inspiration that has helped me move towards creating my retreat and transforming my home…

As always 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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Thank you to Tania for letting me create a Marble Spa in your Bathroom, Just a quick post!!!  More pic’s to come of some on going work I am doing!!!! Life is good, Girls are great, Mother Theresa Coming to oversee Father’s Day Feast tomorrow!!!

ImageImageImageImage

As always stay tuned!!!

XOXO

M

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Spring is the perfect time to give your home a fresh look. From serene shades to vivid hues, I have 5 color schemes you’ll want to try this season. Turquoise and tomato red according to some design experts are new hues for this season. I know turquoise??? red????? haven’t these colors been popular for a while?? Well, yes but it is definitely the HUE, that so subtle difference in color that creates new trends, and also the way we pair colors together that creates news. Here is a great example of the new pair that was a color faux pas in the past, pink and red.

Red and Pink spring color pallette

Pink and Red???

Don’t shy away from color this season. Designer Erinn Valencich pairs classic red with hot pink for a bold bedroom design. By using gold and cream in the bedding and wallpaper, she keeps the vibrant shades from overpowering the space.

Clean and Crisp!

Spring hues are ideal for a girl’s bedroom. Using a polka-dot pillow as inspiration, this designer uses a focal wall to set off the room.

Damask fabric in apple green complements the vivid pink wall, while a white headboard and bedding give the space a crisp, fresh look.  I just love Damask, its one of my favorite patterns.

Having two girls of my own, pink is a color that has adorned their rooms for many years, it is always in style for girls, from nursery to teens and beyond.

Bright colors

One of the most appealing shades of spring is the deep blue found in this bedspread. It’s combined with other favorite hues, like tomato red, turquoise and apple green, to create an energetic and bright design.

The mix of patterns here is just exquisite, when pairing patterns small and bold always work with a linear stripe. The pop of white in this headboard again keeps that crisp sharp feeling in the room.

Blue and Yellow

The classic blue and yellow combo is always a favorite. While white is often paired with this palette to keep it light and airy, black accents to create a richer, more sophisticated atmosphere.

Serene Green

Pairing together a calming relaxing green with neutrals are a safer choice and using deeper hues of the same shades as accents, create a great space and inviting atmosphere.

Yellow and Grey

This trend is so popular I have added two pictures for you!! Loving the fresh bright sunshiny yellow paired with the subtle grey!!

Neutrals continue to flourish, as companions for brighter hues or as standalone, monochromatic color schemes.

Which neutral might just surpass brown as the favorite? Gray. And it covers a wide range of hues, which span soft gray to charcoal to hematite, and gain interest from metallic and pearlescent accents.

Green continues to gain strength from its association with the growing shift toward eco-consciousness. It will show up in everything from fabrics to accessories to countertops.

I hope you have enjoyed my forecast on whats new and upcoming in color!! As always stay tuned…..

XOXO

M

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Just wanted to share some pictures and quotes about “HOME” I love my home for many reasons, my home is where my soul resides. It is where I feel surrounded by wealth, not monetary wealth but spiritual wealth. Our family is here, our memories are here, our friends gather here…

“A house is much more than mere shelter, It should lift us emotionally and spiritually” a quote by John Saladino

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