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Posts Tagged ‘Inspiration’

color blocking kitchen cabinets pexels for curtis lumberAs 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.

merillat maple mist

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.

Merilatte Shale

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.

merliatt urban industrial

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

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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).

2017 Trends

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.

2017 trend greek key trim1

 

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…

2017 trend greek key trim2017 trending Pillows

 

 

 

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!

2017 trend understated-textiles-non color textures

 

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.

2017 trends woven shades with sheer panels

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.

2017 trending beach boho

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

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Oh, Goodwill! Just when I’m ready to break up with you , you surprise me with something cool..head board bench 5

Throw out the notion that good design is expensive, or must be carried out by a head board benchprofessional 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.

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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

Ballard design Louis xv Salon Chair

 

 

 

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!)

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Best Yard Sale find $5.00

 

 

clock table

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.

Garage-Sale

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

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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…

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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…

arhuas

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

 

 

 

 

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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!movie-tickets-in-scarf-wrapping

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.

home-made-christmas-gifts

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.

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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

 

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Living in Upstate NY there are many historic farm homes that were built with excellent architecture. Large wooden beams and coffered ceilings make farmhouse design alluring today. With a revival of Rustic design and rich heritage of older homes and estates in upstate New York,  this style is a marriage made in heaven! I’ve put together some steps to follow to create beautiful, functional upscale farmhouse designs. To start the Journey…

Stay Neutral

Use a neutral pallet of light and airy colors to create a calming and casual atmosphere. When you do add color make it  a soothing green or sea-mist blue that adds a touch without too much pop. Soft shades of brown, black, grey, tan, beige and white are used quite often to ground the whole design concept.

farmhouse-painted-coffered-ceiling

Blending History and Current design

Mix together old furnishings, new fabrics and colors to keep your look fresh, but inviting. Even if you don’t currently own true antiques you can fake it. Use Distressed furnishings and sanded off painted surfaces to give the look of worn out furniture that has a story to tell.  Pull vintage farm equipment into the décor and give each piece a new purpose. Think outside of the box when decorating your home using old plates, glass jars, used books, dressers as vanities, trunks as coffee tables and more.

farmhouse-bedroom

Using Fresh Flowers and Greenery

Pulling in greenery from your yard adds character and beautiful texture to warm up a room. Options includes indoor plants, twigs, branches, succulents, herbs, flowers, pine cones. Use them in pots, clear vases, and more. Whether real or fake, this is a staple farmhouse décor.

farmhouse-greenery-kitchen-pinecones

Adding Texture

Shiplap wood ceilings, stone accents, barn wood floors, milk glass, linen pillows, antiqued tables, textured mirrors and much more. There should always be abundance of texture in farm inspired homes.  Even if you don’t own a home with brick walls or wood floors you can add in texture through your furnishings. When it comes to farmhouse style, there are guidelines but no hard and fast rules. You may enjoy anything from metal barn lights and industrial chandeliers, to classic mason jar pendants. The common thread that all farmhouse style shares is the antique, casual and streamlined design.

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Finding Time … Clocks

Amazingly unique wall clocks have wowed you, designers strategically place them everywhere in farmhouse design. Incorporating gorgeous antique (or antique looking) clocks to remind us of times past. Here aged leather chairs and the right accessories, invite you to sit and pass the time away..

farmhouse-clock

What is a perfect farmhouse home? In my opinion its architecture and construction that fits naturally into the topography while offering beautiful inspired interiors that transform outdated spaces into Old World themed treasures. Treatments such as coffered ceilings, crown molding and transom glass windows enhance the warm farmhouse inspired designs….

 

As Always stay tuned for more Adventures in Styleland..

 

XOXO

Michele

 

 

 

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cedar-pergola-with-grill

As time passes our family home matures. Trees Grow and so do the children. The landscape gets worn, and gone are the swing sets.  Our needs and uses for the outdoor space have changed.  Priorities often change, and our children leave the nest. We find ourselves with more free time to relax and enjoy our home. Being cooped up inside during the cold winter months especially here in upstate New York, is not our idea of enjoyment. Maximizing the space in your back yard is one way to enjoy it year round, even when your sitting inside looking out.

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With the intent to extend the living space beyond the walls of your home, Curtis Lumber has many options to design an outdoor space suited for your needs. Here they have designed a comfortable space for friends and family to enjoy each other’s company while dining on a delicious meal cooked on the built in grill. The granite countertop surrounding the grill allows the family to keep everything they need for a cookout close by. While relaxing under the free standing pergola this family also enjoys many intimate evenings in the hot tub under the stars. To complete the look they have updated the landscaping with young shrubbery chosen for its low maintenance and eventual privacy value.

Visit Curtis Lumber at the Home Expo this year or stop by their showroom in Ballston Spa for their Outdoor Kitchen  display. Ask Curtis about Cambridge pavingstones, wallstones and outdoor livingrooms. Cambridge products are distinguishable value and quality.

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Terra Mira built this outdoor display for Curtis Lumber. Contact them before the snow flies so your outdoor space can get started.

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Give Terra Mira a call, 518 337-0501,  they can make your outdoor space happen within your budget.

 

Enjoy some new projects happening for fall from  Duke and Hal at Terra Mira….

 

terra-mira-outdoor-project-3Hardscape lighting:  Cambridge LED lights meets the latest technological advancements in the lighting industry with a wide range of outdoor lighting, The lighting kits come complete with Remote Dimmer and patented Easy Plug™ Installation System allowing fixtures to be daisy chained together without cutting or splicing.

Steps and Stairs: Durable stone stairs from Cambridge offer both beauty and convenience in addition to being a more affordable substitute for bluestone. The choice of colors, inspired from their natural counterparts, along with the variety of stylish options will coordinate nicely with styles and colors of Cambridge Outdoor Living Products.

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Stay tuned to see the finished patio..and for more Adventures in Styleland!

XOXO

M

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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.

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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.

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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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The Interior Designers that I have had the pleasure of working with approach their work with enthusiasm and discrimination, seeking out fine craftsmen, choice shops and journeying to inspiring destinations just to feed their aesthetic appetites (and sometimes find and item of choice for their clients). Always searching with a keen eye, as they see what becomes part of their design plan, shaping the structures and spaces they devise.

Observations and obsessions lead us as we travel. Wherever we are design is always on our mind. We take inspiration from public places looking at the use of mill work, tile, architecture and substrates that we are exposed to. Hotels are one of my favorite places for inspiration, from the flooring to lighting, so much to take in. Color, texture and of course the architecture of some of the most spectacular buildings. The Waldorf Astoria has to be one of my favorites (I’m a New York City girl).

Waldorf Astoria

Waldorf Astoria

I remember looking into the entry to see this great sight!! I was a little girl and still could see the Waldorf’s opulence and ingenuity in design.

 

Waldorf Astoria 1

Whenever I travel I seek out every building I’ve heard or read about. Always looking for Architecture,  local Artists and Interior Designers that have their works available to the public, whether they are minimalist or collectors of fine furnishing you can usually see their inspiration in their work. As William T Georgis has said ” I go to London for eccentricity, Los Angeles for Clarity, and Paris for Paris.”

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Bunny Williams says “Inspiration can come from many places. Attend a lecture given by someone you admire. Go on local house or garden tours. Watch Ina Garten on the Food Network. Subscribe to magazines; I can not wait for mine to arrive each month. Buy as many books as you can-a library is always a great source of inspiration.  And travel, travel, travel; the world offers so many treasures.”

 

 

As for me I get a healthy dose of inspiration every Wednesday.  I mentor with Denise Maurer of Maurer Interiors. Denise Maurer  is a talented interior designer who shares a strategy of success as well as her secrets for great design. I’ve been invited several times to accompany her on various projects, to watch and learn. She’s always so generous with my endless question . I enjoy being in her office when the phone rings so I can just listen to her talk to potential clients. It’s always an education, from handling paper work to the latest software for design, this is my go to place for inspiration! I have been very fortunate to find such generous woman to mentor me. She gives me her time, knowledge, and energy and I have been very blessed to know her. Here is some of her work:

 

Showhouse Kitchen

Showhouse Kitchen

 

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Where can you find inspiration? Begin your search for the perfect pieces by starting in your home. What do you cherish the most? Inspiration for decorating your home may come from something you already have: a cherished piece of artwork or maybe some beautiful china.  Perhaps a favorite piece of upholstery fabric can reveal your colour palette preferences as well as your taste for either formal or casual styles.

Whatever your style preference, be creative, let your inspiration move you. As always stay tuned….

 

XOXO

 

M

 

 

 

 

 

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Jenny Komenda

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