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Posts Tagged ‘Interior Decorator Saratoga Springs NY’

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.

holiday-shopping

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.

tso-event-image-slideshow-1

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?

holiday-candle

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.

2825060-christmas-cookies-with-wine

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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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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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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Autumn, a season of timeless elegance, let mother natures seduce you with her charm. The month of October, crisp morning air and colors so alive with change, familiar surroundings don a rustic palate of jewel tones that dazzle you with their beauty. It’s time for long walks and late night talks with our children by the fire. This is truly my favorite season, here is a quote from Anne Mary Lawler:

The fields are harvested and bare,

and Winter whistles through the square.

October dresses in Flame and gold

Like a woman afraid of growing old.

Here, in my home are some signs of the season I’d like to share..

Our front door is always open welcoming our family and friends.  Many people celebrate the autumn season by decorating their front porch. Pumpkins, cornstalks, pilgrims and other traditional autumn décor start making their appearance, welcoming guests into the home and delighting those who pass by.

Inside my humble abode I was undecided this year whether I wanted to paint pumpkins go au naturel or spray paint them in metallic silvers and golds. I decided to stay true to the harvest season and use the different varieties and colors that nature offered. Here are two different groupings:

Love the Cinderella pumpkin in the urn!! The orange gourds are surprisingly versatile decorative items, especially when  displayed in groups. Before you put away the urns and pots that held your summer  flowers on the front porch, use them as a base for your larger pumpkins,  and add elegance to your display.

Just loving the pumpkins and mum, the lovely yellows and reds together are great, but I’m leaning more towards the horse and urn above rather than the grouping of various pumpkins below. Which arrangement would you use?? Post your comments for me, I’d love to hear from you!

                                                                                                                     Although this grouping of pumpkins in sizes and colors is appealing!! Above our entry, I used some fall garland and floral arrangements, gourds and a beautiful blue Hubbard squash (that will be eaten after the holiday!!), this array of color will great me in the morning as I descend from my bedroom to discover yet another glorious fall day!

Let us then, be up and doing

with a heart for any fate;

Still achieving, still pursuing,

learn to labor and to wait..

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Inspiration!! This was written more than a hundred years ago, this wisdom is as relevant today as when it was penned, Longfellow’s advice if you’ll receive it, is an emotional and spiritual boost  “let us then be up and doing” he is telling celebrate each day!

 You definitely know what season it is when you walk into my dining room, I think decorating for the season is far from a trend — it’s tradition.

It’s something that people have been doing for years, and they are going to keep doing it because they want to feel the seasons and they enjoy celebrating the holidays using seasonal items for fall, from several pumpkin variations to represent harvest, to seasonally colored throws, pillows and mantle pieces,  — it’s all about the color. Colors are identified for the seasons. In the fall you start to see more blacks, browns, reds, oranges and onyx. And decorating doesn’t have to be costly or time-consuming, you want to accessorize for the season and then build it up — it can become a layered process. You can easily and effortlessly update your home without breaking the bank,  get a new throw, add a couple of pillows, and then start adding your holiday decorations as they come.

Some welcoming front doors and holiday arrangements that I wanted to share with you:

I’ll end with this photo of my entry, I really like the urn, I think… hope this was a fun-filled fall adventure!!!

Happy Holidays!! 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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Hey friends, just a quick post to tell you how impressed I am with the talented people who share their passion for Lighting design with the world around them. I have always loved the way it creates our surroundings, lighting is an intricate part of design.

Illumination is the ephemeral partner of architecture. Light is invisible until it strikes an object or surface. And it is controlling this difficult, transitory medium that gives the lighting “artist” the ability to create hierarchies, dynamics and mood. Lighting design has become a creative extension of architectural design, improving visibility and complementing form, program and color.

Niskayuna New York, which is where I live has GE Research and Development and RPI (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute)  close by, they are two of the leading Lighting research and development centers in the World!

Cylinder shades are still the rage this year and metallic finishes, mercury glass, brushed nickel, acrylic and glass are so prevalent, here are some of my favorites.

Linda Allen Design

 

Linda Allen sees an electric future for wireless lighting. A future where stylish, battery-powered lamps can be moved wherever they’re needed, whether from room to room or out of doors. A future where practical, solar-powered lamps bring artificial light to parts of the globe where it’s never been available before.

 

 

Here is another design from Linda, this room not only had great lighting but superb design, the use of color and pattern in this room shows how talented this designer is.

 

One last lovely lighting design that I wanted to share with you, the exterior of this building is so beautiful, I know that this will enlighten you as to the importance of lighting in your design.

 

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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