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Posts Tagged ‘Michele Conti’

head board bench in my garden JPG

Recently a good friend gave me a garden stone,memory stone

to remember my parents. I have an old arbor in the yard, I placed the memory stone near there, but  I wanted a place to sit… a place that would turn my garden spot into a destination, a place to linger, a respite from the daily grind, to escape and reflect…

Seating transforms your yard into a park-like oasis where you can soak in the beauty of what you’ve labored to create,  we plant vegetables every year near this area.

It also allows you to seat your family and friends in comfort while you bore them with the minute details of the six varieties of tomatoes and four kinds of peppers you’ve planted. Along with the variety of Herbs (as an Italian women,  I need my basil and parsley..for sauce of course!).

head board bench in my garden 2

The issue, as always is the expense!  Any step above plastic stackables is just scary, especially if you want something with a little more character.

head board bench swing

I saw this idea for a bed-into-bench couple years ago, and thought that is so sweet!!  The beauty of this project is its economy, its simplicity, and its endless variations, benches… swings …OMG, really your only limited by your imagination! Any Thrift Store or Salvation Army has old headboards and footboards. I happen to have an old one from a garage sale!

head board bench

You’re probably going to be painting it, so if its in rough shape it doesn’t matter!

There are so many tutorials online to help!! Fun and Fabulous!!!head board bench 5

 

Stay tuned… for more Adventures in Styleland…

 

XOXO

 

M

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 Layering patterns involves four main elements: color, scale, shape and texture. If you’re like me and you fall in love with four times the amount of fabric you need at a showroom, you’ll need to go through some major editing. First up is color. Lay all your possible choices out on the floor and if certain ones look a hot mess and just don’t play well with others, remove them from the mix right away. It’s kinda like kicking an obnoxious reality cast member off the island after an elimination challenge but with fibers and weaves versus emotions and bad behavior.

Here’s an example of a great color edit. Notice how each of the fabrics sports different shades of a common color, blue? This is what you ultimately want; the varying intensities lead to an evolved, effortless look. Something else that’s happening here is a great mix of shapes going in different directions.

I borrowed this picture below from Ballard Designs.

Traditional

A traditional rug doesn’t have to define your space. Add in updated prints and colors pulled from the rug for a wonderful eclectic look.

1.) Carlson Rug
2.) Claire Gray
3.) Felicity Spa
4.) Lorenzo Charcoal
5.) Bark Twill
6.) Danish Linen Oatmeal
7.) Natural Microfiber, Bark Twill, Indochine Stone

8.) Kravet Indochine Ikat Stone

Traditional Layering

Contemporary

Keep a monochromatic color scheme interesting with great patterns that play well together and fabrics with tonal texture, like Kravet’s Scandicci Gray.

1.)Kravet Indochine Ikat Stone
2.) Kravet Toscana Ikat Slate
3.) Lorenzo Charcoal
4.) Asha Pewter
5.) Danish Linen Tea
6.) Scandicci Gray (Kravet)
7.) Panthea Rug (Gray)

Contemporary Layering

 Add contrast. Once you have your main color selection down, in this case its Grey, add a bit of contrast. See the Suzanni fabric #4 with the gold and pewter.

Vary the scale. While color and shape are easier to get a grasp on, scale is a bit more complicated. There are three different sizes of scale: small, medium and large. When mixing prints, try not to choose more than one of the same scale size; multiple patterns of the same scale often result in a heap of Hodgepodge. The person who does this best is Betsy Burnham, if we were all as talented as this women the world would be pattern of loveliness!

The perfect mix. We’ve got a large-scale pattern sporting an orange suzanni pattern, a medium-scale blue plaid which is traditional, and the small scale cheater global animal print. The trio is also different directionally; the rug runs horizontally, in this ethnic/global zigzag like pattern. But all of these prints work well together!! Hopefully you can use some of these tips when putting together patterns in your home…

As Always stayed tuned for more Adventures in Styleland….

XOXO

M

M

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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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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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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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Times Union Home Expo Banner

 

Home Expo 2015

Building a new home? Remodeling a room in your home? Well this year we have so much in store for you. Meet Jason Cameron February 8th, from the DIY Network. Watch our website for additional information on shows and events. My name is Michele Conti I am a local Designer/Blogger in the Albany Area! I will be here for the next few weeks, sharing information about the home expo, giving you DIY ideas and little blurbs about some of the Vendors and shows that the exhibitors will schedule during the expo. Check out our link on Times Union Home Expo. Below is a quick and easy DIY project for you… With a little help from Behr Paints available at Lowes located in the Times Union Center booth 284-285 this crafty idea was a breeze!!

Couch Seating DIY

Check out the Times Union Home Expo 2015 Web site and read my blog everyday now thru February 6th for great info and DIY projects!!

Chat with you soon!!!! Stay Tuned for more project information!

 

M

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It’s Furniture Friday!!!! I wanted to share this great find with you. I was in Buffalo NY visiting family.  One of my favorite haunts there is the Salvation Army at 252 S Cascade Dr, Springville, NY 14141. I always stop there. They seem to have a treasure for someone I’m currently working with.  Well on this Adventure in Styleland I found these:

Fabulous Find

Fabulous Find

My Goal was to transform them into the Louis the XV Salon chairs that I found on Ballard Design. Two of these beauties for only $10 how could you beat that! And so the project begins, here is a quick picture tutorial it took about a week to do both chairs.

 

Louis the IV Chair

Louis the IV Chair

 

Although these chairs retail for $700, the thrift store chairs look amazingly similar, almost exact same frame…

Removing the cording

Removing the cording

 

 

You can see the thousand staples used to attach the cording, this is only the beginning oy vey!! When asking Gabe to help with pulling the staples, he took pity on me, and I thought OK Green Light!!!  When my husband agrees to a project in our home (and by that I mean agrees to open his heart and sometimes his wallet to help me ), I act quickly.

Experience has taught me that green lights all too quickly turn yellow. Then, before you know it, there’s a big, fat red light staring at you through the windshield of your dreams.
When that happens, you are left with two choices… delays or apologies.  Trust me, it’s best to act while the light is green. Get Help when it’s offered!!!

IMG_0017

 

The fabric had just as many staples as the cording,  I will admit that by this time my fingers were a tad sore. The fabric came off quickly with Gabe’s strong hands… and before you know it we were down to the frame working together..

IMG_0025

Finally!!!! all the staples out and it was time for spray paint!!

 

The spay paint that I used was Satin Black from Rust-Oleum.

Black Spray paint for Ballard Chair Makeover

I spayed the frames with two coats and let them dry for a day before I began to start covering them, this also gave my hands a break, because at this point I was on my own, and was determined to finish these by the end of the week!

I decided to use drop clothes to cover these chairs,   I’ve always wanted to use drop cloths as a slipcover (from Martha Stewart’s magazine years ago). This was my opportunity, here is the what I used:

10 oz. drop cloth

10 oz. drop cloth

I washed and press the drop cloth first.  I used the old fabric we removed from the chair to create a pattern for the seat and back.

 

 

IMG_0113Stapling the fabric was a little tricky, I needed to pull it tight and staple it as I went, this didn’t always go smoothly, I had to remove some staples a couple of times because the fabric would pucker, but after you get a rhythm going, it goes along quickly. I did sew the fabric cording, and decided to use a black gimp on the arm pads.

IMG_1754

Here is the finished product (pictures are not professional). This was an easy project total cost was about $60! What do you think??

 

IMG_1753

 

IMG_1751

 

IMG_1743

Here is a picture of the living room where the chairs reside now,  complete with our Chocolate Lab Chino to compliment the brown in the room! Another project done!!

 

Stayed tuned for move Adventures in Styleland!!

 

XOXO

 

M

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Driving to Appt.

I know I know, you just can’t handle the beauty in this photo!!! That is Denise Maurer, she’s a gorgeous redhead, but this lady is a force to be reckoned with! I’ve worked with this women for 4 years and she has shaped me into the woman I am today.

This extraordinary talented women could design circles around Bunny Williams and do before she even had a chance to move one piece of furniture or select a fabric in a space!

Jan Showers wishes she was half the lady Denise Maurer is!

This past Monday I had a Design Day at DMI.  For all you new readers, this usually occurs on Design Team Wednesdays, when Betsy Mattice joins the Adventure team. Lately Denise has been including me on daily client appointments, this means you settle in for a 5  or 8 hour, non-stop Design yenta-fest! Which includes a quick-lunch and if your lucky a glass of wine at the end of the day to discuss notes and design choices for clients.

We began this day at the DMI office, (photo enhanced space may appear larger in photo)

DMI Green

DMI Green

 

Memos for our project:

Valance,pillows fabric

Valance,pillows fabric

 

 

Window seat Sofa pillows

Making sure all of the fabric memo’s had arrived for the clients Kitchen and Family Room. Then looking for color choices for shutters in the Bedroom along with shade colors for windows and the Patio door .

Denise gave me a crash course (Learning this program to be continued at a later date) on Minutes Matter, a Program that lets you incorporate fabric choices, and actual photos of your clients space and design the window treatment so you can give them a visual of the actual design!  Oh, I’m sorry, did you think that was it? Ha! That was just the before we left the office at 12:30!

And we’re off, first stop, drop off Dakota (Denise’s grandson who helps with IT work at the office for a summer job).

On to our next stop to drop off a dual flush toilet that was delivered to The DMI office instead of the client location by mistake. Denise is lifting these boxes like they were air. (Take that Martha Stewart, and you thought jail was tough!) As we dropped off the correct toilet, we picked up the incorrect product and loaded it into the vehicle. This is where you have to say “If it can happen, it will” when dealing with construction projects, somehow mistakes get made, but this was one big flush!

Incorrect Toilet

Incorrect Toilet

 

 

New Kohler Toilet

New Kohler Toilet

We are finally ready to head to the client appointment (Denise in beautiful white pants not a mark them from our previous stops).

Our mission today was a success,  4 rooms in this family home on their way to being embellished in bold new colors and prints, all it takes are a few simple changes to breathe life into familiar space.

Always thinking outside the style box Denise has a confidence to try bold trends and mix finishes bringing a broader interpretation of design styles. There is no longer a need to place styles in fixed categories like “traditional”, “rustic”, “industrial” or “country.”  I think Homes in 2014 will represent an eclectic array of stylistic influences. Picking items that speak to you individually will keep you from conforming to a rigid or overdone look.

 

Well that’s it for today, Stay tuned for another Adventure in Styleland! Stay Tuned…

Ending on that note!

Ending on that note!

 

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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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.”

bunny_headshot

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

 

MaurerLR_jpg_w560h695

 

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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