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Posts Tagged ‘traditional homes’

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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As a designer I must admit I am addicted to design trends and 2017 is quickly approaching.. I think now is a great time to start exploring what trends are already shining through:

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Organic color pallets – Muted, blues and greys still shining, with more organic and natural influences this years pallet will have deep greens, deeper greys and steel blues. There Back…..Deeper Jewel Tones! Deep colors are the best way to kick up a traditional space.

Archiexpo

Cork – As a designer I am very attracted to natural texture. Cork does double duty. It creates warmth in rooms while adding texture. To add another excellent element to this already shinning star, cork absorbs noise in our increasingly open and larger homes. In a home office or luxurious bedroom this trend is often a overlooked design element. Cork brings a unique story to any part of your home. The natural but soft texture of cork complements every style.

home-bar-1Home Bars – This latest home trend raises the bar on what was once considered only for the uber wealthy. Home bars are now becoming the norm.  At the end of a tough day at work, coming home and popping open a beer or decanting a glass of wine is a great way to unwind, but there’s just something special about making a cocktail at the bar.

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Vintage goes Modern – In design, what goes around comes around. … start heading on over to your local vintage furniture store now to grab some great finds. Burled wood of the art deco period, classic campaign furniture and other vintage looks were front and center at High Point again this fall. Historic pieces and mid century modern are still going strong.

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Upholstered headboards – Expect more of this glamorous look, with luxurious fabrics and tufted bed heads. This trend is very versatile, and fits into any room. Nail head’s to tufted buttons, upholstered headboards are an instant way to update your boudoir. Tailored lovely and very desirable!

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Terracotta – The color is already prominent in fashion trend this fall, but this is not your mamas tile! Tiles with a matte finish are used on feature walls and fireplaces. The tiles are bordered and in uniquely warmer hues with added texture.

With only a few months left in 2016, trends in 2017 for your home are already arising! Forecasters and designers are rolling in with the newest and hottest trends for your luxury home. So if you’re thinking about or already renovating or building your own luxury home, these are some trends to look out for. Come visit me at the Home Expo for your renovation projects, let the pro’s help you, stop in and see me for some inspiration! in booth 328.  We have a variety of experts on hand to talk to, so bring your ideas and let them help you complete your list.

Stay tuned as always for more Adventures in Styleland…

 

XOXO

M

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dishwasher-ad-dishgruntled

 

 

josephine-cochranIn 1886, Josephine Cochran invented the first dishwasher, effectively bringing peace to a country torn by Civil War. Unfortunately Josephine would never see how innovative her dishwasher was because it wasn’t until the 1950″s that dishwashers became a standard kitchen appliance to the delight of housewives everywhere.

 

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Loading to Liftoff…

017_13J_dishwasher graphicTo achieve a cleaner outcome, start with how you pack the dishwasher. Dishes should face toward the middle of the unit, and bowls and cups should face down to make the most efficient use of the sprayer. Your glasses should go between the tines, not over, otherwise they could break. Pre-sort your silverware to make unloading that much easier.

 

Lastly, scrape plates before loading, and don’t bother rinsing detergents are designed to attack stuck-on grime, and will make your glasses cloudy if there is no food to attack. Dishwashers are designed to catch food, most models have their own food dispenser. Rinsing can waste both water and time. DO NOT over pack the dishwasher otherwise you might have to re-run the cycle!

Blast Off To The Stars!

Investing in an Energy Star certified dishwashers can save water, energy, and ease your utility bills. Energy Star dishwashers cap out at 5.8 gallons per cycle and only use half the electricity of the older models. As a comparison,  running your faucet for one minute uses about 1 gallon of water along with the electricity to heat it.

Bells and Whistles!

 

minion

 

There are a few tips and tricks that can make your dishwasher habits even easier. For instance, use a magnet to mark whether the dishwasher’s contents are dirty or clean, so your minions know when its time to unload. Unload the bottom rack first otherwise the water from the top rack could splash on your sparkly clean bottom dishes as you unload.

 

 

Do you know all the items that you can clean in your dishwasher-clean-itemsdishwasher, click on this link for POP SUGAR to see 30 everyday things from your greasy range fan filter to contact cases. Keep your dishwasher fresh by tossing a cup of white vinegar into the bottom of the empty unit and run a normal cycle. Lastly, don’t forget to clean the dishwasher seals and trap every once in a while.

With these tips and tricks, you can speed up the time you spend doing dishes, and save money in the process!

Stay Tuned for more Adventures in Styleland..

XOXO

M

 

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This recently completed master bath renovation was in a newly built home. The owners were happy with the layout of the bathroom but, wanted to punch it up a bit! The master bathroom should be your sanctuary, as stylish as it is soothing. We wanted to turn the existing bath into something unique.

I’ve rounded up a stunning way to create the dream bath that they would love being in. This bathroom was to be transformed into a peaceful escape reserved for the masters of the house.  With stunning tile work, soft fabrics and a calming color palette blend to form a decadent space designed for relaxation.

I started wall a gorgeous tile, the moment I saw this glass tile I knew.. this was perfect. And I was right, the owners squealed with excitement when I presented my ideas and finishes.

We chose a white glass tile, Jeweled j-603 in diamond white: The combination of finishes on the sheet of tile are clear glass,  wavy glass, frosted glass and marble,  it is exquisite.Jewel tile

The countertop, I used is  Cambria: Berwyn, this silver flecked stone adds a soft yet glamorous touch to this master bath.

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The Delta Vero Lavatory Faucets with waterfall spout, gives the right touch of sophistication to this charming master bath without breaking the budget.

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I took the bathroom mirror and lighting under the microscope to show how this bath accessory can change the ambience of your bathroom. Remember the main task of lighting in the bath, both direct and indirect is to caress and compliment you.

What do you think about illuminated mirrors? I used the LED Strip lights to back light the mirrors in this design, providing illumination as well as visual style above the vanity’s white under-mount sinks and quartz countertops.

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Two glass jeweled pendants hang above the double vanity adding a bit more interest and an elegant look.  Its tailored, not to girly for a man, and has a upscale feel in a restrained way.

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The lighted mirrors are remote controlled to fade to different colors and also soften or brighten with a touch.  The darker wood cabinets provide a subtle contrast with the lighter tiled floor.

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“It is a very luxurious spa like experience in this bathroom” the homeowners said when the project was completed.

It’s the details that give this Master suite a luxurious touch. I was hoping to create the sense of a 5 star hotel, it’s very important I think, that is  the experience you have when you walk into this space. This space is serene and peaceful, you have the same experience in the master bedroom.


To visually connect the master suite each room plays off the colors and fabrics of the last space. Though they’re usually hidden behind closed doors, master bathrooms deserve to be as thoughtfully decorated as your home’s living spaces.

 

As always, stay tuned for more Adventures in Styleland!

 

XOXO

M

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In honour of mothers on their special day, I asked myself what decorating secrets did I learn from my Mom…

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She made our home beautiful, chic and inspiring while juggling both a full-time job and being a mother. I learned about fabrics and sewing from my mom. She was an extraordinary seamstress. When I was little, I loved going to the fabric store with her — it was a world of imagination and creativity. She taught me to appreciate quality, natural fibers like wools, silks and fine cotton. Now working with fabrics is one of my favorite parts of decorating.

Another important lesson she taught me,  never to buy what I don’t need: a bargain is only a bargain if it’s something important. I also learned all about color selection and furniture arranging from her. We lived in Brooklyn NY in a 6 room apartment, she always kept it fresh, ever changing.. and I firmly believe that had this wonderful woman been any less interested in our family home as I grew up, I might not be where I am today.

My mother taught me that it’s important to develop personal style,  buy the best quality you can afford and mix family pieces, antiques and comfortable upholstered furniture– eat in the dining room, use your china or better dishes on Sundays.. I learned to respect our home and everything within it, including my mother.

My mom used to rearrange the furniture a lot — it’s surprising how furnishings can look completely new when viewed from a different angle or in a different room. She also taught me that every window looks empty and cold unless softened by a window treatment, she changed hers often.

She was never afraid of bold patterns, I remember her sewing room or the SPARE ROOM, we had large orange and yellow wall paper, and smaller floral wall paper on the ceiling.. It was cutting edge at the time..

When I was little, my mother always dressed — she was glammed up even when cleaning the house. From her, I learned to dress and decorate with the intent to be gorgeous, having no fear of color.

I will end here with a couple of ideas for what to do for your mom..

Source and pay for a house cleaning service for a few months. A house cleaning every two weeks, I’m sure all moms would appreciate the break. That being said, do not buy her a vacuum, cleaning supplies, or tools unless she specifically asks for them. I’m looking at you Dad.

Brunch was always a favorite of mine.. I loved to go to a special Italian place locally that served cured meats..fresh fruits..baked delights and my family would all laugh and enjoy the meal together…

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Spend time, yes…time… take the day and pull out pictures, family vacations reminisce with her, make cookies sit and have a cup of coffee.. Love her and let her know that she is the most important women in your life.

Mom and Dad

 

Miss you Mother Theresa…All my love

 

XOXO

 

M

 

 

 

 

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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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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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I have been doing alot of window treatments lately!! I just love seeing all the fabrics and creating such beautiful window dressings. Some of my favoite windows are Roman Shades and beautiful panels. Panels have been around since the beginning of time, but Roman shades have been extreamly popular lately. They are so versitle, they can be dressed up or made in a casual linen or cotton duck. They go in any space wether formal or casual living. Shades are ther way to go !! Here are some windows I love, Please Visit my Etsy store for ordering!! or call (518) 852-4185. Enjoy the pictures!!

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What makes a Great Bedroom???? This is a question I’ve asked myself again and again. The answers, for me anyway are, ambiance that feeling of calmness, a personal sanctuary. The bedding, furniture, lighting it should be welcoming, a retreat. A place that will see you through a sleepless night, where you can close the doors and take a deep breath and destress…. A place you can have marathon reading sessions, even illness seems better in this place.

But, what is in a Sanctuary aka bedroom that gives it this feeling?? It should be luxurious, welcoming calming with comfortable seating. In my bedroom I have a Sam Moore chair and ottoman by the fireplace. Lighting, a beautiful chandelier on a dimmer, soft task lighting for reading and just relaxing. Soft colors on the walls that help soothe your eyes and bedding….The softest highest thread count you can afford, 400 count sheets are priced so reasonably, goose down pillows, and down definitely down comforter….ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh blisssssss…

Just some pictures to help translate what I mean:

Jeffers Design Group

House Beautiful Sanders

Jeffers Design Group

Watch for my article in Life and Home by Lee Nelson about bedrooms!!!!!! That’s all for now, Stay tuned……………………..

XOXO

M

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The House was built by Frank Rossi, in 2008 located in Niskayuna. It was Simply Beautiful a Modern Classic was the theme for last years  Vanguard Showhouse.  All proceeds benefit the Albany Symphony Orchestra. The home, built in 2008 by Frank Rossi, was furnished and decorated by a score or more of the Capital Region’s best artisans.  The home’s 4,200 square gave them plenty of space to work in and numerous built-in amenities to work with.  There were five bedrooms (our Nursery is one) including a master suite, five full and two half baths, a gourmet eat-in kitchen, a formal dining room and a cherry wood library. The finished basement contains a kitchen, one of the baths and one of the bedrooms, a family room and a study area.  The home sits on half an acre in one of the most desired settings near the center of Niskayuna.

Last year I had the pleasure of working with Pamela Quick,  of NY Fine Finishing.

Pam and I looked at the space and thought about doing a child’s room. This was the start of many adventures with this space, many late nights looking for furnishings, lots of fast food, dinners together and brainstorming on how to carry out the design that Pam had in her head. We were able to use beautiful Robert Allen Fabrics (thanks to Jolie Cross Cohen), also Sherwin Williams (who employed me part-time as a consultant ) was kind enough to Donate paint for the whole project. This project and a few others were Highlights of my adventures. Here are some links to articles that popped up about Showhouse 2010 in the Capital District, Times Union, Sneak a Peek, The Examiner

Well posting pictures is so much fun!! Just to reminisce through completed projects, the WOW!! at the end of an adventure when the picture in your head becomes a reality and the feeling of accomplishment. I have had so much fun reminiscing, so enjoy!! I know I have, !!

Furnishings, Hand Painted Ceiling medallion and faux finishes made this space spectacular!!

This gorgeous dresser, was lent to us from Saratoga Signature, The piece of art in this space is a self-portrait of Pam Quick with her newborn daughter. Medallion on the ceiling, by yours truly, Michele Conti!

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The on suite bath was an added jewel in this space!  What a fabulous Nursery, our room was called Rapunzel’s Tower, the canopy around the beautiful silk bedding (fabrics by from Robert Allen)  formed the tower. The faux on the ceiling and walls by Pam Quick.

 

Last but not least the picture of Rapunzel’s tower was hand painted on the Doll clothing chest which was in our Fantasy Garden Located in the walk in closet just off the bath.

 

Stay tuned for more Adventures…….

XOXO

M

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