Custom Homes Archives - Times Union Home Expo - Albany, NY

February 10, 2018

Day Two! We Are Rolling…

There was an exciting vibe here today, with the economy growing the crowd is ready to take on some new projects and the atmosphere at the home expo was bustling with information for its attendees.

Demonstrations and giveaways are on hand at several vendors the attendees are here to Renew, Refresh and Restore your Home! As an interior designer I know the importance of having a good plan to follow, let our vendors help guide your project with budget as well as and idea of a time line for your project. Need help? Visit me, Designs by Michele at booth #323 I’m here to help! Come in sign up for a free Consultation!

At the Times Union Home Expo everything that you need to turn your home and garden dreams into a reality can be found under one roof. Explore hundred of vendors and exhibits, and engage with more than a 1000 experts! Remember to visit CRBRA at booth 103A and get your free ticket to the Parade of Homes!

Come on down you only have one More Day to visit the Home Expo ! If you are building or renovating you don’t want to miss our last day at the Albany Capital Center! I look forward to meeting you!

XOXO

Michele Conti

Designs by Michele

Posted by TU-Michele Furniture and Design Home Design landscape design

February 9, 2018

Opening Day at The Home Expo!

The 38th annual Times Union Home Expo brought a crowd of infinite energy. Kicking off what show organizers hope to be a successful weekend! The new Albany Capital Center was bustling with enthusiastic show attendees, and some of our favorite vendors were on hand to great them.

Local professionals will be available all weekend to discuss the plans you have for your home. Whatever your plans include, from selling your home to buying into the real estate for market, a large scale renovation to your home, or minor cosmetic changes you’ll find what you need here! There will be in-booth demonstrations taking place as well as free giveaways throughout the show.

The venue was beautiful and traffic moved well through both levels. The lights in the ceiling on the second level, are stupendous setting the mood for attendee’s to discover new products, and meet with vendors for latest trends, fresh ideas and great deals with hundreds of experts under one roof…

Welcoming new friends, L. Browe Asphalt is with us this year, Loren Browe says “Not only does quality paving enhance your home or business’s curb appeal, it also adds value to your property’s total investment. Whether you are residential or commercial, and in need of a new driveway, parking lot, private road or tennis court, stop in and make an appointment for a free consultation and estimate.”

Click Heaters offers reusable and instant Thermal pads which can be used nearly anywhere on one’s body. Unlike most heating pad products, what makes this product unique is that it requires no electricity for immediate activation. With just a click of a small metal disc located inside the pad, it instantly heats up and can last up to an hour or more, depending on use.

Visit Click Heathers in booth# 140 for a demonstration!

Looking forward to a great day tomorrow, when you renovate your home you want to choose products that are cutting edge and timeless. If your looking for inspiration, we invite you to attend the 38TH Annual Times Union Home Expo!

See you all tomorrow!!

XOXO

Michele Conti

Designs by Michele

Posted by TU-Michele Furniture and Design Home Design Uncategorized

February 8, 2018

Get Your Free Tickets!

This year at The Times Union Home Expo we are offering free tickets to the Capital Region Parade of Homes! Stop by the Capital Region Builders and Remodelers booth for more information: Booth #103

I’d like to give a shout out to the Capital Region Builders & Remodelers Association (CRBRA) for sponsoring the Parade of homes. CRBRA is comprised of builders, developers, remodelers, architects, engineers, trade contractors, material suppliers and professionals from associated industries throughout the region. The CRBRA proudly represents seven counties including in Albany, Columbia, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady Counties.

The CRBRA is the local professional trade Association affiliated with the New York State Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders. Together, they represent more than 140,000 business members that construct approximately 80% of all new homes built in the United States.

Capital Region Parade of homes and is pleased to offer an outstanding collection of the finest homes in the Capital Region. Quality built luxury homes in a wide range of prices to meet your particular needs. Affordable family-oriented urban homes, you’re sure to find your perfect home.

Dates for this years Parade of Homes:

June 2-3 & 9-10 2018

Saturday and Sunday 11AM-5P

We look forward to seeing you there!!

Stay tuned for more Adventures in Styleland…

XOXO

Michele Conti

Designs by Michele

Posted by TU-Michele Home Design

February 4, 2018

Time For A Manly Remodel…

When you’re a guy with a family, you sometimes begin to wonder where, exactly, in the house your space lies. The kitchen and bathrooms are your wife’s domain, as is the bedroom (since she long ago made you remove your sports memorabilia from the walls). The kids have their rooms, and you’ve noticed that they’ve also taken over the living room, since their toys are all over and animated movies play on a nonstop loop 24 hours a day.

For your next remodeling project, you’ve decided to transform the basement into a space that will finally be yours “a man cave”. Not only that, but just in time for the big game, you’re going to up the ante and create an ultimate man cave with large TV. If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to making your dream a reality, let these few tips inspire you as you envision your sports-watching paradise.The first thing you need to decide is this: will the entire space be a dedicated man cave home theater, or do you want to have separate areas for watching the big-screen, having a drink, and shooting pool? Prioritize your wants and needs and plan out your space accordingly.
Man cave doesn’t mean cold and dark! Plan and remodel carefully, in order to make sure you’ve sealed leaks and dried everything up before putting in walls or flooring. At the Home Expo All Dry Basement will be at booth#109, they have helped hundreds of people get started with basement renovations, whether its a sump pump or complete waterproofing system. They are ready to make your renovation worry free.

When it comes to the floor, look for comfortable flooring options that will look great while keeping your feet warm. Lighting is also key because basements don’t usually have windows that allow in natural light from the outside, plan for lots of lamps or a finished ceiling that features recessed lighting.

If you’d like to add a pool table, consider making the most of your space with a convertible pool-to-dining table. These feature a removable tabletop that can be set up quickly when you need to spread out snacks for the game or would like a place for a game of poker or blackjack. Because you won’t need an additional table, this leaves more room for your theater space.

While these tips are just enough to get you inspired, the options for your man cave are endless. With a newly remodeled man cave, you’ll truly feel like the king of your castle … or at least one part of it, anyways!

Stay tuned for more Adventures In Styleland…
XOXO

Michele Conti

Designs By Michele

Posted by TU-Michele Home Design

February 3, 2018

We Paint Lives Not Houses – CertaPro Painters

Color experts keep an eye out for trends, traveling around the country and abroad, and taking cues from the arts, fashion, pop culture, and the automotive industry, among other areas. I’ve noticed if you ask five experts to forecast the hottest interior paint color for 2018, and you’ll get five different answers.

We all know that when it comes to putting a house up for sale, homeowners are always looking for ways to boost the value of their property. But, besides kitchen and bathroom updates, decluttering room by room and cleaning up the landscaping, one improvement that sellers often overlook is repainting. It turns out a fresh coat of paint in the right color can directly impact the sale of a home in terms of time on market and selling price.

Hopefully I can help you avoid the “inspiration loop” fueled by HGTV, Pinterest and the hot design blog of the month, and guide you towards picking a hard-working color that can have a mass appeal.

Getting a sensational look in your home is easier than you may think. Contrasting colors can enhance the elegance and sophistication of neutrals and bring out rich undertones throughout your room. To achieve this try pairing understated neutrals with deep colors, like the perfect pairing of wine and food colors also have exquisite mixes. CertaPro Painters has been my go to when recommending a painter. Choosing colors is only half the job when painting, getting a good painter who will make your wall look like creamy cashmere, making every line crisp and clean is the other half of the “pairing”

Dark Grey is one of my favorites darker hues, I love to blend it with a soft white or pale green. Some of my favorites are; Sherwin Williams Gauntlet Grey or Peppercorn. For softer neutrals try Sherwin Williams Svelte Sage or a creamy white like Greek Villa. The contrast of light and dark will draw the eye, giving your home an elegant feel that whispers refinement.

Stop by booth#137, Talk with Terri, Tim or Anna…they can give you an free estimate for interior or exterior painting, I work closely with CertaPro and I’m available for free color consults, compliments of CertaPro! I believe life should be lived in color! Stop by Designs by Michele booth #323 let me know you are working with CertaPro, let me help you coloring your home!

XOXO

Michele Conti

Designs By Michele

Posted by TU-Michele Home Design

February 2, 2018

Double Nickels – What does your home look like?

This past year my husband and I turned 55. We are an active couple, and currently have a larger home with two college age children. As we approach the “Senior Status” we’ve thought about downsizing and given some consideration to what our new home would need to support us, as we get older. I looked at the buying behaviors of couples ages 55-65 and wanted to share information that may be helpful when considering a retirement home.

A Home that Supports an Active Lifestyle:

Size is Important: Carefully proportioned spaces. No wasted space, no redundant rooms. Eat in Kitchens or smaller dining spaces and living spaces that are spacious, with open floor plans.

Low or No maintenance: Both exterior and interior finishes requiring little to no maintenance allowing more time for a recreational lifestyle, creating time to travel and pursue passions and hobbies.

Connecting the Indoors with the Outdoors: This age group wants a connection with the outdoors for everything from entertaining to personal space. Some of the popular amenities include floor-to-ceiling windows, French doors or sliding, full glass door walls and that lead to porches and patios as added functioning living spaces.

Rooms that are flexible: Rooms that are multi-functional, to accommodate visits from adult children and their growing families as well as visiting friends. Designs that keep elements simple and flexible so it is easy to adapt spaces as a family’s needs evolve. A room that can become a craft room, exercise room, a guest bedroom, or a game room.

A Home that supports independence at all ages. Open floorplans with flowing spaces that accommodate the use of wheelchairs or walkers with wider doorways and hallways. Eliminating steps curb-less showers, outlets places a bit higher and bathrooms that can be easily adapted with grab bars as needed.

Great Kitchen design: Kitchens should be designed with multiple counter heights for comfortable food prep, lots of storage and elevated wall ovens and dishwashers. Lighting: Glare free sources, automatic and motion activated switching. Well lighted areas like hallways.

Updated and Trending Design: The 55+ buyer looks for finishes and features that are current and reflect their vibrant personalities and preferences. It’s the time of life to splurge. Spa-like master bathrooms are at the top of a wish list that includes smart home systems, home entertainment systems, outdoor kitchens and the like.

Storage, is Important: The design should take advantage of creative opportunities to offer storage in unused spaces such as in window seats, in nooks below stairs and garages.

Pet Friendly: Many older adults will keep a pet as a companion. Spaces for washing the pet, and dedicated spots for feeding and sleeping should be considered.

Sleepy Hollow Lake is a community that offers independent living for families and Seniors. So if you are considering building a new home and are looking for an active community check out their booth#133 located on the 1st floor of the Albany City Center.

See you soon! Just one week away from the 38th Annual Times Union Home Expo!!

Stay tuned for more Adventures in Styleland…

XOXO

Michele Conti

Posted by TU-Michele Home Design Uncategorized

January 29, 2018

Windows – The Eyes of Our Homes

There is a certain appeal to a home with plenty of windows, even more so for large windows. Most of us would agree that a home with floor to ceiling windows tends to be more desirable than one with fewer and smaller windows. Window World knows the hardest part of the home improvement process is visualizing what the final product will look like. With Window World’s unique Design Software, envisioning new products on your home becomes as easy as a few clicks of a mouse. Simple to use and navigate, the Design Center brings your future project to life. The convenient “Print” option provides a hard copy of your selections for inspiration during your in-home consultation.

Windows provide visual access to the outdoors, allow in natural daylight and can provide fresh air and air circulation. Large windows have plenty of advantages, as listed below. They provide:

1. Plenty of natural daylight. Especially during the dark days of winter, when some of us are affected by seasonal affect disorder , large windows can allow light to stream in, allowing you to forgo electric lighting while benefiting from natural light. Exposure to natural light is known to help boost energy and moods and generally makes you feel better, while at the same time regulating your natural circadian rhythm, encouraging better sleeping at night.

2. Passive Solar Gain. If designed properly, large well-positioned windows can help heat a home through in the winter when passive solar gain the sun is shining.

3. A way to bring the outdoors in. Large windows can help you feel like you are part of the outdoors even when you’re inside. Studies have shown that views of the natural world have a profound positive effect on our health and well-being. Views of nature help boost our mood and make us happy. The beauty of the outdoors can also be used as a stunning backdrop for your decor.

4. Functional Art. Beautiful windows are pleasing to look at, make a room appear bigger and add value to a home in the event of resale.

Some other points about large windows:

Design: An architect will take house orientation on the property into account when planning window design. It’s important to address potential glare and/or excessive heat during certain times of the year. Architects can design windows or shading structures that help minimize glare while preserving views. Ideally, in northern climates like ours, large windows should face south or southwest to allow maximum solar heat gain in winter.

Window World is located in booth #209, this year at the Times Union Home Expo in the Albany Capital Center. Stop in and start seeing the world through the eyes of your home…

Stay tuned for more Adventures in Styleland…

XOXO

Michele Conti

Designs by Michele

Posted by TU-Michele Furniture and Design Home Design

January 27, 2018

We Bring Nature Home…

Spring is right around the corner and with it comes a rebirth of color in your garden! When you combine great garden design, integrated pest management, and proper horticultural techniques, you’ll grow a healthy, long lasting landscape. You can spot the difference right away, when its Grasshopper Gardens maintaining your plants, shrubbery and trees.

Update your front yard or back yard design with shrubbery, gardens, walkways and more…Grasshopper combines environmental science with rich landscape design that’s inspired by nature. They have been helping clients create beautiful green spaces, making their outdoor spaces flow with the existing architecture. Offering not only Lawn Care but, Design and Construction and Landscape Maintenance.

Create winding paths, with boxwoods whether rounded, squared off, or snaked through other borders, they can add charm to any garden. The clipped boxwood above leads you down the path which artfully binds the garden to the house.

This Garden Courtyard, with stone pavers framed by low growing ground cover edged with impatient’s, brings you to a relaxing seating area, making this yard an oasis.

All gorgeous gardens begin with a great design. With Grasshopper Gardens your taste, water usage and overall budget are all taken into consideration, Grasshopper can design plant and maintain a great looking garden that you can enjoy for years to come.

This elegant landscape has a variety of perennial plantings that makes its colorful and easy to maintain.

Here is a before and after.

Stone Steps leading to the driveway with lush plantings make this area a green space to admire.

Contact them and get started on your landscape transformation!

Let Grasshopper set up your quiet corner, this lush is space overflowing with Tardiva and Annabelle hydrangeas. You can visit Grasshopper at booth 108 in the Albany City Center, at the Times Union Home Expo, let them help you design and install the landscape you’ve dreamed of.

More adventures to come at the Times Union Home Expo!

XOXO

Michele Conti

Designs by Michele

Posted by TU-Michele Home Design landscape design

January 26, 2018

Post and Beam Homes Exposed…

There’s just something to be said about the strong rustic styling that a post and beam home possess. Whether it’s because of their “old world” charm or stupendous architecture, the allure of a post and beam home cannot be escaped. Often, people dream of having a retreat home in the mountains or some other wilderness setting. With Habitat Post and Beam, you don’t have to dream about it any longer, instead, you can live it. Their timber homes are designed to be affordable so that anyone can enjoy the rustic beauty of their great architectural designs. What makes a post and beam home so affordable is the way in which they are built.

Our specialty here at Habitat is post & beam construction. The reason why they choose this method over timber framing is largely because of the affordability and turnaround time. Post & beam uses simpler connections or steel plates to connect the components. These connectors can either be exposed or hidden depending on your preference.

If exposed, they offer a great visual aspect to your post and beam home that cannot be found in timber framing. The use of prefabricated materials helps cut down on labor costs and expedites the erection of your new home. These are stark advantages over the more traditional timber frame construction. Essentially, you can have the beauty of a timber frame home in less time and for less cost. In fact, a well-built post and beam home is nearly indistinguishable from a timber framed home.

For more information about Post and Beam homes or about the advantages of post & beam construction, Visit Habitat Post and Beam at Booth #266. We look forward to seeing you at the 38^th Annual Times Union Home Expo!

As Always stay tuned for more Adventures in Styleland…

XOXO

Michele Conti

Designs By Michele

Posted by TU-Michele Furniture and Design Home Design

January 24, 2018

Super Bowl LII

We are 10 days away from The New England Patriots facing off against the Philadelphia Eagles for the 52nd edition of the league’s championship game! Which means there are plenty of options for the best party foods and ideas. Here are a few ideas if your hosting this year!

For a healthy dish on Super Bowl Sunday try this Watermelon Helmet Click here for recipe