39th Annual Home Expo Is Here!

39th Annual Home Expo and our Second year at The Albany Capital Center venue is starting off to be a great weekend! Meet our local vendors, visit the in-booth demonstrations taking place as well as free giveaways throughout the show.  Come in out of the cold, and feel spring in the air!

The most wonderful time of the year shouldn’t be put on hold just because of a little cold weather. Even though outside it hasn’t been the best, inside at the Home Expo the grass was green! It really has felt like a spring was here in the home and garden booths around me.

All the attendee’s are ready to start remodeling and/or building projects, and looking for the latest trends, fresh ideas and great deals. With hundreds of experts under one roof you are sure to find what your looking for. Come Join the excitement, there’s only two days left!

If your looking for inspiration, I invite you to attend the 39TH Annual Times Union Home Expo, come see me in booth 323!

Sweetly,

Michele Conti

 

 

Posted by TU-Michele Home Design landscape design

39th Annual Times Union Home Expo

 

 

39th Annual Times Union Home Expo

Albany Capital Center
55 Eagle Street
Albany, NY 12207

Live in a home you love…

 

Bring your visions, floor plans, questions…and your family!!

At the Times Union Home Expo, our goal is to inspire, motivate and educate you for your next home improvement project. Whether it is a minor project or major renovation we invite you to come meet industry experts who can help guide and inspire you.  Our show will feature approximately 100 home improvement professionals in an informal interactive environment, unlike any other Home Show you may have attended. You will find something of valuable no matter what stage of renovating you are in, alongside family-friendly activities, raffles and giveaways.

 

Why attend our Home Expo?

Our Home Show is designed for homeowners in all stages of remodeling. By remodeling we mean anything from landscaping, full home renovation and decorating.

If you have ever been involved in any home renovation project, you know the process can become overwhelming. By attending the Times Union Home Expo you can meet multiple vendors in one day, learn about new products to enhance your home, get expert advice, and most importantly get excited about your project!

I look forward to seeing you there!!

 

Stay tuned for more Adventures in Styleland…

 

Sweetly,

Michele Conti

Designs by Michele

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

Bathroom Bliss

 

Remodeling a small bathroom can be а challenge because of space limitations. To make the most out of your remodel you’ve got to make every inch count. Here are some tips to maximize your space when remodeling a small bathroom.

Use the Right Colors

Using light colors throughout the space helps reflect light and brightens your room to make it appear larger. We’ve found that lighter and softer neutrals do the job well to make a small bathroom look larger.

Install a Pocket Door or Barn Door

Pocket doors slide along their own length and disappear into an adjacent wall or compartment when opened (unlike а traditional hinged door). Barn Doors operate by sliding on an iron track, over an outside wall, and they continue to trend in 2019. They are a beautiful, easy-to-install design piece and save space. You will be surprised at the amount of floor space that becomes available.

Install а Clear Glass Shower Enclosure

It may not be obvious, but many people don’t realize how glass shower doors will stretch visual space. Think about it: your eye can travel through clear glass, but other surfaces will obstruct your line of vision, making the bathroom feel even smaller.

Select а Vanity with Open Shelving

Cabinets with drawers can make а room feel cramped. To keep items organized, consider baskets or bins placed on shelves.  The use of glass shelving is great for small display items. Consider furniture style vanities with small drawers or floating vanities which create an illusion of more space.

Minor changes like these can make a huge difference in a space so small. Whether you’re prepping your home for a sale, these remodel ideas are the perfect remedy for any small bathroom.

Stay tuned for more Adventures in Styleland!

 

Sweetly,

Michele Conti

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

Asphalt Offers Driveway Durability

The majority of commercial and residential driveways are finished with either asphalt or concrete. Both are cost-effective, but asphalt comes with more benefits. If you’re paving a new driveway or refinishing and existing one you’re probably wondering about the relative benefits of asphalt over concrete. L.Browe Asphalt Services is ready to answer your questions.

An asphalt driveway can usually be laid in one or two days, depending on the size of the project. Concrete, on the other hand, typically takes twice as long to lay and even longer to set. Depending on the season, asphalt driveways can be ready for use in as little as two days after completion, whereas concrete can take up to a week to cure.

Unlike concrete, asphalt is not subject to surface flaking caused by poor installation, incorrect preparations of the mixture or the application of salts to melt ice and snow. Known as ‘spalling,’ this surface flaking is an ongoing problem with many concrete driveways, especially those that were hastily installed. Given its flexibility, asphalt is also considerably less likely than pavement to crack over time.

If your asphalt driveway does start to show some lineal cracking, you can repair these easily and inexpensively. The crack sealant products you need are widely available through home improvement retailers. They don’t cost very much and can easily be applied on your own, even if you have absolutely no previous paving expertise.

In addition, regular preventative maintenance, like crack filling and seal-coating, can extend the lifespan of your asphalt driveway to 20 years or more. Concrete is more difficult to maintain, because it cannot be heated and repaired with the same ease as asphalt pavement.

Need help maintaining your asphalt? Give L. Browe a call 518 479-1400 Janeen Browe will be happy to get you started with a free estimate!

 

Stay tuned for more Adventures in Styleland…

 

Sweetly,

Michele Conti

 

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

The Perfect Deck

Many years ago, I lived in a home that had a simple deck attached to the back of the house. My husband and I spent countless hours relaxing, cooking, laughing and sharing stories with friends in our outdoor living room. It was an ideal combination of comfort and convenience, with the fresh air and sounds of our backyard. Without a deck, we would have spent considerably less time outside and might have missed out on some lovely afternoons and evenings with friends.

 

Here in Albany NY,  we have many spring, summer and fall days that invite us outside. Decks and patios are outdoor living rooms, kitchens, and playrooms. They are places where we can gather with loved ones. Whether stone, wood or composite decks or patio’s they are so much more than square expanses with no character.

In addition to their versatile sense of style, covered portico’s also have flexibility as to where they are used in an outdoor space’s design. Ground floor or elevated locations, homeowners can even choose to make use of the area beneath an elevated porch by building a secluded grotto or an outdoor kitchen.

Fireplaces and ceiling fans, are must-have features and part of so many back porch designs because they are both stylish and useful. Both of these features evoke a sense of luxury ambiance in whatever space they are included. More than just looking gorgeous, these accessories have a job to do. Fireplaces keep you warm in the winter and ceiling fans help you stay cool in the summer, meaning both extend how much use you’ll get from your outdoor space.

Stop at any of our builders and re-modeler’s booth’s at the Home Expo and start planning your outdoor space!

 

Stay Tuned for more Adventures in Styleland…

 

Sweetly,

Michele Conti

Posted by TU-Michele Furniture and Design Home Design Uncategorized

Inspiring Color In Your Home

Color sets the mood for a home’s interior and conveys how you want the space to feel. You have only one chance to make a first impression. So it’s important that the entry to your house is welcoming to guests, reflects your personal style and makes you feel happy and comfortable as soon as you walk through the door. This space sets the tone for the rest of your home. What ever your style let it reflect who you are.

In most apartments, the entry space is small, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make a big statement. This home is bold and chic right from the entryway. A Jackson Pollack-like wall-covering, plush stools, a statement mirror and a geometric rug welcome guests and let them know they are entering a stylish home.

 

If you need help a good painter  CertaPro Painters will be at the Home Expo, stop at booth 145. Talk to Terri or Anna and let them help inspire you with a fresh coat of paint in your home!

 

Stay tuned for more Adventures in Styleland…

Sweetly,

Michele Conti

Posted by TU-Michele Uncategorized

Relaxing’s Easy With Electrolux

 

When you purchase a new vacuum, you make an investment in the health of your home. It’s a great thing when you find a product that you love, and an even better thing when you find something that makes your life easier and better in so many different ways.

We are an active family who is pretty busy. We spend a lot of time both outdoors and at home, and we love our family time. Whether we are just enjoying an evening unwinding together, or entertaining friends, our residence needs to be a place of relaxation and peace. Finding cleaning products that fit seamlessly into our lives is essential, and Electrolux does that.

Our home is simple and organized in general, and lately it’s even been clean. Thanks to some great new Electrolux vacuums that make the chore of cleaning easier, and even a bit fun. Spending time at home is more wonderful than ever and I am never embarrassed to invite guests over at the last minute.

 

We have a family of four, two lovely girls, my husband and myself. In addition, we also have fur babies,  two cats ( Samson and Delilah) and two pups ( Cappuccino and Ricky).   In our home pet hair is a constant battle. We use the Electrolux ProSwivel vacuum, because it really gets dirt from deep in the fibers of our rugs and removes dander and hair. I don’t want to be embarrassed by roving dust bunnies or tangles carpet fibers that look like we never clean, or hesitate to invite anyone over with images of tumbleweeds in the back of my mind. Electrolux gives me peace of mind and extra family time.

Electrolux vacuums have attachments that are actually useful, with self-cleaning brushes and a removable cup to toss dirt that are both easy to remove and reinsert. Time-saving and expedient- just what a busy family with lots of fun stuff going on needs.

Stop by Electrolux Vacuums, they are located in booth 322 and let them help you keep your home safe and clean.

Stay Tuned for more Adventures in Styleland…

Sweetly,

Michele Conti

Posted by TU-Michele Furniture and Design Home Design

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

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

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