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

On The Home Front – Mark Your Calendar

I’m excited to announce the Times Union Home Expo is only 3 days away! If you are a gardener, DIY’er, project lover or flea market shopper, shop at the 38th Annual Home Expo for creative ideas and connections to make those dreams a reality. Meet A-list local contractors. See the largest collection of luxury and premium kitchen, bath and building products. Find everything to build, remodel or update your home including state-of-the-art appliances, cabinets, tile & stone, windows, doors, solar and other energy saving systems.  The Times Union Home Expo will put you in touch with vendors offering a wide variety of fresh high quality, products and services.

Start your next project here, with builders and contractors that provide will the highest level of customer service you want and expect! Whatever renovation project you are starting or if you are thinking of building your next new home, you don’t want to miss this informative home show.

Be sure to ask our vendors questions and learn the ABC’s of your project! Doors open Friday February 8th at 3:00. Show attendees can find inspirations, products and get expert advice from our many vendors! Please visit Designs by Michele, I’ll be on hand at booth #323 for a free design consultation.  Maybe you need help choosing colors for a small facelift on your home, ask me questions about your impending home update. I’m here to help with design, color, furniture, lighting, window treatments and more!

Providing professional services at any stage of your remodel, an eye for every detail no matter how big or small. I’ll help you achieve the best possible outcome for your next project.

Stay tuned for more exciting Adventures in Styleland, at the Times Union Home Expo! See you Friday!

 

XOXO

 

Michele Conti

Designs By Michele

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

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

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 38th 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

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

Let your guest make the calls, use yellow napkins that double as penalty flags!

Play Bingo during commercials and give away cute prizes click here for printable bingo cards

How about some Pigskins in a Blanket

You’ll need something for your  guests with a sweet tooth…Football Ice Cream Sandwiches

 

Root for your favorite team with popcorn in your colors!

Have fun and stay tuned for more Adventures in Styleland…

 

XOXO

Michele Conti

Designs By Michele

Posted by TU-Michele Home Design Uncategorized

Staging Secrets

Staging a home especially when it’s about to hit the market is so important. When it comes to standing out, some homes are simply staged better than others.
So how do you enter the staging game at the next level?

Choosing the right décor in a staged home can be a difficult task. Too much of it and you’ll make the space look cluttered and overdone. Too little and your space may seem sparse and uninviting. What always stands out to me is cohesiveness. When everything flows without being too overdone.
Art hung perfectly and clever furniture placement can make the room seem large. Proper window treatments are a good starting place for the living or family room. Mirrors strategically mounted, are a wonderful way to play off light coming in from windows and bounce it around a room, creating the illusion of more space.


In bathrooms, hang luxurious towels over the tub, keep them white or neutral, clear the counters and place fresh flowers near the sink. It creates color and a fresh sent without overdoing fragrances.


Setting the kitchen and/or dining-room table can help buyers visualize themselves living in the space.
Perhaps most importantly, don’t forget the outside! First impressions are important, so you want to make sure your yard is equally as inviting as the inside of your home.


Neutrals with a pop of color. Some people may love walls that are painted deep blue but some people may not.
Your safest bet when it comes to the hues in your home is neutral-colored walls and furniture, with injections of color here and there. By colorful accessories I’m referring to accent pillows, large art or area rugs.


Colors like silver and turquoise can have a calming effect, and may be quite appealing for prospective buyers.
Remember less is more. Get rid of clutter! Last but certainly not least when it comes to staging and it is essential that your home is spotless if you want to earn top dollar.

Floors should shine, countertops should sparkle and all clutter should be removed. Keep in mind, although your personal items are of great importance to you, photos and personal mementos should be removed. By getting rid of excess items, you’ll also make your house seem bigger, which is appealing to anyone. Keep it simple. Even staged homes can get over-cluttered with items that look nice, but aren’t necessary. Keep it minimal and clutter-free! I hope these tips have helped, if you need additional assistance with your old home or the new home you are looking to purchase, visit me in booth #323, Designs by Michele, at the Times Union 38th Annual Home Expo!

See you soon! Stay tuned for more Adventures in Styleland…

 

XOXO

Michele Conti

Designs by Michele

Posted by TU-Michele Furniture and Design Home Design

Renovation Financing You Can Bank On…

Well, it’s been a few days since I’ve posted here on the blog, and what better way to say hello again than to share some before and after photos.

The secret to getting a renovation just right is to do your homework!  Research is the key to getting what you want. Study magazines and books to get an idea of the look you want. Visit friends, family members and colleagues who have renovated recently. Consider your lifestyle and the needs of your family, both in the short and long term. Discuss your project with a designer or decorator for contractor recommendations.

Living Room Before
Living Room After

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once you have a firm idea of the kind of renovation you would like to undertake, it is time to decide how you are going to pay for it. Trustco Bank is at The Home Expo to help with questions about how to finance your next project. If you are thinking of using outside funds, discuss your borrowing needs and options with Trustco Bank. You will probably find that there are many financing possibilities to consider, from personal loans and lines of credit to home equity loans and homeowner’s mortgages.

Are you planning a renovation? Times Union Home Expo is offering smart solutions for your home project! Whether you are building your dream home or simply sprucing up your present home, Home Expo 2018 has the consumer in mind!

There will be hundreds of exciting exhibits, that will display the best in home products, technology and services of every description. Visit one-on-one with builders, mortgage lenders, realtors, decorators, landscapers and more. From hardwood flooring to home theater systems, you can find the latest in product technology and design.

We look forward to seeing you at our new location, the 2018 Times Union Home Expo will be hosted exclusively at the new Albany Capital Center 55 Eagle St Albany NY 12207.

DATES & HOURS

Friday, February 9, 2018 | 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 10, 2018 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 11, 2018 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

See you Soon! Stay tuned for more Adventures in Styleland…

 

XOXO

Michele Conti

Designs by Michele

 

Posted by TU-Michele Furniture and Design Home Design OUTDOOR

Whats cooking in Kitchen Design…

When it comes to designing a kitchen professional chefs often feel the same way we do, they’re limited by space and budget. But they know what they need and are less likely to be seduced by the romance of useless gadgets and crammed counters. Talking to Mark at The Cabinet Shop we touched on the subject of space and function. As a designer, I feel that an efficient kitchen is designed for economy of movement.

Most homeowners (and chefs) are more passionate about counter space than professional appliances. I like to create space for plenty of chopping, rolling out dough and prep space. Mark Wagner of  The Cabinet Shop agreed with 25 years of designing and crafting custom kitchens he knows what’s working in todays kitchen design. With more and more kitchens installed in open concept spaces, the current layouts are using more lower cabinets and larger islands for optimal counter space.

White done right…white kitchens will never go out of style. You’re more likely to grow tired of bold colors so stick with accessories you can swap out, kiss your walls with color. If your taste changes so can your wall color! It’s an inexpensive way to make that change and white cabinets will support whatever new color your heart desires..

 

This small kitchen has ample counter space and an open concept with a lot of personality! Consider your backsplash as another place to add a pop of color when using white cabinets. Bolder personalities tend to choose a countertop with big movement adding more interest to the solid wall color and white cabinets.

Setting up your kitchen for entertaining is key, we don’t want to be hidden away or separated from the party anymore! I find one level islands are best for entertaining as well as food prep. Islands have more than doubled in size from the smaller 5ft island to grand 11ft islands making the most of expanding valuable counter space.

My advice is tear down those walls! Talk with Mark about cabinet color layout and ask me if you want additional help with design. The Cabinet Shop is in two locations this year, booth 101 located on the first floor and booth 231 on the second floor of Times Union Home Expo in The Albany Capital Center 55 Eagle St. Albany NY 12207.

 

As always stay tuned for more Adventures In Styleland…

 

XOXO

Michele Conti

Designs by Michele

Posted by TU-Michele Uncategorized

Quartzite Fantasy…

With the new stylistic choices in countertops being light grey and white stones, a multitude of quartzites are the most optimal materials to use. It should be noted that granite countertops differ largely from quartzite and contains flaws you won’t see in granite. There are many selections to choose from include: Taj Mahal, which is one of my favorites!

Sea Pearl, which features the palest of gray background accented with soft brushes of darker gray with hints of off white. This beautiful natural stone brings a sense of elegance and sophistication to any project.

Fantasy Brown, this gorgeous stone has beautiful hues of grey, white, and brown make this natural stone look like a work of art.

With White Macaubas you’re able to obtain the look of marble without its porous qualities and maintenance.

Last, but not least is Symphony, this elegant and subtle stone has a cream, beige, off white background with light veins of brown and grey. An excellent choice for use in kitchens and baths.

Where granite is an igneous rock found more abundantly than quartzite, deep in the earth’s crust, providing the base for the many continents’ sedimentary rock, quartzite consists of a larger volume of quartz than granite; under heat and pressure combined, quartzite is formed from sandstone and quartz, and with the amount of pressure undergone, empty grains of sandstone are stuffed with quartz. This means quartzite is actually harder.

When in need of a premium kitchen countertops, Klassic Stone can help give you the results you’ve always wanted. Whether it’s for quartzite or granite countertops, at Klassic Stone you can find the most reasonable and simple pricing for products.

At Klassic Stone their staff are experts in fabricating custom countertops, vanity tops, etc. Specializing in templating, fabricating & installing kitchen counter-tops using Granite, Quartz, Quartzite and Marble. Specially trained in all quartz products. Talk with Kim and Lori they will be in booth 229, on the second floor of the Albany Capital Center at the 38th Annual Home Expo.

 

Stay tuned for more Adventures In Styleland…

 

XOXO

Michele Conti

Designs By Michele

 

Posted by TU-Michele Home Design