De-clutter

This was the number one suggestion from everyone. No one ever associated a Zen atmosphere with stuffed closets or messy countertops. Clutter promotes a sense of chaos that is disturbing and unsettling. But de-cluttering is work and decisions need to be made. First, adopt the purging mindset. Second, decide what your criteria and benchmarks are going to be. Some folks use the “if I have not used it in a year, it’s gone” approach. A relatively new and trendy method is asking for every object in your home: “Does this give me joy?” Third, be ruthless. It’s scientific…to create more space, stuff has to go. Full stop. Remember a simplified, clean space is a calm space.

Color

There is a proven connection between the cooler side of the color wheel and a sense of calm. So why not experiment with warm gray, heather blue or sea-glass green. Natural beiges and whites are also very effective…so go ahead…paint a wall, accessorize with new pillows or a classic wool throw or invest in new bedding.

Music

Work on a calming playlist and mix it up. Some classical mixed with new age, jazz and art/indie rock help create a meditative background.

Clean Windows and Candles

Lighting is so important when it comes to mood. Plenty of natural light cheers the soul, so as soon as it is warm enough, clean those windows. Nothing makes a house feel more ready for spring than glistening glass panes. And for those remaining long winter nights, candles are not only a hint of romance but also a source of tranquility. Avoid scented candles and stick with white…tea lights, votives, chunky pillars…there really is no room in your home that doesn’t benefit from candlelight.

Flowers

A soft fragrance does wonders to calm stress and nothing can replace the beauty of a natural floral scent. Splurge on a flat of paper whites for a more subtle fragrance or go full out with hyacinths, a true harbinger of spring.

Namaste,

Ray

The American Society of Landscape Architects report that fire pits are the #1 requested design feature by far…and why not? They provide a hospitable, warm gathering place to enjoy conversation and a glass of wine well beyond Labor Day. In fact they can extend the use of your backyard to Thanksgiving…even in chilly Albany!

Constructing a fire pit into your landscape can be a simple, inexpensive addition or a more complex renovation…either way grab some s’mores fixings and offer a toast to the cool nights of autumn.

Ray Roberts

A stunning curved rock wall frames the space, with natural boulders surrounding the flames

Uber cool fire table with extra warmth at additional seating

Interesting take on the traditional circular shape

One of our senior designers, Amy Van Wie, got to work with Rob and Paul on the kitchen. She designed a clean and simple layout in keeping with the open floor plan of the house. The cabinets are sierra on maple veneer. The refrigerator and dishwasher are paneled for a sleek, sophisticated look and who wouldn’t love to prepare a meal on their 48” Wolf?

Owl’s Nest is a one-of-a-kind property, something very special indeed.

A perfect color for all areas of the home: living room, bedroom, kitchen and bath. Go ahead and introduce it boldly with strong painted walls or deep blue tiles…or try it as an accent against neutral tones of beige and grey.

[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/7751577/Pine-Library-transitional-living-room-new-york]

[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/2946744/Pine-Library-traditional-family-room-new-york]

kitchens
[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/160345/Kitchen-examples-traditional-kitchen-san-diego]

[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/92423/Washington-Park-Residence-06-traditional-kitchen-seattle]

[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/386285/White-Modern-Classic-Kitchen-traditional-kitchen-chicago]

[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/677436/Contemporary-Kitchen-contemporary-kitchen-other-metro]

When it’s cold outside, nothing feels better than a warm, snugly towel. Would love this towel warmer: http://www.trendir.com/archives/skope-towel-warmer-glascia-1.jpg

Missing those summer night barbecues in the dead of winter…go ahead and bring the grilling inside! http://www.hamiltonbeach.com/all-indoor-grills.html

On a long winter’s night, nothing is cozier than curling up under a luxurious throw. This one from Pottery Barn seems perfect!

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/cozy-cable-knit-throw/?pkey=e%7Cblankets%2B%2526%2Bthrows%7C31%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C22&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-Sku_Top_Marketing_Rule%7CThrows-_-

A coffee and wine bar in the kitchen makes me happy.

[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/99698/Beverage-Center-eclectic-kitchen-san-francisco]

A rustic family room  to relax in and enjoy that nice glass of wine.

[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/347223/Rustic-Family-Room-rustic-family-room-minneapolis]

A warm and cozy bedroom for those wonderful holiday dreams.

[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/5002469/Morningstar-Residence-rustic-bedroom-denver]

Wishing you all a very merry, merry!

Laura

1. Kitchen: Vaulted ceilings with a wall of windows.  Floating shelves in front of the windows, but no other wall cabinets.  It gives the kitchen a bright airy feel with plenty of base cabinet storage.

[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/331895/Modern-Kitchen-contemporary-kitchen-san-francisco]

2. A Ladies Master Bathroom: No sharing necessary.  Lots of counter space, a soaking tub, and a vanity to sit at with a beautiful view.

[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/112602/Master-Bathroom-traditional-bathroom-minneapolis]

3.  Library Lounge: A modern traditional mix for a Library lounge space with lots of natural light.  I love having a place to lounge and relax.

[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/7146529/1–Wimbledon-transitional-family-room-london]

Justina, a designer who recently returned from a short stay out West, creatively solves kitchen space issues, dreams of a bathroom to die for and shows her flare with a fun and dramatic addition to any living room. Here goes:

For kitchen: roll-out island or kitchen cart used for extra storage and work surface, because living in a small apartment with no work space at all is a real hassle when cooking for the holidays

For bathroom: Japanese soaking tub with a view.  Need some relaxing and who wouldn’t want a view like this!!!

[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/118648/Ellis-Residence—master-bathroom-contemporary-bathroom-seattle]

For Living: the West Elm Everett Armchair & ottoman in their performance velvet. It’s a nod to mid-century and the velvet finish is so lush and fun in any setting. 

Mark your calendar because the Saratoga Showcase of Homes returns this September! The showcase celebrates and recognizes Saratoga County’s most exceptional homes built by the finest builders in the Capital Region.

Now in its 18th year, the event will display the latest in building techniques and products for the home. Homeowners can also explore beautiful, high-quality furnishings and fixtures from the area’s top interior designers.

There will be three consecutive weekends to join the showcase tours: September 21st-22nd, 28th-29th & October 5th-6th. The showcase home tour hours are 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Also, be sure not to miss the new and exciting Showcase Chefs “Comforts of Homes” at participating showcase homes. These delectable events will take place September 20th!

To purchase your tickets, visit the Saratoga Showcase of Homes website. Proceeds from the event will benefit Rebuilding Together Saratoga and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. Be sure to grab your tickets and visit the showcase home on 96 Oak Street to explore the kitchen CCW designed with Witt Construction!

-Laura

Ambient

Any fixtures that reflect light off walls and ceilings add to the overall illumination of a room. You want your lighting to set the mood and perhaps attract the eye to certain elements. Install a dimmer switch to help add a layering effect. This will provide brighter light for tasks and softer light for mealtimes.

Task

Need additional lighting for your work stations? Having direct undercabinet lighting makes a world of difference. Task lighting can prevent accidents when chopping with a sharp knife. You can even have them above your sink and well out of the way from wet surfaces.

Decorative

Though fixtures provide ambient lighting, their main focus is to serve as decoration. There are numerous styles to choose from including pendants, chandeliers, wall sconces and table lamps.