Blog

According to trend forecaster Dave Nemeth and managing director of Hansgrohe SA David Cooper, 2016 will be the year of technology in the kitchen and bathroom. New technology and a return to the Bauhaus principles of design will see function start to follow form. Here are the top kitchen and bathroom trends for 2016… Clever kitchens According to Nemeth, kitchens will be driven by the term ‘the internet of things’ going forward, “where it is not just humans that interact electronically but our environments and appliances too.” Kitchens that communicate with us “The overriding importance of the cooking space will be less on the aesthetic and more on the functionality. The kitchen area will increasingly communicate with us. For example, fridges, pantries and spice racks will be able notify you via your mobile phone what is running low and add it to your grocery list. Ovens will be programmed to cook the perfect meal and alert us when the dishes are ready. Screens placed in strategic areas, will allow for immediate access to millions of recipes via voice command and will identify whether you have all the ingredients needed for the recipe.” While this technology is imminent, there are already highly sophisticated offerings from Hansgrohe that make the lives of the chef much easier, says Cooper. The Axor Citterio Select is an example of modern convenience coupled with high-quality design. The Select technology allows the water flow and temperature on your kitchen mixer to be pre-set with options which allow the mixer to intuitively and practically meet the cook’s needs.”

Fall is a good time to take care of big home repair projects before shorter days (and in many areas, ice and snow) make outdoor work too difficult. And if you do live in an area with cold winters, take some time this fall to boost energy efficiency throughout your home, and prevent damage from winter storms with proper tree care (we spoke with an expert to find out what you need to do). Tick these 15 items off your list this season, and you can rest easy knowing that your home and yard are buttoned up and ready for winter.

What an honor to be asked to design a bedroom for Home Is Where The Heart Is Designer Showhouse! My inspiration for the room began with the donation of gorgeous hand painted fine French furniture from Grange. The beautiful soft hues of blue, green and...

These days are busy, busy, busy preparing for Home Is Where The Heart Is Designer Showhouse in Mill Neck to benefit The American Heart Association where I will be doing a little girl's bedroom and bath.  My room will feature beautiful, hand painted furniture from Grange and Duralee's fabric from Bailey & Griffin and Tilton Fenwick. Here is a sneak peak at my concept board: IMG_0227 The gala preview cocktail party is being held April 16th with Kim Radovich as Design Chair and Honorary Showhouse Chair Tyler Wisler of HGTV's Design Star.  The show will run from April 17 through May 31, 2015.

Empty nester Laura was ready for a change.  Her children were grown and she wanted a design for her home that was more transitional and warm - something she would keep and enjoy for as long as they lived in the house or as she told me "for life." 2015-02-10 22.51.15 We softened the look of her home by removing the outdated mirror lining the walls of her dining room and updating the recessed lighting. Crown molding and wainscot were added, and we refinished the floors and purchased more traditional furnishings.  By using different patterns and textures, we created visual interest and warmth.  Her existing lucite cocktail table, although more on the modern side, added an interesting twist and the antique nesting tables had sentimental value and look lovely in the new setting.  The overall look is softer and more inviting.