Home & Lifestyle Saratoga
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Complimentary 2021
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Home & Lifestyle Saratoga
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OWNER/PUBLISHER Chad Beatty GENERAL MANAGER Robin Mitchell CREATIVE DIRECTOR/ MANAGING EDITOR Chris Vallone Bushee MAGAZINE DESIGNER Kacie Cotter-Sacala ADVERTISING Jim Daley Cindy Durfey CONTRIBUTORS Karra Brown Colleen Coleman Colleen Pausley Megin Potter Eric Rosenberg Jordana Turcotte Diane Whitten PHOTOGRAPHERS Randall Perry Photography David Straight PUBLISHED BY Saratoga TODAY Newspaper Five Case Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 tel: (518) 581-2480 fax: (518) 581-2487 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com Saratoga Home & Lifestyle is brought to you by Saratoga TODAY, Saratoga Publishing, LLC. Saratoga Publishing shall make every effort to avoid errors and omissions but disclaims any responsibility should they occur. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written consent of the publisher. Copyright © 2021, Saratoga TODAY Newspaper.
If interested in print publications for your next event call Saratoga TODAY. (518) 584-2180.
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Finishing Touches Home Let’s get back to Calm, Cozy & Comfortable!!
T
HE 2021 TRENDS IN DESIGN ARE NOT SURPRISING – warmer, deeper colors like burnt oranges, peacock blues, browns, rusts, warm greens and deep reds are replacing bright whites, grays and cool colors. These rich tones invoke a sense of warmth - a feeling everyone is seeking these days! More comfortable furniture, nostalgic details and items that remind us of faraway places are all a must for 2021 as we make our spaces more personal. I have always loved mixing the old with new; it just adds extra character and meaning to a room. Now it couldn’t be more on trend. Replacing the shiny, perfectly finished pieces are antiques, repurposed and salvaged pieces layered with new, more modern pieces to bring back a feeling of nostalgia. Also look for more natural materials like wicker, rattan and earthy elements like trees, live edge wood and warmer tones.
While we are at home a lot more, entertainment spaces are now including larger TV’s, better sound systems and more comfortable seating as we all seek that cozier, more relaxed, safe feeling of home. Updated kitchens to embrace the chef in all of us as well as stately home offices are also trending in the New Year. Outdoor areas that bring the indoors out with comfortable seating layered with area rugs, pillows, plants and firepits will be more popular than ever as we extend our houses for socially distanced gatherings.
Since we are not travelling to our favorite destinations, rooms that evoke distant shores will also be popping up. Tropical colors, lush plants, colorful florals, nautical items and a mix of patterns and textures will be added as we strive to create atmospheres we long to return to. Ocean hues like Benjamin Moore’s color of the year Aegean Teal reflect this shift towards tranquility.
Maximalism is another word for 2021: Adding more personal touches, more prints, including ginghams, checks, velvet, needlepoint & vintage prints, all inspired by grandma’s house will bring back memories of past good times. Statement headboards in all different shapes and sizes and peel and stick wallpaper in bold florals and large prints will turn rooms into luxurious retreats. The Award Winning Design Team at Finishing Touches can help you pull all of these trends together to create a sanctuary in your own home. We also offer lots of personal touches when shopping at our store: custom made wreaths and florals, gift baskets for all occasions and locally made products to coordinate with your décor style.
Stop in and visit us to see all we have to offer! 450 East High Street | Malta, NY 12020 518-584-1490 FinishingTouchesStore.com Wednesday-Saturday 11 AM – 5 PM
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Chris Vallone Bushee Creative Director/ Managing Editor cBushee@SaratogaPublishing.com 518-581-2480 ext. 201 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Design
Welcome to the year of the home!
Trends
That line isn’t mine, it’s in one of these articles, but it couldn’t be more true. I think this issue is the most uplifting we’ve done in the past year. With stories of how businesses are pivoting to be productive during the pandemic, other industries are busier than ever, new things are popping up… and it’s all over a love and appreciation for HOME, now that we have time to be there. Let’s not forget the reason we started the Saratoga Home & Lifestyle magazine years ago – as a promotional piece for the Rotary of Saratoga Springs yearly home show fundraiser. Check out page 14 to see how you can be involved in their fundraising efforts this year, stop by and look at the pets up for adoption on page 15, and you know there is always something for the kids, so check out page 16. After that’s done… You have 64 pages of design inspiration for your home! Whether you are looking for advice, companies to hire or DIY ideas – this magazine has it all!
Advice
I hope you find these articles as informative as I did. I’m always looking for topics to cover, so send your Homeowner Woes (or completed projects!) to me at cBushee@SaratogaPublishing.com for future issues. And for even more inspiration, check out the H&G issue of Simply Saratoga Magazine, due out in May, when we start celebrating the SBA’s Showcase of Homes 25th Anniversary with interviews, behind the scenes stories and even more beautiful photos! I must close with a big THANK YOU! to all our advertisers, without them, Saratoga TODAY could not continue to offer these beautiful publications free of charge to the thousands that read each issue. Please mention us by name when visiting these businesses… Saratoga Home & Lifestyle Magazine, a Saratoga TODAY publication.
Wow!
Enjoy the mag!
Love, Chris
Brought to you by:
Cover photo courtesy of Benjamin Moore Paint - see page 38 for their Color Trends!
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l l A g n i l l a C
s i n n e T & s r e f l Go s! r e y Pla
Lift a racquet or swing a club on behalf of the Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs! This issue of Saratoga Home & Lifestyle magazine usually promotes our club’s biggest fundraiser the annual Home & Lifestyle Show at the Saratoga Springs City Center. But like everything else, the pandemic has changed our plans. However, the Rotary Club still needs to fill the coffers of our Local Giving Fund. All the money we raise goes to support the local community non-profit organizations that need our help more than ever this year. The club helps the Franklin Community Center, Shelters of Saratoga, the Double H Ranch, and countless others.
YOU CAN HELP US RAISE MONEY FOR WORTHY CAUSES BY PUTTING THESE TWO NEW FUNDRAISERS ON YOUR CALENDAR!
THE ROTARY SARATOGA OPEN TENNIS TOURNAMENT: JUNE 5-6 The Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs introduces its first annual Saratoga Open Tennis Tournament to be held at the Wilton YMCA Tennis Center on Saturday, June 5, and Sunday, June 6. The tournament will feature single elimination, eight-game pro sets, 32-player draw for singles (men’s and women’s) and an 18-team draw for doubles (men’s and women’s). Scoring for the semifinals and finals will be the best of three sets. The tournament’s major sponsor is the Adirondack Trust Company. Additional sponsors currently include Skidmore College, CDPHP (Capital District Physicians Health Plan), Drabek Homes, and Bond, Schoeneck & King Attorneys. Sponsorships are still sought.
Regardless of whether you plan to play singles or doubles, the tournament fees are $20 for one draw and $40 for two draws, per player. Registration fees include a swag bag and free refreshments. To learn more, sign up or inquire about sponsorship, please email Dan Klein at thesaratogaopen@gmail.com.
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SARATOGA ROTARY GOLF TOURNAMENT: SEPTEMBER 17 The first annual Saratoga Rotary Golf Tournament will be held Friday, September 17 at the McGregor Links Country Club golf course. The tournament format will be team-bestball with games and challenges throughout the course. There are five Par 3s on the course; we will hold closest-tothe pin contests on the first four Par 3s. There is a $10,000 hole-in-one prize on the 18th hole! At the end of the day, players can relax with a socially distanced buffet lunch accompanied by award presentations for the top finishing teams, a 50/50 cash prize, and drawings for raffle prizes. For more information about sponsorship opportunities or to register your foursome, please contact Nathan Towne at saratogarotarygolf@gmail.com.
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Please Choose To
Adopt - Not Shop
For A Pet
THERE ARE PETS OF ALL SIZES AND AGES WHO NEED HOMES.
1
Choose a pet that has a similar activity level to your own. If you are a couch potato, an active kitten or puppy is not the best choice. Consider adopting an older pet who will love that couch time just as much as you do. If you want a running partner, don’t get a tiny lap dog.
2
When you bring your new dog or cat home, give them time and a quiet place to adjust. Introduce family members one by one. Let them go up to you and others in their own time- don’t force it.
3
Keep your new pet separated from your current pets for a time, so they can smell and hear each other, but not necessarily see each other right away.
4 5 6 Enjoy having a new best friend!
Don’t expect your new pet to be just like your previous pet because each has their own personality.
Create a routine for your new pet including regular feeding times and playtimes.
H.O.P.E. Helps People and Pets Find Each Other hopeanimalrescue.org • 518.428.2994
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SHOPPING FOR AN
Easter Basket? Ballston Spa illustrator Jody Wheeler adds new “Corduroy” book to her portfolio.
H
ot on the heels of producing the illustrations for the holiday hit children’s book “Merry Christmas, Corduroy,” area artist Jody Wheeler is finishing up work on the art for an Easter board book with the same, loveable bear at its center. Just released in midFebruary, “Happy Easter, Corduroy” is hard-paged and soft-hearted… key elements for the success of the children’s books about the famous little bear originated by the renowned Don Freeman.
This will be the fifth time that Wheeler has been chosen to illustrate Corduroy in the many original images it takes to create such a book.
“I have been working with Viking, a division of Penguin Random House, on Corduroy books so long that the little guy is like a member of the family. It’s hard to look around my studios in New York City and the north country and not see a sketch or painting of that sweet little bear on some adventure,” says Wheeler. “I have been lucky that the pandemic hasn’t kept me from working. And if one has to spend time out of the usual social circles, what better companion than this classic Freeman character?” she asked.
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Wheeler, a children’s book illustrator from Ballston Spa with studios in New York City and in Saratoga County, has created the artwork for more than 75 books. In addition to the Corduroy the Bear and Nate the Great, she has illustrated such well-known characters as Madeline, and ET: The ExtraTerrestrial. She has also painted illustrations for the Little House on the Prairie picture book series, as well as creating original art for many other books and products. For more information, visit www.wheelerillustration.com.
Readers wishing to pre-order the Easter book can do so at www.penguinrandomhouse.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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2020. the year we will never forget!
the year we realized we needed a
HOME DESIGNER: MICHELE AHL OF 2B DESIGN, LLC
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OFFICE CONTRACTOR: CHRIS MOTLER | PHOTOGRAPHY: DAVID STRAIGHT
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2020 has been given many labels and
names however, in my line of work I like to call it The Year of Home!
Many of us have never spent as much time in our homes as we have in 2020. The adjustments we were forced to make regarding our everyday lives also played out in our places of work. Many of us were required to work from home and handle our workload from the “comfort” of a not so comfortable spare bedroom or dining room table!
I was called upon to create an office space for my client that gave her Zoom calls a more professional back drop than the shoe wall in her spare room! She chose a storage room over her garage to make that happen. The wish list included more efficient storage that was also hidden and attractive, a professional feel, better lighting, a comfortable chair to relax in while not on a call, and of course a desk and storage to handle her work items. She requested an industrial back drop with neutrals, glam details and pops of blue and purple. She also requested absolutely no gold!
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The challenges / requests: • Dilapidated Stairwell entry
• Angled walls and low ceilings • Poor lighting
• Inadequate storage for everything from out of season clothing and holiday items to a gown closet • Finish the entire project during the holidays • Purple and Blue…
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Challenge accepted! Michele Ahl of 2B Design, LLC came in with her crew who worked through the holiday season to accomplish the wish list and accommodate her client’s time frame. As a Talent Acquisition Leader at Momentive, the homeowner knew what she was looking for.
Taking advantage of an existing fireplace chimney that went through the room, Michele worked in a feature wall of raw birch with a burnt finish, and matching open shelves strictly for display. The custom storage tucked under the angled ceilings incorporates the burned wood finish on the door details. There are pull out interiors so that additional storage could be accessed under the eaves! Iron hardware, a simple custom desk with natural walnut top and molded tin risers on the new stairs finished off the industrial requirement.
On to the glam!
Michele brought in a light blue French chair, a fun fur stool with Lucite legs, glassware, floral art, and a fancy mirror in shades of purples, blues and whites. Whoever said 2020 was all bad?
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A Closet that MeetsYou T WRITTEN BY JORDANA TURCOTTE
he very best place in the home to meet you where you are, is your closet.
Closets tend to be a hot spot of mess for most people. I would be surprised if at one time in your life you haven’t opened a closet door (if you can actually close it) and have had something fall out onto you. It is just that way. When all else fails in dealing with an item, we open a closet door and shove it in. Yes, again, the definition of clutter is a delayed decision. In these trying times, the last thing you need is to be fighting with your clothing! Your closet is (should be!!) your daily personal assistant, supporting you with how you feel, how you look and getting you set up to embark on your day whether out or in. Your clothing IN your closet should fit NOW, you should be comfortable in them, you should love them and you should get compliments when you wear them. If it doesn’t fit those categories, it should not be in there. The Marie Kondo way is to have you ask each item, “Does it spark joy?” Really, if you are eh when you wear it or hate things about it, let it go. We wear 20% of our clothing 80% of the time.
“
We wear 20% of our clothing
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Clothing makes people struggle with the decision making process. We all have those pieces we spent too much on, that we never wore but want to, that you wore once but hated or the ones that you LOVE but no longer fit into. But, if there was ever a place to be diligent in your decision making skills, you closet is the place to do it. Remember that this pandemic has caused a switch in what we are wearing, if you think that your situation will stay the same, plan accordingly.
This project of taking on your closet can take ALL day – plan accordingly if you want to sleep in your bed that night. Your bed is the table used to sort. You must first decide if you want your closet to hold both seasons of clothing or just the current season. If you decide to only house the current season, make sure you use appropriate storage containers for the out of season clothing to prevent damage and label every box for easy retrieval. Store all out of season clothing in one location for the entire family.
Next, empty your entire closet. To make life a lot easier, make piles as you empty of like items – pants, blouses, dresses, skirts and so on. And now clean it! Yes, when will be the next time you can do it properly? If your hangers are mismatched and poor, invest in new ones for the entire closet.
...80%
of the time”
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Each item needs a decision – keep, toss, repair, sell or donate. It is much easier to part with unworn, damaged, out of style or non-fitting items when you see all the same type in one pile. I bet you didn’t realize you had 6 black sweaters! During this process of purging, look at size. If it isn’t your current size, it can’t stay in your closet. For size goal items, keep no more than one full tote. The first thing you will want to do, if and when you reach that goal, is buy new in-style clothing. Keep only those timeless and favorite pieces.
After going through every single item – shoes included, set up your closet. I prefer light to dark in each grouping (pants, shirts, dresses). You could also hang all work items together and then casual together or create outfits. This is a personal preference of course, but make the decision and maintain that going forward.
Some other tools of the trade to customize a closet is to consider some bins that fit the shelving you have so piles don’t topple over. Have all one color and type of bins to house some categories to make the closet look cohesive. A second low hanging bar that hangs on the upper bar may give you the extra hanging space you need. And hanging cloth organizers are made in all configurations to house sweaters, shoes and more. You can pick up an assortment to have on hand and then return what you don’t use. If a project remodel is in the plans, going through everything first will allow you to really design the closet for the amount of hanging/folded/shoe space you actually need. This is a dream come true for designers because you will be happy with the outcome and have exactly what you need.
Lastly, if room allows, in every closet have a donate bag/bin for items that you find you are ready to let go of. We are always generating clothing discards so don’t keep them in the mix, have a spot for them. If you can follow the one in – one out rule, this rule alone will keep your closet from getting over stuffed. Tackling your clothing will really help you kick off each day in the right mood as well as looking good. Think about all the time and stress you will save each morning when your closets meet you where you are. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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Is An Estate Sale
Right for You? WRITTEN BY ERIC ROSENBERG
There may come a time when you want to dispose of some or all of your belongings. While you may choose to donate some items, you may also want to have an estate sale or garage sale, and… does it really matter what you call it? YES - an “estate sale” is when an owner is selling all or most of their belongings due to a major change in life circumstances, usually in the case of downsizing or the death of a family member. A “garage sale” is when an owner is selling a small number of unused items to declutter their home. This distinction is important because there are many buyers, including dealers, who prefer to attend an estate sale due to the broader range and better quality of items for sale, and who will also usually have more money to spend.
WHY HIRE AN ESTATE SALE MANAGEMENT COMPANY? You may be tempted to conduct the estate sale yourself, saving the fee that is paid to an estate sale management company. That fee will generally range from 30%, to as much as 50% of the gross sales. Conducting
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a successful estate sale is not as simple as it may seem and, for a variety of reasons, most people will (happily!) hire an estate sale management company to handle the details and do all the work. Besides the convenience, experience has shown that an owner will usually make more money by hiring an estate sale management company, even after paying the fee. Besides the steps listed below, the emotional aspect of an estate sale is among the biggest reason for not conducting the estate sale yourself. Watching your belongings, or the belongings of family members, leave the house can be an extremely unsettling experience. And nobody wants to see others haggling over your loved ones’ treasured items.
SO, WHAT IS INVOLVED IN CONDUCTING AN ESTATE SALE...?
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Decisions:
The first step is to decide what is going to be sold and what is not going to be sold. Items still in the home on sale days will be marked as not for sale. This is important because people will buy anything that even appears available for sale.
Set-up:
Properly setting up the sale can be very time consuming. Taking things out of cabinets and closets and laying them out on tables, among other things, is a good idea. People can’t buy what they can’t see.
Pricing:
This is probably the most important part of a successful sale, and the part that is outside the ability of most people. Owners will usually over-value their items, and then sell for less than their actual value.
WHAT HAPPENS TO UNSOLD ITEMS? It is inevitable that not everything will sell. I recommend donating your unsold items to a charitable organization. You should make these arrangements in advance of your sale as different charities have limits on the types of donations they will accept. You can also hire someone to do a clean-out. Good luck if you decide to host your own estate sale, but if you’re not up to it and would like to hire a professional - feel free to contact me with any questions or to schedule your free, no obligation consultation. Eric Rosenberg, The “Uncommon” Galleries, Inc. | 518-309-3533 See my ad on page 43!
Pictures & Advertising:
To have a successful sale, take a lot of pictures and post the sale on a variety of available websites. Plan to start advertising one to two weeks prior to the sale.
The Sale:
Do not underestimate the insanity that frequently goes on during the sale, which will last from one to three days depending on the number of items to be sold. Expect to have a lot of people going through the house, asking questions, wanting prices, and needing help -all at the same time. There is also the aspect of collecting and keeping track of the money.
Sales Tax:
Under New York law, you may still be required to collect sales tax if you conduct the sale yourself. An estate sale management company is required to collect and pay sales tax.
WHAT CAN/SHOULD BE SOLD AT MY ESTATE SALE? People will buy anything, yes – ANYTHING! Even if you think some of your belongings are junk, you can and should try to sell them at the estate sale. Plan on selling anything you are legally allowed to sell (no guns or alcohol, for example). This will include everything from home furnishings and decor, art and jewelry, antiques and collectibles, clothing, kitchen and bar items, vehicles and boats, unused cleaning supplies, tools and hardware, bath and table linens and so on. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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FEEDING
frenzy
Buying in a Seller’s Market WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED
Real estate is like a wave,
a pendulum that swings back and forth based on the current events, economy, and what’s in style. In 2021, it’s a seller’s market. “There are a lot fewer listings now than is typical for this time of year. If a listing is appealing, it’s selling quickly and with multiple offers. It’s a great time to be a seller and a tough time to be a buyer because the market is so competitive right now,” said licensed real estate salesperson Kirstin Drabek. If you’re a buyer, however, don’t fret, she’s got some useful tips that can help you get into a great home at a price you can afford. 26 | SARATOGA HOME & LIFESTYLE 2021
“Just knowing what you want is half the battle.”
Know What You Want “Just knowing what you want is half the battle,” said Drabek. A real estate agent that listens to you and asks the right questions, can show you a house that you’ll fall in love with at first sight. Some of Drabek’s clients have done just that. “I like to ask so many questions that an image of the house they want is being printed in my head and in the buyer’s head as we talk. Then, when I send them the first batch of homes to look at, I ask them what I got right or wrong and what I can tweak to make it perfect,” she said.
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Move-in Ready – Is there such a thing? The short answer is “yes,” said Drabek. She’s been living in the area for almost 21 years and an agent for the last six. She actively follows the market, scouring daily for something her clients will just love. “Everyone puts their own stamp on a house, but with the low interest rates right now, it’s a great time to buy,” she said. Prowess and know-how get them in for a showing quickly. Often within 24 to 48 hours, the sellers are accepting an offer.
Don’t Bite Off More Than You Can Chew “Most people are open to buying a house that needs small cosmetic changes or a small project that they can take on – like freshening up the counter tops, the flooring, or the paint. Not everyone is open to a real ‘fixer-upper’ where things have to be totally rethought,” said Drabek.
Because of the current climate, more people are staying at home and doing small renovation projects, which is creating a high demand for good contractors and materials that are in short supply. With almost any building project right now, delays are almost inevitable, and unforeseen costs must be factored in. “Some people have an appetite for a huge renovation – they want to rip everything out and start over. Some people have the stomach for it, but others just don’t.”
When Building Your Dream Home, is Really Just a Fantasy Finding an amazing piece of property and building the home you’ve always dreamed of can be a lot more costly than you imagined.
“The process of building a new house can be challenging. Is there public water, sewer, utilities? What builder do you need for what kind of structure? There are DEC maps you have to look at to see if there are any wetlands that need to be protected. There’s definitely some research that needs to go into an initial consultation,” she said.
On the hunt? The real-estate market is a jungle and you’re going to need a guide. Find Keller Williams’ salesperson Kirstin Drabek, by calling 518-669-2618 or visiting DrabekHomes.com.
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Monitoring Your Home Freezer: Should You Invest in a Wireless Temperature Sensor? WRITTEN BY DIANE WHITTEN, NUTRITION & FOOD EDUCATOR, CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SARATOGA COUNTY
This article was inspired by a call from a resident who wanted to know if he could keep any food that was in his freezer after his power came back on. He said that he had thousands of dollars of meat in his freezer. A simple freezer alarm could have saved him from losing all the contents of his freezer.
Separate
Separate large freezer units are a great asset to a homestead or for someone preparing for lean times. Since they’re usually not stored in your main living area, you’re not monitoring them daily, as you do your kitchen refrigerator and freezer. How will you know if the freezer breaks down, putting your food worth hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, at risk? This is where a wireless temperature sensor can save the day and your wallet. These sensors monitor the temperature in your freezer and can send you an alert if the temperature is too high. As with all technology the price and features vary widely, but for as little as $14 you can get a basic monitor that will send you an alarm when your freezer temperature changes. More expensive models connect with your smart phone and can monitor humidity in addition to temperature. The humidity feature isn’t necessary if you just want to know if your freezer has stopped working. An internet search for wireless temperature sensors for freezers will lead you to information on many options to safeguard the food in your freezer. It’s well worth the investment to save your food and prevent the heartache of throwing away hundreds of dollars worth of food.
When the Power Comes Back On – Check the Temperature Sometimes the power goes out for just a few hours, or maybe even up to a few days. While the food in your refrigerator will remain in a safe temperature zone for only 4 hours, a food in a full freezer can remain safe for up to two days. The key bit of information you need is the temperature of the freezer when the power comes back on. If the temperature is at or below 40°F, the food will be safe to eat. Freezing, thawing and refreezing will affect the quality of the food, but not its safety. Therefore, at least keep a simple thermometer in your freezer so you can determine whether or not your food can be refrozen or taken out to consume in the next few days, if you don’t want to refreeze it. For more tips check out this USDA fact sheet: Keep Your Food Safe During Emergencies
Contact Diane Whitten at Cornell Cooperative Extension with your questions about food and nutrition: 518-885-8995, dwhitten@cornell.edu. 28 | SARATOGA HOME & LIFESTYLE 2021
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AVOIDING REMODELING MISTAKES IN YOUR
Kitchen and Bath STORY & KITCHEN & BATH 3D DRAWINGS BY COLLEEN COLEMAN
What a year 2020 has been. I think I have seen more Do-It-Yourselfers than ever before. Like all new ventures, there is a learning curve. I know some of you have been frustrated when that cabinet wouldn’t fit or you tossed a few naughty words around when you ran out of tile and the store is out of stock…permanently! Well, not to worry. I’d like to give you a few designer tips on how to plan your project like a pro! Heck, if you’re going to do the project without me anyway, I’d rather hear Yippee than %#$*&. So here are my top 5 tips for both the Kitchen and Bath. There are many more, but my editor said I would have to write a book!
Bathrooms:
1. Vanity DOs and DON’Ts
2. Elongated or round fronted toilet?
Many smaller bathrooms are outfitted with a pedestal sink. When renovating, homeowners wish to install a vanity to gain storage space. When measuring your space, take into consideration the need to pull the vanity off the side wall by about 1” – 1-1/2” to clear the entry door trim and allow the cabinet doors to open without obstruction. Also, be careful not to place drawers on the side of the cabinet that is next to the entry door either. The bathroom door always opens INTO the bathroom. If a cabinet drawer is left open, it will prohibit someone from entering the bathroom in an emergency. And remember, order a 34-1/2” high vanity rather than its shorter counterpart. This height is the same as a kitchen base cabinet. Less bending and more storage room…Bonus!
Oh, the day the comfort height, elongated toilets came into the residential market…it was dubbed “The Throne,” at least in my house! But not all comfort height toilets with the longer bowl, measuring up to 31” from the wall, fit into a smaller bathroom. Remember, you have to get that door open! The last thing you want is to install the toilet and realize the bathroom door stops at the toilet bowl! Now that may cause a few murmurs I am trying to avoid. Instead, look for a round fronted toilet at a max of 28” in length. There are fewer options but the cost is usually less as well. And remember, the standard toilet area is 36” wide. Be sure to tape off this space and measure for your tub and vanity from there. Can you go a little tighter if necessary?
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Sure…no one is going to call the Kohler police…but you may wind up with a few smashed elbows for the lifetime of that bathroom reno. Oh, and a general toilet tip…I can’t help myself…be sure to place an outlet on the wall at the rear of the toilet. Bidet toilet seats are becoming more and more popular, especially after the shortage of toilet paper we had in 2020. You’ll thank me some day!
4. Yikes! I ran out of tile! Okay, so the biggest misunderstanding in the tile world is “how to calculate the proper amount of tile needed for a project.” One would think you measure your space and calculate the square footage (just in case…length x wide in inches then divide by 144). Of course, it’s not that simple. Once you have your room’s square footage, add another 10%-15% for waste (damaged tiles during cutting, broken tiles, discolorations, etc.). The percentage increases with the complexity of the installation. That is the minimum amount you need. Now, tile is sold by the box most often. You need to find out how many square feet are in each box. Take your total required square feet and divide it by the square feet per box sold of the tile you desire to buy. This will tell you how many boxes to buy. And always round up! You will want some left over in case you ever have to replace a tile in the future. So now you know! Even if you do happen to buy tile from a large liquidation site by the piece, you know how to calculate the minimum you need. And don’t forget to spend a little more on a product called GroutOnce. It’s a liquid additive that is used in the grout, in lieu of water, which creates a permanent seal. Imagine, you will no longer have to seal your grout every year to keep it looking new! It’s a staple in all my projects!
3. What is the proper height for your shower head? Most often, you’ll find a typical shower head installed around 72” above the shower pan floor. Meaning, the outlet where the water comes out of the wall. The shower head will be even lower than that! My husband is 6’-2”; he can’t even wash his hair at that height without doing a backbend! So, when you’re renovating your shower, be sure to take into consideration a comfortable height for the main users of the space. For instance, I prefer to place a standard shower head (the water supply) between 80” – 82” high which is suitable for kids as well as an average adult. But if you are installing a rain shower head, it’s best to place the bottom of the shower head between 84-86” above the shower floor. This is NOT the height of the water supply from the wall. You MUST back into that measurement by taking into consideration the shower neck you are using and the overall height of your particular shower head. A little more complicated, but the showering experience is well worth the math hassle! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
5. Humidity causing problems? In a bathroom, code requires that a window is present or a vent, but not both. So many homes have a typical bath window only. When we bathe, the humidity in that bathroom is very high and there is no way for it to escape unless you open that window. That is all fine and dandy in July…but here in New York, we get some pretty cold days and you can’t even get the window opened! So, to avoid future problems like mold, it is best to pay the piper and have a vent system installed just outside the shower stall. Pay attention to two things…First, the sones, measured in decibels, which is how noisy the fan is when in use. The lower the better. Some of them come with a steam detector and will run automatically until the steam is gone, or, for a pre-set duration. And do NOT just send the steam into your attic, ALWAYS discharge it to the outside! Second, the required CFM (cubic feet per minute) to properly move the air. To determine this, take the length x width of the room, say 8’ x 10’, you would get 80 sq. ft... Therefore, you need at minimum 80 CFM for that bathroom. SARATOGA HOME & LIFESTYLE 2021 | 31
Kitchens:
1. Can I please have room to cook?!? We all want a larger kitchen; spacious with lots of cabinets and room to have 10 friends over and still move about freely. Well, reality is, we don’t all have that kind of space. But to best utilize the space you do have, be sure to maintain 40-42” between countertops. The best scenario is 42”, especially if there are 2 cooks in the kitchen. This may mean you need to forego that island and use a moveable cart with a butcher block top. Maintaining this clearance in your kitchen is key to a good working space. Don’t get greedy by wanting it all…know your kitchens limitations and design with the space in mind.
2. My new refrigerator doesn’t fit in the old opening! Oh boy, this happens more than you know. Many of today’s appliances are standard sizes. Dishwashers are 24” wide, ranges vary in size from 30”, 36” and so on. But refrigerators, they are another creature all together. I will admit, the standard width is 36” but can vary in height and depth. So, when you are replacing your refrigerator, be sure to look over the specifications of the unit to ensure it will fit in your current opening. Just today, one of my friends told me he measured his cabinet above the refrigerator opening and noted it was 36” wide, so he ordered a new 36” wide refrigerator. The big oops…the adjacent countertop was not square and the front was wider than the back…yup…a few naughty words and lots of work to make that opening a true 36” wide all around. And to top it off, he didn’t realize the cabinet above was too short for the new unit. More naughty words and lots of work! Learn his lesson…measure twice (height, width and depth), order once!
3. Don’t ding the dishwasher! Another big faux pas is not paying attention to appliance locations in relationship to one another. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen the dishwasher and range doors collide when opened; or the frustration of homeowners using one appliance and needing to get out of the way so someone else can use an appliance directly behind it. Yikes! Be sure to review your appliance specifications which are always available online or from your favorite appliance store, such as Earl B. Feiden. And remember, your cabinet doors and drawers need to open while you’re emptying your dishwasher!
4. My range vent slams the doors in my house when on! When you purchase a range, it is a good time to update the vent hood as well. Knowing the proper CFM to purchase is important, for a gas range especially! Basically, you would add up the BTU output of your range top and divide that by 100. With the 30” range now being offered with six burners, the BTU output is higher than ever, up to 60,000 BTUs total.
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So, you do the math; that requires a vent hood at 600 CFM. So why are your doors slamming? Essentially, your vent hood is taking the cooking smells, smoke, etc., out of your kitchen and moving it to the outside. When it does this, it is forcing air movement in your home in this same direction. Our homes are so much more efficient and air tight that when the vent is turned on, it has enough suction to literally slam the doors in your home. So, a Makeup Air unit is highly recommended to solve this problem. BJ Kozlowski of B& B Plumbing and Heating advised that this unit can be installed during your renovation/construction project or even after the fact. “There are two types of systems; an Energy Recovery Ventilator or a Heat Recovery Ventilator,” advised BJ, “The Heat Recovery option is best in our area as the air going out of the home is tempered, or conditioned, by the air coming in.” This one is for the pros…I’d call B&B Plumbing and Heating if I were you!
you have a larger family. Think of it this way, each person… shoulder to shoulder…requires 24” of personal space on average. The 48” minimum allows two people to pass by one another without creating a fender bender.
So, get to it my DIY readers! And if you wind up getting in over your head, give me a call! I’m always here to help you create an environment for life! Colleen Coleman of CMC Design Studio LLC AKBD, CAPS & True Color Expert colleen@cmcdesignstudio.net @cmcdesignstudiollc “Creating Environments for Life” TM
5. Directing traffic…Will I need a stop light? Have you ever felt like you need a stop light in your kitchen to direct traffic? Someone is always turning sideways to let another person through to the family room or garage? With the kitchen being the center of the home, the majority of general passage occurs through this space. It’s the freeway of the home, and if we don’t give it the two lanes it requires, we wind up in a traffic jam. Now, I spoke earlier of the proper space between countertops, 42”, however it is important to realize that any main flow of traffic through your kitchen, let’s say from a rear mudroom off the garage to the family room, should be at least 48” wide if not more. You should always leave enough room for multiple people to pass by one another freely, especially if
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Appliance Trends 2021 WRITTEN BY COLLEEN COLEMAN | PHOTOS COURTESY OF MONOGRAM
I
nnovations are happening all around the world and the appliance industry is no exception. Even in one year, our way of cooking has changed! The appliance companies are paying attention to what is heating up in our kitchens and they have responded in full force! The kitchen is the center of the home…the heartbeat. It’s nourishment, time spent learning, laughing and enjoying the rhythm of togetherness. So, let’s explore the new technology in today’s appliances and how they can expand your everyday experience. Since the original refrigerator in 1913, invented by Fred W. Wolf…the Domelre or DOMestic ELectric REfrigerator…the art of preserving food has magnified beyond what Fred could have ever imagined it to be. When planning your
kitchen renovation or simply updating appliances, it’s very important to think of HOW you cook and prepare food to understand what type of refrigeration suits your needs best. Do you demand more space for prepackaged goods such as condiments, olives and pickles or are you more of a fresh food connoisseur? Do you tend to buy in bulk and freeze foods, or will only fresh produce and meats satisfy your palate? These questions can help you evaluate what takes precedence, greater refrigeration space, freezer space or both? Do you have a long gallery style kitchen where a counter depth refrigerator would aid in offering more room for passage? Do you love stainless steel, or would you rather hide this behemoth behind cabinet doors? To better guide you, I had the
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pleasure of spending a “virtual day” at the Monogram Showroom in Chicago a few weeks ago. Here’s what I found… Typically, most kitchens have a 36” refrigerator. The Monogram sideby-side refrigerator (ZISS360DNSS) offered a bottom fridge drawer with its own temperature feature, allowing for express chill or thaw. Imagine your white wine set to the perfect temperature just in time for guests, or your frozen meats ready to cook when you arrive home from work. Most of their newer units have vegetable drawers with a soft close feature, ensuring its precious cargo goes unspoiled. A new feature in their 30” Integrated Column Refrigerator (ZIR301NPNII) is their Autofill Pitcher which automatically refills when placed on its dock inside the refrigerator…now that’s convenience! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
And who wouldn’t want integrated LED lights within the glass shelving, illuminating your foods for best presentation. Most importantly, the dedicated evaporator sealed system helps to maintain a precise temperature throughout. I fell in love with their 30” Integrated Customizable Refrigerator which offers a freezer drawer, with icemaker, just below the single door refrigerator. The bottom drawer is flexible as additional refrigerated space or freezer. This is a great answer for bar spaces, pool houses or smaller kitchens. And if you are brave enough, it’s even offered with a glass fronted door!
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While “in” Chicago, Chef John cooked up some divine cuisine for us to be virtually inspired using their new wall oven, the Monogram 30” Smart Electric Convection Single Wall Oven Minimalist Collection (ZTS90DSSNSS, also available in the Statement Collection). What can’t this convection oven do? The two biggest WOWs were the Dehydrate and No-Preheat Air Fry cooking modes. Imagine taking those two countertop appliances and giving them away… more room for essentials in your kitchen, both storage and countertop! And of course, this wall oven is WIFI connected but the Scan to Cook is the bomb! You simply scan the barcode of your favorite pre-packaged food, like a pizza, with your smartphone and the oven knows how to cook it! How many times have you had to look for your cheaters to read the directions on the box?! Talk about innovative! And how do we achieve perfection in the kitchen without precision in our oven? We don’t. Monogram’s ultra-smart system automatically tracks your cooking progress, modifies temperatures as necessary and adjusts cooking time if needed. Ok, I’m sold. I just might take another shot at baking! SARATOGA HOME & LIFESTYLE 2021 | 35
But it gets even better…Most kitchens have a microwave. Monograms 30” Smart Five-in-One Wall Oven with 240V Advantium® Technology (ZSB9231NSS) puts a slam dunk on many other options on the market today. It cooks eight times faster than your conventional oven! Yes, you read that correctly! With its endless functions, I’d say it was more of a 20-in-1 cooking extravaganza! It’s a microwave, convection oven, toaster oven, warming/ proofing and precision cook oven. It broils, bakes, and warms. It has over 175 Programmed Menu Selections and even Crisp Reheats. So, the leftover fries you baked last night can be reheated and crisped too! Are you in heaven or what?! And to top it off, it has a removable oven rack, offering the convenience of multi-level cooking. Did I tell you it cooks without the need to preheat! Chef John cooked up a mouth-watering chicken dinner for two in 15 minutes flat! This is a must-have in every kitchen! I get goose bumps just thinking about it! And if you really desire to up-the-ante in your kitchen, you will want to seriously think about the Monogram 30” Smart Hearth Oven (ZEP30BPB1). Not only gorgeous…it is the jewel of the kitchen. Handcrafted to perfection, it boasts brick oven performance. By combining the crisping of traditional coal with a wood-burning hearth oven precision, the individually controlled upper and lower zones (up to 1300 and 800 degrees respectively) completes the cooking experience for the home connoisseur. After preheating, you can have a homemade pizza in about 2 minutes! I kid you not! Use it for seafood, meats and even baked goods! And did you notice…It comes in brass! Now that is elevating the kitchen to new heights! And yes…you can get it in stainless steel too!
Monograms 30” Smart Five-in-One Wall Oven
Are you ready to swap out some of those old domestic devices that are no longer serving you well anymore? If so, be sure to visit Earl B. Feiden’s in either Latham or Clifton Park to see these items firsthand. Technology has certainly improved our experience in the kitchen. Thank your old appliances for all their years of service and step into the 21st century of cooking! Bon Appetit my friends,
Colleen Coleman of CMC Design Studio LLC AKBD, CAPS & True Color Expert colleen@cmcdesignstudio.net @cmcdesignstudiollc “Creating Environments for Life” TM
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Aegean Teal 2136-40
Trends
sunshine
Color
2021
Chestertown Buff - HC-9 Amazon Soil 2115-30
Muslin 0C-12
simple... earthy WRITTEN BY COLLEEN COLEMAN | PHOTOS COURTESY OF BENJAMIN MOORE PAINT
Color is expressive;
it takes our inner desires and splashes it on our walls. Well, after forging through 2020, we all took a hard look at our personal environments and realized we needed the calm, back-to-basics kind of colors. Outside our homes, it felt like the world was falling apart. Inside our home, it felt chaotic and unorganized.
Color has so much to do with how we view our world. This year’s colors trends, and many other trends for that matter, are bringing us back to the basics. Back to nature…colors that reflect the feel of linen and woven fibers; colors that allow us to smell coffee or herbs with our eyes, colors that transcend the outdoors in…earthy; colors that allow us to escape to the rhythm of the sea or find sunshine in the midst of endless cloudy days; colors that invite you to see fresh vegetables, the wind through your hair and the beauty of a woven basket or terra cotta pot. For 2021, the color trends are meant to nourish our weary souls, bring balance and a soothing sense of calm back into
our everyday lives. We strive to bring the outdoors in, so what a better way than to engage the colors nature yields to us. Director of Color Marketing and Development for Benjamin Moore, Andrea Magno, stated her team of experts “consistently noted a sunbaked quality to the colors we are seeing… with colors that feel welcoming, yet intriguing.” If you are ready to dive into this feeling, your local Allerdice Ace Hardware has a full line of Benjamin Moore products to choose from. As we move into 2021, dwindling are the days of stark white interiors, making room for warmer hues as we forge our way back to what we feel is “normal.” The subdued colors of nature will be contrasted with “richer and brighter metals against the lighter bone whites and beiges,” said Sue Wadden, Director of Color Marketing at Sherwin-Williams. Brass and Bronze continue to top the trends while natural woods balance this organic overall look. We may see more natural wood cabinets as well, but don’t be surprised if you find them stained in a color such as blue. A matte finish is
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also on the rise, a genuine reflection of how nature produces color. We have but to take a note from our exterior environments to find what is pleasing to our own eye. When I’m starting a new build project, I love walking the lot to find stones, plants, and tints amid the property. I keep these items throughout the project, referring to them constantly as I make selections of color and texture. What is outside, WILL influence our interiors. So, let’s embrace the serenity of nature, its calming influence on our lives and bring the outdoors in… Live simply, embrace your surroundings, and find a sanctuary you love, called Home…
Colleen Coleman of CMC Design Studio LLC AKBD, CAPS & True Color Expert colleen@cmcdesignstudio.net @cmcdesignstudiollc “Creating Environments for Life” TM saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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5
Tips for Buying Furniture to Paint the best way
to furnish your house when you’re on a budget, and to create your own unique style, is by buying used furniture and making it your own with PAINT. Here are some tips for buying used furniture. COLLEEN PAUSLEY is the writer behind the blog; Life on Kaydeross Creek where she shares unique ideas to decorate your home on a budget, DIY projects, furniture makeovers and thrift store up-cycles. She and her husband have been do-it-yourselfers for 25 years and she believes that creating a warm, inviting home that you LOVE and that reflects who you are can be done on any budget.
“I LOVE the feeling of getting my hands dirty working on a project and the satisfaction of saying ‘I did that!’ I hope by sharing our projects on the blog you feel inspired to do it, too.” Life on Kaydeross Creek has been featured in Country Sampler Farmhouse Magazine, HGTV.com, The Huffington Post and HouseBeautiful.com.
You can find Colleen at www.mylifeonkayderosscreek.com.
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1
Look for solid construction:
Look for pieces that have some weight. Heavy = solid construction. With solid wood pieces, the wood will look roughly the same on the inside (the drawers and inside the cabinet) as it does on the outside. Look for pieces that have dovetail joints vs staples or thin nails. Solid, well-built pieces will last longer.
2
Make sure everything works:
When buying used furniture, always try out all the drawers and doors to make sure they work. If the drawers don’t slide all that well, that can be fixed fairly easily with a light sanding and a coat of paraffin or furniture wax on the rails. If it’s missing a pull or other hardware and you are going to replace those anyway, no worries.
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5
Be prepared – make sure you have measurements:
You don’t want to buy the deal of a lifetime and get it home only to have it not fit the space. Make the most of your time and money by having a list of things you’re looking for and measurements with you along with a tape measure. Oh, and make sure your vehicle is large enough to fit whatever you come across!
It takes time to find just the right pieces that fit your style and budget, but my thought is, invest the time, save the money. If you do, you’ll create one-of-a-kind pieces and a home (and look!) that’s just right for you.
Yes, this is what is looked like before!
3
Flip For More!
Check for odors:
I know this seems kind of gross, but when buying used furniture, give it a good smell first. Many pieces you find in thrift stores or at garage sales may have been in someone’s basement, attic, or barn for a long time or in a home where people smoked cigarettes or had pets. There are certain smells that can be removed, but others - like cat spray or really heavy cigarette smoke, will never go away – no matter what you do,
4
Ask yourself, “how much work am I taking on?”
Is it really worth the thrift store price if you have to buy all new hardware, wood putty and paint? You also have to take into consideration the amount of time it will take to do it. Not only that, is it something that you are able to do? Do you have the tools or the knowledge? Are you taking on too much?
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7
Lessons I Learned from a Craigslist Hutch Makeover I am a huge fan of painting furniture
but if you’re going to spend the time and money on a project,
you need to do it right.
Here are 7 Do’s when painting furniture to help you get a great finish every time.
Lesson
#1:
If there are different size pulls, hinges or screws, place them all in labeled baggies or containers so you know exactly where they go when you put them back on.
Unfortunately, I realized this too late. I’m usually really good about keeping hardware all together when doing a project but didn’t think about sorting by size or location as I was going. This made it harder to put the pieces back on. Oops.
Lesson
#2:
When in doubt sand and sand some more if the piece is especially shiny and you are using something other than chalk paint.
Make sure the surface is ready and the paint has something to stick to. I could totally tell where I had sanded and where I hadn’t when the paint was going on. I should have spent the extra time sanding. It would have been easier to apply and have a more consistent coverage.
Lesson #3:
Consider using primer. You will save time in the long run.
I was in a hurry and skipped the primer. I thought dark paint would be ok, but I should have used it for better coverage. In reality, it would have saved time in the end with less fussing with the brush to get an even coat and probably a better appearance overall.
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Lesson
#4:
Do pay attention to the weather!
Don’t paint when it’s too hot or too cold outside. It was probably too warm out for me to paint as the sun was shining and the paint sort of clumped a bit. It wasn’t awful and I was able to brush where it ran out. It also happened more where I did not sand enough. Double whammy.
Lesson
#5:
You may think you have a steady hand, but sometimes you don’t. DO Consider taping the edges of the glass with painters’ tape.
I haven’t worked on very many pieces with glass. I think it was just where the seam was in the middle of the doors that got me. Usually, a really good brush will help. Let’s just say I spent some time chipping away with a razor blade to clean this one up.
Lesson
#6:
Dark paint shows brush strokes way more than light paint.
I had to be really careful when brushing on the paint and go over it a few times in certain areas to make sure the brush strokes blended. I think if I use black or very dark paint again, I will use the sprayer.
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Lesson
#7:
Remember, things don’t always go as planned.
So originally, I kinda liked the color of the pulls as they were. I decided to put them back on as is (reference lesson #1). Hubby didn’t like it at all and when I had a chance to walk away and come back to it, I decided it was a no go. I tried a few other colors and then finally settled on my go to spray paint, Oil Rubbed Bronze. On and off with the pulls was a pain. After all was said and done, and all those reminders above, I love the way she looks in her new home. I always learn something from every furniture makeover or project I do, but this hutch makeover was a doozy. Whatever project you’re working on or have planned, I hope it goes smoothly and remember, make it your own! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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Rock Solid S t yle WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER
How do I get standout style with concrete? The different looks that can be achieved with concrete depend on the composition of materials used and the way it is finished. “You can do a lot more with decorative concrete than a lot of other materials,” said Denali Concrete’s expert Michael Bradshaw. Through the use of stamps, molds, and stencil overlays, concrete is made to resemble stone, brick, tile or even wood. “There are a lot of different ways of achieving a specific look,” said Bradshaw. Color Me Happy Color is added to accentuate the textures created and to emphasize the pattern and design details.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or want to give an existing concrete slab a fresh new style, stamped concrete is durable, can be made to look like other materials but have a less expensive price tag attached. The Sky’s the Limit Even vertically, with concrete, exciting options exist. Concrete’s versatility vertically is a result of its mixture, which contains a high polymer content that resists sagging. These materials are engineered to be applied in thicknesses of ¼” to 3” or more, and stay pliable long enough to allow for stamping and molding. Seal the Deal Once dried, the stamped concrete is sealed. That protectant is reapplied every other year.
“It keeps it looking as nice as the day we put it in,” said Bradshaw.
For any concrete project, maintenance requirements really come down to the contractor that you hire and the quality of the job that they do, cautions Bradshaw. The demand for contractors and supplies is high this season. Pre-pandemic, Bradshaw could order a truck of concrete for a project and it would be delivered within a couple of days.
Now, he is seeing wait times that are more than three times as long. Don’t delay, call Michael Bradshaw at 518-859-0722 or visit denaliconstructionservices.net today! 44 | SARATOGA HOME & LIFESTYLE 2021
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PHOTO BY RANDALL PERRY PHOTOGRAPHY
from a kitchen designer’s point of view... THESE FEATURES MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE!
Arthur Zobel is a second-generation kitchen designer known for creating award-winning custom kitchens and cabinetry projects. With over 40 years of experience in the business, it is hard to find a design challenge that Arthur can’t overcome. He prides himself on creating beautiful and functional kitchens for his clients and providing excellent customer service in the process. Arthur opened his showroom, Zobel & Co. Kitchens, 11 Broad Street in Glens Falls in 2017. All are welcome to visit and discover the latest cabinet designs and features, countertops, backsplashes and so much more! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Now more than ever
we are spending a great deal of time in our kitchens.
For many of us it is no longer just the place to make great food and memories with the people we love -- it has also become a classroom and/or a home office. For some, their newly acquired home needs a kitchen that meets their lifestyle. Regardless of what inspires you to upgrade the most important space in your home, your cabinets are an excellent place to start the process. If you are looking for ways to truly enhance the time you spend in your kitchen, here are the kitchen cabinet features a kitchen designer would recommend you consider. SARATOGA HOME & LIFESTYLE 2021 | 45
LIGHTING Never underestimate the power of good lighting! This is my favorite add-on cabinetry feature because LEDs have been a game changer. LED lighting is offered in a variety of color temperatures with recessed puck lights, and light strips so thin they vanish from sight. Because of their low-voltage, LED lighting doesn’t heat up and has an extremely long life, making it the ideal choice for cabinet lighting.
Today we put functional lighting in cabinets to brighten dark corners, accent lighting to enhance cabinets with glass doors, and task lighting under cabinets to make work spaces more productive. We can add accent lighting at floor level (known as toe-kick lighting) and on top of the cabinets to create an elegant look. You can easily control the lighting and create the ambiance you want with a remote control or a dimmer switch.
CABINET ROLL-OUT SHELVES Tired of climbing into the back of your cabinet to fish for that casserole dish? With roll-out shelves,cabinet contents are easily accessible. Today’s roll-out mechanisms are quiet, strong and have a soft-close feature to roll the drawer back into the cabinet.
SWING-OUT SHELVING Corner cabinets can provide rather inefficient storage. My favorite solution for making the most out of a corner is kidney shaped swing-out. Swing-out shelves provide more storage than traditional lazy susans, or half susans, with a mechanism that moves effortlessly.
PULL-OUT CABINETS & PANTRIES Deep cabinets and pantries are known for being cavernous and frustrating. Pullout shelving changes that by bringing all the contents into view with one pull on the door. Adjustable shelving accommodates varying sizes of contents so you can maximize the storage space.
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DRAWER WITHIN A DRAWER When designing kitchens, I prefer deep drawers as opposed to cabinets with doors. They are much more convenient for storing pots, pans and bowls, but there is often a gap left at the top of the drawer. We make use of that space with a roll out utensil drawer. This is a great combination next to the stove.
ONE-TOUCH ACCESS One of our more popular features is one-touch access. This means that with a light touch, your cabinet door will open mechanically. This feature works well with upper wall cabinets - a simple touch and the cabinet door lifts up and out of the way. Another tap on an interior button and the door closes. The one-touch system is also a great addition to a trash cabinet. With a tap of your foot, the cabinet opens for hands-free access, perfect for when your hands are full or dirty.
POWER OUTLETS..EVERYWHERE We are not only cooking in our kitchen, we are also working, streaming videos, and playing games. You can never have enough outlets! Electrical code requires them along counters and in islands, but I always add more, particularly outlets that have USB ports included. I also like pop-up outlet towers because they are a nice way to provide an outlet when you need it and hide when not in use.
MIXER LIFTER If you love baking, a mixer lift is going to bring you a lot of joy. Mixers, food processors, air fryers and other heavy kitchen equipment take up precious counter space or they get relegated to a closet. Adding a lift kit to a cabinet brings the mixer to counter height with one simple movement. Couple this with a roll out drawer for accessories to create the perfect baking center! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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starlily Design Studio
SPECIALIZING IN decorative paint finishes, custom murals, interior styling & furniture and cabinetry refinishing MEET STEPHANIE… As the owner of Starlily Design Studio LLC Stephanie Salway aims to create designs for all, embracing diverse styles while offering artistry at an exceptional value. The studio specializes in decorative paint finishes for walls and ceilings, custom murals, interior styling and furniture and cabinetry refinishing. Stephanie has transformed homes and businesses across the Capital Region for the past 13 years.
T
he possibilities are endless when it comes to ways to dress a wall or ceiling, including modern metallic glazes, embedded plasters, layered stencils and faux marble, stone and wood grain.
A lifetime artist, she holds a Bachelor of Fine Art in Surface Pattern Design from Syracuse University. After 14 years working as a designer and creative director in the home furnishings industry in New York City, Stephanie relocated back to the Saratoga area with her family. While maintaining a part-time longdistance position with a textile company in Manhattan, she worked on a business plan to open a design studio of her own that would become a full time job and dream come true. “My many corporate years of researching design and color trends for product development, thinking outside the box to stay innovative within the industry and working closely with retail clients to create merchandising plans gave me invaluable experience in both creative design and customer service. I traveled overseas to work with production partners in China, India and Europe where I was exposed to other worlds and couldn’t help but be inspired by the people and their cultures. All of this prepared me for the work I do today for my clients.”
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Decorative finishes add interest to a space and can be colored and styled to fit your environment. Stencils have come a long way since the ‘90s; offerings are both diverse and versatile, and can be simply or elaborately created. Customized stencils can be achieved using different textures, sheens, and methods of application, like a specialty wallpaper without the seams. The studio’s projects have included a concrete porch painted to look like real wood planks, a metallic shimmer plaster ceiling, a geometric stencil design over a glaze colorwash, and a metallic platinum silver Art Deco stencil over a solid gray painted ceiling to name a few. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Murals are a great way to introduce a unique piece of artwork into your home or office. Stephanie has painted murals directly on walls and ceilings but can also execute the design on canvas, which can be easily moved in the future. Ideas range from simple sayings in metallic gold glitter, a Milky Way galaxy wall to a full 5’ x 14’ landscape mural that she did for Boulder Brook Tree Farm featuring the farmhouse, a barn, Saratoga Lake, and a variety of wild animals and a personalized text. That mural was a true collaboration with the client to create a unique piece of art with meaning.
Custom landscape mural of Boulder Brook Farm
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AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER
AFTER
BEFORE
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Interior styling comes naturally to Stephanie who has a strong sense of color and an affinity for pulling products and finishes together in a room. She offers thoughtful guidance when selecting hard and soft furnishings, like furniture and window treatments, lighting, paint palettes and decor, all while staying mindful of your budget. “I believe that styling a room is about making it look great and feel comfortable, ultimately giving you a current, livable space to enjoy. It is very often well worth investing in a professional’s services as there can be an overwhelming amount of information coming at you all at once. When the end goal is to be in spaces you want to spend time in, it can ensure that you save time, money and possible headaches in the long run.”
As many people spend more time at home, the number of client requests for cabinetry and furniture refinishing has increased exponentially. “I always tell clients that if they are happy with the architecture and functionality of their cabinetry or piece of furniture, painting them is an excellent affordable option. Stephanie helps clients make color choices, sometimes suggesting a contrasting color for an island when it adds value to the overall look. She uses high quality products and follows the required steps to ensure a great outcome, which means a lot of patience! Stephanie also helps clients choose coordinating finishes like countertops, hardware, backsplashes, and flooring to complement the updated cabinetry. When refinishing a piece of furniture, there are a multitude of finishes that can be achieved. Simple one-color updates, layered glazes, stenciled designs, and distressed rustic themes have all been completed by Starlily Design Studio. Sometimes an old dresser or nightstand can be repurposed as accent pieces for your living room to hold games, books, or extra tableware. “It’s really great when you can give new life to an old piece, reusing what you have and creating a new look overall.” Stephanie says that no two projects are alike, and she is constantly learning new things about techniques, products, and the creative process. “Being open-minded and a good listener helps me connect with my clients and creates a better overall experience for everyone involved. Whether I am creating a specialty paint finish, transforming a kitchen, or selecting furnishings, I truly appreciate the trust clients have placed in me to deliver a beautiful product.”
“Being in the design business, it is sometimes hard to stop thinking about all the updates you would like to do yourself. My husband has said more than once that some rooms in our house have become ‘research labs’ where I try new paint techniques, colors and room layouts!” For more information: www.starlilydesignstudio.com www.facebook.com/StarlilyDesignStudioLLC www.instagram.com/starlilydesignstudio saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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escape… to your
Back yard!
WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS COURTESY OF CONCORD POOLS
Get the best out of the time you have with a yard that pleases everyone, morning ‘til night.
“What we saw last year is the interest levels spiked as everyone was staying home more. People started looking for a solution for the backyard that would satisfy everyone,” said Jon Foshee, President and CEO of Concord Pools. MAKE YOUR YARD A MULTITASKER Marvel at the beauty and movement of water as one pool spills over into another with a pool that does double duty as a meditative water feature. Start the day splashing around with the littlest ones in the shallow end, or diving into the deep-end and swimming laps in a generous 16’ x 40’ watery oasis.
Midday, layout in the pool, or slightly submerged, on the tanning ledge. A pool with a Baja shelf turns your backyard into a resort-like experience. Here, ease is a breeze. Let the pleasure last an eternity with a Truedge infinity design that carries you forward into the night. 52 | SARATOGA HOME & LIFESTYLE 2021
HELLO, BEAUTIFUL! Welcome the evening when you flick on the landscape lights, and fire up the grill.
Switch on the different colors and turn up the immersive sound system for an evening that feels you’ve gone someplace completely new – without ever leaving your backyard! Family dinners are all about options and versatility. Keep an outdoor fridge stocked with a variety of drinks and cook up everyone’s favorite foods with a grill like the Big Green Egg. (It’s an energy efficient all-in-one grill, smoker, and rotisserie.) Spark up the fire torches, and feed the evening’s satisfying flame with an endless summer stunner - fire bowls.
“When you have all the elements together, you have the type of yard that can move throughout the day because the whole yard can change,” said Foshee. The newly renovated Concord Pools showroom in Latham has laid out displays with all the items your yard is craving.
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Technology like this, organization, and keeping a keen lookout on the market, has helped Concord Pools get out ahead of the waves of demand from clients last year who were looking to keep everyone happy during the pandemic – without leaving home. “It’s impacted every part of life in every form or fashion. We’ve been able to work with suppliers, to pivot, and have done a really good job to get out ahead it,” said Foshee. FANTASTIC FIBERGLASS The popularity of fiberglass pools in all sizes has also been increasing because of all the benefits they offer compared to vinyl-lined pools.
Fiberglass pools are a smart investment for many reasons. The cost to own one is less (you’ll never have to change the liner, like with vinyl), you’ll need fewer chemicals to keep them clean, and fiberglass pools are quicker to install.
“With fiberglass, we’re able to get a lot more pools in the ground. You can have your pool installed and water going in it, on the same day,” said Foshee. GET TO KNOW WHAT WILL BE You’re just a few clicks away from a custom backyard pool experience.
Map out just what you want outdoors and see how it looks with pool studio software. Powerful editing tools invite you to interact with the details of your design well before the first drop of water ever hits the pool.
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Rectangle fiberglass pools are also easy to fit with an automated cover. Besides helping to keep them free of outdoor debris, these covers are an additional safety feature, that doesn’t detract from the backyard’s overall appearance. “It looks nice. It looks sharp,” Foshee added. Everyone is sure to like that.
Why wait? Start squeezing a hundred more uses out of your backyard, today. Concord Pools has locations in Saratoga and Latham. For more information, go to www.concordpools.com
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Chill & Grill: on every budget
Love your outdoor life, and it will love you back. WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARCELLA’S APPLIANCE CENTER
Bring life into your backyard. Enrich your extended time at home and keep things cookin’, with an outdoor kitchen that takes advantage of all your space – no matter the size of your investment. With durable, weather-resistant materials, you can create a laid-back locale that you’ll want to vacate to without a lot of heartbreak.
Need to learn how to tackle the hot, cold, wet and dry areas of your outdoor dining area in a way that’s going to warm your heart and suit your style – while sticking to your budget? Feel the Power The interest in outdoor kitchens has grown every year, said Marcella’s Appliance Center’s John Marcella. His grandfather first got into supplying appliances back in 1947. Almost 75 years later, today’s advancements give you total power over your outdoor experience.
Made just the way you like it – your outdoor kitchen can be everything you desire – whether you want a quick and convenient night outside, or your tastes veer more towards having a flame-thrower with such a bounty of beautiful BTUs that’ll you’ll become the ultimate BBQ Master.
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Backyard Escape: Get all the deliciousness of setting up the perfect backyard scene. Set your soul on fire with a grill that delivers while resisting rust and corrosion from the elements.
The majority of outdoor island grill heads give you an affordable three feet of exposure - plenty of space to heat things up, even for the customer who wants to escape the added expense of installing a natural gas line, said Marcella. Storage and optional side-burners invite casual and easy-toaccess amenities that you’ll enjoy time-and-time again. Beat the backorder. With an average $1,500 to $2,500 investment now, you’ll be ready-to-roll by springtime!
Make it Great: Transform cocooning at home into a cheery, resort-like experience with smoking-hot additions that’ll have you feeling like you’re lounging in a backyard paradise. Integrate your personal preferences into the design and give yourself the perks that turn cocktails and curling-up, into a welcoming, wow-worthy adventure.
Items like a cocktail cooler and trash shoots that slide the debris out-of-sight are must-haves that make chilling, cooking, and cleaning a cinch.
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“There are infinite possibilities. Any appliance they want to build into their outdoor kitchen arrangement, we can supply,” said Marcella. Interested in the upgrades? Expect to spend $3,500 to $5,000 on your outdoor dining area. Bringing the Indoors Out-of-Doors: Forget about refining your desires and instead go all-in for alfresco elegance that’ll leave you covered rain or shine.
Get cooking with a fully stocked outdoor extravaganza. Go big with a 42” to 6o” grill loaded with extras like a rotisserie and infrared sear stations.
Continue to turn up the heat with an outdoor heater or a builtin fireplace. Keep it clean with a fully-functioning outdoor sink, swoon-worthy work surfaces, and storage galore. “Whatever is inside the home can be recreated outside,” said Marcella. The most ambitious outdoor areas he’s seen have pricetags exceeding $30,000 or $40,000.
ON EVERY BUDGET: Don’t Forget…an Outdoor Fridge. One of the smartest ways to enhance your experience outdoors on almost any budget, is to add an outdoor refrigerator. This low-cost item offers big returns yet is small enough to be stashed under a table or outdoor island. Installing an outdoor fridge means there will be no more trapsing through the house for drinks or dealing with dunking your hand into the ever-melting sea of frigid water and ice cubes. Hot Add-on: Pizza Ovens: Once costing $10,000 or more, the backyard pizza oven is becoming much less expensive to install and operate but still has retained its uniqueness and intrigue as an unexpected, yet attractive, outdoor indulgence.
Today’s models deliver brick-oven performance with a welcome hand-crafted luster that ignites outdoor entertaining into a blaze of feverish delight.
Stay cool by turning up the heat in your backyard today. Go to www.marcellasappliance.com
Marcella’s Appliance Center has showrooms conveniently located in Schenectady and Clifton Park. Visit them to see their large selection of appliances for your kitchen, laundry, and outdoor areas.
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the charm
of a Hidden
Treasure...
Just in Time Consignments WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED
Where the Clock Seems to Stop The large hand pointing you to the door of the yellow house is the first thing that pops into view when you come to the intersection of Route 50 and Lake Hill Road in Burnt Hills (about 20 minutes from downtown Saratoga Springs).
Out front, you’ll see the Just in Time Consignments sign with the backwards clock – it’s a hint that you’re about to step inside a garden of memories - a portal to a wonderland of whimsy and fancy, filled with seriously fantastic finds.
You’ll get so carried away looking at everything so lovingly displayed, you’ll feel as if time has come to a standstill.
A Treasure Hunt That’s Meant to Be The stars came into alignment and everything just seemed to fall into place for owners Mary Pace and Jennifer Craig when they opened Just in Time Consignments five years ago.
“It’s an organized treasure hunt where you don’t have to step over things and think your life’s in peril,” said Mary, referring to the down-and-dirty delving for deals that has ruined consignment shopping’s reputation.
“Consignment can get a bad name because people can think, ‘junk shop.” They don’t know the variety we have,” said Jen. Instead, Mary and Jen are the best of friends who light up Just in Time into a happy place where you want to have a look around and see what you can find.
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Time is money (off)
Because they split the ticket price 50/50 with their consigners, Just in Time has a plethora of unique items passing through their doors, however, only a select number; accoutrements, place settings, furniture, and clothing are chosen to be out on their floor.
“We pick and choose only the good quality, next-to-new items that people bring in,” said Jen. Like clockwork, their inventory is constantly revolving, urged on by a price tag that drops lower with time.
“The longer an item is here, the less expensive it is. It’s kind-of like a game, to see if it’ll still be here. It’s fun, because everyone likes a deal, but sometimes you lose, so you can’t wait if you really want it,” said Mary.
Reminders of what you forgot Up the carpeted stairs are four more rooms filled with unimaginable delights. Paintings and curiosities are around every corner, reminding you of another time and transporting you to another place. Meander through the neatly displayed women’s clothes and children’s room before reaching the arched ceiling leading to The Beginning Shop, where weaver Lori Carter-Secreti’s hand-woven scarves and other finery is available …made with a loom on-site! She’s one of a handful of local artisans that have pieces for sale in the shop year-round.
During the summer, typically one Saturday a month from June until October, Just in Time rents space to between 18 and 20 vendors, for a flea-market-type shopping experience. They also update a number of social media and online-sales sites with new items regularly. Find them on Facebook and look for Just in Time Consignments on Instagram, eBay, and Craigslist. Just in Time, 124 Lake Hill Road, Burnt Hills is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
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Looking for
w
curb appeal...
WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS COURTESY OF RENA’S FINE FLOWERS
hen events are postponed, professional floral designers spread their wings.
All sorts of public and private spaces are getting the royal treatment as a result.
In the flower business for 18+years, during the last decade, Rena Zeppetelli has been creating dramatic floral designs for weddings and events. Almost five years ago, her company, Rena’s Fine Flowers, also began designing holiday décor and long-lasting planted displays for homes and businesses.
“Each year, that side of the business grew, and last year it went crazy because everyone was at home and they wanted their homes looking beautiful,” she said.
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when gardening takes flight Gardens can thrive anywhere.
Springing forth from our imagination, they renew and delight our senses, reconfirming our connection to the natural world.
What kind of garden is going to give you this insight in the space you have available? Cottage, woodland, meadow, Japanese, Mediterranean, contemporary…garden design options seem endless. No matter where they’re hoping their garden will go, Rena’s has taken the wheel, helping clients navigate the wonderous world of growing things.
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They’ve created gardens that are a simple sanctuary of flowering beauties, and others that are centered around a WOW! water feature, like a trickling multi-tiered fountain or gushing waterfall.
“Garden style is what I do, whether it’s putting together a centerpiece for a wedding or a beautiful garden for a client’s home,” said Rena.
a planter evolution
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Containers don’t have to be boring and bland – with one looking just like all of its neighbors. Lush combinations of colorful and hearty blooms can be easier to maintain than you imagine, when the plants are given enough room to grow and have hidden drip lines, making watering a breeze. Hydrangea, flowing grasses, impatiens, and Supertunias, are versatile and vigorous container plants that need only simple maintenance.
Getting off to a great start with planters means choosing the right container.
“The planters that we use have evolved over the years,” said Rena.
Forget about terra-cotta and troubles with breakage and plants constantly drying out. For event areas, she prefers a planter made from a lighter-weight concrete and fiber blend – making it easy to move and to rearrange the space as needed. For public entryways however, like those in front of Toga Heritage and the Gardens of the Adelphi Hotel, she prefers a superheavy planter made with a concrete mix that won’t crumble (so it won’t get jostled, fall over from high winds, or get picked up by sticky fingers).
Five Case Street Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-581-2480 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
extending the enjoyment
The Hydrangea trees, garden roses & perennial grasses positioned in a rooftop patio container get an extended life when they are transplanted into a perennial garden.
Trees, flowing grasses, and blooms can be switched out after their prime to bring structure, texture, and movement to all your outdoor areas. Rena’s installs and maintains plantings to best suit your needs. They’ve taken on an additional handful of employees (many who are wedding industry pros) under their wing to keep all sorts of spaces looking gorgeous.
resourcefulness that sets dreams free
Finding the plants that will make your soul soar is Rena’s specialty. During the previous year, they’ve bought out local landscape centers, and incorporated tropical plants that have been flown up from Florida.
Last year, for just one project, they planted more than 800 annuals on just one property!
While they like to plan gardens, weddings, events and their other projects months ahead of time, they are also willing to hire on even more help to work with new clients to make their floral dreams come true.
This includes working with brides who had a small ceremony last year and now want to echo it with a second reception this year. They’re also looking forward to booking new brides for the upcoming event season. For more information, go to www.renasfineflowers.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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Waterfront Property the Easy Way:
SMALL SPACE POOLS WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED
Ground yourself by reconnecting with water – right in your own backyard. Water is a therapist and mood-enhancer, the medicinal substance humans have craved throughout history. It hypnotizes us into a revolving, yet calming, state of drift where we are gently reconnected to the natural rhythm of continuous change.
Sliding into a socially distant swimming hole snugly situated just steps from your door is easy with a small fiberglass pool, swim spa, or hot tub. “Small space pools check all the boxes,” said Jon Foshee, President and CEO of Concord Pools. Your Courtyard’s Perfect Complement Small pools, typically 10’ to 15’ wide and just 4’ to 5’ deep, can fit just about anywhere. It’s the accessory that flatters while it complements. “It’s like a piece of jewelry in the backyard,” said Foshee. 60 | SARATOGA HOME & LIFESTYLE 2021
Small pools are:
• Ready when you are: Take a soak at sunrise with a cup of coffee, splash around with the kiddos mid-day, or adjourn to the hot tub with cocktails in the evening. Whether they are made from vinyl liners or fiberglass molds, they are brought into small yards with small machines, so they can be squeezed into even those tight spots.
• Low maintenance: Easy to enclose with a removable cover, the water is kept clean of debris, and the fiberglass shells require fewer chemicals to stay sanitary. Smaller pools incur lower energy bills, too. • Beautiful to look at: Small pools are available in a variety of colors and styles, leaving room for lush landscaping around them. Water gazers of all sorts will see that just a sliver of what’s glistening will offer big returns in the happiness department. “If you want waterfront property, that’s one way to get it,” said Foshee. Find out more by going to www.concordpools.com
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Ask the Expert…
When Buying Antiques H ow t o Tr av e l T h r o u g h T i m e a n d A c r o s s t h e G l o b e WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY MEGIN POTTER
Crafted from maple and chestnut, the five-foot dresser with graduated drawers and Chippendale feet was likely made in Rhode Island or northern Connecticut between 1740 and 1760. It has witnessed the Revolutionary War, survived through the war of 1812, the Civil War, World War I and WWII. It saw the launching of the space shuttle and the first moon landing. It has persisted through every president the United States has ever had.
world of disposable pieces constructed from particleboard, hot glue, and staples.
Inexpensive massproduced items have a high hidden cost. Deforestation creates massive stockpiles of wood that is quickly made into flimsy, uniform items. When we buy into the cheap furniture trends, we are exchanging individuality and durability with soulless disposable filler.
“People making that choice are making a big mistake. They say, ‘I don’t want an antique’ because their mindset is that antiques are something old and dingy. They couldn’t be more wrong - and as far as price, the antique or used market can be very, very competitive with the new stuff – and just look at what you’re getting!”
Endurance is Exciting
Lasting more than 250 years, this piece of furniture, through its enduring existence, teaches us that current events are but brief blips in a much longer timeline, and that when something is cared-for, its life can be extraordinary.
“Antiques are about history. It’s the design and the craftsmanship of an item that’s been used and maintained over a long period of time and the people who are the caretakers of the item that make it so interesting,” said George Heigel.
Antiques have kept Heigel’s interest for more than 50 years. For the last ten, his Ballston Spa gallery has served more as an antique adoption center than as a shop. “I’m just the stopgap helping to move an item to the next family who will care for it for another century or better. That’s exciting for me,” he said.
Yesterday’s Items for the Person You Are Today
Antique furniture starts with solid wood, has sturdy joinery built-in, and elaborate added details that no-one could make any money doing, if they put that kind of time and effort into creating an item like that today.
Which is why you don’t see decorative ornamentation like Japanning, the hand-painting of Asian-styled lacquer-work, done without a stencil anymore. This kind of unique hand application, while still being imitated, is rare in our modern 62 | SARATOGA HOME & LIFESTYLE 2021
Different by Distinction
Praised for their beauty and quality, it’s also the hands antiques have passed through that give them the cachet to justify their sometimes-exorbitant value.
Provenance is established when a piece is scribed with dates, owner’s names, and where it has journeyed to. Heigel has seen this kind of record-keeping transform the value of a Victorian rocking horse sold at a Kennedy estate auction into a $26,000 item (without that prestigious ownership, it would’ve likely sold for around $800). “Service and education are a big part of this business,” he said. With more than 200 antiques dealers in the area, Heigel is in great company. He even sells some new items that could become tomorrow’s treasured finds, like paintings by local folk artist Canduce Wilbur.
“I like when people come in and say, ‘This is so different and I’ve been to 80 shops in town.’ I like that. It speaks to my taste.” Heigel conducts antique appraisals, estate sales, and places items in auctions. Call 518-396-7974 for more information or stop in to his gallery at 126 Milton Avenue in Ballston Spa.
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All Decked Out! WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED
T
he secret to looking good through all the wear, tear, stress and fatigue is right under your feet.
“Decking was huge in 2020,” said Jim Santoro, Marketing Director for Erie Materials Inc. To keep up with the surge in demand for construction materials, they’re heavily stocked with lots of inventory.
FROM SAUCE BOTTLES TO SAUCY & SMART LOOKING Trex Decking is a sustainable product that is being preferred to its peers – pressure-treated lumber and PVC decking – because it delivers a reliable look that lasts and lasts. Microwavable food containers, plastic bottles, and caps are among the long list of everyday items made with these rigid, yet flexible, plastics.
In Trex decking, these recycled plastic products are blended with wood fibers. Coming together for a greater good, when combined, wood and plastic create a strong, resilient decking material.
SAME DIFFERENCE Almost unchanging in its appearance, even years after installation, Trex decking will remain looking similar to its wood-y cousin without all the rotting, drying, splitting, fading, and splinters that tires lumber out over time.
“They just look great and they don’t change,” said Santoro about Trex decks.
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When you compare looks and performance, Trex decking is putting the pressure on wood. Trex decking offers predictable uniformity, unlike with plain wood. There’s no need to fret about unruly knots or an insect invasion. There are also no extra costs to consider, like the repairs, repainting, or re-staining, that wood needs down-the-road.
Combine the flowing grain lines with differently-colored boards to create a deck design that keeps the eye interested and moving. When placed into artfully-executed patterns, each deck will have a distinctive and dramatic appearance for ages.
These wood-toned wonders are daily time-savers too, because they resist mildew and staining, so all the maintenance they require is a simple wash down once-in-awhile.
COVERED FOR WHAT’S NEXT When so many things nowadays seem uncertain, it’s nice to know there is constancy you can count on. As a leading distributer in Upstate New York, even with the increased demand on supplies, Erie Materials has the resources to deliver Trex decking to contractors, often the next day. Which, for those who have the budget to invest in a recycled product, keeps the good going for whatever comes next. For more information, visit ErieMaterials.com
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FindRefuge
Under a Smaller Roof WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED
I
n the last year, as more of everyday life has been happening remotely, families are experiencing the challenges of living, working, and studying all under the same roof.
To escape yet another online meeting interruption, to find refuge, and have some privacy, more people are putting up a second roof in their backyards.
Demand has surged for sheds, gazebos, pavilions, greenhouses, and stand-alone garages as a stylish solution. “The demand far exceeded what we were expecting. People are looking for an extension of their house,” said Rob Rajeski, Garden Time’s Operation Manager.
Build a Backyard Room While sheds are still being used to store tools and lawn equipment, they’re also being converted into complete backyard rooms.
Garden Time’s buildings are aesthetically pleasing, and with optional architectural accents and extra windows, can be made to match the exterior of the main house. Shorten your commute to just steps from your door with a shed that serves as a home office, a schoolhouse, a workout area, or a studio.
“We give them a shell. It’s a blank slate. They can do whatever they want to with it. The typical shed construction can support all that. It’s built to hold up,” said Rajeski In addition to sheds, he’s seeing people set-up a 12’ x 16’ pavilion with a couch, table and chairs, to create a relaxed, socially-distant gathering space. For a threeseason experience, a 12’ x 24’ building can be divided so that half is enclosed, while the other half is simply screened-in.
An Easy Addition It’s easy to begin shopping sheds and other outdoor buildings online or at Garden Time’s three locations in Wilton, Queensbury, and Halfmoon.
Their professionals will help you evaluate your yard, excavate, and prepare a gravel or concrete pad for your new structure. If you don’t have enough space to have a fully-assembled building delivered, your structure can arrive as a kit and be put-together onsite, instead.
Whatever type of building you’d like to add to your backyard, it is important that you know your town’s construction codes. “I encourage everyone to talk to their town because building permits are very important and all towns are different,” said Rajeski. Get started on your backyard refuge today. Go to GardenTimeinc.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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My Life in Design WRITTEN BY KARRA BROWN | PHOTOS PROVIDED
I
spent five years in the world of Upholstery here in Upstate New York, but one thing led to another and I found myself in search of a new job.
After a lot of research, I decided that I was going to look for Upholstery jobs outside of the state. I looked in Colorado, but the box truck I would be working out of in the changing climate of the Rockies didn’t seem like a fun workspace. I then searched in Saint Petersburg, Florida so I could be closer to my grandparents. Who wouldn’t want to be 10 minutes from the most beautiful beach in America? Yes, that would be Clearwater Beach.
The Upholstery Shop flew me down for a workingon-the-job interview. Well let me tell you, that was the worst interview ever! Unbeknownst to me, I was coming down with the flu. They had given me this beautiful turn of the century dining room chair to reupholster. The twist? It had stripes. I had been working in Upholstery for a while, so I was not worried, until I started getting woozy and losing my balance while trying to upholster the chair. I did a very poor job upholstering it and the stripes ended up looking tilted, but I was too prideful to speak up to tell my potential new bosses how sick I was, because what a bad impression would it be to call in sick to an interview?!
Well two weeks went by… and they offered me the job anyway! It was a dream come true; I was moving to the Sunshine State to become a young upholster who worked for some big names. It was about a week in when it became clear how big and well known this shop was. I was working on a set of dining room chairs, and in the background, I heard my bosses greeting a customer. She wanted to see some of the shop’s work along with her finished chairs. She was a regular customer, so my bosses treated her like family. She came around the corner and I looked up to greet her. A petite older woman with a comically big purse that was made from white leather. 66 | SARATOGA HOME & LIFESTYLE 2021
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She had cute little white slip-on flats that matched her bag. She hid behind these huge black sunglasses but that did not stop it from being obvious that she was observing everything that was in the shop - including me! I said hello and we made some small talk, and she complimented my work but then we both carried on with our day. About five minutes later my boss came back to ask; “Did you know who that was?” I replied with a “No.” and he responded by saying that was Jerry Seinfeld’s mother. And at that moment I learned that I had no idea who I was going to brush shoulders with, working in interior design!
Karrajean Brown is a young woman always searching for the next adventure. She worked as an upholsterer for 5 years, and though her travels brought her to the beautiful beaches of Florida, her heart yearned to be back in the mountains of the Adirondacks. She would be happy to help with any of your upholstery needs, and can be reached at 518-860-9345. She is currently a photojournalist for the Navy Reserves and a part-time bartender. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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