The Best of Fall is Now

As I drove to week this week, I could not help but notice that this week is definitely peak for fall foliage. This year is peak is late because of all the rain, but it is rather beautiful. I see a lot of gold more than any other color right now.
As we approach Thanksgiving, it is important that we refresh our mums, change out pumpkins and gourds that have rotted and refresh with some new things before the Thanksgiving holiday. Anything left in the garden centers for fall are clearance, so it is a great time to buy.

Closets,Closets, Closets

In today's homes people are living in smaller spaces again, but with maximum organization. One of the most important factors in living in smaller square footage is having great storage. Closets have become critical these days. A great closet design could change the world. Closets today have wonderful functionality and offer great storage. These closets are often glamorous with chandeliers and wallpaper. It is definitely worth it to get a professional involved today before you take on a downsizing challenge.

Transitional is the New Traditional

Isn't amazing that even well done traditional rooms become dated over time??? They are not supposed to, but eventually everything goes out of style. Interior design seems to change through the decades. In the 1950's American furniture was early American. It was very traditional. In the 1960's we were in the space age so things became sleek and modern. In The 1970's there was a new found interest in ecology and wood was prominent in design. In the 1980's there was a new modernism and a return to contemporary. The 1990's brought new wealth with the inception of the internet and a return to traditional design. Today we have returned to am more modern esthetic. You see the world is ever changing and so goes design.    2018 is a year of great turmoil. We are in a modern phase, yet people are longing for the better times of the past. This is why all the old television shows are rebooting. As such interior design right now is transitional. A blend of modern for technology and traditional representing memories of better times.

Blue and Green just make me happy

If you have followed me on this blog and on social media, you know I love blues and greens. I think they are also timely as they go very well as pop colors for an all gray back drop. I will talk about this look and the best ways to achieve it on my radio show this week. You can go to www.hunterdonchamberradio.com and then click on our show Modern Design. You can also watch us on Facebook Live. Go to my page called Modern Design on Hunterdon Chamber Radio. We are live every Wednesday from 2-3 pm e.s.t and you can even call into our live show @ 908-237-0410.

Switch to Fall

I know it is still warm and muggy outside, but fall is upon us. I think it is one of the most beautiful times of the year. Wonderful wreaths and beautiful pots of mums and fall planting make the yard look new after the heat of the summer. Pumpkins and colorful gourds really help to set the theme. Don't forget  to bring these elements inside as well. Tied up bundled wheat looks great on a sideboard and bittersweet draped across an iron chandelier can really say Autumn.
 For more info on this topic tune in to Modern Design on Hunterdon Chamber Radio. Go to www.hunterdonchamberradio.com and then click on Modern Design. You can also watch us

live on Modern Design on Hunterdon Chamber Radio (our Facebook page). You can even call into our show every Wednesday from 2-3pm e.s.t @ 908-237-0410.

Paint Means Change

Now that we have celebrated the Labor Day holiday and school has started, it is time to get our homes ready for the fall season.  One of the best and least expensive ways to update your home for the holidays is to paint with the latest colors. This year in my own home I have replaced most of my colors with gray or gray like tones. It seems that we are on the cool end of the paint spectrum. I paint mostly grays, graiges, blues, greens, and pure white. When you add these new tones your house will look brighter and also immediately look more updated. For more information on this topic watch Modern Design on Facebook. Our podcasts are live each Wednesday 2-3 pm e.s.t. and you can call into our show live @ 908-237-0410.

Trim and Molding

Trim and molding are probably as important today as ever. Paint colors have really become soft neutral grays and off whites. It is the trim and molding that gives a space visual interest these days. Big baseboard molding, crown molding and chair rails are a must. Built ins and window seats with storage are very popular. Ceiling moldings of all types are really important when you have high ceiling. We are even seeing headboard walls in master bedrooms being treated with decorative molding. Let think outside the box and create some new profiles using molding.

Industial Chic

Have you noticed lately that all the retail businesses around are doing facelifts to a more sophisticated industrial chic look? I was in a McDonalds this week getting a cup of coffee and thought I walked into a Starbucks!!! The palates of gray, black and white mixed with weathered wood was everywhere. Also there are touches of galvanized metal and pendants everywhere. I really like the simplicity and freshness of this new style. Industrial chic is very adaptable in to you own home. For more information on out topics Watch Modern Design on Hunterdon Chamber Radio on Facebook live every Wednesday from 2-3 pm . You can also watch the most recent podcast. You can also watch my new Television series on The Comcast Channel and Verizon Fios called Designed for the Times.

Kitchen Appliances can be hot !!!

When thinking about a kitchen renovation, most people think of countertops, sinks, cabinets and floors first. They probably should be thinking about their appliances first. The heart of the home is the kitchen. Appliances are at that heart. Cooktops, ranges, wall ovens, refrigerators, microwaves are key to the functionality of your home. These days those appliances have become quite expensive and quite chic. This Week on Modern Design on WHCR-DB and on my new television show Designed for the Times, we will dedicate the shows to kitchen appliances. My guest will be Kimberly Little and Anne Marie Scaldonna of Wolf/Subzero. We will learn what the absolute best appliances are for 2018. For more information on this topic go to www.hunterdonchamberradio.com and then click on modern design. You can listen to Modern Design in the podcasts or watch us on Facebook Live on the page modern design on Hunterdon Chamber Radio. You can also watch us on the Comcast Channel and Verizon Fios.

Spring Style

Isn't this time of year remarkable? Everything has changed in just a few weeks. You should reflect those changes in your own home and your accessories. My guest this Wednesday on Modern Design will be the new store Sage in Flemington, New Jersey. We will discuss what people are wearing and buying for spring.

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Branching Out

This time of year one does not have to look very far to get interior design inspiration. You just simply need to look out the window. Flowering branches are in full bloom right now and they are simply exquisite. Branches like Quince, magnolia, cherry, pear and many others look amazing in vessel vases colored glass or galvanized metal buckets. Get out there and bring your clippers for a fresh spring look to your home. For more information on this topic watch Modern Design every Wednesday on Facebook Live. Got to Modern Design on Hunterdon Chamber Radio on Facebook. Our show is live from 2-3pm e.s.t. You also can listen to the show on WHCR-DB in Flemington by going to www.hunterdonchamberradio.com and then click Modern Design. You can listen live or choose from hundreds of podcasts on topics of interior design.

Laundry Room Bah Humbug

I can't think of anything worse than washing and drying clothes. I also hate ironing and chores. These all seem to culminate in one room, the laundry room. This room is often a mud room as well so it catches all the debris. I always felt that this room should be practical, have amazing storage and really be well decorated. It should have television, good music and be a place to multi task when you are washing and ironing. Watch this week's Modern Design on Hunterdon Chamber Radio. We will give interesting and beautiful solutions to making this space work for you. We are live Wednesdays from 2-3 pm est. You can also listen live @ www.hunterdonchamberradio.com and then click on our program called modern Design. We are live every Wednesday from 2-3pm, but there are hundreds of podcast to listen to.

Window Treatments are here to stay

The days of elaborate window treatments with tassels, fringe and expensive trims are long gone, but window treatments are not going anywhere. The look now is much more simple and paired down. The fabrics are less about florals and stripes and more about geometrics and or texture. Swags and jabots and fussy treatments are replaced my simple shapes. Stationary drapery panels, relaxed roman shades and simple valances are still very popular. The roller shade has returned, now with lots of colors, textures and lengths. Solar shades are really popular as well. Keep in mind window need to be as functional as beautiful.  Blinds and plantation shutters will always be around to control light.  People will always want black out shades in their bedrooms. If you are in the market for new window coverings, just remember to keep them classic but simple. For more information on this topic watch Modern Design on Hunterdon Chamber Radio on Facebook. We are live from 2-3 pm e.s.t. you can call into the Show @ 908-237-0410 and tell us your stories on this topic.

Spring Greens

Even though this week began with snow, spring is here. One of the ways I bring the look of spring into both my design stores is through the use of the color green. I was always amazed how beautiful new growth would look on existing plants or shrubs. The new lime green was so fresh an new. The same holds true for spring peas and asparagus. Green is the color of spring. Change your guest towels to a great shade of lime. Buy a bag of limes and put them on a bowl on your kitchen table. Go get some beautiful succulents and display them around your home. Spring green pairs well with grays, blacks, blues and many other colors. Start this week adding this palate to your home, You will me glad you did.

Powder Rooms ???

I constantly use the term powder room when talking about home renovations. The other day a client asked what is a powder room. I thought about it for a moment and then realized it probably sounds like an old fashioned term for a place where a woman would powder her nose or put on makeup. It is however mush different then a full bathroom. A powder room is your guest bathroom that does not contain a shower or bathtub. It is often on the first floor and in new homes directly off the foyer in the front of the home. The reason I like to work in powder rooms is that every guest in your home will eventually see this space. It is important than that we care for this space and keep it functional and updated. Also, powder rooms are often very small. We can use more expensive materials in these spaces because we don't need much to make a drastic transformation. One of the thing I like to recommend to clients is to keep your sink and toilet always white. It stands the test of time. I am not a fan of pedestal sinks because you always need storage. Tile or wood are both good choices for flooring as long as they coordinate with the other floors in the home.  The thing many clients fight me on is adding a little wallpaper in powder rooms. It is for practical reasons. Powder rooms are small spaces with heavy traffic. Vinyl papers now are so rich and beautiful that you cant even tell they are vinyl. If you just paint you will eventually have water spots, stains and smudges on an area in constant use. Try some paper in this room, you will thanks me.

Mid Century Madness

Have you noticed that mid century style is continuing to grow. The new trend of down sizing is making the smaller, more efficient 1950's home more appealing again. These houses are usually in more established neighborhoods. They are also often in train towns which is how people are starting to live again. Mid Century Modern style is very practical and efficient. The lines are often straight and simple. For more information on this or any of the blog topics watch Modern Design on Hunterdon Chamber Radio. Got to www.hunterdonchamberradio.com and then click on Modern Design. We are live every Wednesday from 2-3 pm or you can listen to any of the hundreds of podcasts.

Spring Cleanup

Believe it or not we are almost in March. It is not to early to start getting ready for spring. If you notice in the stores spring bulbs are here. Things like primrose, hyacinths, tulips in forcing bulbs are all here. It is going to be 72 degrees on Wednesday this week. It is a great time to get all the fall leaves all the lawn and out of the planting beds. If you want to start vegetables or herbs from seed, now is the time to do so. On this week's Modern Design my guest will be John Leahy of Weichert Realtors in Oldwick New Jersey. He will talk about Spring market and great ideas to get your home ready for Spring. Watch Modern Design of Facebook Live. Go to Modern Design on Hunterdon Chamber Radio on Facebook. Our program is live from 2-3 pm est. You can even call into the show @ 908-237-0410.

Staging is Everything

These days if you want to sell your home you need to stage it. No longer are the masses looking for fixer uppers. There is an understanding now that weather a home is brand new, 5 years old or 125 years old, it will look like a model home. People go to the internet now to start their search for a home, so pictures are everything. If you have a powder blue toilet, you probably will turn off potential buyers. There are a couple things you should do when you want to sell a house. First get a market analysis from 3 different realtors in your area. Look to see what you need to spend money on. You should then do the changes before the property goes on the market. Please remember pictures are everything now. Also you can do things that don't cost anything. Remove all clutter and get rid of personal items including pictures. Take out extra furniture and accessories, even if you have to get a storage unit temporarily. For more information on this or any of the blog topics watch Modern Design on Facebook live. Go to Modern Design on Hunterdon Chamber Radio. We are live each Wednesday from 2- 3 pm est. You can even call in with your comments @ 908-237-0410.

Portrait Art

How many of us like having your picture taken. I would say not that many. Photography is funny. People who are very attractive can look less attractive on film, while other excel in photos even look better than they do in person. I believe the key to looking good in a photo is confidence and of course a photography who is truly an artist. Stephan Taylor is just that a portrait artist. Many of us have children or pets who we cherish. Keep in mind life is ever changing. Wouldn't it be great to capture the innocence of your young children or our parents and grandparents to be with us forever. The best way to do that is portrait art. I don't think you can make a better investment than portrait. It is not just a picture, over time it will become an heirloom. Join me this Wednesday from 2-3 pm est. Stephan will be with me and I will ask all the questions on what portrait art is and are we remised for not having one done. Watch On Facebook live. Go to Modern Design on Hunterdon Chamber Radio. You can watch it live or in the podcast. You can also call into the show @ 908-237-0410.

Fabric is Magic

When I am starved for inspiration I always head to the local fabric store for new ideas. These days there is much less color on the walls and in base pieces of furniture. It is the pop of color in the accessories and fabrics that define a rooms beauty and style. These days everything is about geometric shapes. I see more geometric fabrics than ever before. Once you determine that adding a geometric pattern or two will modernize your home's look, you will need to pick a color. Now that everything is gray around us, you need pop colors for the fabric accents. Colors like citrus green, cobalt blue, teal, orange and bright yellow are the most in-style pop colors right now. I believe that fabric is magic or at least it can be. So like me, if you need to get some inspiration with your home, look to fabrics to create your style. For information of this or any other design topics I discuss watch Modern Design on WHCR-DB. Go to www.hunterdonchamberradio.com and then click on Modern Design. We are live every Wednesday from 2-3 pm EST and you can even call into the show. You also can listen to us in the hundreds of podcasts.

Modern Matchup

It is January folks. It is the time of change and new beginnings. I like to take a look at my house after the Christmas tree comes down and see if I still like what I have done. This year after 13 years in the same house, I realized it was time for a big update. I did not want to change everything. I just wanted to impart some modern style in to my classic colonial. The first thing I did was change out the paint colors. Shades of jewel tones like burgundy, gold and sage were switched out to neutral grays, soft blues and citrus green. I make the house look less formal and got rid of most of the accessories. I like things a little cleaner and simpler now. It is the wave of the future. For more information on this topic tune into Modern Design Wednesdays live from 2-3 pm e.s.t.  Just go to www.hunterdonchamberradio.com then click on Modern Design. You can now watch us on the you tube channel and face book live.

What to do when the Christmas Tree comes down

Isn't it amazing that when you are ready to start putting up the decorations the house looks fine. When you take them down in January the house now looks very drab. January is the time to reinvent yourself and your home. Let's start January traditions and celebrate the winter with new ideas and rituals. I love to use white for decorating in January.  White votive candles in silver mercury glass cups around the house are perfect right now. Starting new bulbs indoors is also a great idea. Use things like pinecone in a wood bowl. Display them on the other side and they look like wooden roses. Use white painted, birch, or just bare branches in glass vases at your entry foyer or on a side board. Winter envokes it own natural beauty. Let's celebrate January!!!