– A –
Architectural Details
“One of our favorite materials for residential exteriors is fiber cement. What most homeowners don’t know is that there are fiber cement cladding options in endless formats and colors. These products have given us the ability to create sleek, modern facades with a cost-effective material that’s easy for residential contractors to work with. We also really like fiber cement because it’s fire resistant and durable. We’re always striving to design the homes of the future, but we understand that homes can’t be “of the future” if they don’t last into the future. Fiber cement helps us make sure our designs stick around for a long time.”
— Jason Taylor, Taylor-Viazzo Architects
– B –
Blues
“Navy is the new gray. You will find it in furniture, window treatments, floor covering, and woodwork.”
— Malka Helft, Think Chic Interiors
Reversible Peruvian Flat-Weave Rug
$960-$3,200
Jonathan Adler, Greenwich
www.jonathanadler.com
Jewel Full-Swivel Chair
$2,120
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Greenwich
www.mgbwhome.com
McLevin Three-Drawer Chest
$1,799
Ethan Allen, Hartsdale
www.ethanallen.com
– C –
Curves
Corinne Velvet Ottoman Bench
$224
Safavieh, Hartsdale
www.safaviehhome.com
Ether Sofa
$3,950
Jonathan Adler, Greenwich
www.jonathanadler.com
Oval Faded Velvet Pouf in Beige
$1,099
Kontrast
www.shopkontrast.com
– D –
Daring Design
“Dare to dream! Dream big! Never be afraid of a cliff or a rock ledge. Setting our projects on the edge is something we are always up for.”
— Carol Kurth, Carol Kurth Architecture + Carol Kurth Interiors
“Using black. This color was once considered dark and dreary, and it’s rightfully now being used as a bold and interesting statement everywhere — doors, windows, trim, finishes. It’s not just a complement to white anymore. It stands on its own as a strong statement.”
— Barrett Oswald Barrett Oswald Designs
“Floating stairs. No risers, no rails — just steps that float from one floor to the next. Very sculptural.”
— Constance Hall Constance Hall Design
– E –
Energy Efficient
“Electrification is a hot new topic, particularly in light of gas moratoriums in Westchester and other locations. Because technologies like mini split heat pumps have drastically improved in recent years, we now have attractive, energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions for both new construction and retrofits. When heat pumps are combined with building envelopes (windows, doors, insulation, and air sealing), increasingly affordable solar panels, and even battery backup systems, net-zero energy is becoming a real possibility for homes in Westchester.”
— Maureen McGeary Mahle, Sustainable Housing Services, Steven Winter Associates
– F –
Finishing Touches
Above: Orsa Tape in Jewel and Woven Raffia Capa Trim in Jewel Below: Yunnan Tape in Ink, All To the Trade; Pindler www.pindler.com
“Amped-up layering is on the forefront in design. Textiles are not only textured or pattered but also further embellished with embroidery, applique, or trimmings. Personal spaces are decorated to tell the narratives of our lives, sharing our travel stories and values. We have embraced small-batch artisanal products and seek ethically sourced materials more than ever.”
— Jana Platina Phipps, The Trim Queen
Photo by Regan Wood Photography
– G –
Geometric Wallpapers
“Wallpaper is making a big comeback, specifically in nurseries and kids’ room. In my nursery designs, I tend to use wallpaper accent walls because they are a great way to command attention in a room. Busy wallpaper on every wall can be a bit overwhelming. Placing it on one wall creates a centerpiece in the room and brings character and style into a space.”
— Sara Touijer, Touijer Designs
– H –
Handcrafted
“Having a personally handcrafted piece is a reflection of who you are and what you desire. Quality, one-of-a-kind pieces often invoke memories, ones that touch homeowners hearts which they want to share with their family and loved ones. Beautiful and intricate details of a piece warm the space and become topics of conversation and will continue to be admired through the generations.”
— David Osborne, JD Osborne Woodworking and Design
– I –
Icebox
Some say stainless steel is on the way out. We say seize the moment and have some fun while infusing color into your kitchen with one of these retro iceboxes from Smeg. They come in eight colors and retail for $2,999 — a small price to pay for such big personality.
Photo by Phillip Ennis
– J –
Just do it!
“Buy a quirky or fun piece of furniture, art, or object to display on the first floor of your house. [It will] make for a great conversation piece at parties.”
— Alice Pirsu, Alice Pirsu Interiors
“Create a room with a separate entrance where delivery people can come in and place items and packages, even when you are not home. [Include] a refrigerator so food deliveries can be made easily without having that delivery person come into the main house. I love this idea since it keeps the items safe and your food fresh.”
— Denise Wenacur, DW Design & Décor
– K –
Kitchen Trends
Cabinet Finishes
“Customers seem to be more attracted to the textured wood or laminate in shades of gray. Faux wood laminates and true wood in oak rift cut seem to be the most popular of the textures. Often creating a connection to the natural element, oak cabinetry is versatile in its look, from seaside or country cottage, clean modern simplicity, or a common rustic look. Manufacturers are creating a variety of interesting door styles, from recessed panels to flat slabs with an inset detail and finishes, using oak. You can use oak in its natural color or choose to paint it.”
— Roberto Leira, Majestic Kitchens & Baths
Kitchen by Bilotta
Bold Colors
“Many of our clients are selecting an on-site finish, opening the entire catalog of colors. We are using a lot of bright, bold colors — mostly blues, grays, and greens (along with blends of those three) — either on the entire kitchen or on select portions.”
— Anthony Maucieri, East Hill Cabinetry
Panels Are Back
“There is a movement back toward paneled appliances but in a modern way. In our showroom, we have a Thermador white glass double oven with a white paneled refrigerator. It gives the whole kitchen a bright and clean look.”
— Danielle Florie, Senior Designer at Bilotta
Hammerton Studio Gem Belvedere Indoor Sconce, Chloe Winston Lighting, Norwalk, www.chloewinstonlighting.com
– L –
Lighting Ideas
“We’re seeing an abundance of hand-blown clear and textured glass fixtures with such unique form and design that add great visual interest to any space.”
— Candace Pereira, Chloe Winston Lighting
BRIZO Rook Widespread Faucet in Luxe Nickel/Matte Black
Frank Webb Home
www.frankwebb.com
– M –
Mix and Match
“While stainless steel continues to dominate the faucet market, mixed and matte metals are definitely trending with homeowners who are looking for an updated variation. When selecting a faucet, it is key to select a solid metal model with ceramic interior parts. You can save a few dollars with plastic interiors, but you’ll pay down the road with leak repairs and early replacement.”
— Cindy Moroney, Frank Webb Home
“I can never find a justification for using furniture sets within a space. Sets inherently are antithetical to design; they opt out of creativity and individuality and end up leaving a room overwhelmed by a single boring look. You want to mix and match! Pieces that work together within a room’s overall design are the best way to create a dynamic space that’s representative of your individual style personality.”
— Alexandra Amirian, M&P Design Group
– N –
Never Ever
“We would never try to design a house against its inherit elements. For example, arches, metal windows, and hidden nooks are pillars to many older homes. There are ways to modernize those spaces without losing their unique characteristics.”
— Barrett Oswald, Barrett Oswald Designs
“Someone in Texas likely coined the phrase ‘bigger is better,’ but the reality is that this often holds true for design. Err on the side of going larger when you are designing. I think the reason people don’t go bigger usually boils down to budget. Bigger things cost more, [but] if you put a rug that’s too small in a living room, you would have been better off if you had skipped it all together.”
— Claire Paquin, Clean Design Partners
“White floors. Looks great in a magazine, but will never be clean.”
— Constance Hall, Constance Hall Design
1. Make a television a focal point.
2. Install three-quarter-length curtains,
3. Purchase small area rugs.
4. Skimp on lighting.
— Malka Helft, Think Chic Interiors
– O –
Open Shelves
“Modern kitchens deserve a modern viewpoint. I try to avoid traditional kitchen layouts with upper cabinets and lower cabinets when designing or renovating kitchens for my clients. Instead, I open up the space and keep it airy with long expanses of base cabinetry punctuated by cool, open shelving in materials like stainless steel or glass. Shelves blend functionality and decoration. Beautiful vessels in a mix of materials and textures offer storage for spices, flour, sugar, coffee, etc. and can be curated with cookbooks and artwork to create a focal point in the room.”
— Debra Funt, Debra Funt Interiors
Design by Link Interiors, Accessorized by Christine for Current Home
– P –
Perzonalization
“They say it’s all in the details, and it’s important to accessorize your home to reflect the personality of your family. It makes your guests feel welcome, and they will love getting to know you through the unique and personal objects in your home. Some of my favorite suggestions to personalize your home:
Add personal touches such as a custom throw. We create soft custom throws for our clients. We add pet names, family names, or phrases that are reflective of the family. They also make great housewarming gifts.
Pick up decorative items or art on your travels. The treasures you find during a romantic getaway or family vacation make your home unique to you and provide amazing memories.
Add photographs in beautiful frames throughout your home. A photograph instantly turns a room into a warm, personal space and allows visitors to get to know you and your family.”
— Karen Tolchin, Current Home
Design by Link Interiors, Accessorized by Christine for Current Home
– Q –
Quartz
“With so many choices that are stylish and functional, more people are turning to quartz for their countertops. [Homeowners] are using more concrete-like countertops, such as Caesarstone’s new concrete finish and matte/honed finishes in medium to dark tones.”
— Leah Diamond, Leicht
Trio of Wood Vases
$36 each
The Loft at CW
www.countrywillow.com
– R –
Rustic Elements
“Rustic elements bring a true organic or rugged feel to a room. They can be sourced from new wood and given a rustic feel or sourced from reclaimed wood which makes them sustainable products. We feature both types of products in our store. The blend of wood rustic elements and metals are a big part of the Urban Industrial Style which is featured in The Loft at CW.”
— Mike Leibowitz,, Country Willow
– S –
Striking Ceilings
“I’m a sucker for simple walls and wow ceilings. During this past year, I have left walls neutral and lacquered, painted, and wallpapered ceilings. In this nursery, I covered the ceiling with a pink and gray marbleized wallpaper, creating movement and drama while still keeping the calm all nurseries should have.”
— Malka Helft, Think Chic Interiors
– T –
Tile Trends
“Color, color, color! You’re going to see color coming into cabinetry, details, and definitely into backsplashes. People are tired of only white and gray. The emergence of color is impossible to miss. Europe is embracing it, and it’s landed in the United States as well.”
— Nancy Epstein, Artistic Tile Inc.
Mid-Century Burnt Orange Chair
$750
Fofie & Mia
www.fofiemia.com
– U –
Unique Pieces
“Unique pieces have elements of slight wear over time. They are conversational pieces that have a story and a past. They are also one of a kind, so you know no one will have the same piece.”
— Sophia Karipides, Fofie & Mia’s
Photo by Hulya Kolabas
– V –
Velvet
“Velvet is everywhere. Formal living rooms, formal dining rooms, family rooms, entry halls, and master bedrooms. This master bedroom has a velvet channeled bed by Williams Sonoma Home that reads luxe.”
— Malka Helft, Think Chic Interiors
– W –
Woven
Monet Chair and Ottoman, $945
Pottery Barn, White Plains
www.potterybarn.com
Nguni Bench
Price Available Upon Request
Sarza, Rye
www.sarzastore.com
– X –
Xerox (Seeing Double)
Photo by Jason Penney
“I started my collection on a bit of a whim. I love all things vintage and memorabilia that has a bit of history and charm. I enjoy scouring estate sales and one weekend came across an infant’s wool bathing suit. I was drawn to it and purchased it, but [I was] not sure what I would do with it. I found a vintage postcard of the town in which our house was and imagined that the infant suit belonged to a child who grew up in the area. I combined the two in a shadowbox. Friends came over and asked about the suit and inquired if I could find similar items for their homes. From there I launched my business of framed wool and vintage bathing suits as well as nautical flags and burgees. That business took off and enticed me to go back to school for interior design. My personal collection grew, and it always reminds me of where I got my start and relaunched my career into what it is today.”
— Susan Petrie, Petrie Point Designs
Benjamin Moore Warm Blush Paint
Wallauer’s
www.wallauer.com
Arvilla Swivel Club Chair
$899
Safavieh, Hartsdale
www.safaviehhome.com
– Y –
Year Of…
“The year of blush. Soft blush tones have been extremely popular this year in everything we see, from fabrics to paint to furniture. All tones of this dusty pink are popping up, and whatever you call it — mauve, rose, dusk, or wisteria — this color is in high demand. Blush gives a room a feminine and sophisticated touch. It can transform a space into a soothing oasis.”
— Claire Paquin, Clean Design Partners
House of Hackney Cheetah Bookends from Rosehip & Linnéa
– Z –
Zoology
“Safari chic is definitely a timeless look to infuse designs with a sense of place, culture, and global beauty. Though typically you will not find animal prints specifically in my designs, I am inspired by textures, materials, and colors from nature and wildlife — the perfection in the imperfect that only nature can design. Including furnishings and accessories that use natural materials like washed woods or metals with patina or irregular texture or shape provides character so that spaces do not look sterile or void of life. For example, these fabulouks new drink tables from Interlude use a croc-inspired texture. There are also many textiles that embody the spirit of the savanna with their handcrafted patterns, natural colors, and raw beauty. Any from Pat McCann’s collection are sure to make your space look well traveled.”
— Kim Mitchell, KAM Design
Cocodrilo Candlestick Holder from Rosehip & Linnéa
Cape Leopard Throw Pillow from Sarza
