Who: Architect Dan Contelmo, Principal, Daniel Contelmo Architects, Poughkeepsie
Most Important Design Influences: The community, the site conditions, and the clients
Inspirations: Natural landscapes and vistas, spaces with purpose, historic buildings, and clients with passion and mutual respect for design and proportion
Top Tips: Start with a master plan, to create an overall cohesive design; find a common theme that represents your personality and use it throughout the house; and focus on the home’s spine — entry, great room, and kitchen — and then finish with a master retreat.
Go-To Home Design…
Blogs: Qualified Remodeler, American Institute of Architects
Shelter Mags (Other Than WH): Architectural Digest, Architectural Record, Period Homes
Website: Houzz.com
TV Show: This Old House
Local Shops/Showrooms: Country Willow (Bedford), Rockman Millwork (Elmsford), Waterworks (Greenwich)
Other Shops/Showrooms: The Hudson Company (Pine Plains), Hammertown Barn (Rhinebeck)
Designers/Brands: BainUltra (bathtubs), Waterworks (Architectonics handmade tile collection), Benjamin Moore (paints)
Favorite Products:
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1. Lepage Millwork windows (offering quality and customization)
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2. Barn Light Electric Brewmaster belt- driven ceiling fan
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3. Restoration Hardware furniture and accessories (for their “rustic and nostalgic qualities”)
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4. Waterworks bath faucets (elegant designs, from traditional to modern)
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5. Benjamin Moore paint (“They are constantly improving their product and provide guidance with specifications for each different application.”)
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6. Artisan garage doors (the leader in carriage-house-style overhead doors; made with distinctive woods or composite materials)
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7. Timberlane shutters (from historically accurate to custom designs in a variety of materials)
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8. Chadsworth columns (historically accurate designs in wood, fiberglass, and Poly Stone)
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9. Rocky Mountain hardware (a wide range of substantial-feeling products)
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10. Exotic or antique quarter-sawn white oak floors from The Hudson Company in Pine Plains
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11. Versatex exterior trim (a variety of stock and custom; “Installed properly, it will last forever.”)