MoD Design Guru - Fresh Ideas + Cleverly Modern Design

Saturday, February 18, 2017

Metrie Moldings, your imagination is not limited

The Authors library by designer Aly Velji
Credit: Felix O.B. at FXO Photography

Trim moldings to a room are like accessories to an outfit. They can adorn a plain Jane room and make it a true showpiece. Moldings offer interesting architectural detail that can make a dramatic difference. Your imagination is not limited- trim can be added to walls, to ceilings, around windows and doors, and along architectural features such as fireplaces, built in bookcases and kitchens. There are all kinds of moldings to purchase from paintable, stainable woods to pre-finished woods which do not have to be painted! So meet Metrie, a supplier and manufacturer of wood and molding who I was introduced to at the Kitchen and Bath Industry show in Orlando Florida (KBIS). Metrie is all about the details and is dedicated to creating crafted architectural elements and makes sure their product meets the highest standards for quality and design.

BlogTour KBIS 2017
Credit: Felix O.B. at FXO Photography BlogTour KBIS

At the KBIS show, Metrie had a special contest called #MyMetrieTrimspiration just for BlogTourKBIS 2017 participants. Here we are above:

For the contest, we had to post on Instagram what Metrie product most inspired us. I posted the above image and won an Apple Watch with a Lux Wood watch band. I have to say, I really really love my watch...thankyou so much Metrie, great contest idea!!

I will never look at moldings the same. Metrie displayed different ways to use moldings.

On a coffered ceiling around Light fixtures:

Moldings used as Clothing rods:

I love the dark painted moldings because it gives more visual impact. You can see that painting a traditional molding a darker color modernizes the look and makes a statement. Also, crowns that are very delicately carved and angled on the ends add a real touch of elegance when painted gold:

The Authors library by designer Aly Velji using the Pretty Simple Finishing collection. It has a very traditional and heavy wood detailing but he created a sense of modernity in the details. The ceiling treatment highlighted a unique way to make this library unconventional:

Designer Andrew Pike's take on the Very Square Finishing Collection for a wine cellar look was a fave. He used a rich gray color that gives a traditional stye a very modern feel.

You really can be imaginative and not break the bank. Just use moldings, Metrie ofcourse!

Thankyou to Metrie, Modenus and all our wonderful sponsors of BlogTourKBIS2017 #designhounds

To connect with Metrie: WEBSITE, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK

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Friday, February 3, 2017

Why I cried at the DXV Design Panel 2017 announcement?

DXV Design Panel 2017 announcement
Credit: Felix O.B. at FXO Photography

Since I got home from KBIS, friends and family called saying, "I know something BIG happened but I'm not sure what, so what's going on?" I respond with a giggle as I know several photos on facebook and instagram have been posted dubbed "the many faces of Michele Alfano"..... What's so important that could make me break down in tears?

DXV Design Panel 2017 announcement
Credit: Pamela Copeman

Tears of joy for sure on top of something my brother Scott said to me right before the announcement. He said, " I didn't know Dad was in the room." That hit me. I got all vclempt because we both admire our father who is a renown scientist in the field of optics. It was awesome to have Scott there by my side as I take a step forward in my career.

Me and Scott Alfano

Me and my brother Scott Alfano
Credit: Pamela Copeman

Well I got over the tears and took it all in and I told my friends that it was announced that I was on the next DXV Design Panel 2017 among three other elite designers:

Kati Greene Curtis, Corey Damen Jenkins and Alison McRae-Habermehl. They then ask, "What is DXV?"

DXV Design Panel 2017 announcement

Credit: Rebecca Reynolds

DXV by American Standard is a portfolio of meticulously crafted fixtures and faucets that celebrate and re-imagine design movements of the past 150 years. For the past four years, they have invited designers to create stages from one of these design movements and use their products and accessories to create beautiful environments that transport us back in time but used in a modern way. I was selected for the MODERN movement, no surprise there...and have already given in my #DXVTOPSECRET design. I am flying to Minneapolis next week to present my design to DXV! I am thrilled to have this huge opportunity to showcase my Architectural eye and be a part of DXV's history in inspired design to elevate the experience of everyday living - which is in my core beliefs as a designer. Here are some of the awesome designs from the past Design Panel 2016:

Mid-Century Resort by Pulpstudio- Beth Dotolo and Carolina Gentry

Credit: DXV

Contemporary Beach By Genevieve Ghaleb

Credit: DXV

The Golden Apple by Richard Anuszkiewicz

Credit: DXV

Southern Classic by Susan Jamieson
Credit: DXV

While at KBIS, we were introduced to DXV's new beautiful collections:

Their sleek and sexy Modulus suite of contemporary luxury bath fixtures and fittings highlights an urban point of view with European influences to offer minimalist, yet functional design. The graceful Modulus countertop lavatories are offered in a variety of sizes and configurations, including marble and concrete models.

The most interesting part of the design is how one can experience the product. Jean-Jacques Lhenaff , VP of Lixil showed us how the solid surface tray is designed to perfectly fit on the counter and then can be stored over and inside the wall hung storage unit below. A very thoughtful design.

The sinuous shape of the Modulus tub is perfect for soaking. I love the floor mount tub filler, its so sculptural!

The Modulus faucet below comes in different finishes and a single mount version too as shown in black below. Notice the hammered ring?

The ring has an assortment of finishes and you can add it to the faucet and tub filler. Love that little touch of detail!

Thankyou to DXV, Modenus and all our wonderful sponsors of BlogTourKBIS2017 #designhounds

To connect with DXV: WEBSITE, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK

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Sunday, January 29, 2017

Products promote partying, and less working in your Kitchen

If kitchens are the heart of the home, then KBIS is defining the way Americans live. At the KBIS 2017 show, top brands showcased their concepts and innovations of every area of kitchen design. I'm seeing more and more how technology is pushing the boundaries of kitchen design and more brands are coming out with products that make your time in the kitchen more enjoyable. Brands like Thermador, Grohe, American Standard, Wilsonart and Wellborn Cabinet were showing products with personality that help you do less work, and more time to party, enjoy and hang out in your kitchen.

Grohe Lady Lux Foot Control

Grohe's mission is to enhance homes with products that provide exceptional quality, technological advancements, and precision engineering. Their new Grohe Lady Lux Foot Control allows you to get the most out of your kitchen with a tap of your foot! The faucet is turned on with a plate under the counter. No hands necessary to operate the faucet! This new hands free faucet controller saves water, reduces the spread of dirt and germs and is great for aging in place as well! You can take charge in your kitchen and pay more attention to your guests! See the video below:

Grohe Essence

Bring some personality and color into your kitchen too. The Grohe Essence new kitchen faucet available in April 2017 offers a nylon hose with multiple colors to choose from. It has a comfortable spout and a dual spray faucet with a useful toggle function making it seamless to switch from spray to regular water flow. The hose is interchangeable, so get a few colors to change out for your parties!

American Standard came out with a faucet that dispenses water to your exact measurement. If you are making dinner and talking with your guests, you don't have to think. The kitchen faucet thinks for you! See the video below:

Thermador Culinary Preservation center

It is Thermador's ingenuity and quality craftsmanship that resonates with culinary enthusiasts. They "share the exceptional" by being committed to the cooking experience. The Thermador Culinary Preservation center fits any lifestyle offering ultimate configurations. Side by side you can build in a freezer- refrigerator combination next to towers of wine that has separate zones all built in - great home personalization making it easier for ultimate entertaining!

Star-Sapphire dishwasher

The new Star-Sapphire dishwasher offers real dish care solutions! The flexibility to entertain is here without restriction. Their new slim top rack can fit those large spoons and cook tools that you usually have to clean by hand. They call it the entertainers drawer and it will save you time! What I'm also excited about is the blue accent of light which you can use to set a cool vibe in your kitchen. Both of these new innovations enhances the experience of entertaining.

Ultra Matte Laminate Stone

Wilsonart laminate can now rival stone head on! Wilsonart's mission is to give alternate surfacing options that provide customers with choices of design, performance and price. Their new Ultra Matte Laminate Stone finish really looks like stone. The corner engineering is unbelievable. I love stone but if you cannot afford it this laminate offers performance, scratch resistance and Antimicrobial protection. The technologies built into this laminate will make your life easier just like other solid surfaces!

Wellborn cabinet

Wellborn Cabinet features product lines that offer cabinetry for every room for everyday living. I fell in love with this modern curio cabinet that can house all of your cooking essentials and bar all in one! These kind of storage solutions help you maximize your total home living space.

The interior blue was stunning against the natural wood shelving and trays!

Thankyou to our BlogTourKBIS by Modenus sponsors - Thermador, Grohe, American Standard, Wilsonart and Wellborn Cabinet who offered us surprise and delight with innovative solutions for your kitchen!

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Wednesday, January 25, 2017

What does a toilet and a carpet have in common?

How could a toilet and a carpet have anything in common? But I realized on BlogTour KBIS at the Kitchen and Bath Industry show (KBIS) that both American Standard and Mohawk flooring care to improve product cleanability - inorder to improve every day living. Not only do both brands think about the beauty of their products; but also think about a standard of health in your home.

American Standard's mission is to make healthier, safer and more beautiful homes around the world. They presented to us bloggers the Anti-Clean Self cleaning toilet which is the toilet that cleans itself! All it takes is one simple press of a button for the bowl to be sparking clean. Its that easy. It has a fully integrated self cleaning system. All you have to do is change out the cleaning liquid cartridge.

The toilet seat is easily removable too. It sits on 2 metal points that pop off. These seem like small changes but are actually huge improvements to the way we can use our toilets in our homes. Genius!

Since 1878 Mohawk flooring stands proud as a trusted brand in flooring. Their mission is to create innovative products that make life better and brings you the best quality floor possible. I do believe they stand by their words," astonishing softness and maximum durabilty."

They did an inventive challenge by testing one of their Smart Strand Silk reserve carpets against another competitive premium soft nylon carpet in the cage of Max the Rhino at the Birmingham zoo. After two weeks with a 5,400 pound rhino, both carpets were covered in mud and ya know what.... After cleaning both carpets they found that the Smart Strand Silk reserve carpet held up better and released the stains and remained beautiful proving that the carpet is easy to clean! I was impressed with Mohawks fiber technology!

See the video below:

Here is the color palatte for 2017 and one of the beautiful patterns below that they can attain with their technology.

Later that evening Mohawk invited us bloggers to take off our shoes at a Barefoot and Bellini party where we could experience the carpet first hand. This carpet is like walking on a cloud. Really really soft! Now that I understand the durability and know how soft the carpet is. I would recommend this carpet to any of my clients!

Products should not only look good, but be durable and cleanable! Both brands do it well! Thankyou American Standard and Mohawk flooring!!

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Wednesday, December 21, 2016

2016 Reflections

2016 is coming to a close and I am reflective on my career, the unique design events I went to and the wonderful accomplishments my children have made this past year. One of which was Rylie's Bat Mitzvah. Half the year was focused on the planning and I admit that the blog took a back seat. So I apologize if you were wondering what happened to me? Friends were even surprised that I did not showcase a very important event on the blog that I have participated in for the past 5 years - DIFFA's Picnic by Design 2016 which happened this past September at the ANNEX Mercantile in NYC.

For its fifth annual fundraiser 20 baskets were up for auction raising over $50,000. This event doesn't feature the traditional picnic basket but instead whisks backpacks, wood trays,metal bowls, crates, chairs and games. My basket was the shape of a molecule and its contents had a cosmos feel. Thanks again to Sarkos for their amazing wallcovering which I used as a coaster in the design.

Michele Alfano- modMADE NY Picnic BY Design 2016

MOLECULAR BASKET

Below you will see some very creative ideas that can be used for your holiday parties coming up!!!

But first I must give thanks to our wonderful sponsors that make this event happen and all are listed below. Its always fun seeing Cindy Allen, Editor in chief of INTERIOR DESIGN MAGAZINE at the event too. I think after 5 years doing the event she knows who I am?? (lol) Special thanks to my sponsor friends: DXV, DRS and Associates, Corbett, Troy lighting, Mr. Bing and Regal Wine Imports for their donations. Their generosity was very much appreciated!

Most importantly thanks to my partner in crime Tiago Fonseco of Five Star Millwork who never lets me down and brings my crazy ideas to life.

ME AND TIAGO FONSECA

Michele Alfano- modMADE NY Picnic BY Design 2016
MOLECULAR BASKET

Now see some of the images of the food, wine and people and creative designs from the event....The Picnic by Design event was written up online on INTERIOR DESIGN too!