Design & Décor 6/14/23 edition is published by Anton Media Group.

DESIGN & DÉCOR

SEASONAL PATIOS

INSIDE

Refreshing ideas

Bathroom remodeling trends

Cover concept: Safavieh Home Furnishings—Port Washington

Prepare Your Patio For Backyard Season

BY WENDY TRUNZ specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

With summer season upon us, the sun is shining and the days are longer. e kids are spending more time outside or possibly at camp, which gives you plenty of time to organize! So enjoy the fresh air while getting your home in tip-top shape. Check out these tips for getting every outdoor space summer ready.

Getting your outdoor space ready to entertain is the first step. Pile up all the cushions and use your vacuum attachment to remove any loose dirt and dust. Add a tablespoon of dish soap to a bucket of warm water and sponge off any stains. Power washing furniture and deck surfaces will refresh their look and feel. Rinse the cushions with plain water, wrap each cushion with a towel to absorb all the moisture and leave them out in the sun to dry thoroughly. Rotate or flip them half way through the day so no moisture remains. A fresh bucket of soapy water can also be used to wipe down teak, aluminum and metal furniture frames.

Check your garden hose, make sure it doesn’t have any holes and that your spray attachment is working properly. If you keep it outside, consider buying either a hose hook (they can be found on Amazon or a reel that can be mounted to the side of your home). If you prefer to tuck it away in your garage or shed, invest in an outdoor hideaway box. It keeps the hose from getting tangled and is a nice compact way to transport it in and out. Either way, it will look a lot better and keep the wrestling matches to a minimum.

Cooking with a dirty barbecue can be dangerous because built-up grease is the primary cause of grill fires. There are many convenient and effective grill cleaning services in the area that will remove harmful carcinogens, enhance the safety, and restore the appearance of your grill.

If you frequently host gatherings in your backyard that means significant garbage accumulation. To increase the life and decrease the smell of your garbage cans, purchase thick black trash bags to house the trash in between sanitation pickups. That way if anything leaks, there’s an extra layer of protection.

Create a cozy gathering nook. Once you’ve prepared your outdoor space, it’s time to create an inviting spot to gather with friends and family. Accessorize your existing outdoor furniture by adding comfy and colorful pillows and blankets. Even add a wicker basket with extra pieces to make sure your guests are kept warm during those chillier summer nights. Finally, add a pop of color with a fun outdoor rug—it truly brings the space together.

Now pour yourself an ice cold drink and enjoy the sunshine, happy summer.

—Wendy Trunz is a partner and head organizer at Jane’s Addiction Organization in Port Washington.

The Jane’s Addiction Organization team.

Create a cozy gathering nook.

Use varying colors and textures in potting container and plants to personalize your space. (Photos by Jane’s Addiction Organization—Port Washington)

New Yorkers Remodel Bathrooms More Than Any Other Area In Their Homes

The data compiled by Contractor Growth Network analyzed numerous search terms related to home renovations, remodels, extensions and contractors across every state in America to establish the areas of the home that each state want to remodel.

The data found that the bathroom was the most popular area of the home to remodel, with all 50 states searching for this area more than any other. The national average for a bathroom remodel currently stands at $11,365 however this is all dependent on the size of said bathroom. Across America, there are an average of 305,160 searches made each month in relation to bathroom renovations with the states searching for bathroom renovations the most being Colorado, Texas, West Virginia, Michigan and New Jersey.

In New York, the bathroom ranks as the most popular area of the home to remodel.

Kitchen and basement remodels rank second and third, respectively.

Kitchen renovations and remodels are the second most popular type of renovation among Americans. In every state, the kitchen was the second highest searched area in relation to renovations,

with a national average of 187,651 monthly searches being made for kitchen renovations. The states where kitchen renovations and remodels appeared to be the most popular are Colorado, New Jersey, West Virginia, Connecticut and Indiana.

The third most popular type of remodel is a basement remodel. Americans search for terms relating to basement remodels and renovations at a rate of 27,499 searches per month. The states searching for terms related to basement remodels the most are Minnesota, Illinois, Maryland, Wisconsin and Florida.

Shower remodels and renovations, including wet rooms, are the fourth most popular home improvement among Americans, with an average monthly search volume of 25,643. The states that are most interested in a shower remodel or inclusion of a wet room are Arizona, Texas, Delaware, Nevada and Florida.

Following in fifth and not too dissimilar from shower renovations are bath remodels

and renovations. The states searching for a bath remodel or renovation the most are Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Vermont. Overall, across America there are 17,765 average searches made every month for terms related to bathtub renovations.

Adding a renovation to your home can

be a big decision, one that takes time and a lot of research. These findings offer a fascinating insight into the states interested in taking these steps as well as which parts of the home are the biggest priority when it comes to making those big decisions.

—Contractor Growth Network

As our sanctuaries, it is no wonder bathrooms are the most remodeled. (Getty Images)

Cooking Al Fresco

BY MARIA ORLANDO PIETROMONACO specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

There’s something about cooking food outdoors that enhances the whole experience for home chefs and entertainers. Maybe it’s the aroma of grilled cuisine, or the ability to enjoy the fresh air while you create dishes for family or friends. Bringing the kitchen to your exterior living space has massive appeal, and it’s come a long way from simple charcoal grills and lighter fluid.

Today, outdoor kitchens can come with hi-tech appliances and more complex components—from side burners and griddles to pizza ovens and smokers. A sink is helpful for damage control, as is a slide-out garbage compartment. We haven’t even touched on ice makers, refrigerators,

beverage chillers, and yes—even dishwashers. There’s actually more versatility and creativity available on the outside of your home than the inside.

When developing the overall plan for your exterior culinary haven, you’ll want to consider shade and shelter options, seating, proximity to the house or other

entertainment area, functionality, and more. As far as aesthetics and style, you may want to complement your home or give your new space a whole new look. If your home is modern and sleek you can now have that rustic kitchen you’ve been craving. Or if the interior of your home is traditional and dated, now’s the chance to create a fresh and bright exterior addition. There are also dozens of material options and colors to consider, including cultured stone, countertops, pavers and more.

We are fortunate enough here on Long Island to have access to fresh vegetables, seafood, herbs, organic meats and poultry, and so much more. To prepare and

cook this beautiful array outdoors is an incredible experience, and you’ll want to enjoy your guests while you work magic. Having a bar counter nearby where hungry friends and family can wait and watch is ideal. You don’t want to be isolated from all the fun, and they may even be tempted to pitch in and grab a spatula.

The options for creating an ultimate outdoor kitchen are virtually endless. It’s time to take your chef’s hat outside.

—Maria Orlando Pietromonaco writes for Peter Anthony Landscaping, Long Island’s very own HGTV Winning Designer (www. peteranthonylandscaping.com).

Loving your backyard design will ensure it gets maximum usage this season. (Photos courtesy of Peter Anthony Landscaping)

Outdoor kitchens are more high-tech than ever before. Install a countertop to bring your guests into the action.

How To Grow 100 Pounds Of Tomatoes

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

Raising a garden can lower the grocery bills and provide the freshest, most delicious tasting veggies, said straw bale gardening pioneer Joel Karsten.

“Tomatoes, even in season, are a couple of dollars a pound, and it isn’t uncommon to grow 100-plus pounds of tomatoes from a single bale,” he said. “The savings you’ll get from growing a garden are astounding and make a huge difference in any family budget.”

Now is the time to lay the groundwork for a summer garden, and Karsten shared the details of his revolutionary method in his book, Straw Bale Gardens Complete. This unique technique makes growing fresh veggies possible even for those with bad soil or no backyard at all.

“If you have never picked peas fresh from a garden and brought them immediately to the steamer and then slathered them in butter and sprinkled them with salt, then you have never even tasted peas,” Karsten continued. “It is a flavor so delightful that it is unmatched in even the finest restaurant.”

And those looking for the perfect hostess gifts for summer barbecues can create beautiful flower arrangements without breaking the bank.

“Flowers are amazing in straw bales,” Karsten said. “For less than two bucks, anyone can buy a pack of midget sunflower or zinnia seeds, and with just one bale, grow enough flowers to make 50 vases of cut flowers all summer long.”

Karsten’s method requires less maintenance and weeding, and because of the raised height, makes gardening more accessible for seniors who can’t do the hard physical work of gardening. The method works in any climate and for nearly every vegetable crop, and doesn’t require any soil at all, so it can be done on concrete, asphalt or even on a rooftop.

Straw Bale Gardens Complete provides an abundance of inspiration, with detailed steps for planning, planting and harvesting a straw bale garden; bale variations and options; watering guidelines; and plant profiles. Also included are tips for irrigating in dry climates, gardening in small and urban spaces, and even DIY instructions for homemade bales from compostable materials. The book is filled with color photos and project ideas, including how to set up a greenhouse for less

than $100.

“Growing a successful vegetable garden is difficult enough if you have terrific soil to plant your garden into, but with poor soils it can be virtually impossible,” Karsten added. “Straw bale gardening allows anyone, even those with the worst soil conditions, to grow a terrific garden that is inexpensive, productive and much less labor intensive.”

A horticulture science graduate from the University of Minnesota, Karsten grew up on a crop and dairy farm in southern Minnesota where the seed for his love of gardening was planted. After buying his first home and realizing that nothing could grow in the compacted construction backfill, he experimented with growing tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers in straw bales. He continued to perfect his method for gardening this way for 14 years until a reporter from the local NBC affiliate did a story and he realized just how revolutionary his method was. This prompted him to write his straw bale gardening series of books, which includes Straw Bale Gardening, Straw Bale Solutions and Straw Bale Gardens Complete

Karsten also developed BaleBuster conditioner to help prepare straw bales for optimal plant growth. A keynote speaker, Karsten has made more than 2,000 presentations

about straw bale gardening since his first appearance on the local news. He and his wife, Patty, live in Roseville, MN, with their dog, Tucker.

For more information visit www.strawbalegardens.com or follow the author on Facebook (LearnToGrowAStrawBaleGarden), Instagram (StrawBaleGardenClub) or YouTube (Straw Bale Garden Club).

Books: What’s To Come

New decorating and designing books that are on their way to print

1

31 Cozy Home Ideas by Liz Marie Galvan

Are you looking for cozy decorating ideas or budget friendly DIY projects to create a beautiful and inviting home? Do-it-yourself interior designer and popular blogger Liz Marie Galvan invites you to try her collection of easy-to-recreate decorating ideas in 31 Cozy Home Ideas.

2

Vineyard Folk by Tamara Weiss and Amanda Benchley

The true soul of Martha’s Vineyard, captured through the eyes of the talented artists and artisans who live there. Vineyard Folk leads us on an intimate journey into the lives and inspirational places of some of the many talented artists who have always made up the larger community of Martha’s Vineyard. The island, located just seven miles off the coast of Cape Cod, has a long history as geographic muse: Lillian Hellman and William Styron wrote overlooking the Vineyard Haven harbor, and Thomas Hart Benton—whose influence is still felt in island painters today—depicted the stone walls and winding roads of what is known as “up-island” more than a hundred years ago.

3

Victorian Modern by Jo Leevers

The ultimate “design bible” for the Victorian home sets period features in context and explores how today’s designers are adapting 19th century homes to reflect a more contemporary style.

4

Create by Ali Heath

The much-anticipated follow-up to the highly successful Curate provides decorating inspiration for homes that beautifully combine both the modern and the antique. Some of the most exciting interiors around are those that combine vintage and antique finds with select contemporary pieces. In Create, interior stylist and journalist Ali Heath encourages you to think imaginatively about how to use old and new at home—introducing individuality and interest, while incorporating the need to decorate more sustainably.

5

Country Life by William and Zander Abranowicz

The majestic panoramas, lush vegetation, and bucolic vibe of the Catskill Mountains and Hudson River Valley in upstate New York have long proved irresistible for city dwellers seeking respite from urban life and inveterate country lovers alike. Their homes, whether hundreds of years old or brand new, all resonate with their natural surroundings, as each of the 20 houses that photographer William Abranowicz captured for this volume attests. They range from the historic houses of Thomas Cole and Frederic Church, quintessential landscape painters of the Hudson River School, to the rustic wood-andstone house of a dealer of mid-century furniture, art, and jewelry, in which the clean lines of Frank Lloyd Wright side tables and other mid-century furnishings are exuberantly contrasted by vibrant textiles and contemporary ceramics.

6

The Art Playroom by Megan Schiller

With an inviting, open setup of art supplies, kids can easily access tools and materials to work through ideas, tinker, discover, solve problems, learn techniques, and create anything they can imagine. Your art space becomes a creative workshop that allows children the opportunity to explore open-ended materials with a sense

of independence, confidence, and responsibility. In The Art Playroom, author Megan Schiller—a Reggio-inspired preschool teacher, art studio owner, and interior designer—guides you step by step through the process of creating an art space for your children and shares her simple approach to encourage creative exploration for years to come.

7

Fashion House by Megan Hess

Now in a beautiful tenth-anniversary special edition, Fashion House is the first book from international illustration sensation and bestselling author Megan Hess, full of inspirational interiors from the world of fashion, past and present. Ever dreamed you could live in the suite of a Manhattan socialite? Or the grand estate of one of London’s men-about-town, or a Parisian vintage loft? Within the sumptuously illustrated pages of this collection, Hess has assembled some of the most decadent and indulgent interior designs from around the world, along with suggestions for how you can incorporate their fashionable style into your own spaces. With a gorgeous updated design and format, Fashion House will inspire and delight anyone with a love of fashion, a penchant for interior design or an appreciation for the signature illustrations of Megan Hess.

8 Good Fengshui by Eva Wong

This easy-to-use, fengshui 101 guide to the ancient practice will give you invaluable advice as you choose or build a home—and bring positive, healthy energy to your existing home, office, or garden. Enhance the energy of your home, workplace, or garden using the principles of the Taoist art of fengshui. This primer will teach you to bring harmonizing, beneficial energy into any space.

9Small Spaces, Big Appeal by Fifi O’Neill

Filled with space-saving storage and decorative details, these unique homes under 1,200 square feet prove that bigger is not always better. In recent years, many of us have turned our backs on the trend for oversized houses and embraced small-space living. Cosy, compact dwellings have so much to offer; they bring families closer together and make it easier than ever to express personal style. In Small Homes, Big Appeal, Fifi O’Neill captures the zeitgeist by showcasing homes across a spectrum of styles and locations, and sharing stories of contented homeowners who have created unique, imaginative spaces. Living in a small home doesn’t preclude having an elegant aesthetic.

10

Design Dreams by Maison de Sable

This compilation book is curated by Londonbased designer Charlotte Taylor, whose Instagram account features many of her own designs and collaborations with render artists as well as those of her contemporaries. 3D architectural renderings were originally conceived as a communication tool between designers and clients to help them visualize a proposed buildable design. This genre continues to be extremely useful for this purpose but has now also become an art form in its own right that can convey dreamlike imaginary settings.

—Descriptions and images coutesy of the respective publisher or Amazon. Compiled by Christy Hinko.

To Refinish Or To Replace How to refresh your entryway

When people visit your home, they form an opinion based on the appearance of its exterior. Curb appeal is important, but it extends beyond the landscaping. An entry door that’s damaged and worn creates an unfavorable first impression in the minds of your guests.

If you’re considering selling in the spring, your curb appeal and entry appeal is even more vital. But what is the best course of action – to refinish or to replace the exterior door? Replacing the front door can be expensive and may not even be necessary. In some cases, refinishing the exterior door delivers stunning results at a fraction of the cost.

Refinish The Front Door

If your entry door is made of wood that has been painted or stained and its appearance has deteriorated over the years, sanding and a fresh coat of paint or stain could make it look as good as new. If you’re comfortable with DIY project, you could always approach tackling the job yourself to keep the cost down. But you could also always hire an experienced contractor or handyman to do the work

for you—which you’ll definitely want to do if the door is old.

Replace The Front Door

Although sanding and a fresh coat of paint or stain can work wonders, there is of course a limit to what refinishing can do. A wooden entry door can be refinished if it’s generally in good condition. Refinishing might be able to restore a door with minor dents or cracks, but a door with significant damage will probably need to be replaced. You may also consider replacing the front door if the cut-outs or styling is old-fashioned or ornate, especially if you’re looking to bring more natural light into the entryway of your home. If you’re planning significant renovations that will alter the appearance of your home’s exterior, replacing the front door is likely your best option. It isn’t likely that the old door will fit with your house’s new,

contemporary design. Your contractor may even be changing the physical layout of your home’s façade, and you may need to purchase a new door with different dimensions.

Not Just for Looks

An entry door is for more than just aesthetics. It keeps hot air out in the summer and cold air out in the winter. It enhances the efficiency of your home heating and cooling systems. If you’re frustrated by high utility bills, consider whether your front door is adding to the problem. Is it drafty near the seams? Any damage, dent, crack or broken hinge could be contributing to the improper air transfer. Replacing the door can make your home more energy efficient and comfortable and can save you money in the long run.

Consult a Local Contractor

You might be unsure about the overall condition of your entry door and what you should do about it. A contractor can inspect the exterior door(s), assess the level of damage and wear, recommend refinishing or replacing and give you an estimate. They may even make suggestions about the doorway overhang or awning and gutters to extend the life of the door and protect it from inclement weather. Get quotes from a few contractors before you select a company to work with.

—One Key MLS

(Getty Images)

Modern Farmhouse Is The Most Popular Interior Design Style In America

New Yorkers choose industrial décor most often

Decorating and furnishing a house can bring charm, light and life into any home, which is why many Americans will invest a lot of time and care into which style they choose to go for, but which ones are the most popular across the country right now?

The study was conducted by interior design studio Hovia, which analyzed Google trends data with more than 575 search terms relating to 25 interior design styles to reveal the most popular style in each state.

Modern Farmhouse

Modern Farmhouse is the top interior design style in the U.S., with 32 states choosing this style over any other. Searches for this particular style are the most popular in Texas, where searches average 8,647 times per month, followed by Ohio with 3,717 searches and North Carolina with 3,497.

Similar to country-style homes, Modern Farmhouse gives off a cleaner and fresher aesthetic by including white or light colours accompanied by pottery, wooden furnishings, rattan baskets and earthtoned décor.

This modern spin on country style has been popularised through social media, television and movies which helps to aid people in inspiration, giving them platforms to copy as viewers. Vaulted ceilings, large verandas and neutral-coloured deckings are often top picks for those into the style, but not to forget that this particular style loves to draw attention to classic and traditional features which may already be in the home. Americans also cherish the farmhouse element of this style through its representation of family values, hard work and simplicity.

Feng Shui

Feng Shui is the second most popular interior design style in the country, with five states searching for it more than any other style. Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada and New Mexico are the states which dominate the searches for the style, which is known to focus on making any space organized and natural.

The style originates from Chinese art, which helps to organize any space to result in positive energy and improve overall well-being, as well as making your living space harmonious and balanced. If Feng Shui is done correctly, the balance of yin-yang energies causes a constant flow of balance, improving your life.

Rustic and Coastal

The third most popular design styles

are Rustic and Coastal, which both have four states searching for these styles the most.

While Montana, North Dakota, Pennsylvania and Wyoming favor Rustic interiors, Delaware, Florida, Rhode Island and South Carolina favor the Coastal style.

The rustic style concentrates on organic textures such as stone, wood and metal, whereas the coastal style of interior design focuses on reflecting elements of the beach, commonly through beach-style decorations and emphasis on light shades of green and blue.

Mid-Century Modern, French Country, Industrial and Eclectic

The fourth most popular interior design styles each have one state favouring over any other interior design style:

Oregon’s most favoured interior design style is Mid-Century Modern, which includes graphic shapes alongside a combination of both manufactured and natural decorations in muted tones in vibrant colours. There are normally a lot of outdoor furnishings bought inside the home in this style which helps to create an earthy-minimalistic atmosphere.

Mississippi residents tend to opt for the French Country interior style, which can often be mistaken for farmhouse or cottage core styles due to its homey feel. The French Country style encompasses more luxury

elements, often expressed through curved regal furniture in golds and creams. Fluted and cabriole chair legs are often used in this style as opposed to the harsher shapes seen in farmhouse-designed homes as well as more polished and finished paint jobs compared to that shabby chic look other styles incorporate.

New York’s most popular interior design style is Industrial which focuses on materials such as utilitarian and solid metals; often, restored furniture is seen in homes decorated in this style as it brings an effortless character to a space. Wood, iron,

steel and aluminium are all quintessential elements of this particular style, as well as rich leathers and copper finishings.

Arkansas opts for the Eclectic interior style, essentially a timeless mix-match of décor and furniture. This style tends to incorporate pieces from all different interior design styles, resulting in a more individual and personal feel. This style never goes out of fashion as the decoration stays ambiguous through constant changeups and re-organization when new pieces are added.

—Hovia (www.hovia.com)

Farmhouse kitchen (Getty Images)

New Yorkers prefer the Industrial look. (Getty Images)