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!

 FXFOWLE

BIOLOGY OF HAPPINESS IN THE WORKPLACE

 STK NEW YORK CITY - delish!

  ME AND STACY GARCIA - what a pleasure to meet and chat!

   GENSLER + KNOLL

FRANK GEHRY CHAIR BY KNOLL

 

  ME AND BOB GAYNOR - always so much fun!

STANTEC ARCHITECTURE

THE URBAN PALATTE BASKET

VANESSA DELEON ASSOCIATES

PICNIC IN DOMINO PARK, LITTLE HAVANA

MR BING- OMG, so amazing!! Thanks you so much Brian Goldberg, owner of Mr. Bing who generously made Beijing vegetarian street food. Go spicy!!

 ICRAVE

TRAVELS TO FRANCE

MR BING

REGAL WINES

  STEVEN SOUTH, HLW SPONORED BY GEIGER

 SCOTT BROWNRIGG

MAD FOR MID CENTURY

  WILLS DESIGN

THE INTERIOR DESIGN SURVIVAL BASKET

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Natural Stone in Modern Home Design and Decor

Natural stone has its own story to tell being created millions of years ago. Formed by tremendous pressures under the earth, the striking and luxurious variation in color and movement makes it a formidable material.  The rare beauty of natural stone may have once been reserved for the beautiful palaces and grand estates of antiquity but today we easily can integrate natural stone into modern home design and decor. 

 Credit: The Tuscany Collection

Uses of natural stone include kitchen and bath countertops, backsplashes, bathtubs, showers, sinks, fireplaces, furniture... infinite possibilities. In the image above, large expanses of stone from floor to ceiling surround a linear gas fireplace. The effect is quite dramatic. The sophisticated modern use of stone makes this home interior elegant and chic.

Credit: ROCKin'teriors

For kitchen and bathrooms, we naturally look to marbles, and granites. Calacatta Statuary and Gold are trending now. Designers are using calacatta slabs on both countertops and backsplashes to enhance a space as seen in the image above.

Credit: Artistic Tile

Seen in stone tile wall format brings out the unique veining and patterning of Calacatta gold. Combined with the same stone on the countertops enhances the architecture as well. 

Credit: whOre haus studio. Image by Michele Alfano

Ahh, the sophistication of stone is popping up in home decor.  Last years Architectural Digest show showcased the use of stone on this headboard by whOre haus Studios. The bookmatching was impeccable! They also echoed stone on accent pieces of furniture. Love!

Credit: whOre haus studio. Image by Michele Alfano

Clients get scared away from natural stone because they hear it stains, scratches and is hard to maintain. Well... the truth is, yes it can stain if you don't take care of your rare beauty. Stone should be sealed every year and properly maintained. Just like you would get a facial for your radiant skin. You need to take care of it. 

Credit: Stoneforest. Image by Michele Alfano

Have you taken a tub in cumulo granite lately? I jumped at the chance to snuggle right into its sensuous curves. I love the Stoneforest's Papillon bathtub! It is carved from one block of stone. You can get a pedestal sink too!  New homeowners need to prepare structurally for a massive piece of stone like this.

Pure stone mastery that will last the test of time.

Credit and Image: Michele Alfano of modMADE NY

One of my own masterbathroom designs used the beautiful silver travertine on the walls, floor and countertop on the above vanity design. Silver travertine is one of my favorite natural stones. Its stunning blend of silver, grays and creams adds inspiring style to any space. 

Credit: MSI

For that spa feeling, stone is the natural choice due to its texture and multitude of hues. Above its accented in the shower. Below I clad slate on the sink wall of my own bathroom. A clear poly was applied to bring out the rich, warm colors and protect it from water staining. Fixture by DXV by American Standard.

Credit and Image: Michele Alfano of modMADE NY

To learn more about natural stone, you can connect with MIA + BSI : The Natural Stone Institute through their website, the Marble Institute Facebook and Twitter.

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