Interior Design

RUSTIC UPSCALE

Perhaps an unintended side effect of green building is that as more and more builders use natural materials interior designers are following suit. Melissa Fenigstein, one such interior designer and co-owner of New Age Interiors in Deer Park, explains, “I think that earthy, natural influences in home design started to get noticed by the industry when green building became hot. A trend was set that used the application of natural materials, but in a way that was high-style.” She points out that what’s interesting is that the pieces themselves aren’t rustic–some tend to even lean towards more approachable. “Instead of rough finishes, they are soft to the touch,” says Fenigstein.“This piece is relaxed and earthy at the same time, but it almost has a loft look, like something from Soho,” Melissa continues, pointing to a collection of furniture (photo, below) named Anthology by Hickory White, of which New Age Interiors is a dealer. Weathered ceramics

Contemporary interior design with soft, country touches.

are on display in the cabinet and the table base is constructed of raw iron. Touches of turned wood on the table legs soften the look, along with the wooden top surface. Feingstein notes that once , such as Hickory White, start a trend, then other companies mimic their designs at a cheaper cost. In some cases, customers looking to cut corners can “get away” with less inexpensive versions, but quality can be an issue, especially as low-end companies use veneers and composites that don’t hold up. “Our responsibility is to educate the client and show them high, middle and low-cost looks and let them choose. Some pieces can be OK to cheat on, like an end table that’s outside a high traffic area.” As trends come and go, materials sometimes also go,then come back again in a different form. “Our job is to pay attention to trends and inform our customers,” she said. “For example, you have to make sure you have the right lamp to complete the room. If you have the wrong lamp, you’ll blow the whole look.” “Lamps made from shells used to be overdone. There is earthy at the same time. And it’s made from oyster shells. So it’s a new way to use the same materials and reach a new market,” said Fenigstein.

Custom Printed Window Shades
A signature look that reflects your personal taste.

If the stock offerings at retail outlets doesn’t satisfy your creative vision for interior window treatment, then consider a custom pattern from your favorite photo or stock imagery. These shades pictured are part of a line called Persona by Comfortex, and are all about individual expression. In addition to custom options, the company stocks patterns and designs from top designers including
Susan Sargent and Anna Cote which can coordinate with home furnishings.

Choices for shades are no longer limited only to standard order books. In fact, they can now be designed to showcase a favorite
family photo or, if you are so inclined, even take a photo of your landscaping. Or even your favorite professional baseball or college
basketball team.

“Choices for shades are no longer limited only to standard order books.”

This creative direction comes from Comfortex and their Persona custom printed window shades line turns homeowners into
interior designers. By easily choosing the style for their shades via an online tool, the possibilities are endless. Once customers
have selected their designs, colors and patterns, the next step is to choose shade style: either Roman and roller shades. Robert Herman, manager of The Blind Spot, a Comfortex retailer with locations in Wantagh and Copiague, points out that Persona’s main potential is that customers are no longer restricted to stock designs or interior designer fees.

The Lowdown on Laminate Flooring

Choosing a quality product based on quality, not cost

Laminate flooring often can carry a bad rep as a low-end product. Yet Glenn Altarac, owner of Floor Décor Carpet One Floor & Home in Rockville Centre, is trying to change this thinking by emphasizing great flooring is not about cost, but rather quality. According to Altarac, laminates have been victim of two trends that hurt the entire flooring industry: the availability of inferior Chinese imports, and second, home centers and He finds buyers often make decisions based on their wallets rather than the expectations they have.
Before purchasing, consider what goals you have in mind for the new laminate flooring, such as the life expectancy you only plan on staying for a few years, then a cheap floor will suffice. But for a long-term more dollars in at the beginning of the project, the end results will pay you back tenfold, such as not having to rip up your floor for replacement sooner. Fail to heed this advice, and, “you will end up spending more money in the long run than in the short run,” warns Altarac. A significant aspect of a flooring installation that many people forget to factor in is the condition of the subfloor.

Next Article About: Home Improvement On Long Island