Remembering Ann Medinac…..

assorted spring 2013 031This summer we lost one of the shining stars in the Buffalo Design world. Ann Medinac was one of those special people, beautiful inside and out, with a distinctive design style.  One last Junior League Decorators’ Show House will bear her mark.  The Summer Sitting Room was a collaboration of five designers, all memers of the governing Board of the Interior Design Association of Western New York (IDA).  As faculty with Villa Maria College, Sandra Reicis represents the Interior Design Program with the IDA.  Summer Sitting RoomJoining Ann on the design team was her professional colleague and Villa alumn Barb Reformat, Villa alumn Sandy Nelson, Villa alumn Michelle Peller White, and Carol Schaper, whose company Carol Schaper Interiors Inc., is a familior Villa internship site.  As described in the Show House brochure, this room ‘gives Lily Pulitzer a modern day makeover’. The striking large scale wall graphic in neutrals of gray and white is the background to a bright mix of hot pink, green and aqua. This room was originally the summer sleeping porch off the Master Bedroom, but the fabulous five from the IDA transformed it into a space that puts a smile on your face, to sit, relax and take in the view.

No longer just a closet…..

Art work from Rider Frames and GalleryJillian Czyz and Ann X. White, both Villa alumni, collaborated on a dressing room design that proved to be feminine, vintage and extraordinarily elegant.  From the artwork provided by Rider Frames and Gallery to the thoughtful accessories the space is any woman’s delight.  Ladies dressing roomThe room is both modern and timeless and features such as the unique chandelier, tasteful window treatments and upholstered bench complete this room, located in the Master Bedroom. Jillian currently works at Rider Frames and Gallery while Ann is with Natale Builders.

Creative Interiors by Melissa

Melissa Pleace is a graduate of the Villa Maria College Interior Design Program and it was a pleasure to see her participate in the 2013 Junior League of Buffalo Show House. mural by Victoria GeorgeThis was Melissa’s first room at a Show House. Her design for the Master Bathroom Couples Sweet Retreat was a whimsical and playful decorating delight. Taking her inspiration from a beautiful French Provincial paisley fabric she successfully brought the outdoors in and combined both masculine and feminine features. assorted spring 2013 036Collaborating with local artists the room featured a hand painted mural by Victoria George. Attention to detail is prevalent in the space from the new ceramic tile floor, installed in a basket weave pattern to the updated light fixtures and lush greenery.  The vintage subway tile on the walls was complimented by the sky blue painted walls and accessories.

A Room for Mom at the Knox Summer Estate

Villa Maria College Interior Design graduate Barb King worked together with Barbara Tesmer to create the ‘Small Room With Built In….Mom’s Hideaway’. Mom's hideawaySpace planning is Barb King’s expertise, as is kitchen design.  Together the two women created a serene space for mom to enjoy her morning coffee, work on a small project, wrap a special gift or just take time to organize her life.  The poppy red walls are complemented by soft cream, custom designed cabinetry.

Collaborating in the Kitchen

By its very function the kitchen is the space where collaborations just naturally occur…and so at the Junior League Decorators’ Show House Mod British Kitchen cabinetsthe kitchen design was a collaboration between Jamie C. Johnson and Wayne Watson.  Assisting Jaime, who is part owner of Eden Interiors, was her intern and Villa Maria College senior Therese Smith.  Mod British Kitchen IslandThis was an exciting experience for Therese, who was able to assist with the design and installation from the ground up.  The theme was ‘Mod British Kitchen’, and this was articulated in the paprika red and stainless cabinetry along with the juxtaposition of traditional wood and original tile work with contemporary fittings and the ‘Underground Tube’ wall covering.'groovy' kitchen pantry The small pantry was a space of its own in the Show House floor plan, designed by Jaime Johnson and installed with the assistance of Therese Smith, the glass front shelves were filled with cook books and culinary tools.  Since that time, Therese Smith has completed her BFA degree at Villa Maria College and is currently employed as Jamie Johnson’s Assistant.

Kittinger Gallery Creates a Family Room Retreat

Inglenook FireplaceThe Kittinger Gallery and Design Studio is both an employer of Villa graduates and a popular internship site for Villa students.  As a thank you to our Internship supervisors the college waives tuition for a course of their choice.  We are very pleased that owner Karen Bialkowski finds time in her busy schedule to use this opportunity for her own professional development and design interest. She brings a unique perspective to the classroom, and her contributions to discussions always enhances the learning experience for all the students. The room that Kittinger designed for the Junior League of Buffalo Decorator Show House 2013, the Knox Summer Estate had a relaxed feel that would be comfortable for family evenings but Wine Tasting Nichespacious and welcoming for guests.  Traditional with a contemporary flair, there was an impecable style evidenced throughout the space, from the inglenook fireplace to the wine tasting niche to the conversational seating areas with magnificent views of the estate. Notable features in the space were selections of beautiful artwork, attention to detail, unique accesories and a connection with the historical significance of the estate and the Knox family….a definitive design success!

Blending the Outdoors with the Indoors

Arthur’s Home furnishings has been decorating Junior League Show House terraces, patios, porches and outdoor rooms for 22 years.  sun room sitting areasun room dining area assorted spring 2013 118You can be sure that each year you will see the latest innovations in outdoor patio designs, and blended sun room and terrace installations.  Villa Maria College alum Wendy Bailey together with recent graduate Ashley Stachowicz participated in completing two major spaces at the Knox estate:- the Side Porch/Equestrian Retreat and the expansive Outdoor Terrace. Inspiration for the side porch was gathered from equestrian history of the Knox estate and was interpreted with burnished brown wicker and exclusive custom tailored Sunbrella fabrics. The Breezy in Blue Outside Terrace feature a collection of stripes, checks, florals and solids creating comfortable seating and dining areas to enjoy the magnificent view of the estate. From this plush seating area you can take in the beautiful view of the estate. outdoor terrace The expansive terrace included dining, lounging and late night sitting by the fire pit.  Arthur’s is a major retailer of indoor and outdoor home furnishings.