Monthly Archives: September 2013

Glass Work Abounds at the Knox Summer Estate

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Jack and Jill BathVilla Maria College graduate Catherine O’Connor is both an artist and a designer. Her theme for the Jack and Jill Bath was Poppies and the Promise of Spring.  Each poppy is individually done by hand, and represent several glass techniques.  Accessorizing the bathContrasting with the white tile is an eye-catching paint treatment.  Special glass pieces include glass shades, switch plates, window treatments and a multitude of accessories, each specially crafted and created for this space. A beautiful example of art and design coming together for Catherine’s 7th Junior League Show House. Of note as well is the twenty pound cast glass poppy which is the sink, set on an industrial black iron stand.

Chic Rustique….for the bathroom

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Concrete Counter by the Tile ShoppeKaren Mattoon is manager at the Tile Shoppe, located on Walden Avenue in Lancaster, graduate of Villa Maria College Interior Design, and terrific friend to the college and the program.  Together with Amanda Kubiak they created a unique bathroom space, inspired by the equestrian park setting at the Knox Family Summer Estate.  Bathrooms abound in the mansion, however, the talented designers working on the project have made each and everyone stand out as unique.  Using reclaimed barn wood for the vanity and accent wall, the concrete work is showcased and set off. The floor, stonewalls and concrete coutertop were custom manufactured.

A Home Office with a Twist….

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Home OfficeAlana M. Renkas, a graduate from Villa Maria College, is a designer with Millington Lockwood Business Interiors.  Together with Robert J. Seivert they created a flexible home office in the Knox Summer Estate, featuring classic mid-century pieces from Charles Eames, part of the Herman Miller Collection, as well as contemporary pieces designed with ergonomics and aesthetics in mind.  Window treatments are decorative screens, inpired by the grasses and saplings growing on the grounds surrounding the estate.  Art work is by Jozef Bajus and William Maggio from Thru Art Dialogue Gallery.  A simple yet sophisticated color pallette includes deep neutral tones on the walls that contrast with the white executive chairs and accent the hide rug from Spinneybeck Leather.

An Elegant Bedroom for a Summer Estate

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Milley BedroomVilla Maria College alum Nicole Milley collaborated with Pamela Witte of White Orchard Home Furnishings and Lisa Baker of Gingham Gallery to design a timeless and comfortable bedroom for the Junior League of Buffalo Knox Summer Estate.  More than just a bedroom, the space includes a cozy sitting area, just right to enjoy a nice cup of tea or a summer breakfast.  Bedroom features include an upholstered headboard, special bedding and delightful toss pillows.  A wool rug brings all the room’s colors together.  Nicole is also an artist and provided the rendering for the show program.

A Splash of Lemon to Brighten a Bathroom

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Visionary Baths view 2The Knox Summer Estate features many bathrooms, and the Villa Maria College alumni are experts with these spaces.  Thanks in part to the required course, Kitchen and Bath Design, taught be certified kitchen and bath designer John Sisti, graduates of both the Associates program as well as the Bachelor’s program have an edge on the competition with this specialized knowledge.  Villa alum Sharon Kostek from Visionary Baths & More at LA Hazard in Orchard Park Visionary Baths view 1was part of the design team that updated this bathroom with a modern flair that included a bold graphic pattern in the textiles that created the bath curtain and window treatments.  A shaker style vanity was added, reflecting the historic style of the home, and an open slotted shelf added storage and display space.  The splashes of yellow are of a bright lemony hue and add a sunshine like cheerfulness to an elegant bathroom space.

A ‘Suite’ Retreat of a Master Bedroom

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Master Bedroom Alessandra bedThe Master Bedroom of the Knox Family Summer Estate is everything a person would imagine it to be.  Designed by a group from Ethan Allen Interiors, and headed by Villa Maria College alum Michael J. Michalski, VP of design services, the space has three distinct living areas.  Classic furniture to match the style and grandeur of the home is paired with modern touches evidenced in the textures and patterns of the textiles.  Master Bedroom FireplaceThe color palette was a ‘fresh blend of teal blues, olive greens, turquoise, citrine and touches of goldenrod set against neutrals of oatmeal and crisp cream’.  This was a beautiful space to enjoy a comfortable breakfast by the seating area, a cozy evening by the fireplace or a restful night in the upholstered Alessandra bed, flanked by two silved leafed Bombay chests.  Finishing touches in the space included custom window treatments, and wool rugs.  master bedroom seating area