Tag Archives: Sharon Kostek

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.

The timing is right for Smart Lofts at the H&G Show…

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Just in time for Spring Break at Villa,- the Buffalo Home and Garden Show…and perfect timing for the Freshman Studio loft project.  A visit to the Smart Lofts installation on the upper level of the Buffalo Convention Center can inspire many great ideas and visions.  The Interior Design Association of Western New York has created this unique display of two separate loft spaces, one designed with a contemporary flair for young, urban professionals, and the second a stylish, sophisticated, yet fun space for the ’empty nester’.  Designers Pamela Witte of White Orchard Home Furnishings in Orchard Park and Brooke Pelc of Nest Interiors in Buffalo headed up the design teams for each space, and Villa Maria College’s alum, Nicole Milley was integral in the completion of both spaces.

Seated in the Smart Loft at Friday night’s opening reception are Villa Interior Design Senior Kristin Wing and Interior Designer and Villa alum Nicole Milley.  Visible through the window are other displays at the show. Nicole played a major role in the design and installation of both loft spaces.

The opening reception was a popular place for Villa alums and students. Sharon Kostek was representing Visionary Bath in the Young Professional’s Bathroom and John Paul Balbierz of Kitchen World , also a Villa alum, was lead designer for the Empty Nester’s Kitchen.  A key feature of the Smart Lofts is the integration of technology in the home.

Pictured in the kitchen are Karen Bialowski from Kittinger Furniture and Karen Mattoon from the Tile Shoppe.  Karen Bialowski is currently using her Internship Site Certificate to attend classes at Villa.  She says she  enjoys studying the History of Interior Architecture. Welcome to our new student!

The show is open two weekends only, March 9 – 11 and March 16 – 18.  Visit their web site at www.BuffaloHomeShow.com .

Audrey Blanchard ’10 B.F.A. is pictured in the loft with Kristin Wing.  Audrey was working the MP Carroll Hardwood exhibitors booth, but wasn’t too tired to join in the festivities to celebrate the opening of the Smart Loft.

 

 

 

the IDA at the Tile Shoppe….

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The Tile Shoppe Design Gallery, located at 4401 Walden Avenue in Lancaster, NY hosted the February Strategic Partners Meeting of the Interior Design Association (IDA) of Western New York.  This was a great opportunity to tour the showroom. Many Villa Maria alums were present as well as several students.

Pictured left are alums Cheryl Wesolek, Jordan Kelley, Janet Ramseyer, Kathleen Geiger and Villa student intern Michelle Wild. 

 

The evenings are a great opportunity to network and socialize with colleagues and industry professionals.  The Villa Maria College network of practicing alumni is extensive, and they are a very welcoming group!

More Villa alums pictured to the right are, Danielle Schiavetti, our Tile Shoppe host Karen Mattoon, Mimi Fierle from Buffalo Office Interiors and our Advisory Council member Barb Reformat.

The evening was also very informative, with a presentation on custom concrete work that is now available through the Tile Shoppe.  The technology advances and production methods are greatly advanced and we will be looking forward to seeing the installation in the IDA home design at the upcoming Buffalo Home and Garden Show.

These are samples of concrete tiles on display at the Tile Shoppe. A range of colors, finishes and applications are available.

Professional organization are an effective way to stay in touch and stay current with the industry.  Pictured at right are Barb in conversation with alum Sharon Kostek.  Students should look into which organizations best compliment their career goals.