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.