17 Tuesday Apr 2018
Wooden Tray are not only useful, but also a great staging tool. Here are some quick and easy styling tips to dress them up…
1) Think in odd numbers – Three decorative items are perfect. 2) Pick items that are different heights. 3) Add something green – plants & succulents are very popular right now and will add an organic element to the room.
Your newly styled tray will look great on a cocktail table, buffet, or dresser!
27 Tuesday Mar 2018
Tags
#alamaison, #baldwinsville, #downtownsyracuse, #homestaging, #interiorstyle, #livingbeautifully, #syracusehomestaging
The main objective with the redesign/staging of this dining room was to lighten and freshen the space while working with the furniture that was already there.
The first order of business was selecting a new color palette of taupe for the walls, a pale blue for the ceiling and crisp white trim. Replacing the ceiling medallion and painting it the same color as the ceiling was a quick and inexpensive way to add some overhead detail.
The furniture needed to stay so the goal here was to minimize the heavy, dark and dated feel it brought to the room. By simply removing the hutch top and working with just the buffet (which we found was plenty of space once all the clutter and used items were removed), and covering the side chairs with neutral cotton chair covers did the trick.
Removing the hutch allowed us more wall space which was the perfect location for a great architectural feature – a pair of antique armoire doors.
Some art and a bit of greenery for an organic touch and this room is complete!
06 Tuesday Feb 2018
Blue and white pottery has long been a tasteful and timeless home decor and dinnerware choice of both homemakers and interior stylists alike.
Although I still love the classic blue and white patterns (think Blue Willow, South Hampton, the gorgeous french and Italian patterns), I’m also loving the fun new patterns that are available today.
The best thing about blue and white style is the more, the merrier! Whether in my store displays or at home, it’s the perfect “mix and match” choice to create fresh and fun tablescapes and vignettes.
At the table, blue and white pottery just feels like summer. I see this place setting for a beautiful summer barbecue. Add red accents and you’ve got a great nautical look… go for yellow accents to add a touch of southern french style.
Adding a touch of blue and white pottery filled with greenery or flowers to a shelf or china hutch to an organic touch and pop of color.
Whether you prefer traditional, contemporary, farmhouse or coastal cottage decor, blue and white pottery would be a smart design choice and look right at home!
31 Wednesday Jan 2018
Tags
#alamaison, #artificialflowers, #flowerarrangments, #interiorlandscaping, #officedecor, #officeinteriors
The standard office and modular office furniture in many office buildings tends to be a bit bland and generic. When you consider the fact that you spend 8 hours or more of your day in this environment, you want to make it a place you are happy to be in.
By adding a few personal touches and a little color, you can liven up your work space and still maintain a professional, polished look.
To start, we created a focal point for this young woman’s office. The art on the wall immediately brightens the space and draws your eye into the room. A small custom floral arrangement carries the color down to the table – leaving plenty of work space for meetings, etc.
The desk and window ledge also were in need of a little warmth and greenery.
The lamps add some balance and potted ferns added to the window sills bring a nice organic touch without blocking the view.
Good quality faux plants are very realistic and an easy care option for busy professionals.
A simple orchid arrangement to the corner of the desk finishes the look.
The result is a polished, bright and inviting work space!
29 Monday Jan 2018
Posted in Cooking & Entertaining Ideas, Desserts, Events
These gluten-free lemons bars are so refreshing and a delicious addition to your spring dinner or party menu. I’ve made them gluten-free but you can easily change the flour to regular AP flour if you choose.
Gluten Free Lemon Bars
Crust
Filling
Heat Oven to 350F. Line a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray with nonstick spray.
In a medium bowl, combine flour and sugar. Using a pastry blender or two butter knives, blend until a crumbly mixture results. Add water one tablespoon of water. Press mixture into the bottom of the baking dished ensuring that you go up the sides of the pan slightly (this will help hold the lemon mixture). Bake for approximately 25 minutes until slightly golden and set.
In a mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, blend the sugar lemon juice, lemon zest together. Beat in the eggs until smooth. Pour mixture over the hot crust.
Bake 24-26 minutes or until set in the middle. Let cool on the counter and then refrigerate for a couple of hours.
To serve, cut into squares and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator… Enjoy!
21 Thursday Dec 2017
Tags
#alamaison, #baldwinsville, #downtownsyracuse, #exteriordecor, #holidaydecor, #interiorsylist, #wreath
This charming village home, now owned by a lovely family, wanted a pop of bright holiday color for their historic carriage house.
I was thrilled to take the job as this home has special meaning for me>.. my mother-in-law, who recently passed, owned and loved this home for over 30 years.
Accents in lime green and purple on an evergreen base looked great with the neutral brown/taupe of the exterior shingles.
The homeowner loved them and I think Norma would be pleased with the results as well!
Wishing you all happy holidays, a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year!
Michele
06 Wednesday Dec 2017
Posted in Before & Afters, Decorating, Redesign & Interior Style
Tags
#alamaison, #baldwinsville, #beforeandafter, #downtownsyracuse, #entryway, #homedecor, #interiorstyle, #redesign
The entryway is the first impression of a home and a space that should be warm and welcoming. This entryway and staircase were ready for an update and redesign.
This stairs were looking a bit tired and dated with this worn carpet.
Removing the wall to wall carpet, adding a runner and fresh new color on the walls was the answer.
19 Thursday Oct 2017
I’m a denim fan through and through… from a great pair of jeans to denim dresses, skirts and shirts… I’ve got them. So when I saw this great little vintage-style arm chair upholstered in denim, it was love at first site!
Used alone, this chair is perfect for a side chair in a bedroom, office, or living area. This could also be a great way to freshen up a dining room – consider ordering a set to replace current dining room chairs for a more casual and updated look.
These chairs can be ordered and are available with or without arms. For more information, contact Michele at 315-440-6637.
05 Thursday Oct 2017
Tags
#alamaison, #baldwinsville, #cny, #downtownsyracuse, #easyentertaining, #gluten-free, Appetizers
As promised, here is a third recipe that uses flavorful fig balsamic vinegar. We are actually going to use the extra Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing from the Autumn Harvest Rice Bowl to dress up a quick and delicious appetizer – Recipe #3: Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus with Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette.
Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus with Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette
16 Stems Fresh Asparagus
4 oz. Package of Thin Sliced Prosciutto
1 Tbls. Extra Virgin Oil Olive*
Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette
4 Tbls Orange Juice
4 Tbls Napa Valley Naturals Fig Balsamic Vinegar*
½ Tsp Dijon Mustard
¾ Tsp Dried Thyme
¼ Tsp Black Pepper
½ Tsp Salt
½ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil”
Make the vinaigrette: Combine all ingredients in a small lidded jar. (When using dried thyme – rub in in between your hands before dropping it into the jar to release its natural oils). Shake until mixed and set aside.
Wash and trim woody ends off of asparagus. (For larger stalks, you may want to use a vegetable peeler to remove the tougher skin at the bottom end). Dry with a paper towel. Tightly wrap each stem in a ½ piece of prosciutto, pressing firmly.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Lightly brush the of the asparagus tips with olive oil to keep them from drying out. Roast until prosciutto is crispy and asparagus is tender and lightly brown. About 15 minutes.
Remove from oven and plate. Using a tablespoon, drizzle lightly with fig balsamic vinaigrette. Serve immediately or at room temp.
You’ll have plenty of vinaigrette leftover to use when serving with your favorite salads, over roasted chicken and grains.
Enjoy!
*Ingredients available at à la Maison in Baldwinsville, NY or contact us at 315-440-6637.
04 Wednesday Oct 2017
I often start the week off by making a batch of healthy grains and a big salad to make weekday lunches easy and healthy. (I’ve definitely learned that if I have to make last minute lunch choices on the go, they often are not very healthy).
This week, I’m reaching for my Fig Balsamic Vinegar to bring rich flavor to Triple Play Recipe #2: Autumn Harvest Rice Bowl with Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette. My grain bowls tend to go heavier on the veggies then most, adding added fiber, nutrients and antioxidants.
Autumn Harvest Rice Bowl with Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette
1 Cup Brown Rice or Brown Rice Blend
1 3/4 Cups Vegetable or Chicken Broth (low sodium)
4 Cups Butternut Squash (1” cubes)
3 Tbls. Extra Virgin Oil Olive*
¼ Tsp. Chili Powder
¼ Tsp. Cinnamon
14-15 oz. Bag of Pre-Shredded Brussel Sprouts
Salt & Pepper to taste
1 Large Apple (cubed) – I like Gala for this
4 oz. Maple Cheddar Cheese or Sharp Cheddar (cubed)
½ cup Pepitas or Almonds (raw or honey roasted is great too)
½ cup Dried Cranberries
Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette
4 Tbls Orange Juice
4 Tbls Napa Valley Naturals Fig Balsamic Vinegar*
½ Tsp Dijon Mustard
¾ Tsp Dried Thyme
¼ Tsp Black Pepper
½ Tsp Salt
½ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil*
Add rice and broth to a medium saucepan then bring to a boil – prepare per rice package instructions. (Left over rice is also great for this recipe).
Make the vinaigrette: Combine all ingredients in a small lidded jar. (When using dried thyme – rub in in between your hands before dropping it into the jar to release its natural oils). Shake until mixed and set aside.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place butternut squash cubes in a bowl – toss with 1½ tablespoons of olive oil, the chili powder and cinnamon. Salt & pepper to taste. Toss together then place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Roast until tender- a total of about 15-20 minutes (stirring after 10 mins).
Next, add shredded brussel sprouts, remaining 1 ½ tablespoon of olive oil, along with salt & pepper to taste, to a bowl and toss together (you can use the same bowl that you tossed the squash in). Place on a second parchment lined baking sheet and put in the oven when you stir the butternut squash- roast both for another 10 minutes or until brussel sprouts are lightly brown and tender. Cool for about 5 minutes.
Combine all the rice bowl ingredients in a large bowl and lightly toss – then mix in ½ of the Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette.
Garnish with additional nuts & dried cranberries. Serve immediately or chill for later. Store in refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Save additional vinaigrette to use when serving rice bowls and for your favorite mixed greens salad.
Enjoy!
*Ingredients available at à la Maison in Baldwinsville, NY or contact us at 315-440-6637.
