Suburban Essex Magazine, October, 2009 - page 17

Photo courtesty of Oriental Rug Importers Association Interior designer Maria Monaco of Monaco Designs in Essex Fells on it, or create a centerpiece from an old wooden dough bowl filled with gourds, apples, or pumpkins. Her creations add warmth you can both see and touch. Interior designer Carol Gambale of A&R Interiors in Denville focuses on a different kind of warmth—emotional—by focusing on the personal side of decorating. "I'll use items that have meaning and history for the client as design inspiration," she says. She may start with an old photograph, an heirloom, or artwork that has been in the family or was painted by a family member. She then centers her design around the meaningful object, adding a psychological warmth to the space. One client had a sculpture he had bought for his mother on his travels. After she passed, the sculpture was returned to him and he placed it prominently in his home. Gambale followed the sculpture's geometry to design the window treatment behind it, using fabrics and textures that enhanced its beauty. You can also add a cozy touch (and be ecofriendly, too) by finding a sofa you love in an antique or second-hand store and reupholstering it in fall hues, suggests Steven Mohn of Steven Mohn Furniture & Design in Bloomfield. Or consider custom-fitted slipcovers, like those made by the online company Stretch & Feel warmth Cover, which come in soft faux leather, suede, and chenille. Another hot idea is using area rugs to cover those wood, tile, or parquet floors that look so beautiful—but can feel so cold. "Area rugs are a true house-warming furnishing that actually conserve energy," says Mario Almonte of Rugs of India. Large area rugs retain heat as well as warm a the look of a room. "It's a way of adding softness, seasonal colors, and real change to a room, without spending a lot of money," says Feng Shui expert and designer DeAnna Radaj. Also use heavier, more luxurious fabrics in blankets, throws, and pillows. ink cashmere, wool, velvet, chenille, and down or down alternatives. In the past, handmade quilts and tapestries were hung on walls to warm the home. " e textiles not only increase insulation, they also add a visual softness that makes people feel snug," says Julie Mullin, a professional quilt artist from North Carolina. She decorates with smooth and shiny surfaces during the hot months and warms with textiles in winter. the oils with complimentary scents like citrus, wood, and lavender in an air diffuser to warm the environment and inspire a positive mood. Use candles and potpourri as aromatherapy, too, in every room. Nothing warms more on a cold winter day than a rich, red wine or a smoky whiskey. Display wintertime drinks with appropriate glassware and decanters. Even the visual suggestion warms. Or, for a more novel approach, "hang" your favorite beverage on the wall. BevShots are microscopic images of wine, beer, and cocktails featured as contemporary art, in bold colors on canvas or archival prints. ey can be customized to any décor and make great conversation pieces. What are the smells of winter? Certainly spices evoke warm, nourishing foods—and the holidays, when family and friends gather around. Essential oils like allspice, cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper can warm both body and soul. Mix Sniff warmth e crackle of wood burning in a fireplace, the singing of a tea kettle, or quiet music to accompany a snowy afternoon—any of these can evoke warmth. "Music is a powerful force for changing how you feel," offers Post Curry. " ink about how it can help to create the sensations of warmth, coziness, and safety that we all crave as we head into winter." So go ahead and find what makes you feel warm—inside and out. By the time the the first frost sets in, you'll be ready to enjoy winter's pleasures, knowing you'll soon be back in your cozy, comfy—and warm—home.  Hear warmth October 2009 SuburbanEssex.com 17

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