1980s Family Room Makeover: From Dark and Dated to Bright and Modern

This fall marks ten years since I started my second career. After years of running a busy dental practice, I finally followed my lifelong passion for design and turned what I’d been doing on the side into a full-time business. It just goes to show it’s never too late to do what you love. And honestly, when you’re wired as an artist and designer, not creating can make you a little stir crazy. Just ask my husband… he knows I can never sit still!

My business has grown because of people like you, clients who’ve welcomed me into their homes, shared my name with friends, and come back time and again. I’m so grateful for your trust, support, and referrals. They truly mean the world to me.

Thank you for being part of this journey. I can’t wait to see what the next decade brings—though don’t tell my husband that! He’s convinced it’s going to be all about recreational sports. I’m all for dancing and long bike rides, but anyone who knows me knows this: despite his gentle encouragement, I don’t do sports that involve balls (golf, pickleball… hard pass!).

Project Spotlight: Lisa’s Family Room Makeover
Looking back over the past ten years, I realize every project has its own story. Some are big transformations, others are small refreshes, but all of them reflect the people who live there.

Before: Lisa’s family room makeover, featuring my custom painting on the staircase and fireplace. Out with dark and dreary.

After: In with fresh, bright, and a space that finally feels like who Lisa is today.

One of my recent projects was with my client Lisa from Albany. Her open floor plan family room had great bones but was stuck in the 1980s. Think green carpet, golden oak staircase, outdated color palette, and a dark fireplace that sucked the light right out of the room.

I had first redesigned Lisa’s kitchen and informal dining area, and this next phase extended that same fresh look into the family room. Because the spaces are open to one another, every design decision needed to feel cohesive and flow naturally between the two rooms.

Lisa showed me a painting she loved, featuring soft blues and taupes, which became the inspiration for everything that followed. I used custom painting to transform the staircase with crisp black and white accents. I lightened the fireplace with a soft wash of grays and blues, kept the black mantle for contrast, and gave the whole space a lighter, fresher feel. Then came a new rug, four swivel chairs, and a bold chandelier that finally fits the cathedral ceiling.

It’s a great example of how, no matter the age of your home or how awkward a layout might feel, the right updates can bring new life into a room. Spaces shift as your needs change. Kids grow up, move out, and suddenly the room that once worked for your family doesn’t quite fit anymore. With thoughtful design and a bit of creativity, your home can reflect who you are today.

Looking Ahead
Every project is different, but they all share one thing: that feeling of rejuvenation. Sometimes all a space needs is a quick refresh, a new color, a lighter fireplace, or a fresh rug. Other times, it is a bigger journey, room by room, until your home truly reflects who you are today.

If there is a space in your home that no longer feels like you, I would love to help. Call me at 518-495-4317 or email judi@take2artworks.com to schedule an appointment.

Here’s what I can help you with:
Interior design: layout, function, flow, finishes (hardware, fabric, countertops, backsplash), lighting, and furniture selection
Color consultation: updating your palette and creating balance between old and new
Custom painting: kitchen cabinets, fireplaces, staircases, exterior brick, murals, and more

Photo from my kitchen island this week, where a few pumpkins and candles make even an ordinary day feel special.

From My Home to Yours
As we head into the holiday season, I am feeling especially grateful for the clients, friends, and supporters who make this work so meaningful.

Wishing you warmth, beauty, and joy in the season ahead.

Warmly,
Judi

Bedroom & Home Office Makeover in Glenmont NY

This project showcases my interior design services, a growing focus of my business. Many of you know me for kitchen cabinet painting and kitchen and bath makeovers, but I’m excited to highlight how I can help reimagine entire spaces, like Liz’s home office and bedroom. It’s all about creating rooms that are as functional as they are beautiful. Let me show you how!

Transforming a Bedroom into a Calm, Multifunctional Retreat

Hello, friends! I'm thrilled to share a recent project with you. I had the pleasure of working with Liz Halvorsen, a professional organizer and owner of Mess to Bliss. Liz and I have presented together at Nina Sher’s Downsizing Made Simple classes, combining her expertise in decluttering with my advice on home updates with a strong return on investment. Recently, she invited me to help transform her son’s bedroom, and it’s been such an inspiring journey.

BEDROOM BEFORE

BEDROOM AFTER

Blending Functionality and Serenity

With her son off traveling, Liz wanted his room to serve as a guest room but still feel welcoming when he visits. She had an idea of the aesthetic—boho, calming, and minimal—but needed guidance to bring it all together. Working in a charming, traditional 3-bedroom home, we transformed this room into a serene, clutter-free retreat.

BEDROOM: FEATURE WALL

Adding Architectural Interest with a Feature Wall

To give the room an upscale vibe, we created a feature wall using trim, painted to blend seamlessly with the rest of the decor. This simple addition added a sense of architectural depth without overwhelming the space.

Soothing Colors and Organic Textures

We chose soft, muted colors and organic textures that align with Liz’s boho aesthetic, creating a calm, welcoming feel. The photos above the bed hold sentimental value for Liz’s family, capturing a favorite family spot and highlighting their shared love of travel. To enhance the ambiance, we added battery-operated sconces on either side of the bed—no hardwiring required! These minimalist fixtures add just the right amount of light without cluttering the space.

Finding the Perfect 'Fandelier'

Liz wanted something a little different from a traditional ceiling fan, so we opted for a “fandelier”—a sleek fixture that combines lighting with a hidden fan. After searching together, we found one in an organic rattan material that complemented the room’s scale perfectly, providing gentle airflow and a stylish, understated focal point.

Layering Rugs for Texture and Depth

Working with an existing beige rug, we added a secondary rug to bring warmth and texture to the space. Layering rugs is an affordable way to create visual interest and ground the bed, making the room feel more intentional and cohesive.

BEDROOM BEFORE

BEDROOM AFTER: SAMSUNG FRAME TV

A Tech-Savvy Twist with the Samsung Frame TV

One of Liz’s must-haves was a Samsung Frame TV, which doubles as digital art. This motion-sensing TV displays custom images when someone’s in the room and turns off when it’s empty, avoiding the look of a typical black screen. This high-tech touch fits Liz's love for state-of-the-art features and adds a unique twist to the room.

Reimagining Liz’s Home Office: A Functional and Inspirational Space

HOME OFFICE BEFORE

After completing the stunning bedroom transformation, Liz and I turned our attention to her home office—a space that needed to blend function, sophistication, and inspiration. Located just off the front entryway with beautiful French doors, the office is a central part of Liz’s home. The goal? To create a dramatic, calming workspace that complemented her home’s existing style while serving as a space her family could enjoy.

A Calming and Inspiring Foundation

Liz envisioned her office as more than just a workspace—it needed to inspire her and reflect her personality. One of her favorite design ideas came from a Pinterest board showcasing wallpapered ceilings. From there, I curated samples to ensure the colors and quality matched her vision. We settled on a breathtaking floating magnolia wallpaper for the ceiling. The soft, ethereal blossoms evoke a sense of serenity and springtime renewal, bringing an elegant yet calming touch to the space.

A Sophisticated Color Palette and Updated Shelving

To tie the room together, we painted the wall of shelves in a complementary shade that added dimension and made the curated items pop. Liz wanted a more sophisticated look for her shelves, so I helped her select pieces that balanced functionality and style. Brass lights above the shelves added a warm, sophisticated glow to highlight the design without unnecessary clutter.

HOME OFFICE AFTER

Blending Existing and New Furniture

Liz’s wishes to keep her leather couch and desk were central to the design plan. The couch creates a cozy nook where her kids can sit and chat, while the desk maintains the workspace's functionality. New accessories and updated window treatments brought the design to life, ensuring the space felt cohesive and intentional. For the window treatments, we chose designs that looked beautiful both from the inside and the street, maintaining harmony with the rest of her home.

The Ceiling: A Bold Focal Point

The floating magnolia wallpaper transformed the ceiling into a striking focal point, proving that bold choices can be executed beautifully with the right planning. This design element elevates the entire room, giving it a sense of drama and inspiration every time Liz steps inside.

No Fluff, Just Functionality

True to Liz’s personality, the design avoided unnecessary fluff. Plants and extra decorative items were kept to a minimum, prioritizing a clean and sophisticated aesthetic that allows the functional elements of the office to shine.

Time for a Home Refresh

As we wrap up Liz’s home transformation, it’s a great reminder to take a moment and think about how your home makes you feel. A thoughtful refresh—whether it’s a single room or a whole house—can bring new energy, functionality, and joy to your space. Small changes often have a big impact, and I’m here to help make that happen.

Kitchen Makeover in Troy, New York

Spring is a time of renewal, and what better way to embrace this season than by revealing the stunning transformation of Matt and Ann-Marie's 1950s kitchen? With a deep understanding of their needs and desires, we crafted a space that is not just a kitchen but the heartbeat of their home.

Functional Redesign and Strategic Placement

The renovation enhanced the kitchen's functionality by reorganizing the layout, including moving the island to a more central position. Despite challenges like an immovable support post, we seamlessly incorporated it into the design. The new island, now at the heart of an open floor plan, offers views from the living and dining areas and creates a delightful space where homeowners Matt and Ann-Marie can enjoy their picturesque backyard.

Sustainable Choices: Repurposing with Style

We chose to repaint and reuse the existing kitchen cabinets, a budget-friendly decision that also added character. The cabinets were refreshed with a bright, neutral color, while the island received a contrasting hue to emphasize its central role. This reuse strategy extended to the island cabinets, supplemented by new ones to increase storage for items like seasonal china.

Aesthetic Enhancements: Colors and Lighting

A fresh color palette and modern tile backsplash transformed the kitchen's aesthetic. We selected colors, finishes, and fixtures that not only complement the overall design but also harmonize with the existing elements throughout the home. Additionally, updating the kitchen lighting was crucial; we installed recessed lighting and a statement hand-blown glass pendant light to brighten the space.

Cohesive Design for a Harmonious Space

Our design strategy ensured all elements of the kitchen worked together to enhance the open floor plan, resulting in a cohesive and visually appealing environment. This unified approach was key to the project's success, ensuring the space was both beautiful and functional.

Personal Touches and Detail-Oriented Finishing

Paying attention to detail, we tailored the space to fulfill Ann-Marie's specific desires, including a standout copper sink in the new island. This feature not only serves a practical purpose but has also become a focal point of conversation.

Ready to Make New Memories

Ann-Marie and Matt are eager to host family and friends in their newly renovated kitchen. They look forward to creating new memories in a space rich with history and now rejuvenated for their future.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Judi on our kitchen project. A great listener, Judi immediately knew how important it was for us to preserve the stories behind each memory of our 1950s family home.

In just five days, Judi was able to transform our somewhat functional, but paintable dark cabinets into a beautifully updated and bright kitchen. Her ideas are endless! By framing our kitchen window with a tiled backsplash and adding a colorful pendant lamp, Judi created an accent to which eyes are easily drawn!

Another special touch: we moved our kitchen island to create a large open floor plan with beautiful sight lines, to which we painted with a contrasting color, then added a copper bar sink! We now sit at our larger, redesigned island and enjoy a spectacular view!

Judi’s professionalism and extensive relationships throughout our community facilitated every step in this process with ease; we could never have imagined such a project without her!

Now, our family and friends are overwhelmed with how beautifully our kitchen came together! Looking forward to more projects with Judi.”

— Ann-Marie and Matt Cusack

My goal is to ensure that each space not only meets your functional needs but also resonates with your personal story. If you're inspired by Matt and Ann-Marie's kitchen transformation and ready to reimagine your own space, I would love to hear from you.

Reach out today to schedule a consultation, and together, we'll turn your vision into reality. Visit my website or call me directly at 518-495-4317 to begin our creative partnership.

Looking forward to making your dream home come true.
-Judi

Rediscover Holiday Magic: Time Decor and Cherished Memories

The holidays are here, and oh, how I adore this time of year! It's when I blend the new with the nostalgic in my home, creating a magical mix that's both shiny and soulful. I'm excited to share a few of my most cherished holiday treasures with you. Maybe they'll inspire your festive spirit, too!

🎄 Old Charms with New Twinkles - My antique glass tree ornaments and garland are more than just decorations; they are part of my family's history for generations. Imagine this: years ago, I found them tucked away in my Gram's old Christmas box - delicate hand-blown glass grapes, garland made from small ornaments strung together, and quaint paper decorations. These aren't just adornments; they're stories, memories, love. Now, they have a special spot in my kitchen window, sparking joy with their worn charm. I often tell my grandchildren how important it is and how lucky we are as a family to have these wonderful mementos from the past. Their eyes light up as I share the tales, connecting them to a rich tapestry of family history.

📸 A Journey in Pictures - 'Christmas: A Treasury of Photographs' is my go-to holiday album, started when my son arrived in 1984 and growing with every laugh, Santa visit, and homemade card. It's a visual story of our family, slightly faded but forever vivid in my heart. Flipping through it with my kids and grandkids? Priceless.

🐿️ Movie Magic and Memories - Who doesn't love holiday movies? 'Christmas Vacation' tops my list! Remember the squirrel scene? It hilariously mirrors a real-life Thanksgiving at my sister's - a surprise squirrel jumped out from the tree, onto the curtains - then to the top of the dining room picture window, chaos as we screamed and ran around the house, and our grandparents calmly continued their meal amidst it all. Such moments are the stuff of lasting family legends. We still laugh about it to this day!

📽 And then there's 'Love Actually.' That final scene? Gets me. Every. Single. Time. If you haven't seen it, prepare for an emotional hug-in-a-scene that's all about love and togetherness.

💌 Over to You! - Now that I've shared a slice of my holiday heart, I'd love to hear about your treasured holiday moments and traditions. What makes your holidays special? Hit reply and let's share some warmth and joy.

Wishing you a holiday season filled with love, laughter, and all things bright. Remember, it's all about surrounding yourself with love, be it people or memories.

Happy Holidays, and here's to a fabulous New Year!

Warmly,
Judi

Enhance Your Home’s Warmth with Cozy Fireplace and Staircase Inspiration

As autumn brings cooler weather, it’s the perfect time to update and warm up our living spaces. Let’s enhance the coziness of your fireplace or bring some life to an underutilized staircase, making your home even more inviting this season.

Here’s what I’ve been working on lately for inspiration, showcasing how small changes can significantly transform spaces into warm, inviting areas.

Mary in Niskayuna wished to honor her grandmother's cherished handblown glass collection. Collaborating with MKC Design, we crafted custom cabinets to complement the space perfectly. Our 'Take 2' approach focused on rejuvenating existing elements such as the fireplace, meticulously whitewashing the brick surround, and refreshing the molding. The result is a transformed, airy space filled with sentimental value, ready for relaxation and enjoyment.

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Dana in Averill Park desired a refreshed look for the dark tongue-and-groove knotty pine wall in her 1980s home. Located adjacent to the kitchen, it was essential that the great room’s design harmonized with its surroundings. To achieve this, I applied a whitewash effect to brighten the walls and installed a stunning white stacked marble fireplace surround, complemented by a tastefully stained mantle. While retaining the original dark floors, the newly updated family room now radiates brightness and beautifully echoes the tile backsplash I recently installed in the kitchen.

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In a recent newsletter, you might recall the transformation of Jackie's beautiful eat-in kitchen in her charming 1950s colonial home, nestled in the heart of Albany. Now, I’m excited to showcase another update in Jackie’s residence: a cozy, revitalized fireplace. We exchanged the old, dark, and dreary brick surround with a timeless marble, introduced in a contemporary hexagon pattern, elevating and modernizing the space. The beautifully crafted mantle remains, harmonizing effortlessly with the new design to breathe warmth and elegance into the room.

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This elegant 1970s colonial, positioned near the Albany Country Club, features a prominent staircase in the family room, eagerly waiting for a transformation. Catering to Lisa’s vision of rejuvenation, we’ve meticulously curated new rugs and furniture, room by room, optimizing each space with refreshed layouts. The focus then shifted to the family room’s staircase, formerly adorned with dark, dated green carpet and a wooden banister. Collaborating closely with the homeowners, we chose new wall and staircase paints perfectly aligned with their new aesthetic. I enhanced the staircase by applying five coats of paint to 72 spindles, restaining the posts and handrails for a harmonized look with the floor, and introducing a sophisticated contrast with black stair treads paired with white risers.

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Returning to a classic 1980s home in Wynantskill, where I previously installed a new backsplash, Agnes entrusted me again, this time for a staircase makeover. Seeking an updated look featuring iron spindles, we removed the worn carpet, revealing the stairs’ hidden potential. I carefully stained the stair treads and handrail to create a cohesive look, pairing them with freshly painted white risers, achieving a delightful and modern contrast that rejuvenates the space.

There is potential in every room to feel refreshed and renewed with a bit of creativity and paint. If your space feels tired or stuck, there’s always a way to bring it back to life.

If you need help bringing your design dreams to life, I'm here to help! Whether you're looking to turn an inspirational photo into a reality, need assistance selecting the perfect paint colors or finishes, or want to redesign a room in your home, I'm ready to assist. Simply give Judi Stone a call at 518-495-4317 to schedule a consultation.

Barbara's School of the Dance Transforms from Clothing Store to Inviting Dance Studio

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at an exciting commercial interior design project I had the honor to work on!

A local marketer/brand manager enlisted my services to join her team and the business owner to breathe life into the new 9,000 sq. ft. venue of Barbara’s School of the Dance (BSOTD). This space, previously occupied by Peter Harris Clothing in Delmar, was entrusted to me to carry out their branding and messaging guidelines by furnishing the studio with the perfect symphony of my passions - art, design, and dance.

As a classically trained ballet dancer who continues to actively participate in ballet and ballroom dance, I found a unique connection to BSOTD. It's more than a dance studio - it's a special place where dancers from ages 2 to 82 find their creative haven. Drawing on my deepest levels of creativity, artistry, and design, I worked with the BSOTD team to echo these core values in every corner of the studio. From hand-painting the BSOTD logo on the wall to threading ribbons throughout the room, each design choice was carefully curated to reflect the therapeutic and expressive nature of dance.

Amid a world of uncertainties, we've crafted a safe haven where dancers can freely express themselves without judgment and fully immerse in the joy of dance.

Caley Dalpe, Studio Owner from Barbara’s School of the Dance, and I reviewing the inspiration board and plans that I created to visualize the space.

Before

Caley originally intended only to occupy half of the building but quickly realized that interest in dance and exercise at all levels was growing rapidly - so she made a smart business design to develop the entire space. Caley intentionally created three of the five studios to mimic the square footage of Proctor’s Theatre stage so recital practices are easier for students.

I worked with the brand manager and studio owner to bring their vision to life: designing a family-friendly, inviting, and inspirational space to accommodate various ages and activities. That included choosing the interior and exterior paint colors that complimented the logo, floor, black chairs, and lighting limitations but also set a calm and uplifting tone for the dancers.

During

As soon as you step into the studio, our creative impact is evident. My hand-drawn ribbons and the dancer from BSOTD's logo not only inspire dancers but also reinforce the studio's brand identity, making a lasting impression right from the entrance.

After

BSOTD’s motto is “It’s not where you start, it’s where you finish.” So we included a TV in the back that plays old recitals so the dancers can be inspired and look back on how far they’ve come. The back right corner features two of Proctor’s original seats with ballet and tap shoes (a few of which were Barbara’s) adorning the walls.

Our redesign boasts a central desk for Caley, ensuring optimal visibility across all hallways and studios. Two welcoming lounge areas serve as spaces for dancers to gather during downtime. A dedicated toddler corner, complete with a cozy table, chairs, books, and toys, caters to our youngest visitors. The space also provides functional seating for parents, siblings, or dancers who wish to catch up on schoolwork, engage in conversations, or simply relax.

Steeped in history and heart, the hand-painted ribbons artistically weave the studio's story, flowing from the founders' photo to the present instructors, many of whom, like Caley, took their first dance steps at BSOTD. The symbolic 'passing of the torch' from Barbara to Caley, both sharing a dance journey that began in toddlerhood, is a cherished chapter in this studio's tale.

The exterior painting has been completed, and while there is still more to do with landscaping and window decor, we’ve come a long way!

Jackie's Albany Kitchen Renovation

When Jackie and her husband moved into their 1920’s Albany home, they only had one child. Now that their family has grown to two children and a dog, they were looking for new ways to make the space work, modernize it, and preserve as much of the original character as they could.

But they didn't want to spend tens of thousands on a full renovation. Here's how we made it bright, modern, and functional without tearing everything out - and staying within their budget.

Fresh, functional & beautiful.

Jackie's kitchen was dark, outdated, and in desperate need of functional space for her two young children, a dog, school notices, and artwork.

Here’s Jackie’s mood board - a visual representation of her project and an important tool in helping her see how things will look when completed.

In order to preserve what Jackie already had in her kitchen and make improvements where necessary, I painted the cabinets, added new modern hardware and a gorgeous backsplash that looks and feels decadent, and designed and painted the benches for soft and cozy sit down family meals. My contractor installed the beautiful flooring, bright countertops, and the table that I designed in the sitting area.

Jackie’s new kitchen is a place of comfort and joy—where she can cook with her husband, enjoy family dinners, and entertain at a moments notice.

The new seating optimizes the space overlooking the backyard and provides dual roles as the place for the kids to read, do homework or play games after dinner. There’s now cork board (not shown) hanging on the wall to display the children’s artwork and school notices. I designed the benches to include much-needed additional storage and added a durable, textured, back-mount for added dining comfort.

Now, the whole kitchen has been transformed into a bright, warm space where Jackie and her husband can cook up a storm, and gather with family and friends.

Jackie and her family have the best of both worlds: a sleek, modern design that complements her home's style, and also a kitchen that fills her home with the aromas of delicious food.

When I’m working with a new client, there's a whole process of getting to know them and their space.

Here are of the steps I take with a kitchen renovation:

1. I meet with you to discuss your vision for the space and your budget.

2. Depending on the project, I take measurements of the room and draw a floor plan.

3. We discuss your aesthetic, wish list, how you want the room to function, and how you want to feel when entering the room.

4. I create a mood board, showing samples of the color palette, textures, hardware, flooring, cabinet colors, and tile that would work well in the space, sourced from my amazing team of vendors and contractors.

5. After the mood board is presented and approved, the work begins. I manage the entire project and coordinate all aspects of the work to ensure that the design is brought to life exactly as you had envisioned.

Jackie's kitchen design is a great example of how to update your kitchen so it feels modern, functional, and beautiful. If you're ready to update your home, give me a call! I'll help you bring beauty and function back into every space.

Design Inspiration from South Africa

Have you ever traveled abroad or domestically, and found yourself falling in love with its design influences - so much so that you want to incorporate that same vibe back at home?

Guilty! As I travel around the world I get inspired by each culture and its nuances. Not only exterior, architecture but interior design as well.

Each culture’s design not only provides interesting themes and style, but it may inspire you to incorporate different elements into your home. 

My recent trip to visit my son and his family in Cape Town, South Africa inspired me to share with you some design ideas they do best.

For example, bringing the outdoors in! Because of the climate, gorgeous coastal views, and lush greenery, many of the homes and restaurants make the best of the natural environment which creates a peaceful and beautiful backdrop. 

You can also enjoy nature right outside your window by making your own personal nature oasis. Any size space can work. The benefit of looking at nature will provide you and your family with positive mental health throughout the seasons. We all know even sitting under a tree soaking up some sunshine can improve your overall well-being. 

Here are some ideas to consider for your oasis.

• Let the windows frame in the view of your yard. Remove heavy drapes to let the sun shine in!

• Add a gathering place. 

• Consider a fire pit for those chilly nights.

• Add a birdhouse or a bird feeder. 

• Add a spring and summer water fountain.

• Plant perennial flowers.

Look back at your own travel photos to remind yourself of the colors, tones, textures, scents, landscape, and more. Consider ways of incorporating that vibe into your home.

What regions have inspired your design esthetic?

Guilderland NY Home Showcases Homeowner’s Unique Style

Recently, I had the privilege or working with an amazing empty nester couple from Guilderland. They’re all about cooking and entertaining and their eclectic style is reflected in every aspect of this unique great room. They even hired a talented brick mason to build an authentic stone pizza oven.

This room is filled with unique high end finishes, metallic copper details and decorated with antique treasures. 

However, something was missing. They wanted the plain wall around the doorway to make a statement as an entrance to this room with old world textures. 

This couple envisioned a leather effect paint technique and hired Take 2 Artworks to translate bring it to life. I applied a three layer process with custom paint colors to create the faux leather grain. Then detailed with green patina and metallic copper highlights which picked up other elements in the room. 

A one of a kind accent wall for a one of a kind room and couple.

I hope you enjoy the before and after pictures, below.

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

Nothin' like a pop of color!

 Are you ready to lift your spirits? Color is proven to have an affect on our emotions. This recent kitchen makeover is a great example of that. I recently had the pleasure of working with a couple in Slingerlands that was looking for an uplifting change in their all white 80’s kitchen. 

After staying home throughout the pandemic, these homeowners were ready for their moods to be lifted and their kitchen to be given an exciting new burst of color.

These white melamine cabinets painted up beautifully and took on a whole new personality. Now when these clients walk into their space they are immediately energized! 

I worked with them to choose the perfect color that complemented the existing granite countertops and the contemporary style of their home. We focused on painting the kitchen island to make this dramatic impact.

If you’re looking for a way to lift your spirits while updating your home, try paint.

All it takes is confidence! Let me show you how. 

BEFORE

Repurposing Room Tips from an Interior Designer

Judi Stone, Interior Designer, Artist, Contractor
Owner | Take 2 Artworks | 518-495-4317

Spending so much time at home reminds us of the things we love (or dislike) in our abodes. It also highlights the need for our rooms to function differently. Yet many families don’t know where to begin. 

While repurposing a room may feel like an impossible goal, consider incorporating some of the tips below for the best results.

Save on Space

• use floating shelves to save on floor space

• use a pull down desk from the wall to save on floor space

• reinvent a closet into a workstation

• add storage under the bed for clothes

Versatile Furniture Pieces

• repurpose furniture you already own

• buy folding furniture pieces from stores like IKEA

• use a coffee table that lifts up with storage underneath

• use nesting tables

• add an ottoman that doubles as a table or seating 

• add wheels to furniture for easy moving

Decorate with Style

• change the paint color to inspire positive energy

• add a new focal point with chalkboard or create a family photo wall from mixtiles.com 

• make a display area for kids art or school work

• display a vase of freshly cut flowers

• add cozy textures like new pillows or a throw

• create a reading nook using a bean bag chair

• add a small desk with task light

• add something meaningful that makes you smile

The sooner you can begin to make your space function better and look great, the sooner your family will be living in harmony. Well, it’s a start anyway!

Once an eyesore, now a work of art.

One of the most interesting projects I’ve done recently was to custom paint a mural on the side of an above ground pool. The homeowners in Stephentown felt their new above ground pool was an eyesore that didn’t fit into the natural landscape of their beautiful back yard. 

Now the painted boulders blend perfectly into the natural surroundings. What once was an eyesore is now a work of art…very cool! See more photos in my “custom painting” gallery.

Step up your staircase

I recently had fun transforming this center hall colonial staircase in Slingerlands with custom refinishing. The main focal point in this beautiful home had lost its luster and was in need of re-styling. The very traditional existing yellow oak treads, banisters and posts were re-stained very dark brown which added contrast against with the painted white risers and spindles. Now the staircase has a fresh new look that enhances the overall beauty of their home.

Stairs can be updated with a combination of paint and or stain in many ways and has endless design possibilities in any style… vintage, contemporary or transitional. It’s also a great place to add color and pattern. So remove that dingy carpet, step up the contrast and give your grand staircase the makeover it deserves!

Take 2 Artworks Featured in Capital Region Living Magazine

I am so excited to be featured in this months issue of Capital Region Living Magazine. The February 2019 issue was on woman owned businesses and is now available on newsstands and waiting rooms. So happy to share page 17 with my friends and business associates, Nina Sher and Lauren Laberge. A big thank you go’s out to Carole Kilpatrick and Leslie Horn Trosset for making it possible.

A kitchen makeover for a very special cook!

As a new grandma there’s nothing that fills my heart more than seeing my little precious granddaughter have fun playing and sharing special moments with her. When I asked my daughter what we could get her for a christmas gift she said, “ a play kitchen.” My daughter had fond memories of playing with the little wooden play kitchen at the Poestenkill Nursery School she attended as a child.

So, I began the search… not online but in my own garage! I was planning to have a garage sale in the late spring and we had this small wooded bench that I considered selling. My sister, Lisa spotted it and suggested the bench would make a perfect play kitchen. She was so right! I tucked it away while my creative juices started to flow.

In the late fall, my husband and I began to work on transforming this ordinary bench into the perfect custom play kitchen for our little one. As in all kitchen makeovers, big and small, it had to have function with updated colors, finishes and storage.

To give it style, I used fun paint colors, fabric, added a chalk board, a window (for takeout orders), pretty curtains and a matching apron.

This labor of love brought us so much joy and we couldn’t wait to give it to her. On Christmas morning when little Nora saw her new kitchen, the look on her face was priceless. She has not stopped playing with it since and we couldn’t be more thrilled!

Besides doing custom kitchen cabinet painting, designing and installing backsplashes, I also accept certain custom painting projects, such as staircases, fireplaces and special projects. Give me a call to chat about your project.

Do you have nostalgic items from your childhood, I’d love to hear about them. Leave a comment below.

Tips on Downsizing...it's never to early to start!

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of being a presenter at the Down Sizing workshop held at the Bethlehem Central High School. Nina Sher of Hunt Real Estate is the creator of this very informative workshop for folks that are looking to downsize. Nina spoke about how to price your home correctly in the current real estate market. Discussed the options in the area for condo’s and retirement communities. Cheryl Shaw from CS Property Improvement, a professional home stager, spoke about the importance of decluttering and staging your home to appeal to as many buyers as possible. My presentation was showing examples of affordable kitchen and bathroom updates that have the best return on investment. Here’s a few tips I would like to share with you.

Most of the folks I spoke with had already started the daunting process of decluttering and cleaning out their “stuff”. It can be an overwhelming task for sure. Earlier this year I had personal experience of moving my mother. It’s a very emotional chore that takes time and energy. It’s never to early to begin the process.

It’s also crucial to get informed, have a plan, a budget for repairs/updates and a timeline. Get advice on preparing your home from a person that is not emotionally connected to you or your home. An unbiased professional that will not hesitate to recommend the flowered wall paper in your bedroom that you LOVE has to go! Paint is the most dramatic and affordable way to update your home. Get advise on the best neutral paint colors and finishes to use that will compliment the style of your home and appeal to potential buyers.

Have updated finishes in the kitchen and bathroom. Nina, Cheryl and I all agree they are the key rooms that buyers are looking at. As potential buyers are checking out your home online and scrolling through pictures, you have only three seconds to make a good impression and set your home apart.

I always enjoy talking with folks about their homes. Downsizing is a major transition that takes careful planning. As I learned from helping my mom, moving and decluttering is a lot of work. But now in her new home and surroundings, she can begin to enjoy other experiences. That makes it all worth it!

Giving new life to oak cabinets

Do you have the oak blues?

The two most recent kitchen makeovers, the clients wanted to save their oak cabinets and brighten their space without spending a zillion dollars. Both kitchens had great bones with cabinets in excellent condition. The kitchen’s open layout and workable countertops made it a perfect scenario for a take 2 makeover. Updating the space without major demolition. 

I love painting oak cabinets. They were the standard cabinets during the 70’s and 80s for good reason. They are beautiful, durable, and a hard wood that has an attractive natural texture. For these reasons they take to paint very well. They can be transformed into shabby farm house, modern sleek, to clean traditional. Even the standard pricey cabinets of today may not have equal quality and durability as an updated oak cabinet. If you got it, Save it!

Spring clean up and refresh

With the renewal of spring also comes the refresh of these recent kitchen cabinet projects. Both of these kitchen cabinets went from showing signs of wear to looking brand new. Not only do I paint cabinets that have a wood finish, I also re-paint previously factory painted cabinets. If you are considering a new color palette for your kitchen cabinets or you want to keep the color the same and need them repaired, call me for a consultation to discuss the possibilities.

To view these makeovers and other projects, please visit my photo gallery.

Vintage rehab

My last two kitchen makeovers where renewing vintage kitchen cabinets in homes that were built in the 1940's. Both kitchens had great bones but the cabinet doors were flat and dated.

For the first project, I suggested adding a frame around the door edge to give it dimension and create a shaker style door. This gave new life to the cabinets that complemented the home and brought the kitchen into the next millennium. 

The second project was to restore the existing kitchen in preparation for the home to be put on the market for sale. For this update it was important to keep the charm and character of the home while renewing the paint & finishes. Now it's sure to appeal to potential buyers.