When it comes to top interior design trends of 2011, things are looking up: Ceilings — now referred to as the fifth wall — are the latest focus for creating a complete, pulled-together look for homes. No longer ignored or left as a blank white canvas, ceilings are being incorporated in room design in a number of ways. Paint (in a variety of shades, patterns, and textures), crown moldings, medallions, tin tiles, even domes are all being used on ceilings as the finishing touch in a well-designed space. Although the concept isn’t exactly new — take Italy’s Sistine Chapel, for one dramatic example — the right look can add to the feeling of warmth, airiness, and overall character of a room.

“It’s been a longstanding design philosophy of mine to never leave a wall or ceiling white, unless I’m trying to achieve an ultramodern, contemporary, and monochromatic interior,” says Darron Andress, a designer at FW Interior Design in Wappingers Falls. Andress, who’s been with the company for 11 years, suggests that “most homeowners are so overwhelmed by choosing colors for the walls that they completely forget that the ceiling is indeed the ‘fifth wall,’ and requires attention to complete the look.”

It might seem intimidating to think of using bold colors or patterns overhead, but there are subtle, tasteful ways it can be done — as long as a few key principles are kept in mind. “There is no rule that the ceiling and wall should match, but the two should have a relationship to each other,” Andress explains. “The color or material you use on your ceiling should stay within the same hue or tonal value.” And when choosing moldings, plasters, or other textures, it’s best to make sure the material used pairs well with the other design elements within the space. What constitutes attractive design is, of course, subject to personal preference; a living room with a cozy cabin feel, however, would probably not blend well with a cool metallic ceiling. On the other hand, wooden fixtures — or a textured, faux paint job — might do wonders.

It’s easy to imagine a soft, blue-sky motif on the ceiling of a child’s room; or a solid, neutral tone providing warmth to a den or family room. But Andress always suggests incorporating fifth-wall ornamentation in two locations within a house: the formal dining room and the master bedroom. “The dining room is the one room in the home that often can withstand a bit of design drama, and adding paint or a wall covering can often achieve that goal,” he says. “The master bedroom is the first and last thing most of us see every day; we wake up there and fall asleep there. If there’s one room in the home that can really affect our mood and lives, it’s the master bedroom.” Whether you prefer a serene feel in the bedroom or a vibrant, lively effect where you dine, one particular treatment for ceilings can provide the look: “A very hot trend clients are asking for these days is wall coverings,” Andress says. “Bold and large patterns, grass papers, and metal substrates are finding their way into residential applications.”

And while certain materials can get a bit pricey, even those who are designing on a dime can find simple, wallet-friendly solutions that create a dramatic difference. Simply selecting a refreshing new hue is a great way to start. “In most cases, for less than $30, a splash of color with a gallon of paint and a roller can be your best bet,” says Andress. “Separating the line of demarcation between the wall and ceiling with crown molding is another wonderful solution by adding an architectural element.”

Homes with tray, vaulted, and cathedral ceilings can still maintain a sense of height and grandeur by deviating away from the plain white look, but high ceilings or large square footage aren’t necessary to make a beautiful impact. “If your ceiling is flat, a budget-sensitive way to add dimension is with the use of picture frame molding,” Andress explains. “Apply the molding in a grid pattern, or simply outline the shape of the ceiling. Painting the ceiling different colors on the outside and the inside of the molding adds an additional sense of style and drama.”

FW Interior Design

2781 W. Main St., Wappingers Falls. 845-632-3735

With all the pollutants in the environment today, why should you have to tolerate it in your home? There are several wonderful products available today for just a bit more without sacrificing quality. Benjamin Moore’s BEN and Sherwin Williams Duration are wonderful products that are available in a full range of colors and finishes. So, when look for a fresh look this Spring, remember, the air you breathe inside should be as fresh as the breeze blowing in from the outside.

Do you want an easy DIY project to make your home just a bit nicer?  If you have contractor-grade hollow-core doors, paint them with a base color and add a contrast accent panel!   It can change the look from an eyesore to a showstopper in just a few hours.

Remove the existing hardware with a screwdriver. Next,  chuck it in the trash outside.

Use medium-grit sandpaper or a sanding block to remove the existing finish. In cases where a door sports a thick layer of polyurethane, it may be wise to use coarse grit to ensure you get rid of the slick surface entirely.

Paint the entire door (molding included) with the color intended for the accent panel trim tone. It’s best to go with two coats so that the wood grain doesn’t peek through. This double layer of paint will also serve as a primer coat.  Let dry overnight.

Tape off accent panel trim with 2-inch painters’ tape. . Two panels work the best; keep the outside lines of the panel trim 3-inches in from the edge of the door and leave 8 to 10 inches between the top and bottom panels. This is a good rule-of-thumb for creating the proper scale.  Make sure to press the tape firmly to remove any air bubbles!

After checking to make sure all edges of tape are perfectly flush with the door, brush the door surface color onto the door with a paint brush starting on the center of the tape, pushing outward onto the door. Why? This will create a perfect line; brush strokes away from the tape ensure nothing creeps underneath it.

Once you’ve used the brush to stroke the door surface color out from the painters’ tape, use a roller to cover the remaining surface.  Let partially dry for a few hours.

After slowly removing the painters’ tape, replace the hardware with something more up-to-date. Satin or polished nickel, chrome and oil rubbed bronze usually work best in modern spaces. In addition to updated door knobs, consider adding a matching door knocker to dress up the door-like jewelry with a new outfit.

High contrast  colors offer up the most impact. Black and white is classic and goes with everything, but playing up two drastically different shades of your room’s wall color works just as well.

The Story of Billy Joe

The story of Billy Joe’s Ribworks can be traced to a small rural town in Texas just outside of Galveston. It was there that a goat named Billy Joe decided to hop off the boxcar. He shaped in Lubbock to find something to eat. As he traveled up the tracks towards town, little did he know that his life was about to change.

Out in the middle of nowhere stood an old, haggard looking man, standing over a 55-gallon drum. Wafting from that drum was a delicious, smoky aroma that made Billy Joe’s mouth water. In front of the rusty old drum stood dozens of people, waiting patiently for their turn to get to the old man.

As Billy Joe took the last place in line, he learned that the old man had a recipe for smoked ribs that had no rival in all of Texas, some say the world. People would travel from all over just to get a taste of his incredible smoked ribs.
As it grew dark, Billy Joe finally made it to the drum. As they spoke, the man talked of his secret recipe and the fact that he wasn’t sure how much longer he would be able to make his delicious ribs. He was in bad health and had terrible arthritis. Since he had no family or real home, he worried that his recipe would die when he did.

Although he was a bit of a drifter, Billy Joe had big dreams, so he offered to help the man prepare his ribs every day for free, in exchange for the recipe. All he asked is that when the man died, the recipe would be passed on to him forever.

The old man agreed and started to tutor Billy Joe as if he knew the end was near. He shared his secret recipe and how his special smoking process created a pink ring on the meat — what he called “the pink ring of perfection.”

Once the old man was certain Billy Joe had mastered the process, he passed away. On the day he died, Billy Joe gave the old man his word that he would share his recipe with as many people as he possibly could.

Within weeks Billy Joe added a second drum, then a third and a fourth.
Since he had promised the old man that he would share this deliciousness on a grand scale, he decided to move to New York — where he could share it with the largest number of people.

This restaurant exists today because of a special bond between and old man and a goat named Billy Joe. Prepare yourself for a meal like none other, born from a homemade recipe that has never been duplicated.

Come and Get It!

FW Interiors is honored to announce one of its latest projects; the rehabilitation of a historical mansion on the Hudson River in West Park. After researching and interviewing FW Interiors, our new clients Ronit Weintraub, former Mrs. Israel and runner up to Mrs. Universe along with her husband and soul mate Moti Peleg, well known Psychologist ; secured our firm to help create what will become their latest venture, Hearts Ease.

Hearts Ease will be not only a Bed and Breakfast for couples to retreat too but a branch of their widely successful “Ego 2 Heat” seminars. The practice of ego2heart helps couples to begin a transformative journey of deepening intimacy by communicating and listening from the heart. This transformation involves going from a self-focused and self-indulgent perspective that prioritizes “Me” and the ego to the mindfulness of a relationship that prioritizes “We” and a deeper soul connection. The practice of ego2heart embraces humility and a compassionate intuitive listening which in turn brings inner truth, increased intimacy, and a more purposeful existence. ___DR. Moti.

FW Interiors looks forward to working with the Historical Society of New York as well as the other contractors to begin the exhilarating challenge of this historical restoration. The home was built in 1890 and served as a labor school for new immigrants who came to America via Ellis Island. Eleanor Roosevelt one of America’s greatest humanitarian, served on the board of Hearts Ease”.

Continue to follow our progress during the design and restoration of Hearts Ease. In the meantime learn more about our clients and their program ego2heart  by logging onto their website

http://www.ego2heart.org/en/

Located in the heart of the historic Hudson River Valley, a most desired destination for New York A-listers looking for a rural escape from the city, Vineyard Commons turns the idea of traditional luxury rental communities on its head. Life here is all about comfort, freedom, and simplicity without compromise.

Our latest project was designed to inspire one’s creativity, fitness routine, palate and well-being invoking many of the finishes, colors and materials that are reminiscent of the Hudson Valley. The models suggest 3 different lifestyles, Modern, Traditional, and Americana. You decide which is the right style for you! The club house is warm and inviting whether you are dining in the Bistro around the wine barrel curved wall, enjoying a production in the spacious theater with transitional seating , or settling in with friends to watch a sporting event in the lounge, play cards under the wall of 52 over-sized cards or enjoy aa game of pool surrounded by photos of Hollywood greats. Each area is created around a theme that will leave a lasting impression for a potential resident, family or friends.

http://www.vineyard-commons.com/