Monthly Archives: September 2011
A DIY plan for warm Walls for Fall…
With the temperature starting to take a dip and the nights starting to get a little longer, visions of cuddling into bed with a good movie and a cup of hot chocolate fill my head. How does one get that oh-so-warm, tucked in feeling in a whole room you ask? I asked myself the same question! And the answer is simple–fabric! Fabric can be used in many ways to cover your cold, bare walls and has the versatility to change not only with the seasons but with the times! While painting a whole room can be a daunting task, it’s easy to change up the walls with a few sly tricks up your sleeve! Here is the mission: transform your walls from cold to cozy. Here are some ideas to get you from drafty to dreamy…
Idea #1: Corn Starch
Choose a lightweight fabric, preferably in a fun shade or color because with this option you can easily take it down. Here are some great options I found here in house at Nest: 
Second, cut the fabric to fit the space you’re covering. Then spray starch on the walls and apply the fabric similarly to applying wallpaper and VOILA! Presto change-o upholstered walls! This is a great option if you’re renting your home and don’t want to spend a lot of time repainting when it’s time to move.
Idea #2: Tufted Walls
These are the cream of the crop. They just ooze luxury, and I hope to add them to my own home someday soon. Here are some to swoon over…
The last room is in the closet of a friend of mine whom I must say has impeccable taste–Hi Mindy thanks for reading! To create a tufted wall it is best to bring in the big dogs…AKA the professionals. Because these walls are built to last you want to use quality fabric as well as a good carpenter. But if you’re so inclined to DIY, here’s a link on how to do it.
Idea 3: Fabric Panels
These are also a great option for rentals and can be done with fabric or with wallpaper. They are easily removed so you could hang them with the seasons, for holidays, when your mood changes, etc. This is a fun way to give your room an instantly dramatic makeover in the time it takes to hang a picture. Here are a few examples and then we will get into the How-to’s…
Wall panels are a cinch! All you need is some great fabric, a staple gun and pieces of wood cut to the size of the wall you want to cover. This could be as large as the floor to ceiling example in the first photo or smaller pieces as seen in the second photo. You can also use batting behind the fabric if you want to create a raised look. You will also need 2 short screws, picture hooks with hardware, and picture wire. Here are the steps…
Step 1: Cut the fabric about 3 inches larger in diameter than the piece of plywood you’re covering. If using batting cut fabric 6 inches larger than the plywood.
Step 2: If using batting secure it to the plywood with staples.
Step 3: Pull the fabric over the board and make sure it’s taut or you will get wrinkles–nobody likes wrinkles! Secure the fabric using your trusty staple gun.
Step 4: Attach the picture wire to the back of the board. Using a screwdriver, put one of your short screws on each side of the board. It is recommended to place the screws 3 inches in from the sides and 6 inches down from the top. Wind the wire around the screw, top a few knots making sure it won’t slip off, then pull across to the other screw and tie a few more knots making sure it’s again secure. You don’t want a lot of slack in the wire either because it will show that the board isn’t the wall–which is not a good look! Step 5: Hang up the board(s) and marvel in your splendor!! All of these ideas are fun and can be easy depending on how handy you are. My rule of thumb is that if you’re splurging on good fabrics it is best to make sure that fabric ends up where is it supposed to and not on the cutting floor as waste! It is better to spend money hiring a professional from the beginning to ensure that you’re happy with the end result. If you come across some inexpensive fabric and don’t know what to do with it, these options are excellent alternatives to the traditional throw pillows. Nest interiors has a grand supply of fabrics and can customize your upholstered project, from walls to headboards to sofas. Happy nesting!
5 Ways to Have a Glamorous Fall…
Hello Buffalo! As a new transplant to Buffalo and a hopefully welcome part of the Nest Interiors family, I just want to take a quick moment to introduce myself and then we will get on with the good stuff! After a 7 year stint in the midwest I spread my wings, flew the coop and found a home where even the buffalo have wings. 
Before even leaving the midwest, I took to the web and found the creative dream team of Nest Interiors who have taken me under their wing (these bird jokes are getting old, aren’t they?). A few short weeks later I find myself surrounded by the fun, funky, creative spirit of the gals at Nest and the office mascot, a snobby dog named Toby.
Now, let’s get to the fun stuff. I have always wanted to see a New England autumn. The leaves not only turning every shade of yellow, orange and red but also the deep wine colored Burgandy, rich regal Purples offset by the brisk hue of hopeful lime green.
Here in Western New York exists the perfect tree that showcases all these hues in its one lone trunk. It’s called the smoke tree, and it spoils Buffalonians with a picturesque New England fall every year. The dramatic color scheme of the smoke tree can easily be captured and taken indoors to create a dramatic fall makeover for the home.
Step One: Change out your drapery…Select a thicker, warmer fabric in the fall’s great shades. These fabrics add drama, and a modern touch to fall’s classic color palette.
Step Two: Toss in some throw pillows…these can easily be customized to reflect your personality and quickly polish off your room’s decor.
Step Three: Put down some roots–in the form of a rug…a rug can easily add in elements of the outdoors if you choose a rug made from natural fibers like Jute.
Step Four: Set the Table… Add some rustic fall touches by using galvanized utility gear, or use chalkboard paint for a warm fall table feel. Or when in Rome…use a sandwich board to list your menu or guest list if entertaining.
Step Five: Add Candles…Just because they’re pretty! They always add drama, a bit of warmth, and can sometimes also be fun!
All fabrics and furnishings can be found at Nest Interiors in Buffalo! Happy decorating!
Uberly Awesome Storage
These storage solutions are brilliant! Although it does make one wonder…if we are using our stairs as drawers maybe we just have too much stuff…
wall drawers
What Some New Furniture Can Do…
The request was for more seating….and not just any seating, firm cushions for back problems, but something soft enough for the rest of the family. Our solution was to have the sofa made with a mix of firm and extra firm seats. The chaise and two seats of the sectional are firm and the rest are extra firm. To give a cozy feel to these “hard” cushions we had chosen one of our favorite fabrics…a wide corduroy… it’s soo soft!
one more thing! notice how great the patterns look layered on top of the rug….something a lot of people steer away from, but can create such a great look! we wanted to enhance the eclectic feel of the room and mixed the sold textural fabric on the sofa with a geometic
ps: spot the dog?!
Before:
Before
After:
Photos Courtesy of Katie Schneider Photography
PRESS RELEASE: Buffalo’s own Nest Interiors expands with the hiring of Nicole Milley
Buffalo, NY – Despite the economic downturn affecting the region, at least one locally-owned business is expanding. Nest Interiors recently hired Nicole Milley, who graduated just this year from Villa Maria College.
Nest Interiors is a full-service interior design firm that provides commercial and residential design services. The firm specializes in creating unique environments with a focus on modern design elements and eco-friendly products. The hiring comes as the firm repositions itself in response to an increasing amount of clients and the growing demand for social marketing and media management.
Natalia Albul , a full-time faculty member at Villa, recently praised Milley’s work at the school. “Nicole is an intelligent, dedicated, and personable young woman. Her talent and hard work allowed her to create exceptional projects that are used as examples for current students.”
In May of this year, Milley graduated from the Interior Design Program at Villa Maria College of Buffalo with highest honors. Prior to joining Nest Interiors, she spent several years as a manager and executive assistant, and artist. She is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and in her spare time she volunteers in the Restoration Department of Shea’s Performing Arts Center, and in the Publications and Marketing Committee of the Kenmore Village Improvement Society.
Nest is located at 443 Delaware Avenue. For more information, please call Brooke Pelc at (716) 923-7000.
Stylish STEAMPUNK Decor
Steampunk is…
-”an approach to combine the past with the future” (S.C.)
-a combination of style and functionality
-elements of science fiction or fantasy
-based on a Victorian perspective
-novel and trendy
-polished brass, steel, iron, wood, leather, and so much more!
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This office interior enhances steampunk elements to the max!
This steampunk decor can a create a unique atmosphere 
