Beautiful Warmth
This beautiful bathroom incorporates some of my favorite elements. The clients wanted a sleeker take on “coastal decor” and the rugged beauty of driftwood is mimicked at the floating sink bases with “split wallnut timber”, a very sustainable new door style from Plato Woodwork. The easy care stone look porcelain tile is beach-y with the mixed hues of sand that give a timeless appeal to this new take on coastal. I love it all but one of my favorite elements is the towel warmer on the wall! This sleek piece from Runtal is a radiator as well as a way to get your towels toasty on a chilly morning. The Runtal products come in a wide variety of colors and styles that eliminates so many design dilemmas when remodeling. There are hydronic models as shown in the bathroom above as well as quite a variety of electric models as shown in the pictures below provided by Runtal. Heat is of course a necessity but rethink it and make your warmth beautiful.
🙂 Toni
HouzzTV “Small Kitchen Gets Big Kitchen Style” featuring Toni Sabatino
Creating dream kitchens for single family palaces is a good portion of my work. Giving that expansive feel to a smaller footprint is a challenge I enjoy as well. To do that I really need to feel how you function. I want to feel how you live and interact. I want to create a space that has room for kids’ art, pet bowls, Costco runs, phone chargers, PTA calendars and still suits all your entertaining needs. I want to know who is cooking what and when so we have a tv for the morning news or easy access to the outdoor bar-b-q. I want to know if wine storage is important or if a built-in coffee system would really make your kitchen special and keep you from running out to Starbucks in your yellow fuzzy robe! Feeding our family and friends really feeds our soul and makes us happy. I want to help you outfit your kitchen to make the most of home celebrations and everyday living.
So, here I am with Ellen, talking about how we made her kitchen function for her specific needs.
My great appreciation for the work of Rick Spence and deepest thanks to the team at Houzz.com for featuring me in this promotional video.
NYC, TNBTA, Inspiration and Artistic Expression…
As if spending an evening with my son Rick, amidst Warhol, Picasso and Chagall wasn’t enough, the Martin Lawrence Gallery was the stage for The Noise Beneath The Apple, TNBTA , book party celebrating the independent artists performing on the streets and nooks and crannies of NYC. The festivities included an excerpt reading, some live performances and a fun pop-up photo booth from DeckNYC.
The Noise Beneath the Apple is my coveted new coffee table book and so much more! It encompasses that amazing feeling I get when listening to a performer sharing music for the love of music and it was my pleasure to be a part of this amazing scene. From classical violin to hip hop to tribal baroque, you can find it here. It brings me back to my love affair with New York City, where old world grandeur meets the avant-garde and creativity is king. The nod to the best of pre-war New York Gold Coast traditional with big molding and intricate millwork details that is becoming more popular with the release of Gatsby is a great backdrop for colorful modern art, funky housewares like those found in the shop at the MOMA, eclectic furnishings and rugs made from recycled fibers. Creating a passionate artistic blend is my way of setting that tone for a space you can really live in.
—madcap and portrait by DeckNYC
KBIS and the Big (not so?) Easy…..
Well, after 30 years in the Kitchen and Bath business, I attended my first KBIS or Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. I have to say that New Orleans was friendly and the show was a great experience for me. But being in the midst of organizing ongoing projects, straightening out a new website, assisting in the planning of a close friends 50th birthday surprise dinner and various other family responsibilities, meant that running off to New Orleans was not so easy. But, it was well worth it!
I hit the ground running to make a dinner at Emeril’s, a foodie hot spot from renowned chef Emeril Legasse, with a client. The following day, spent with my peers and leaders in the industry was exhilarating and a great reminder of what I love about this business. The opening speech from John Morgan provided a historical perspective on the NKBA, bringing to the forefront what we, as designers, mean to the home and family life in our society. Seeing the innovations like Kohler’s Moxie blue tooth shower head, the beautiful new Brizo faucets and the array of richly textured tiles from Susan Jablon inspired me to seek the best of the best to present to you, when creating those spaces that are so all important in your home and makes you feel good. Here I am, at the QuEx CONNEX LIFE photo booth, laughing with joy that I actually made it to our industry’s show of shows.
ToniSabatinoStyle.com toni@tonisabatinostyle.com 516-972-5455
Celebration Style
Last night I had the pleasure of attending a wedding celebration. The attention to detail was amazing, as can be seen by the hand sown ribbon tablecloth pictured. This reminded me of a few years back when my lovely daughter was planning her wedding celebration. The dress shopping, the table settings and most of all the cake! I remember pulling out my tape measure and explaining to the baker that a five foot cake was as big as she was! Style has be personal and comfortable. People with great style wear their lives like they wear their clothes. There is a casual grace because it all just fits. Here is some ELISE SABATINO style. http://thebridescafe.com/index.cfm?q=elise+and+giovanni Enjoy!! Photos by Sara France Photography.
TONI SABATINO toni@tonisabatinostyle.com 516-972-5455
Thanks to K+BB for recognizing my work!
I am thrilled to be on page 72 of the K+BB Magazine April 2013 KBIS editiion! The recognition means so much after designing over a thousand kitchens over the years, in everything from local firehouse to some single family palaces. I love kitchens! The kitchen is where the action is. Friends are celebrated with food and drink. Firemen share stories over a pot of spaghetti and meatballs. Intimate news of love, life and true confessions are all shared at the sink during cleanup after a holiday meal. Interior Design is truly my passion and I love to start with the kitchen to transform a shelter dwelling to a stylish, comfortable home. Thanks again to Janet Groeber at K+BB Magazine for giving me the platform to share my love for design. http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_201304/index.php#/74
TONI SABATINO toni@tonisabatinostyle.com 516-972-5455
Happy Easter and the growth of spring…….
As a spiritual person, believing in all teachers of all faiths, I love Easter and all it signifies: rebirth, growth, love for humanity and thankfulness. This basket for a child, includes a perennial because this signifies all that is wonderful to me about spring. I really look forward to the sprouts after the thaw, and always take some time to assess what seeds I have planted and what new growth will come this season. Career growth equals personal growth, monetary rewards and personal freedom. This season I am blessed with budding business growth and thankful to Kim Kuhteubl for the business blueprint and coaching that has enabled me to make my garden grow.
This week my name links to my gardening board on pinterest. Hope you enjoy!
TONI SABATINO toni@tonisabatinostyle.com 516-972-5455
Magic, mayhem and my love of appliances…….
Thursday I had the pleasure of attending The Architectural Digest Home Design Show at Pier94 in the city. For me, center stage and the stars of the show, were the appliances. Among the items displayed by American Range was my favorite 60″ range with the 22″ gridlle perfect for making those big Sunday breakfasts I adore. Fhiaba takes refrigeration to a new level in my opinion, by allowing the user to change certain segments from refrigeration to freezer or vice versa in a matter of 2 hours–ordinary magic, indeed.
Then there was Thermador , whose design and price point make it my standard for discerning clients. The Thermador booth is picturedat 6:30 pm, wine flowing and people packing themselves in. On display, the new 48″ Pro Grand Range with built in steam oven and the versatile refrigeration columns displayed with wine storage and wood panelled faces that really show off the superior hinge design.
I love appliances!
TONI SABATINO toni@tonisabatinostyle.com 516-972-5455
Happy Spring!
Living in New York with all the snow that we’ve had, I really welcome the coming of spring. The simple beauty of fresh green foliage just makes you feel good.
This windowless bathroom needed that feel good vibe so green glass tile was chosen to simulate the soothing beauty of nature and the feel of the outdoors.
Happy first day of spring!
TONI SABATINO toni@tonisabatinostyle.com 516-972-5455
St. Patrick’s Day…….
As a child, some of my fondest memories were hanging around the city with Aunt Clara. She had a beautiful voice, singing with the Oratorio Society during the season at Carnagie Hall and did a few stints at the Met. She worked as an interior decorator in Manhattan and had her own workroom on 53rd street where custom lampshades and pillows were made. I used to stretch out the window of the third floor to see the St. Patrick’s Day parade. Then off we would go to eat where Aunt Clara would order a whiskey sour because “the Irish do make great whiskey, not much for wine though”. This week marked her passing at 109 years old. Here she is wearing the green………Happy St. Patrick’s Day and God Bless…………
TONI SABATINO tonisab@optonline.net 516-972-5455
Inspiration….. when to go custom……..
I love texture and I love shine…….I am looking forward to posting about this kitchen renovation project when it is done but just had to offer a peek of what is in store……
This custom waterjet glass tile created by Ray Bernard of Finishing Touches in Huntington, NY, is just what we needed to put this kitchen over the top. Sure there are all sorts of inlays and herringbones to do in a backsplash but this art deco inspired glass pattern is clean, shiny and truly out of the ordinary….
JUST LOVE!
TONI SABATINO toni@tonisabatinostyle.com 516-972-5455
Glitterati…………
Glitz, Glam, love it all!
These pieces
will be starring in an apartment renovation on the East Side……..Supported by lush fabrics and carpets……..sure to be a hit.
TONI SABATINO toni@tonisab.com
516-972-5455
A Touch of Whimsy…….
Playful lighting can really add character to a space. “Woodland Pixie” is what comes to mind….just skipping along….spreading magic dust…….
TONI SABATINO toni@tonisabatinostyle.com 516-972-5455
Are You A Guest In Your Own Life?
Okay, so you walk in your door and are surrounded by your physical home environment. As you look around, do you find that home on your kindle says more about who you really are than what you see? Even a beautiful, professionally decorated house can feel like a hotel lobby if it isn’t personal. Having your home show your style is key to leading an authentic, fulfilling life and really provides a true sense of comfort. So how do you get there? Creating your own personal visual rhyme that makes you want to sing when you walk through the door….. That’s what I am all about…….
TONI SABATINO 516-972-5455 toni@tonisabatinostyle.com
New Traditional….. Toni Sabatino Style
New Traditional is my way of giving traditional an up-to-date vibe without trying to hide it’s conventional nature. In this Connecticut kitchen remodel, I gave a nod to time honored crystal lighting by using a pendant that displays the crystals in a new way. We also took that tradtional classic of crackled subway tile and made that new by adding a contemporary linear strip of stone and glass. The result?
New Traditional that honors the past but brings the present into view….
TONI SABATINO toni@tonisabatinostyle.com 516-972-5455
Ah so….Grasshopper…a shade of yellow is the Ben Moore color of the year…
I just heard that LEMON SORBET is the 2013 Benjamin Moore color of the year….It made me think of this nook I designed in a Hamptons playroom to highlight a fun art piece the owner had purchased years ago. Although she loved it, it didn’t have any real relevance in the home. I felt it needed a yellow backround. Setting the grasshopper in a color scheme and space where it could be appreciated reminded me of this quote from the movie KUNG FU.
Po: GRASSHOPPER, BE YOUR SELF. AND NEVER FEAR THUS TO BE NAKED TO THE EYES OF OTHERS. YET, KNOW THAT MAN SO OFTEN MASKS HIMSELF. THAT WHAT IS SIMPLE IS RARELY UNDERSTOOD. THE DUST OF TRUTH SWIRLS, AND SEEKS ITS OWN CRACKS OF ENTRY. AND A TREE FALLING IN THE FOREST, WITHOUT EARS TO HEAR, MAKES NO SOUND. YET IT FALLS.–KF
Although I am not a Kung Fu movie fan, some of the wisdom is inspiring to me……what is art without appreciation?
TONI SABATINO toni@tonisabatinostyle.com 516-972-5455
Hamptons Casual…….
There is something dreamy about the ride out to the Hamptons…. Conjuring up memories of driving my ’87 560SL up to the Mercedes tent at the Polo fields with a ballsy girlfriend and no tickets…..sipping champagne under the same tent as Ralph Lauren……
The Hamptons has that coveted high end, laid back style that you just can’t buy…..you have to feel it.
I really enjoyed creating this dining space for a family that loves living and lives loving in this sprawling summer home. Simple casual living at it’s finest…….
TONI SABATINO toni@tonisabatinostyle.com 516-972-5455
Thanks HOUZZ………Best Of 2013 for Customer Satisfaction
TONI SABATINO STYLE of New York Receives
Houzz’s 2013 ‘Best Of Remodeling’ Award
Annual Survey and Analysis of 11 Million Monthly Users
Reveals Top-Rated U.S. Professionals
Long Island, New York — January 21, 2013 – Toni Sabatino of Long Island, New York, has been awarded “Best Of Remodeling” 2013 by Houzz, the leading online platform for residential remodeling and design. Toni Sabatino, an Interior Designer, who’s new firm Toni Sabatino Style specializes in Kitchen Design and Architectural Detailing, was chosen by the more than 11 million monthly users that comprise the Houzz community.
The Houzz “Best Of Remodeling” award for 2013 is given in two categories: Customer Satisfaction and Design. Customer Satisfaction award winners are based on homeowner members who rated their experience working with remodeling professionals in 12 categories ranging from architects, and interior designers to contractors and other residential remodeling professionals. Design award winners’ work was the most popular among the community of 11 million monthly users, also known as “Houzzers,” who saved more than 124 million professional images of home interiors and exteriors to their personal ideabooks via via the Houzz site, iPad/iPhone app and Android app.
“I find Houzz to be such a brilliant concept and was thrilled to meet owner, innovator, CEO and self described ‘design junkie’ Adi Tatarko at an event in NYC,” says Sabatino. “This site is not only an online magazine but a community, a forum for learning, sharing your knowledge and exposing your work to the worldwide masses. I am thrilled to be recognized with the “Best Of Remodeling” 2013 by Houzz and to be a part of the HOUZZ community.”
“Houzz provides homeowners with an in-depth, 360-degree view of building, remodeling and design professionals through images of their work, reviews and an opportunity to interact with them directly in the Houzz community,” said Liza Hausman, vice president of community. “We’re delighted to recognize Toni Sabatino among our “Best Of” professionals for exceptional customer service as judged by our community of homeowners and design enthusiasts who are actively remodeling and decorating their homes.”
With Houzz, homeowners can identify not only the top-rated professionals like Toni Sabatino, but also those whose work matches their own aspirations for their home. Homeowners can also evaluate professionals by contacting them directly on the Houzz platform, asking questions about their work and evaluating their responses to questions from others in the Houzz community.
About Toni Sabatino of Toni Sabatino Style
My design aesthetic comes from many years of appreciating the New York experience and ALL it has to offer. From the old time grandeur of the tea room at the New York Palace, to the Art Deco beauty of the Chrysler building to the cutting edge style of the triangle atop the Citibank Building at 53rd and Lex, New York has it all. I like to create spaces with contrasting elements and color, rich in architectural themes that invoke a mood of playful sophistication and intimacy. Like my favorite city, within each space is a blend of elements. With an eye for visual array, I place each element to complement the whole and create a context for the life within. I love design and the challenge each space brings. Be it a home in the Hamptons, an office in Las Vegas, a Palm Beach golf house, a mountaintop retreat or a Manhattan apartment, I truly love it all.
About Houzz
Houzz (www.houzz.com) is a leading online platform for home remodeling, providing inspiration, information, ‘advice and support for homeowners and home improvement professionals through its website and mobile applications. Houzz features the largest residential design database in the world, articles written by design experts, product recommendations, a vibrant community powered by social tools, and information on more than 1.5 million remodeling and design professionals worldwide who can help turn ideas into reality. @houzz_inc
Family Jewels……….
We live in this crazy world of media. Instant digital photos from your phone capturing all those special moments…….Finding a place in your head and your heart for all that accumulated stuff is hard enough, but how about your home?
This Hamptons hallway needed a feature. Sure a piece of art would work but what about some of that media?
This collection of random photos declutters some lateral surfaces, inspires memories and warms the heart………….
516-972-5455
Window Seats
Window seats have always held a certain charm to me. They remind me of a childhood I would like to have had! There is some unexplained expectation the outside world offers from the comfy safety of that vantage point. Awkward walls, due to doorways and traffic flow that cannot hold a couch or pair of chairs can become a focal point by adding some shelves and creating that cozy extra seating that is perfect for sitting and dreaming on a rainy day…………
516-972-5455
New Year…..same old stuff?
I love display. (definition: to present or hold up to view)…and I love to arrange the display…. The actual arrangement makes each one of a group or collection special. Looking through your stuff and invigorating a room by creating a display area is a great way to celebrate your life and the New Year. Select the items and then create an array that draws the eye by varying the height and color and make something visually interesting. Artful arrangements of books, photos, momentos of travels, musical instruments, trophies, sculptures, teapots or even antique iron doorstops can be an effective way to give a space an air of intimacy and truly make it personal and inviting. Here is a collection of objects I have had the pleasure to display in a bookshelf I felt would add warmth and declutter a family room mantle. I hope you are inspired to go up to the attic or down to the basement and pull out that stuff you secretly love but have no idea what to do with………
TONI SABATINO toni@tonisabatinostyle.com 516-972-5455
Because We Need a Little Christmas, Right This Very Minute…….
Decorating this grand and stylish home for the Holidays each year has become part of my Christmas tradition. The Christmas tree, in particular, is always so special. When we started, 10 years ago, the tree had a grand, department store look, with huge, gold dipped pine cones, bows of ribbon and sparkly, red garland. As the years have passed, the addition of paper angels and stars, class pictures attached to paper trees, and the like, have adorned the tree and given it an intimate family feel. The pride and joy seen in the eyes of the child artisans as I climb the ladder and hang their wares in places of importance, really warms my heart. So go ahead! Hang up those paper wreaths made with love and “Have yourself a merry little Christmas NOW!”
Holidays………..Sabatino Style…..
Well, another Holiday Season is upon us and again I find myself feeling grateful for all the joy the season brings. I remind myself to slow down, smell the gingerbread, and try not to do it all in one day. Having two adult children on different sides of the country, and making time for all those in what I refer to as our “OPEN family”, (as someone that experienced divorce as an adult and a child I do not like the term “broken family”), is a balancing act that can actually add to the fun . Traveling out west to bake cookies with my daughter and grandson and creating a holiday meal in her home is a special joy even if it is a week and a half before Christmas Day. Seeing my grandson proudly smile as we displayed all the homemade decorations and watching him lick the chocolate from his fingers as we decorated gingerbread men will be memories I will always cherish. Christmas day will be spent with my son, mother and our crew back in New York… and each day in between will be spent wishing friends, associates and strangers, too, all the joy the season brings… MERRY CHRISTMAS!……….
Red Accents
I love red! The warm, vibrant, spicy feel of red can make such a dramatic difference in a room. Faced with a tall viually imposing wall, I chose to add molding details and touches of red to add visual interest. The pattern on the wall creates relevance and balance by framing the art work and sconces. This staircase had started with an ordinary brown oak and black iron railing. Removing the wood tops of the ballisters and adding decorative glass balls added some whimsical detail to the railing and the red paint with some metallic accenting really give it a custom feel. Repeating this vibrant accent color creates a relationship with the other red accents in the space giving the open floorplan a visual flow.
TONI SABATINO tonisab@optonline.net 516-972-5455
tonisab 