The built-in wall shelving in Ryder’s kitchen is both functional and chic.

Girl, Interrupted star, Winona Ryder has a rustic, Spanish-feel to her cozy kitchen.  The brick backsplash ties in perfectly with the light wood-grained countertop and neutral tones.  Ryder keeps this kitchen decor clutter-free with simple details, such as glass containers and chrome accents.

Laid back and city chic, Ellen Pompeo’s kitchen seems to be a comfortable and welcoming environment.

McDreamy may not be in Grey’s Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo’s kitchen, but it’s still well accessorized.  Her welcoming kitchen is perfect for a night of friends and comfortable hosting.  The roomy shelving and personal touches add a relaxed artistic vibe that is completely original and refreshing.  If you are looking for a design similar to this, take your time when collecting pieces for your kitchen for a sense of style that is all your own.

The high ceilings and large windows are refreshing in Ryan’s kitchen.

Romance film queen Meg Ryan is quirky, classic, and loveable, and her kitchen exudes the same tone!  The high ceilings and tall windows welcome light, and clear glass jars with bright fruits catch your eye.  The seemingly vintage island and chair look like Meg’s perfect place to review scripts or read a great book with a warm cup of tea.  All in all, this kitchen is romantic and classic.

The colorful tile ties into the island table and gives a great vintage feel to Barrymore’s kitchen.

The cheerful and quirky actress Drew Barrymore is known to have a home that completely resonates with her free-spirit whimsy.  The soft yellow island and checkered tiling gives the kitchen a refreshing beam.  Check out her  hidden storage beneath the island between the chairs!  Barrymore’s kitchen maintains a crisp feel amidst the retro-chic with a touch of chrome, and glossy wooden countertops.

Which kitchen do you love best?  Stay tuned for more sneak peeks into celebrity homes on Art Tatta Real Estate!

Golden Globe-winner Brad Pitt spends his time off-set in this open kitchen.  Complete with bamboo flooring, this kitchen has a fresh, natural feel.  Though Pitt’s kitchen has chrome appliances, the neutral palette and earthy flooring keeps the decor scheme relaxed.   If you would like your kitchen to open into the dining area, consider a loft!

Bruce Willis has an elegant kitchen with amazing lighting.

Bruce Willis has a kitchen that is elegant and classic.  Willis’ design incorporates modern aesthetics while keeping focus on the natural floors.  The high ceilings are accentuated with carefully positioned lighting, giving the room shape and personality.  Tip:  Well-lit rooms seem larger!

Leonardo DiCaprio’s kitchen has a neutral palette.

Step into Leonardo DiCaprio’s spacious kitchen!  The island’s sneaky stove compartment is functional and quirky!  DiCaprio’s kitchen opens up into a bright and cheerful living room, ideal for hosting!  When designing the layout of your kitchen, incorporating a functional island is a great commodity!

Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith’s kitchen has an island feel.  With different textures both in the wood inlay, as well as the tile backsplash, this kitchen has great detail.  The wooden ceiling beams are beautiful, and add extra intrigue to the room’s architectural structure.  The shape of the kitchen counter/breakfast nook is simply lovely.

Next week:  Cooking with A-List Actresses

Jennifer Aniston’s cozy and welcoming bedroom.

Actress Jennifer Aniston’s bedroom is quiet and calming.  Her modern approach of minimalist design is simple in its use of space.  The color palate of warm earthy tones is welcoming and lovely.  When decorating your bedroom, consider making the bed the focal point of the room.

The details in Mariah Carey’s bedroom reflect her signature feminine style.

Celebrated singer Mariah Carey’s bedroom is filled with luxurious details.  The cream base color allows Carey the space to redecorate easily, if she wishes.  Consider a neutral base when decorating your bedroom for maximum design potential.  The feminine details in Mariah Carey’s room make for a whimsical dreamspace.

Elton John’s bedroom is spacious and bright.

Elton John’s bright bedroom is cheery and vibrant!  The sliding glass doors open the room up to create the illusion of a larger space, and the red really pops.  The reflective ceiling welcomes more light into the room, creating an overall cheerful and energetic feeling.  Try building your color palette around a favorite work of art for hues that meld together seamlessly.

This lavender bedroom belongs to rock and roll icon Ozzy Osbourne and wife Sharon.

The bedroom of Black Sabbath’s Ozzy Osbourne and wife Sharon is a shiny lavender living space, which is definitely unexpected.  Take note of the wall detail that adds to the overall tone of the romantic decor.  The lighting fixture above the bed adds extra interest to the bright palette.  Add a lighthearted touch to your bedroom with a color that breaks away from the rest of your home’s decor; your bedroom is just for you after all!

10.  Rosland Cottage, Woodstock, CT 

Built in 1846 in the newly fashionable Gothic Revival style, Roseland Cottage depicts the summer life of Henry and Lucy Bowen and their young family. Prominently situated across from the town common, Roseland Cottage epitomizes Gothic Revival architecture, with its steep gables, decorative barge boards, and ornamented chimney pots. The interior of Roseland Cottage is equally colorful, and features elaborate wall coverings, heavily patterned carpets, and stained glass, much of which survives unchanged from the Victorian era.

9.  Noah Webster House, West Hartford, CT

Webster’s birthplace helps to tell the story of one man’s vision and his impact on American culture. Through the promotion of education, laws, human rights, and language, Noah Webster helped to create a national identity for a fledgling nation.; Though he accomplished much more during his life, Webster is best remembered for authoring two of America’s most influential books, the “Blue-Backed Speller” and An American Dictionary of the English Language.

8.  Lockwood-Mathews Mansion, Norwalk, CT

A National Historic Landmark since 1971, the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is regarded as one of the earliest and most significant Second Empire Style country houses in the United States. Built by renowned financier and railroad baron LeGrand Lockwood, during and shortly after the Civil War years, (1864 to 1868), the mansion, with its unparalleled Gilded Age interiors and furniture, illustrates magnificently the beauty and splendor of the Victorian Era.

7.  Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, Hartford, CT

A visit to the Stowe Center begins with the Harriet Beecher Stowe House, a charming Victorian Gothic Revival home (1871), and includes Victorian-style gardens, the Katharine Seymour Day House (1884), a grand mansion adjacent to the Stowe House and the Stowe Visitor Center (1873), with changing exhibitions and the museum store.

6.  Nathan Hale Homestead, Coventry, CT

The Nathan Hale Homestead was the home of the family of State Hero, Nathan Hale. Constructed in 1776, the current house is the second dwelling built on the property. Nathan’s father, Richard Hale, was a prosperous livestock farmer and built the house for his large family. Ardent patriots, six of Richard’s eight sons served in the patriot army. One son, Capt. Nathan Hale was caught and hanged as a spy at age 21 by the British in September of 1776. He is famous for his alleged last words, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country”.

5.  Gillette Castle State Park, East Haddam, CT

Atop the most southerly hill in a chain known as the Seven Sisters, William Hooker Gillette, noted actor, director, and playwright, built this one hundred and eighty-four acre estate, the Seventh Sister. The focal point of his effort was a twenty four room mansion reminiscent of a medieval castle.

4.  Thomas Lee House, East Lyme, CT

The Thomas Lee House, c.1660, is one of the oldest wood frame houses in Connecticut in its primitive state. The original dwelling consisted of a timber frame erected on six 2-story wall posts, with the Judgement Hall below and the Chamber above. A steeply pitched roof covered a spacious attic over the chamber. A small stone walled cellar pit under part of the hall was reached through a trap door. A massive fireplace with timber lintel spanned most of the west wall. Around 1700 the West Parlor and West Chamber were added as a free standing structure framed on its own four corner posts. About 1765 , the lean-to with the Kitchen and its adjoining rooms were added. The West Parlor was plastered, the summer beam and chimney girt were sheathed, and the paneling formerly on the plastered walls was reused in the lean-to. New paneling, with four flute pilasters was added on the fireplace wall. Today the house is maintained and furnished as it would have been in the 18th century.

3.  Pratt House Museum, Essex, CT

Seven generations of the Pratt family lived here continuously from 1701 until 1915. Originally built in 1701 by John Pratt Jr., the house has been added on to and changed to meet the needs of the family, and social changes as the village moved from an agrarian society to one in which the building of sailing ships dominated. It is furnished with 18th and 19th century antiques. The 2 acre property also includes a kitchen garden and barn. It is owned and run by the Essex Historical Society.

2.  Stanley-Whitman House, Farmington, CT

The Post Medieval-style house is a rare surviving example of early New England architecture, reminiscent of houses the early Colonists had known in England. A center chimney flanked by parlor and hall with two chambers above provided both living and storage space. The Colonists built houses from wood, the plentiful resource in the area, and used post and beam construction for the frame. The second floor extends beyond the first on the front facade, creating an overhang. The original purpose of the overhang is unknown, but it did provide more space in the upper chambers.

1.  Putnam Cottage, Greenwich, CT

This bright red house on the Boston Post Road has had a long and colorful history. It was originally built in the 17th century and has grown over the years into its current size and shape. During this time, a number of elements have both been added and removed from the structure. The result is the current building that reflects the changing attitudes of the various owners who have lived and worked there, rather than just those of the original owners and builders. It is not a static object from the 17th century, but a dynamic building that reflects the whole period of its existence.

One important consideration is the age of the other residents in a retirement community.  If you are in your mid-50s and the current residents’ ages average in the mid-80s, you may want to keep looking.  The types of activities offered in the community can give you a good idea of the habits of your potential neighbors.  Is there a focus on physical activities, or more sedentary hobbies?

Visit a community several times and look closely at the little things.  Is the community well maintained, open, and friendly?  Facilities should be tidy and clean and residences should look as if they have been cared for and kept updated.  The community should look neat but not be uncomfortably restrictive on details.  For example, everyone may be required to have the same mailbox or keep their yard maintained within certain guidelines but be able to plant the flowers they love best or keep a vegetable garden.

You should also ask yourself if a specific community will encourage you to stay active and young or will contribute to a slower, more isolated lifestyle.  With this in mind, consider if the community is close to your family and friends or other favorite places.  Will you still be able to easily pursue your favorite hobbies or live with a cherished pet?  Does the community sponsor a wide variety of events, activities, and social opportunities that appeal to you?  When you visit, do your potential neighbors seem friendly or reserved?  If the feeling of a community isn’t right for you, keep looking!

If you plan to have grandchildren visit often, it’s a good idea to ask about a retirement community’s policies regarding children.  Some places limit the amount of time children can stay with residents or may not have facilities where children can play and keep themselves entertained.  A community that tends to cater to residents who prefer peace and quiet over the pitter-patter of little feet may not be right for doting grandparents.

While none of us like to think of the days when we may not be totally independent, it’s important to look far down the road when choosing a retirement community.  Try to find a balance between having your wants and needs met today as well as twenty or thirty years down the road.  Does the community have resources to help seniors get around once they are no longer able to drive?  Are the homes or apartments going to be accessible to you in the future if your mobility is decreased?  What other facilities or features does the community offer to those residents who are older and need a bit more assistance?  It is important to think long-term when selecting a retirement community.

Last, but not least, be sure you are aware of all costs associated with a retirement community.  Most retirees live on a fixed income; knowing what monthly expenses to expect is very important.  Don’t assume your association dues cover all of the perks!  Activities and classes may be extra or some fees may be in addition to regular dues.  Make sure to read all of the details and speak to other residents in order to avoid surprises down the road.

The Classic Christmas

Actress Tiffani Thiessen of the popular television shows Saved By The Bell and Beverly Hills 90210, opted for a classic Christmas ensemble to dress up her open living room.

Tiffani Thiessen’s open space welcomes a cozy Christmas!

Tiffani Thiessan’s classic Christmas decor.

The garland encircling the high beams of Thiessen’s house draw the eye upwards, and completely envelop you in a winter wonderland.  To recreate this look, gather your favorite Christmas keepsakes, white Christmas lights, and visit your local Christmas tree farm for natural embellishments!

A Winter Wonderland

Bright and energetic Kendra Wilkinson’s holiday decor is colorful and fun!  This reality television personality and businesswoman’s blue Christmas tree paired with white garland along the foyer’s staircase welcomes guests into a world of whimsy.

Kendra Wilkinson’s colorful winter wonderland is fun and festive!

To keep the look from becoming too adolescent, the decorators have only incorporated white lighting.

Step into Kendra’s living room where disco is the word!  This groovy holiday scene is fit for hosting a lively winter celebration as well as a light hearted Christmas morning!

 An Opulent Holiday

Tiki Barber, former NFL running back for the New York Giants has an opulent home that welcomes the holiday season.  Taking a classic Christmas motif to the next level, Barber’s interior decorator indulges in layering lights and glass ornaments to draw in the eye.

If you have a fireplace that you would like to center your room’s Christmas decor around, take care to integrate all parts of the scene with a unifying theme!  The rich use of red is refreshing and exciting in this fireplace decor.

Make your mantel a focal point.

The Gifting Table is an excellent idea if you are hosting a holiday party!  If you are looking for a space filling option, wrapping a box in ornate holiday paper with a gaudy bow is always a great idea.

Happy holidays from Art Tatta & his team!

There’s something so peaceful and calming about a library.  Maybe it’s the weight of all the knowledge contained in the books, or the quiet atmosphere created by a home library.  Everything about it invites you to relax with a book and temporarily step into another world.  A home library is the ideal retreat for any book lover!

If you long to add a library to your home but don’t want to commit an entire room to your books, it’s possible to create a quiet reading spot or library feel in other areas of the home.  Consider adding built-in bookshelves to an accent wall or transforming an unused closet into a reading nook.  I also like the idea of combining the dining room with the library, making your books easily accessible to the family and giving you a spot to enjoy coffee, a casual breakfast, and a great book all at the same time.  With a little imagination and a good carpenter, you can have a wonderful library right in your own home!

Another way to incorporate a library-like feel, or simply to give yourself more room for books, is to add bookshelves in unexpected places.  Look for ways to make better use of space or think about how to add shelving to the room where you spend the most time.  Use a dramatic background color in your shelves or dress them up with decorative accents to add even more interest to a room.

There are so many clever ways to add a library of any size to your home!

]]> http://arttatta.com/2013/11/creative-home-libraries/feed/ 0 http://arttatta.com/2013/11/celebrity-living-room-inspiration/ http://arttatta.com/2013/11/celebrity-living-room-inspiration/#comments Tue, 12 Nov 2013 17:12:57 +0000 http://connecticutliving.net/arttattarealestate/?p=596 Creating a welcoming and chic living room is vital for setting the right mood and introduction to your home.  A place of socializing, oftentimes located in the center of the house, you can say the living room is the heart of the home.  To inspire you, this week’s feature is Celebrity Living Room Inspiration!

The high ceilings and detailed floorwork set the stage for a fresh open layout  in actor Bruce Willis’ home.  To create intrigue in your ceilings, add an ornate light fixture.  If you are looking to create the illusion of space, avoid any dark color schemes when choosing your palate.

Bruce Willis’ living room.

Supermodel Cheryl Teigs’ living room takes you to an exotic realm of mysticism and opulence.  This combination of Earth tones and detailed fabrics and textures creates a relaxing and otherwordly feel.  To recreate this look, opt for warm tones, and eclectic accessories.  Let your pieces find their way together through the organized chaos of height balance and strategic placement of focal points.

Supermodel Cheryl Tiegs’ living room.

Take a walk on the wild side in actress Drew Barrymore’s jungle study!  Notice the balance of light and dark between the rich woods  and smooth cream hues.  If you have a room with a hearty wood structure, lighten the mood with light fabrics and lots of light!  The depth of Barrymore’s ocean painting above the mantel is a great alternative to a mirror, which would also create the illusion of a larger, brighter room.

Actress Drew Barrymore’s living room.

Don’t know where to start with your color palate?  BAM!  Wipe the slate clean and begin with whites as shown in chef Emeril Lagasse’s living room.  This living room is refreshing, elegant, and welcoming.  Looking for a similar style in your home?  Choose quality pieces carefully.

BAM! Emeril Lagasse’s living room!

10 Main St Unit 404, Berlin.

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES

REO (BANK FORECLOSURES)

which is the second area of expertise in asset marketing, management, and sales.  This side of my business has afforded me a unique perspective on the sale of existing homes.  This is a much faster paced segment of the market which requires forward thinking and accurate evaluation of price and condition.  The perspectives I have gained serving this industry has enabled me to better understand market shifts and changes which, in turn, can benefit those private homeowners I work with.

Art Tatta can be reached at the Middletown office at 860-638-4221 or by e mail at arttatta@prudentialct.com.