By Michele Deluca
Niagara Gazette
BUFFALO —
When professional designers create a decorated space they want those who visit that space to say,” I never thought of doing it like that.”
That’s what a pair of Niagara County sisters hope people will say when they walk through the show house at the Buffalo Home and Garden Show which runs today and next weekend at the Buffalo Convention Center.
Jennifer Fetison and Michelle Bailey, owners of F&S Design Studios in Buffalo, are leading efforts to create “The Little Big House,” at the show, which will highlight innovative design in small spaces.
The pair are also among designers showcasing their work in the show home, and will be responsible for creating an outdoor dining room from 300 square feet of space.
“We’re showcasing how to use hardscape materials, container arrangements, and outdoor fabric to make an additional room or extension of your home,” said Fetison.
The show house, which is more of a network of walls than an actual roofed structure, will be about 2,000 square feet and include the work of a variety of area designers from the Interior Design Association of Western New York. Some of the highlights include a see-through fireplace from kitchen to great room, and a dog wash location.
They are hoping that those who are inspired by the spaces will think about hiring the designers who created them.
“I think this year people are going to be able to walk through and take away even more than they’ve ever done before,” said Michelle. “The consumer is going to realize how much thought needs to go into a space.
They’re going to walk through and think I’ve never thought to do that.”
Jennifer added, “We’re showcasing ideas and innovative thinking. The thing that makes any interior designer good at what they do is they can see the potential in any space.”
The IDA is also auctioning off a special “Really Little House,” child’s playhouse. The playhouse, which is valued at about $9,000 is being raffled off for $2 tickets. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Ronald McDonald House.
Beyond the show house, the Home and Garden Show features hundreds of contractors and businesses from Western New York. The show, which began on Friday, will run today until 6 p.m. and then resume next Friday through Sunday at the Buffalo Convention Center. For more information visit buffalohomeshow.com. Those who buy tickets online can save $3 per ticket. Tickets are $10 at the door. Children 6 through 12 are $3.
