Here Are the Best Home & Garden Businesses in Westchester

This article showcases three exquisite backyard designs in Westchester, each tailored to maximize outdoor living and entertainment, featuring stunning pools, thoughtfully designed pool houses, and harmonious landscaping. The first project, located in Rye, involved transforming a challenging topography into a naturally inviting refuge. The homeowners, having relocated from the Midwest with a desire for a pool and ample lawn, enlisted Sean Jancski Landscape Architects. The primary design objective was to create a pool environment that respected and integrated with the landscape's natural features, particularly the steep slopes and boulder outcroppings. The solution was an elevated infinity-edge pool, strategically placed to avoid disturbing the existing significant natural elements. The infinity edge provides a seamless view of a lush, forested area, complemented by a mix of perennials, beach grasses, and evergreens for year-round visual interest. A spectacular pool house/cabana, blending traditional and farmhouse styles, further enhances this outdoor sanctuary, equipped with a kitchenette, bathroom, and laundry facilities. The second featured backyard in Scarsdale is an idyllic oasis designed for a family of four who prioritize home-based entertainment and relaxation. Choura Architecture, with Gail Bishop of Thunder Hill Landscape Architecture & Garden Design, crafted a welcoming outdoor space with versatile areas and easy home access. The design overcame the challenge of the land's topography by incorporating a uniquely bent pool that follows the natural contours of a gentle slope. This slope is retained by a curved natural-stone wall, which also serves as seating, creating an amphitheater-like effect. The serene atmosphere is further enhanced by a modern fountain integrated into the stone wall, providing soothing sounds of flowing water. Two inviting, columned, covered porches extend from the classic Georgian-style house, offering dining and sitting areas with cheerful red-cushioned furniture. An expansive patio includes a dining table with a vibrant ocher-yellow umbrella, chaise lounges, and a specialized outdoor cooking area for the owner, a professional chef. The third backyard, a waterside sanctuary in Larchmont, was designed for an active family with teenage and young adult children, aiming for relaxing and large-gathering spaces. Zavaglia Associates handled the landscape/exterior design, with M. Partellow, Inc. and Arlene Pilson Interior Designs collaborating on the pool house. The property boasts expansive water views of an inlet in a conservancy area, which the design sought to highlight. A key objective was to unify the home's varied architectural elements and introduce a contemporary, resort-like feel to the outdoor spaces. The main challenge was integrating the outdoor elements to create a cohesive look, given the home's construction in stages with diverse architectural influences. The perfect pool house, designed to naturally blend with the surroundings, fulfills the clients' requests for a large screened porch, changing room, bathroom, living room, and kitchen. Luxurious outdoor furniture, including a Janus et Cie poolside daybed and a Brown Jordan L-shaped couch, provides comfortable spots for lounging and gathering, completing these beautiful al fresco escapes. #BackyardDesign #OutdoorLiving #PoolDesign #LandscapeArchitecture #HomeRenovation #LuxuryHomes #WestchesterHomes #GardenDesign #PoolHouse

Landscape designer Kathy Moreau emphasizes creating immersive outdoor spaces rather than mere visual spectacles. Her approach, termed "total immersion," focuses on engaging all five senses to draw individuals fully into the landscape, as exemplified by her work on a lakeside bungalow in northern Westchester County. Moreau, through her practice Verdant View, combines her expertise in horticulture and design, allowing her to select the most appropriate plants for any given environment, with a particular affinity for native species and their ecological benefits. This philosophy was central to her design for the Craftsman-style lakefront property, where she collaborated closely with the client, an enthusiastic gardener herself. Moreau's initial task involved transforming a simple rectangular swimming pool area. The existing coping was bordered only by crabgrass leading to a retaining wall. Her solution introduced a "brocade" of groundcovers, including creeping thyme, stonecrop, and Irish moss, alongside annual vinca, to create a textured, walkable, and playable surface. This transformation encouraged the family to interact more frequently with the revitalized space. Beyond the pool, Moreau extended her design to the lake's horizon, framing the view with a diverse array of perennials and shrubs. She integrated irises with existing daylilies and added wand flowers, garden phlox, sedum, Russian sage, asters, cimicifuga, and lady's mantle to create an animated and visually rich experience. At the water's edge, near the dock, Moreau planted rudbeckias and helianthus to attract pollinators and extend the blooming season, complementing these additions with a rustic wood gate for a sense of enclosure. To encourage outdoor living, she designed a dining area close to the house, shaded by a pergola adorned with grapevines and 'New Dawn' roses, ensuring a fragrant environment throughout the growing season. This area is further sheltered by 'Annabelle' hydrangeas and lilacs, contributing to both texture and aroma. The front entrance also received attention, with a dense interplay of ferns and creeping phlox, subtly edged with blue-eyed grass for a burst of purple flowers from spring to midsummer. Moreau's design philosophy culminates in dynamic, memorable landscapes that evolve over time and continuously engage the homeowners. The goal is to inspire residents to deeply connect with their outdoor environment, perhaps even to the point of removing their shoes and wading into the garden. The project details also highlight the involvement of Verdant View for landscape design services by Katherine Moreau and Fedele Landscaping for implementation, both operating out of Westchester County, New York, reinforcing the regional focus of the article. #LandscapeDesign #GardenImmersion #WestchesterGardens #NativePlants #OutdoorLiving #Horticulture #SensoryGardens #PerennialGardens #LakesideProperty

The article introduces the 2024 'Extraordinary Faces of Home,' a compilation of talented and experienced professionals in the home design and renovation industry in Westchester. These individuals and businesses are recognized for their passion and expertise in creating beautiful and comfortable living spaces. The featured companies span various aspects of home improvement, from interior design to exterior landscaping. Blinds To Go, for instance, specializes in custom window treatments, offering a wide array of blinds, shades, shutters, and drapery. Their design consultants assist clients in selecting materials and colors that align with personal style and budget, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and functionality. All products and services come with a lifetime warranty, highlighting their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. California Closets focuses on custom storage solutions for various areas of the home, including closets, entertainment centers, mudrooms, and home offices. They emphasize superior craftsmanship and innovative designs that optimize organization and space, allowing clients more time for personal pursuits. Their process involves expert design consultation and custom manufacturing in their Westchester plant, followed by timely installation. Ai Bo Gallery presents a curated collection of contemporary fine art, featuring sculptures, photography, glass, mixed media, and paintings from emerging and established artists worldwide. Owner Glenn Aber’s passion for art, particularly from Vietnam, China, and Southeast Asia, is evident in the gallery's diverse offerings, which cater to both homeowners and interior designers seeking unique pieces. Cara Saven Wall Design, led by Caronine Garbutt, offers bespoke wallcoverings. Their team customizes designs to fit unique wall shapes, adjust colors and scales, or create entirely new patterns. Their extensive e-catalogue features over 2,000 designs, available on various substrates, including wallpaper, fabrics, and roller shades, serving interior designers, corporate clients, and residential projects. TT Interiors, founded by Tanya Tochner, provides personalized luxury interior design services. Tanya's approach is centered on listening to clients to create spaces that are both beautiful and functional, reflecting their unique personalities and styles. The services range from complete renovations to full interior design, operating as a division of ROCKS Jewelry Gifts Home. Kanter’s Carpet & Home is known for its luxurious flooring solutions. Under the leadership of Brian Kanter and his team, this 75-year-old family business offers an extensive selection of carpeting, custom area rugs, hardwood, LVP, and window treatments. They are trusted by interior designers and discerning homeowners for their impeccable design and quality. Nationwide Maintenance & General Contracting Inc., spearheaded by Marcie Manfredonia, specializes in exceptional home renovations. Marcie's transition from commercial to residential projects was driven by a desire to create meaningful and personalized spaces that evoke joy, peace, and love for individual homeowners, fostering long-lasting client relationships. Henry B. Whitaker Garage Doors, now run by third-generation owners Casarra and Jonathan Cover, continues a legacy of custom-built garage doors. What began with limited options in 1949 has evolved to offer state-of-the-art, handmade custom wood garage doors that enhance home aesthetics. They emphasize that a garage door is a crucial first impression of a home. Morano Group Landscapes + Hardscapes is a family-owned, full-service exterior company providing design, development, maintenance, masonry, interior plantscapes, organic tree care, mature tree installation, holiday décor, and poolside landscapes for commercial and residential properties in New York and Florida. Finally, Jilco Window Corporation’s Design Team, with over 70 years of combined experience, crafts “Irresistible Kitchens.” Lou Righetti, Darrin Monaco, and Sarah Zobel work with clients to weave together personality and vision with design expertise, focusing on colors, textures, and functionality to create thoughtful and thorough kitchen designs. Overall, the article highlights these businesses as key players in transforming and enhancing homes in Westchester, each bringing unique skills and dedicated service to their respective fields. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #WindowTreatments #CustomStorage #FineArt #Wallcoverings #LuxuryFlooring #LandscapeDesign #GarageDoors #KitchenDesign #WestchesterHomes

This article highlights Westchester County's top home and garden businesses in 2021, featuring a curated list of vendors, designers, and services. It provides a comprehensive guide for individuals seeking to enhance their living spaces, covering various aspects from custom storage solutions to exotic home decor and specialized home services. Each entry details the business's offerings and its unique contributions to the home and garden sector in the region. California Closets in Hawthorne is recognized for pioneering custom closets and personalized home storage solutions, offering designs that cater to individual needs and budgets, with a showroom available for consultations. Terra Tile & Marble in Briarcliff Manor, a family-run business since 1975, specializes in unique, imported tile, stone, and marble, alongside custom fabrication services, emphasizing timeless style over fleeting trends. 22KATcorp in White Plains, led by "mompreneur" Kristin AR Larkin, offers hand-painted glassware and workshops, with a portion of profits dedicated to charity. Bilotta Kitchen & Home, with showrooms in Mount Kisco and Mamaroneck, is acclaimed for its superior designs in contemporary, transitional, and traditional kitchen and bathroom remodels, building on over three decades of family-owned operation. Robison Oil in Port Chester, celebrating its 100th anniversary, provides extensive home-systems services, including heating oil, biofuel, natural gas, electricity, cooling, indoor air quality improvement, and mold testing, supported by a mobilized team of technicians. Fofie & Mia’s in Larchmont is presented as a unique furniture store offering an innovative mix of vintage, designer, and custom pieces crafted by an on-site artisan, with an ever-changing inventory of furniture, lighting, and home accessories. LEICHT in Mount Kisco is highlighted for its luxury kitchen designs, providing 100% customizable options with a wide array of finishes, door styles, cabinet hardware, and lighting, backed by a dedicated team. Advance Lighting in Larchmont, launched by Raymond Barclay, is a new lighting store offering a diverse selection of fixtures, chandeliers, lamps, and lampshades, specializing in cleaning, restoration, and rewiring services. Feed the Birds in Croton-on-Hudson caters to backyard birding enthusiasts, offering avian accessories such as birdhouses, heated birdbaths, seeds, feeders, books, and toys, with owners who are experts in the field and prioritize USA-made products. The Souk at Maisonette in Larchmont provides global home decor, featuring unique items like trade beads from Ghana, Japanese incense, Moroccan carpets, and Egyptian lighting fixtures, for those seeking exotic and affordable finds. BOW&ROSE; Floral Studio in Port Chester specializes in creating floral arrangements for various emotional events, capable of crafting unique details like vintage tea set arrangements or festive themed bouquets. The studio offers retail purchases and design services for weddings and other events. The article also includes a "Readers’ Picks" section, listing additional top businesses across various home and garden categories, including antiques stores, apartment buildings and developers, architects, closet organizers, fabric shops, flooring shops, frame shops, furniture stores, garden centers, general contractors, hardware stores, home accessories, home stagers, interior designers, kitchen/bath design and fixtures, landscape designers, light fixture stores, moving companies, roofers, swimming pool companies, tile selection, tree care, and window treatment shops. #WestchesterHomeAndGarden #HomeImprovement #InteriorDesign #CustomClosets #KitchenAndBathDesign #HomeDecor #Landscaping #LocalBusinesses #HomeServices

The article explores four prominent home design trends anticipated for 2026, offering insights from local interior designers in Westchester. The first trend highlighted is the bold use of color, moving away from conventional whites and grays towards rich, monochrome palettes. Designers note a shift towards sophisticated hues such as muddy greens, warm ochres, deep plums, and nuanced neutrals, applied to walls, trim, ceilings, and cabinetry. This approach aims to create layered, expressive, and emotionally resonant spaces that reflect homeowners' individual stories rather than generic appeal for future buyers. Warm minimalism is identified as another significant trend, emphasizing a softer, more inviting aesthetic. This style maintains clean lines but integrates earthy tones, natural textures, and subtle contrasts. The foundation remains neutral, augmented by layers of grays, taupes, and greens, along with richer undertones to foster calm and livable environments. Materials like wood, stone, and organic fabrics are crucial in adding depth and character to these pared-down spaces. An example of warm minimalism is provided, showcasing a bathroom that balances streamlined design with soulful elements through its material choices. “Channeling,” characterized by parallel lines created through fabric folds, is gaining traction across various home elements. This elegant detail is observed in headboards, sofas, and kitchen islands, contributing sophistication and warmth to areas that might otherwise appear under-designed. The application of channeling can enhance the aesthetic of diverse spaces, from the base of a kitchen island to the back of a sectional, adding a refined touch. Finally, “Curve Appeal” signifies a departure from sharp, angular designs towards softer, more gentle forms. This trend is manifesting in architectural elements such as arches between rooms and rounded kitchen islands. The shift reflects a growing desire among homeowners for spaces that exude warmth, comfort, and a sense of being embraced. The transition from hard edges to curves is seen as a way to create more inviting and nurturing environments within the home. The article illustrates this trend with a curved sofa, emphasizing its contribution to the overall comfort and appeal of a living space. #HomeDesignTrends #InteriorDesign #ColorPalettes #WarmMinimalism #ChannelingDesign #CurveAppeal #WestchesterHomes #HomeDecor #DesignInspiration

This article highlights three Westchester homes that masterfully integrate indoor and outdoor living spaces, offering a blend of beauty and functionality. The first home, a Scarsdale residence designed by Tara Kantor, features an indoor/outdoor oasis adjacent to a pool. Kantor's design emphasizes flow and connectivity, drawing inspiration from Hamptons-style pool houses but adapted with a bar area. The space is equipped with an adjacent kitchen and bathroom for easy hosting and cleanup. The aesthetic is a fusion of Greek villa, Miami, and Hamptons vibes, characterized by reclaimed wood beams, plastered walls, and a predominantly white palette. Durable indoor/outdoor fabrics like terry and boucle are used for their spill-resistant qualities, making them suitable for wet bathing suits. The lighting is from Allied Maker, stone from Marble America, and stools from Thomas Hayes. The second home, located in Chappaqua and designed by Scott Hirshson of Hirshson Architecture + Design, embodies a resort-style living experience. The family desired a private sanctuary for various activities, leading to the creation of a veranda connected to the family room, a dining patio next to the kitchen, and a pathway to the pool. A central firepit surrounded by an oversized Restoration Hardware sectional serves as a cozy gathering spot with an outdoor TV. Hirshson prioritized the connection between indoor and outdoor areas using Marvin-sourced doors and windows, including glass corners in the breakfast room and large sliding doors. The aesthetic is a timeless modern blend, featuring new windows with bronze cladding contrasted against clapboard siding painted in Benjamin Moore’s Pure White. Performance fabrics are used for outdoor furnishings to withstand weather, and thermal bluestone is incorporated for barefoot comfort. Covered areas provide shade, and an easily accessible bathroom and changing space enhance guest convenience, fostering an ideal environment for entertaining. The third featured property is a guest cottage in Bronxville, designed by Amy Andrews with architect Charles Hilton and builder Significant Homes. The cottage boasts an open floor plan with expansive views of the backyard and French doors that open directly to the pool, functioning as a vacation home for extended family and friends. The design aims for a more casual atmosphere compared to the formal main house, incorporating detailed millwork and architectural elements. Andrews maintained a fresh look with a warm white palette and layered sophisticated neutral colors and natural textures that harmonize with the exterior stucco. Hints of color echo the treelined property designed by Renee Byers. Large windows and doors create a seamless indoor/outdoor experience, allowing the outdoors to merge with the interior living areas. This setup enables the family to enjoy indoor or outdoor dining, relax by an outdoor fireplace, or swim, with all amenities conveniently located. #WestchesterHomes #OutdoorLivingSpaces #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #PoolsideLiving #ModernAmenities #ClassicCottage #IndoorOutdoorFlow #HomeDecor

Gardening offers a rewarding summer activity for those looking to enhance their outdoor living spaces with seasonal plantings. For new and experienced gardeners alike, Northern New Jersey provides a diverse array of plant stores, garden centers, and nurseries that cater to all planting and gardening requirements. This guide highlights some of the best establishments in the region, each offering unique selections and services. Alpine Nursery + Garden Center in Belleville is known for its extensive collection of plants, including a variety of flowers like cosmos and geraniums, as well as healthy indoor plants and unique options such as eucalyptus and mosquito plants. The nursery also features a wide selection of hanging baskets. Bartlett’s Greenhouses + Florist, located on the border of Montclair and Clifton, is a hidden gem recognized for its numerous greenhouses and a massive array of plants, many of which are grown on-site. This ensures high-quality stock and fresh options. The establishment is particularly celebrated for its pre-made displays, stunning arrangements, and thoughtfully planted pots. Brookside Garden Center + Florist in Bloomfield offers convenience due to its location on Broad Street. While it may have a more compact selection, it consistently stocks essential garden staples like compost, mulch, and fertilizer. During the fall season, it becomes a prime spot for purchasing classic autumn decorations. Caldwell Nursery, established in 1911 in West Caldwell, is a family-run garden center that has earned a reputation for providing quality plants at reasonable prices. Its knowledgeable staff offers excellent assistance, contributing to a loyal customer base. Cedar Grove Garden Center, situated off Pompton in Cedar Grove, stands out for its exceptional offerings, including high-quality annuals and a vast selection of indoor plants. The staff is consistently helpful in assisting customers and even helping transport purchases to their vehicles. Center Ridge Garden Center in Nutley features a variety of seasonal plants and flowers, from petunias and mums to marigolds, geraniums, and even vegetables. Its surprisingly large property provides ample inspiration for diverse planting projects. Charlie’s Nursery + Garden Center in North Arlington, a family-run business since the early 1970s, is known for its friendly staff, wide variety of plants and flowers, and highly-regarded Jersey-grown sod. DeVINE Plantery in Montclair is a Black- and women-owned business, co-founded by two friends with a shared passion for plants. The shop is beautifully decorated and offers a delightful browsing experience. Hillcrest Farms + Greenhouse in Verona is a beloved local market that offers seasonal plants and produce. Its convenient location on Bloomfield Avenue makes it ideal for quick stops to pick up colorful hanging plants or fresh vegetables. A vintage-style barn adds to its charm, and the Jersey tomatoes are a summer favorite. La Serra Gardens in Totowa provides an immersive plant shopping experience, designed to feel like a beautiful personal garden. The owner, Lisa, ensures a vast selection of high-quality plants and a variety of gifts and accessories for outdoor living. Lazlo Plants in Montclair, founded by childhood friends Nicky and Carter, offers a unique plant shopping experience with both common favorites and rare specimens. Customers can shop online or visit their Montclair store. Metropolitan Plant + Flower Exchange in West Orange is a dynamic garden center known for its fun atmosphere and a wide selection of unique indoor plants, including orchids, faux plants, and outdoor decorative items. Its greenhouse section is a particular highlight. Mind Your Beads + Seeds in Montclair, a woman-owned business, functions as both a plant shop and a gift store. It caters to various plant needs, from shaded corners to sunny windows, and offers excellent housewarming gift options. Orange Garden Center in Orange is a practical destination for specific planting needs, offering a variety of trees and hard-to-find New Jersey native plants at reasonable prices. Pleasantdale Nurseries in West Orange is a cherished neighborhood nursery, praised for its large stock of perennial plants and exceptional customer service. Its well-organized and ventilated greenhouses make browsing a pleasant experience. Richfield Farms in Clifton, a sprawling nursery with over a century of history, offers a wide range of plants and produce. Its pre-made flower baskets and unique garden ornaments are popular attractions for visitors. #GardenShops #PlantNurseries #NorthJersey #OutdoorLiving #Gardening #HomeDecor #PlantCare #LocalBusinesses #EssexCounty

This blog post from April 3, 2012, presents a collection of home-related news and events for Westchester residents, covering a luxury property, a charitable renovation program, a garden makeover contest, and a floral design workshop, along with a horticultural tip. The article begins by showcasing a luxurious 11-room Colonial house in the Rock Rim Ponds Estates of Pound Ridge, priced at $2.6 million with annual property taxes of $44,959. This property at 5 Miller Rd boasts numerous amenities, including a gourmet eat-in kitchen, game room, craft room, screening room, sauna, exercise room, and a large-capacity wine cellar. Its oversized entertaining spaces offer multiple entrances to a sprawling slate patio and pool. Listing agent Nelson Salazar from Coldwell Banker highlights the community's appeal for luxury living without the typical subdivision feel, emphasizing the home's warm and inviting atmosphere despite its extensive features. Next, the article introduces "Renovation Angel," a new program by Green Demolitions that allows homeowners to donate luxury kitchen and estate items from their renovation projects. Green Demolitions, a Greenwich, Connecticut-based national recycler, professionally removes and transports qualified donated items at no cost. A portion of the resale value of these items is then directed as a "give back" to a charity of the donor's choice. Steve Feldman, president and founder of Green Demolitions and co-founder of Renovation Angel, expresses enthusiasm for the program, viewing it as an incentive for recycling and a no-cost fundraising opportunity for charities. Eligible items for donation include kitchens, appliances, countertops, bathroom fixtures, architectural elements, lighting, artwork, furniture, and home décor. Interested individuals can contact Green Demolitions for qualification details. The blog post also announces a chance for Westchester residents to win a $2,500 garden-bed makeover from Hilltop Farms. To enter, participants need to submit a photo of their garden along with a statement of 200 words or less explaining why their garden deserves the makeover. Submissions are due by May 1, with the winner being announced on Mother's Day, May 13, during Hilltop Farms' annual Mother's Day Tea on the Porch event. Additionally, an opportunity to learn floral design is presented. New York floral designer and stylist Amy Merrick will host a lecture and workshop on April 5 at the Garden Education Center of Greenwich. The lecture, from 10 am to noon, will focus on flower texture and movement, drawing inspiration from natural growth. A workshop at 1 pm will follow a noon lunch, where participants will create their own spring centerpieces using seasonal flowers like flowering branches, ranunculus, tulips, and hellebores. Attendees will also receive Japanese floral shears. Tickets are available for the lecture and lunch, or for the combined lecture, lunch, and workshop. Finally, the article shares a horticultural fact: "Jack Frost" (Brunnera macrophylla) was chosen as the 2012 Perennial Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association. This plant was selected for its ability to thrive in various climates, low-maintenance requirements, and multi-seasonal performance. "Jack Frost" features blue spring flowers and frosty silver leaves with green veins throughout the growing season. It is hardy, prefers shade but tolerates morning sun, is pest/disease resistant, integrates well with other ground-cover perennials, and is deer resistant, making it suitable for Westchester gardens. #LuxuryRealEstate #HomeRenovation #CharitableDonation #GardenMakeover #FloralDesign #PerennialPlants #WestchesterHomes #CommunityEvents