The Showcase of Homes... what would Fall be in Saratoga without it! From my early days of moving here I have always thrilled at walking through these homes and marveling at the creative spirit each builder brings to our area. The “Honey Do” lists pile up as thousands of visitors walk amid the beautifully decorated homes. Even my husband and I have volunteered as greeters, getting to know new faces and having a bit of fun as we hear participants chat about their favorite details. Isn’t it all grand! Dreaming of someday…or even finding your favorite builder to make that dream come true! So, when that does happen, let me show you a few items that would add a cozy feel to your existing or new abode!

Finishing Touches is a great location to find many solutions for your home needs. The store is always packed with items to transform your spaces into a showcase of its own! Take for instance this Counter Height Hand Rubbed Leather Stool. The low back offers a sleek profile just at the counter height while the leather strapping entices you to sit amid the black metal frame in luxury. The juxtaposing buttons draw your eyes to look closer, noting the contrasting stitching throughout. A good rule of thumb for determining how many stools to purchase is allowing, at minimum, 24” for each seat. Depending on the width of your selection, you may need to leave a little more room. 

At Marcella’s Appliance, they’re featuring the new Samsung Bespoke French Door Refrigerator. Very customizable to make your kitchen truly reflect your style. Besides offering different configurations for doors, you can also mix and match colors and finishes in glass or steel like this emerald refrigerator, upper doors with a white center drawer and clementine freezer below. With thousands of combinations to choose from, you can truly have a unique kitchen. Other features include a counter depth option, a beverage center with auto fill pitcher (never grab an empty water container again!), a choice of classic ice cubes or specialized Ice Bites™ that will chill your drink faster and so much more. Wait, I can’t forget the Family Hub™! With Wi-Fi capabilities and Alexa built-in, you can see inside your fridge from anywhere, manage family calendars, update grocery lists, stream music…you get the idea! It's all very COOL!

Moving onto the softer side, Old Brick Furniture is featuring the Cambridge Season Handmade Area Rug (9'X12') at the Kodiak Construction Showcase entry. This incredible looped wool area rug will make you want to curl up with a great book and your favorite blanket. Not only is this rug gorgeous but it feels like heaven under foot! It’s versatility and texture of a tweed anchors this cozy house layered in warm neutrals. Be sure to stop in and appreciate the handwoven, 100% wool rug for yourself!

Jumping over the pond to The Furniture House, they have a wide variety of bed frames to choose from including this Serenity King Bed Upholstered in Leather with optional nail heads. The natural material adds a cozy touch to any bedroom while the wooden platform frame suits a variety of tastes in countless stain color options. Not a leather lover, choose from their wide fabric selections to find just the right palette and texture for your home! And don’t worry, it comes in sizes ranging from twin all the way to a California King! 

And what is any chair or bed without a good Equestrian Throw Blanket in a Saratoga home? Even after the racing season is over, it’s still a symbol of where we live year-round. The large horse bit is flanked by tiny horses, which from a distance, looks like a houndstooth pattern…one of my favs! The autumnal colors will transform any space, whether gracefully tossed on a chair or simply wrapping you up in luxury in front of a bonfire on a cool autumnal evening. Treat yourself or pick one up at Silverwood Home and Gallery on Broadway as a gift for holiday visitors!

Now, in all honesty, what would Colleen’s Picks be without a good recommendation for a wall oven that cooks your holiday turkey to perfection with the touch of button! Let me introduce you to the Wolf 30" M Series Contemporary Stainless Steel Built-In Double Oven (DO30CM/S). Who knew an oven could be so smart! With today’s WiFi technology, preheating the oven on your way home from work is key in our hectic schedules. The VertiFlow™ convection system heats faster and more consistently across all racks to make any meal seem like it was prepared by a chef! The built-in menu will actually cook 50 popular dishes with the Gourmet feature that automatically adjusts cook times and temperatures…move over Emeril…you’ve got stiff competition this holiday season! Not to worry about a large crowd, this oven can handle multiple dishes simultaneously with its large cabins…Bring it on! Be sure to head down to Earl B. Feiden’s to discover the plethora of features available to you through Wolf cooking appliances. 

I’m excited to see you all at the Showcase of Homes. Please be sure to say “Hi” if you see me... I love chatting with my readers and hearing how you’ve taken many of these items from Colleen’s Picks and made them your own. Enjoy this fall season, the changing of the leaves and, of course, all the beautiful homes!