Malta Development Blog

The world is full of distractions. It's hard to find a good place just to sit, think, and study. For some, a home office is the one place where they can accomplish tasks uninterrupted. A home library further elevates this distraction-free thinking space. It makes your office more cozy and comfortable. Although a study space needs to be mainly functional and utilitarian, you don't need to sacrifice style. Here are a few design ideas that might inspire you to set up your library inside your home office.
 

No other confection represents the holidays like gingerbread. Be it an elaborate gingerbread house or festively-decorated gingerbread men, no one can turn down such delicious holiday treats this time of year. But what about those who want that unique holiday flavor without all the labor and mess of rolling and cutting out shapes? That's where gingerbread griddle cake stacks come into play. Picture moist and fluffy gingerbread pancakes stacked on top of each other with a smooth and decadent filling. Serve them during breakfast or whenever you get that craving for sugar and spice. Here's how it's done:
 
Serves: 8
Hands-on Time: 35 min
Total Time: 1 hr 15 min
 

Want to wine and dine for a cause? If so, buy your tickets now to Albany's 7th annual Chef's Food & Wine Festival in support of non-profit arts organizations.
 
Sound tempting? Here's what to expect.
 

Shoes protect our feet from rough terrain and provide traction to prevent injury outside the home. But once we retreat to the warm and cozy confines of our humble abode, are they really that necessary? Not according to research. In fact, they actually do more harm than good when worn inside. Read on and spread the word.
 

This holiday season, make your gift wrapping as creative and thoughtful as the gift itself. The best part is that you don't have to overspend to make your package stand out. You can use scrap paper, or even old paint swatches. If you pay attention to detail, use your resources wisely, and know what your recipient enjoys, you'll be on your way to delivering a perfectly wrapped holiday gift. Watch your friends and family's faces light up with these whimsical holiday gift decorating ideas.
 

When thinking of kitchen countertops, most people don't put much thought into the sustainability of the materials. Often, researching the source of materials to ensure sustainability can be difficult and time-consuming. Luckily, a few industry-independent organizations do the research for you to ensure the eco-friendliness of such products. As far as materials go, there are plenty to choose from that speak to your specific style and environmental sensibility. While no countertop material has zero impact on the planet, the following materials do their part in being kind to our planet without sacrificing style.
 

Are you looking for ways to stay warm during these cold-weather months? There's absolutely nothing tastier and more pleasant than enjoying a hearty soup to keep your body warm and your belly full. Imagine savoring a medley of woodsy porcini mushrooms, caramelized onions, and herb-flavored broth. Sounds delicious, right? Now envision a side of salty pancetta thrown in for good measure. Now we're talking.
 
Onion soup sounds deceptively simple to make, and it is, but it packs a wallop of flavor. Dried porcini mushrooms steeped in boiled water create a potent aroma that fills every inch of your house with winter warmth. That's reason alone to prepare this hearty soup. And if you'd like, add a few wedges of toasted bread for dipping purposes. Without further ado, here's the easy and simple recipe to create this delectable onion soup. It's the perfect fall and winter seasonal meal to make for your friends and family.
 
Serves: 6
 
Prep: 30 minutes
 
Stand: 15 minutes
 
Cook: 30 minutes
 
Ingredients:

All aboard the Polar Express. Bring your friends and family to enjoy a heartwarming and festive atmosphere through the Saratoga & North Creek Railway.
 
This winter, the Caldecott-winning children's Christmas book written by Chris Van Allsburg comes to life. Saratoga's Polar Express brings you on a memorable round-trip train ride to the "North Pole". It's a magical experience for both adults and children. Come dressed in your pajamas to celebrate the spirit of Christmas.
 

Hardwood floors look beautiful, but with that beauty comes with a bit of work and maintenance. Because carpets and rugs hide dirt and grime, many people seem to think that hardwood floor maintenance is, well, hard. In fact, the opposite is true. With basic maintenance and an occasional deep cleaning, your hardwood floors will stand the test of time. Especially with newer homes, floor cleaning is now much easier than cleaning older, more traditional hardwood floors with soft oil-finishes. Most new home floors are sealed with urethane, polyurethane, or polyacrylic seals, which require less upkeep.
 
So let's get down and dirty on how to care for your sealed hardwood floors; keeping them clean and gleaming for the long haul.
 

Redesigning any room in your home is now easier than ever. With virtual designers popping up left and right, you can choose from a plethora of decorators that will work with you on your schedule. Whether you're redesigning a home office or an entire sprawling estate, online design services match you up with a designer based on your specific needs. There's no reason not to begin the home makeover of your dreams.

Learn more about decorating your home. 

We've rounded up the following top five interior design services. They offer practical advice, product suggestions and more all at your convenience.