Malta Development Blog

Pantone has once again set the wheels in motion for next year's design trends. The worldwide color authority made an unprecedented move when it announced that Rose Quartz (mineral pink) and Serenity (cool blue) would share the honors of 2016's Colors of the Year. In years past, only one was chosen. But why the bold move and why now, you may ask?
 
According to their press release, the decision reflects the changing modes of thought when it comes to gender acceptance and fluidity. With that in mind, here are a few design ideas for incorporating these gentle and comforting hues into your current home decor.
 

The "First Fridays" themed events bring together Ballston Spa, Malta, Saratoga Springs and all the neighboring communities together for special happenings on the first Friday of the month throughout the year. It's a chance for community members from Saratoga County to enjoy visiting featured shops, art exhibits, live music, and plenty of family-friendly activities. This year's First Fridays kick off with Chocolate Fest, sponsored by Mangino Chevrolet Buick GMC and the Ballston Spa's Business & Professional Association.
 
The 3rd annual Chocolate Fest takes place on Friday, February 5 from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm, making it an appropriate prelude for this romantic month. Chocolate Fest offers sample chocolate tastings in three categories: dessert, savory, and beverage. Each tasting is only $1 and at the end you get to vote for your favorite in each category. Not only will you get to satisfy your sweet tooth, but it also serves as an unforgettably romantic precursor to Valentine's Day. Here's what you can expect at this year's Chocolate Fest.
 

Saratoga Spring's annual Chowderfest is slated for February 6, 2016. Show your support for Malta's very own Andy's Adirondack Grille and more Malta favorites as they present their savory and tempting chowders. Can't wait to sample scrumptious chowder from local eateries? If not, whet your appetite with this seafood chowder poutine recipe. Once prepared, serve over a pile of mouthwatering, freshly-cooked french fries.
 
Total Cooking Time: 1 hour
 
Serves: 12 helpings poutine, 4 helpings chowder
 

Copper is the new black when it comes to interior home decor. The reddish-brown metal is such a versatile material. It works with anything from light fixtures to paint colors to home decor accents. And unlike the icy cold look of steel, copper adds warmth like no other metal. Combine it with any decorating style to create stunning contrasts with bold, bright, rustic, modern, or any other room theme.
 
Here are a few simple ways you can incorporate copper within your current home decor.
 

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.