Originally published April 2, 2019
If you love a good before and after as much as we do, you won’t want to miss these photos of Sandy Petracca’s dramatic (and gorgeous!) kitchen transformation. Sandy loves to bake and cook, so function was important. Equally significant, though, was creating a space that felt inviting and true to the period in which the home was built, and we happen to think she nailed it!
Read on to see and hear about her journey from this…
to this!
C’mon inside and enjoy…
Tell us a bit about yourself!
I am a mother of two grown children. Baking their birthday cakes through the years, I fell in love with cake decorating. That love of baking transformed into a career. I became the lead decorator for a well known bakery in Cleveland, The White Flower Cake Shop.
I then moved to Glens Falls in 2015 and fell in love with the area. I purchased an old home and threw myself into some serious DIY, transforming it into my own. Missing the creative process of cake decorating, I decided to start my own business. Juggling both was a challenge and thrilling at the same time. Unexpectedly, I found new love and began the journey of a beautiful relationship. Tony and I continued with passion to create our own special place. A home to share new memories, filled with laughter, good friends, good food and of course, good wine. A home to live life sweetly.
When did you buy your home? What attracted you to it and to your neighborhood?
I purchased my home in Glens Falls in 2015. Glens Falls has a downtown that echoes the charm of yesteryear, with beautiful parks and tree lined streets, sidewalks to stroll, and homes with friendly porches adorned with American Flags. It is the quintessential "Home Town USA." Each home seems to have its own unique personality that tells a story. I wanted to be a part of that story. With the help of my patient realtor, we finally found the perfect little gem built in 1939 with character and charm along with layers of wallpaper and old chipping paint. I realized that much of the house was a simple case of updating the interior using good ol' sweat equity. The house had good bones, except the kitchen which needed a major renovation, and the bathrooms which also needed modernizing. My love of baking and cooking made the kitchen renovation a top priority.
What were your goals when designing and decorating your kitchen?
My home was built in 1939 and I felt I had to maintain the integrity of the time period while also improving the layout of the kitchen. I chose to update the kitchen using items that upheld a vintage feel but also offered the convenience of modernizing the space. I love to cook, bake and entertain with family and friends, so it was imperative to create a kitchen that would act as the heart of my home.
Where did you draw your inspiration from?
Inspiration for the renovation came from numerous sources. I scoured design magazines, Pinterest, and other things that happened to catch my eye.
What’s your favorite thing about your kitchen?
I love my "Blue Star" stove!! I wanted one for many years. Some women dream of diamonds, designer clothes and status cars, but I dream of kitchen appliances and paraphernalia relating to all things kitchen, cooking and entertaining.
Anything you’d do differently?
I would not change anything about my kitchen. The renovation was truly a labor of love and I invested a lot of time in planning to assure I had no regrets.
Do you remember the first thing you cooked or baked once the kitchen was complete?
Meatballs with cheesy polenta.
What advice would you give to someone about to dive into a kitchen renovation?
Although I had done my homework and had a clear vision for my kitchen renovation, I would recommend working with a professional kitchen designer. When I found my designer we had an instant connection. I knew instinctively that we were a good match and would be a great team. Joël was instrumental in refining my vision and providing possibilities that I did not realize were conceivable. She was vigilant about my budget and offered creative ides to maintain the look without breaking the bank.
Describe your decor aesthetic in three words.
Only three!!! No fair, you're putting me in a box. I am a true believer in doing what you love when it come to your personal space. Now if I had to choose three words I would say: Functional, Stylish, Homey.
You have such great taste - where are some of your favorite places to shop for home decor? Any favorite local spots that you’d recommend?
Glenwood Manor Antiques & More: I am always on the hunt for unique, one of a kind items to display.
Homegoods, and TJ Maxx: I mean, do you know any woman who doesn't delight in the search of a good buy at a low price?
Online shopping: One Kings Lane, excellent source for curated furniture and decor; Williams Sonoma & Food52: These sites fed my addiction for kitchen paraphernalia.
I do wish our downtown had more boutique shopping for gifts and home decor. That would be amazing.
The item in your kitchen you couldn’t live without?
There are a few, but the one that I love and use everyday is my French Press for coffee. I love the ritual and the aromas of making my morning coffee and holding the warm mug in my hands as I contemplate the new day ahead of me.
A favorite meal in regular rotation?
I would have to say, my meatballs and cheesy polenta. This is Tony's favorite. I honestly think it was my meatballs that sparked his love for me!!
What’s one essential every baker should have in their kitchen?
I would say a KitchenAid Mixer. I LOVE mine. I use it often and have a secret spot to hide it away so it doesn't clutter the counter.
We must know - what’s your favorite dessert?
Surprisingly it is not cake! I do love a good donut. Simple and plain. I don't make them but maybe I should teach myself. I do however make a delicious, perfectly boozy Tiramisu that is often requested by my friends, and I must say it is very good!
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Resources
Designer: Joël Jackoski, Designers Studio, Saratoga
Contractor: Jason Petralia, Building Concepts, Saratoga
Realtor: DeMarsh Real Estate - Karen Levison
Kohler Sink and Faucet: Bath Expressions Showroom at Security Supply
White Subway Tiles: Glens Falls Tile
Blue Star Range & Hood, Bosch Dishwasher: Adirondack Appliance, Saratoga Springs
GE Monogram Refrigerator: Best Kitchen and Appliance Center, South Glens Falls
Cabinet & Ceiling Lighting and Electrical: Hills Electric, Glens Falls
Decorative Lighting: Rejuvenation
Hand block Printed Kitchen Curtains: Saffron Marigold
Cast Iron Cocotte: Staub
Mixer: KitchenAid
Thank you, Sandy! We’ll definitely be knocking on your door again for that Tiramisu recipe! :)
Have a before and after you’d like to share? We’d love to consider it for a future feature! Contact us here, or send a note to us at hello@glensfallsliving.com.
