Painting my Handrails

June 2, 2022

Painting my Handrails

When I moved into my current home, one of the first things that I tackled was the handrails. I wouldn’t say I didn’t like the stain color at all. It was so outdated. I wanted something that would pop when you came into my home. So I decided to go with a black and white color theme.

This is what it looked like before I went to work. 

It wasn’t easy to paint due to the height. So I had to come up with a way to reach it so I could paint it. Ok, perhaps not the safest way but definitely, the cleverest! Putting the stirs on a 50-gallon storage box!

What a difference. I love the way it came out

Lisa’s New Living Room

May 19, 2022
Lisa is a client I have been working with for a few years. It started with her children’s bedroom, basement den, master bedroom, kitchen, and dining room. So it’s safe to say we work well together. But, of course, after doing all those rooms, the living room was looking a bit old and shabby—time to update.

Here are some before pictures. As you can see, it’s outdated. We removed the heavy drapery that was obsolete. The sofa has seen better days. There wasn’t anything that we wanted to keep. 




As you can see, the design mixes rustic with traditional and contemporary. It’s lighter, brighter, and a lot more appealing design. 

Doreen’s Living Room Renovations

May 5, 2022
I recently did an update on a very outdated living room. The sofas were old and not too scale. The layout wasn’t working, and the floor color was a bit dark and obsolete.

I decided that I was not too fond of the layout. It seemed to me, too, everything was on one side of the space. The balance was off. And since my client no longer wanted the piano, I thought that would be an ideal place for the TV fireplace console. This way, we would be utilizing the entire space.

Here are the before pictures.

I am not fond of walking into a space and seeing the back of a sofa, much less a recliner!

The piano was being removed so we could utilize the entire space. We were making the living room area much more extensive.

As you can see, it completely changed the look of the space. The living room was more extensive and more open concept than before.

It often happens with my clients. Once they see how beautiful the space is, they wind up remodeling. In this case, we updated the dining room. I kept the tables but purchased new chairs and a new credenza.


 

Melanie & Harry’s Kitchen

April 21, 2022

One of my latest projects was a major kitchen renovation. It was a small kitchen, not enough counters old appliances, and it was not functional. Overall it was not a well-designed kitchen.

Here are some before pictures of the kitchen.

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We took down the wall of pantry. This way, they would have an open concept. We also eliminated the windows by the table to extend the cabinets. Giving her much-needed cabinets.

We went shopping for all the items we would need. If you’ve ever done a kitchen reno, you know that’s a lot of shopping!! This is what was chosen.

The construction part of the project was done, and the items were all in. Some things took a while due to covid. But the end result is spectacular. Delighted clients!!



 

Installing New Slider and Kitchen Window

April 7, 2022
I have been working on my home for a while. This is another project I just completed. I replaced my sliding door and kitchen window. The sliding door was difficult to open and missing a screen door. My kitchen window was drafty and letting the cold into my home.

I decided I wanted to get a slider with blinds. It’s so much easier than trying to get window treatment for sliders.  I also wanted a casement window so I have a full view of the outdoors.

This is what they looked like before the renovations. You can see the kitchen window is just a double-hung window. And if you’re wondering what that black vertical line is on the slider, they are the temporary screen I put up to prevent the bugs from coming into my house.

The kitchen window has been installed and I had a custom roman shade installed.

The slider door is also installed and I love the blinds!! Plus I had crown molding which made a huge difference. I love it!!

Adding Storage to the Bathroom

March 24, 2022
Recently I have been working on my main bathroom. I just finished painting my cabinet a beautiful blue. When I moved into my current home, there was a washer and dryer in the bathroom. I hated that but it was so convenient I decided to keep it there. 

Unfortunately, the washer broke and I decide to remove it from the bathroom and install it in the basement where it should have been from the beginning.

The issue is now I have holes in the walls!! Since remodeling the entire bathroom is not within the budget, I had to come up with an idea.

I decided to add a storage cabinet. When I went shopping online, I couldn’t find one. Everything was out of stock due to Covid!

So I figured why not build one? How hard can it be?? Famous last words right? Actually, it really wasn’t that hard to build. And the result was just what I needed and wanted.

This is what it looked like with the washer and dryer. Not very attractive, I know.

It was such a mess getting it out. It didn’t fit the doorway, so we had to take it apart.
First thing was to create a plan. Figure out the measurements.

Buy all the materials. Home Depot is great because they will cut the pieces for you.

The box was built, now to add the feet.

Ikea had the feet that I want. They were white metal. I spackle the raw edges and caulked in the seams


I ordered storage containers from Target. Just waiting for them to come in.
Finally, they arrived and I was able to finish the project. So much better than before.


 

Painting my Bathroom Cabinet

March 10, 2022
Recently I remodel the spare bathroom. I was so pleased with the result but the main bathroom left much to be desired! Let’s just say, I wasn’t happy with it, but redoing it was not in the budget.

I decided what was in the budget was painting the cabinet. That I can do. I decided to paint it a nice dark blue.

Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures before I started the project. Aye Vay! This is the only picture I have. It was taken when I first purchased the property. But at least it gives you an idea.

I had to take the doors off to paint them correctly. Plus two coats since the color was dark.


So pleased with the results. Just completely changed the look of the bathroom.


                                                                      #AbellaHomeStaging

 

Updating the Spare Bathroom

February 24, 2022
When I moved into my current home a few years ago, I knew I would be redoing the spare bathroom. The tiles in the shower were starting to buckle so I knew it was time.

Here are some before pictures. Not the prettiest bathroom!                                             

 

 

These are the tiles I chose. The accent tiles were from Home Depot. The wall and floor tiles were from ProSource.

 

The excavation was the worst part. It usually is!! All that mess!

 

I can see the beginning of the design take place. So exciting to see!!

 

All done and I couldn’t be happier with the result. I didn’t spend a lot because this is not my main bathroom but I still wanted it to look nice. I was pleased with the results.

 

 

I even added a shelf for plants.

 

 

Do You Like Armless Sofas??

December 9, 2021

Have you ever consider buying an armless sofa? Most people have not. Their argument here is there is no place to prop a pillow or support to lean on.

But the best feature of an armless sofa, they offer more seating than a regular sofa. It allows people to sit on the edge, creating more seating options. It tends to have a more contemporary feel to the design. It’s more of a Scandinavian design.

Like anything else, armless sofas have a place in designs. Would you consider buying an armless sofa???

 

Kitchen Pulls & Knobs in Wood

November 25, 2021

In the past drawer pull and knobs have always been metal. But recently there has been a trend towards wood. Wood pulls give character and warmth that metal pulls or knobs do not.  They add texture and depth to the kitchen and a great alternative to the standard pulls and knobs.

So when designing your kitchen don’t overlook wood pulls or knobs. I think you will be pleasantly surprised!!