N-Hance, Revolutionary wood renewal. You Decide!

October 3, 2019

N-Hance, Revolutionary Wood Renewal. You Decide!!

N-Hance is a revolutionary wood renewal product that is relatively new to the industry. What is it exactly? According to their advertising, “It renews your wood cabinets and floors without the dust, inconvenience and noxious fumes associated with traditional refinishing methods. In many cases, the process can be completed in just one day!”

As a Home Stager and Designer, I am always looking for options to pass along my clients that are cost-effective and not time-consuming. This could very well be it. Although I have not personally seen it, one of my current clients is in the process of getting it down. I have a strong feeling this will appeal to the general public.

It gives you the options of three solutions:

1. Basic renewal. No change of color. Has minimal wear on wood. Your old, cabinets will look new again.

2. Color Shift. It will slightly warm the tone of the wood., leaving the beauty of the wood grain intact. Great for sun-faded areas. This will take 2-3 days to complete.

3. Color change. This is a more dramatic effect. Usually will go from light to dark, such as oak to cherry. Or change the color completely!!
As you can see from these photos, very impressive. It’s an option you can choose, especially if you are selling your home and don’t want to invest too much getting it ready!!
All Images Via Pinterest
#AbellaHomeStaging


Why is so difficult to choose paint color?

September 19, 2019

Why is it so difficult to choose paint colors???

Why is it so difficult to choose a paint colorMore enough then not, I hear my clients say,“I thought this was the perfect color until I saw it on the wall”. So many times, the homeowners will choose a color they saw in a magazineThe problem with that, you don’t have the same accessories or furniture as the magazine picture. It may not work. Other times they have a color in mind, but they picked the wrong undertone. That is probably the biggest mistake I see.

Here are some guidelines to help your process.
  • Every color has an undertone. Meaning all beiges started as a color, whether it’s yellow, red, green, or orange. So pay attention.

Yellow undertones


Green undertones

  • Determine what undertones are in your room like your carpet, flooring, furniture, or accessories.
  • Keep all your neutral the same undertones. By doing this, you are assured of having a successful color palette.
  • Don’t forget about lighting. All colors will look different in different lighting situtaions, morning sun, afternoon shade, and evening lighting. So make sure you test the colors in these situations.
  • Use large paint samples. Many companies, like Sherwin Williams, offer 8×11 samples that can be ordered online. This is great because you can truly see the color.

  • NEVER paint the color sample directly on the wall. The existing color will influence the color sample, and you not get an accurate read!!

These guidelines will help you when choosing your color palette . You can also decide to hire a Designer. This small investmentwill assure you that the colors you are choosing are the correct one. You are thereby eliminating any costly mistakes. So well worththe cost. 

All Images Via Pinterest
#AbellaHomeStaging


Top color trend for 2020

September 5, 2019

Top Color trend 2020

Every year designers, architects, and big manufacturing plant come together to discuss colors trends for the coming year. Next year’s color trends will be calm and neutrals for the most part.

Here are some of the trends:

1. French Vanilla. Soft yellow, adds warmth to any space.


2. Green. Mint green, sage green. Green is associated with nature.

3. Hazelnut. This color has a feeling of relaxation. It’s ideal for background color.

4. Grey Green. As you can see, green seems to be the star for 2020.



5. Grey. It seems we are not entirely done with grey yet.
6. Red and Purple. These two-color can incite strong feelings.

As you can see, it’s much different than last year. See anything you like?? Not sure. Then consider hiring an expert. This you know you’re not making a mistake.

All Images Via Pinterest
#AbellaHomeStaging


The Do’s and Don’t of a good room design

August 22, 2019

Designing a room can be a daunting task. Many of my clients don’t know where to start. There are so many elements that need to be addressed. So I put together a list of what I consider to be necessary. The do’s and don’t of good design.

Lack of Cohesion: This room has way too many colors. It’s not pulling the room together. The lack of an area rug gives it the feeling that this room is not anchored.



Overdone symmetry:
 Becomes redundant and uninteresting. You don’t need to have two of everything. The only exception may be in the master bedroom.



The color went wrong: Understand the saturation of color. Saturation is the purest form of the color, the highest level. Don’t mix cool and warm colors. The cool color will make the warm color seem “dirty” or “murky”.

Harmony: The way the rooms flows together. Does it tell a story, or is it fragmented? What story does this room tell? Too much going on!!

Scale: The way things relate to the room. Example – is the lamp too large for the table? Is the table too small for the room? I think it’s too large.




Balance: Have you achieved balance? Color? Texture? Metal? Vertically? Horizontally? This room is well-balanced; the color hits all three zones. Metals co-ordinate, and there are different textures displayed in the room.


Proportion: The way things relate to one another. Example – are the accessories the best ratio for the fireplace? How about the centerpiece? All the elements & accessories are the right proportion in this room design.




Style: Does it have flair and have you honored what it is you are trying to achieve? Does it pull al the elements together?  Round lamp, round table. Centerpiece right proportion for the table. Color in all three zones. The room has achieved all the design elements.




Color: Does it hit the three zones? Function Zone 0″ – 36″. Power Zone 36″ – 78″. Skyline Zone 78″ to the ceiling. Color hits all three zones.

Making sure your space has all the essential elements will help you achieve a good design room. Use these tips as a guideline. And if you need help pulling the room together, consider hiring Abella Home Staging & Redesign. Hiring a professional will save you money in the long room by avoiding costly mistakes!!



Butcher Block in the kitchen, is it a good idea??

August 8, 2019


Is a butcher block in the kitchen a good idea? A lot of people would be concerned that wood is high maintenance. Others would argue that wood brings warmth int the kitchen.

They would both be right. Yes, wood indeed does require maintenance, but you can seal it with oils. Just be aware that not all oils are food safe, so make sure you get one.

I’m not a fan of using butcher block on all my kitchen countertops, but I am a fan of using it on an island. That gives you the best of both worlds — the warmth of wood but in a smaller area where it’s easier to maintain.

How about using a portion of the countertop as a butcher block? What a great idea.

And you should have no problems. If you do have a stubborn stain that won’t come out, you can sand it down, bringing back the beauty of the wood. Use oils like tung oil or raw linseed oil to maintain it; They bring warmth and a rustic element to any kitchen. As far as maintenance goes, you can beautiful details to add to any kitchen butcher blocks are

Imagines Via Pinterest

#AbellaHomeStaging

Color has meaning and emotions!

July 11, 2019

Did you know that color has meaning and emotions? No? Well, they do!! Many companies will spend thousands of dollars on a color specialist to get the right color for their products or office/building. That’s how important color is!

thought it would be fun to give you some insight behind each color.

  • Red. An intense color that can pump the adrenaline and increase your appetite. That’s traditional red was commonly used in dining rooms. Brick reds are much more classic, warm, and have an earthier feel. Cherry red, think energy and romance! Whichever color red you choose, red commands attention. Did you know that the reason surgeons wear blue scrubs is to give their eyes rest while working on the inside of the human body?!!
     
  • Orange. Enthusiasm, creativity, and warmth! It’s also the one color that is most often used in fast food advertising!!

  • Yellow. Sunny, bright, and welcoming. Yellow will lighten your mood and lifts the spirits. Although yellow is a happy color, intense yellow can be difficult on the eyes. It’s that very reason that you should avoid using intense yellow in a young child’s room. Soft yellow, howeveris easy to live with and can coordinate with every color.

  • Green. Think nature. Can also be restful, balancing, tranquil and invigorating. Most medical facilities will use green to comfort patients. In the entertaining world, many people will wait in a “green” room before a performance. Dark green has a more conservative, traditional feel, while light green has a more natural and soothing earth tone feel to them. Green will work well with almost every color.

  • Blue. Calm, meditative, and clear thinking (surgeon’s scrubs). Blue also invokes clarity, honesty, and loyalty. Blue is the color most often used in bedrooms.

  • Purple. Luxury, wealth, romance, royalty, and sophistication. Purple is often associated with being magical and mysterious. Purple was heavily used during the Victorian age due to its quiet elegance and formal look. Lighter purples convey femininity, splendor, and even romance! Light purples are great in children’s bedroom!!

  • White. Think purity and freshness.

  • Black. Elegance, power, and strength.

  • Brown. Comfort (earth), stability, and security!

As a designer, I have seen first hand what the wrong color can do to a room! If you choose the wrong color, then everything else that follows, will not work. Color is the building block of good design.  If you’re not sure about the color, consider hiring a designer. This way, you’re guaranteed your design will work.

Creating a beautiful room with paint!

June 27, 2019
Creating a beautiful room involves many different elements: color, creativity, placement, furniture, and accessorizing. One of the most important and intimidating is the process of color. Many of my clients will fall back to neutral beiges (when done right, beiges can be very cozy), which may result in the room feeling half done. Working with a certified “Color with No Regrets Consultant” can help take the guesswork out of the process, resulting in a beautiful room!

Here are just a few tips to consider when choosing color:

1. Keeping the wall and floor color in similar tone will make the room appear larger.

                    

2. Lighting makes a significant impact in a room. Will you be using incandescent, LED, or fluorescent? Each gives off its own effect.
 
3. Did you know that every color has a warm and cool version? If you choose the wrong version, it could have a devastating effect in your room. Color can literally make or break a room!!
                                                                  
     
                                          SW6957 Undercool (cool)                          SW6533 Mild Blue (warm)
4. Using color at least 3 times and in 3 different zones will create interest and movement in a room.
 5. Ceilings are an excellent area for adding additional interest to a room.
These are just some of the things to consider when decorating a room. As a certified color specialist and owner of Abella Home Staging & Redesign, I have seen rooms that would have otherwise been beautiful, fail due to the fact they chose the wrong color. Don’t make that mistake!! Hiring a color specialist is pennies on the dollar when you consider what the labor and paint will cost you!!

Art of Accessorizing

June 13, 2019

The appeal of a beautiful room has many aspects, physically, visually, and emotionally. Every room needs careful attention, from floor to ceiling. Each step builds upon the next. Careful consideration must be taken when accessorizing and creating a room. Keep in mind the style and “feel” you are trying to create. What story are you trying to convey?
Here are just some things to consider:

1. Create interest by using unexpected art for accessorizing.
   
     
  2. When decorating, odd numbers work best.
  3. Placing a mirror over a mantel will only reflect the floor, so don’t do it!!

 4. Use old windows, textiles, etc. to create a unique display.
  5. Create your own art or accessories.
6. Hire a professional like Abella Home Staging & Redesign; we’re not as expensive as you think and you will have a one-of-a-kind room.
Whatever you do, have fun doing it. The key is to use art and accessories that feel personal and reflect your taste!!
#Imagines via Pinterest
#AbellaHomeStagingRedesign

Vacant Staging

June 6, 2019
Are you frustrated your vacant home is not selling? Afraid it may not sell? These are just some of the concerns many sellers deal with when selling their vacant home. Most homeowners have no clue what it really means to have a vacant house.  

Vacant homes suffer from neglect. This is where I can help. As a stager and decorator, I know what the buyers want. I can help get your home ready for the market. Eliminate the stress on how to best present a vacant house. Just staging a few rooms can make all the difference in the world.

If you’ve brought home before then, you know that falling in your love with the house is critical. If you’re a first-time buyer, what draws you into the house? Emotional connection. Buyer may have a list of items they want the house to have, BUT it’s the emotional connection that will actually get them to make an offer. Buyers are attracted to a good design house. They picture themselves living there. 

If your home is not presented that way, then the buyers won’t come. 
Selling your home is not an easy process. Because your home is vacant, you worry about vandalism. The carrying cost is a significant financial burden.  Not to mention the stress it puts on your family.
We can help! Staging your home will shorten the time your house is on the market. This will enable you to return to your normal life. 

So before you list your vacant home consider staging it. I promise it is worth the investment.

Redesigning Your Space!

May 30, 2019

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve walked into a clients house, only to hear them say how frustrated they are with their home. “I hate my kitchen.” “My bedroom is a mess; it’s a dumping ground for everyone.” “I don’t know what to do with my family room,” and on, and on, it goes. How can anyone feel right about that? Your home should be a place where you can retreat from this crazy busy world. Not where you come home, and all you see is frustration because it’s not what you have envisioned. Does this sound familiar to you? Who wants to go back to that? No one I know!

Then one day you decide, “That’s it. I’m redoing this space.” Good for you. Where do you begin? You look to magazines for inspiration, but let’s face it, it can be overwhelming. “Where do I get that sofa?” “That rug?” “That dining room table?” “What type of kitchen cabinets should I purchase?” But still, you stay optimistic, “I can do this.” Now comes the costly decision process. “Will, that counter go with that backsplash?” “What kind of flooring should I use?” “I like this dining table but not those chairs. What can I do about that?” “What size area rug should I use for that space?” “What size chandelier should I use in my dining room?” OMG!! Decision, decisions, decisions! And if you make the wrong decision, how much will that set you back? 

This is where I come in. I take away all that stress, all that worry. I know where to shop, what’s trending, what’s not. Please think of me as your personal guide to shopping, here to help you every step of the way. Rest assures when space is completed; you will “FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR HOME AGAIN.”

My goal is to give you the home you desire. So when you come home after a hard day’s work, your home becomes your sanctuary. A place to relax and let out all the worries of the day. No more fretting about how you hate the way your house looks

Please take a look at this brief video that I have created. This will give you a good idea of what can be done, then make the decision today to redesign your space!!