Should you paint your fireplace?

October 16, 2020
Painted fireplace, is it a good idea or a bad idea? Tough decision!! As a home stager and redesigner, I often see fireplaces in my client’s home. Some are in great shape, some not so much. When I recommend painting, I usually get this reaction, “Really, you think I should paint it?”.  If your fireplace looks outdated, then it’s definitely worth painting it.
What a Difference!!
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But what if your fireplace looks like this? Then what? Do you still paint it? I have to say; I like the fireplace before it was painted. I also love it after as well. So what do you do? To Paint or not to paint? That is the question. In my opinion, if it looks nice, then leave it alone. Not everyone may like painted fireplaces, and if they do, they can always paint it themselves. Only paint it if it’s in bad shape!
 
Remember, when you’re selling your home, it’s essential to eliminate any potential problems buyers may have. An ugly fireplace is a potential problem. So don’t be afraid to paint the fireplace if you think it may be an issue!

At Abella Home Staging & Redesign, we believe any home can be beautifully transformed. We believe in delivering a custom-made look but without the custom-made price tag!! Call us, and let’s get started today!!

 
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How accessorizing can complete your design

April 30, 2020

How accessorizing can complete your design

Most people don’t realize just how vital accessorizing can be. I always say, “the devil is in the details,” and the details are the accessories!! Without proper accessories, it’s just an unfinished room.

As a designer, this is the part most of my clients have problems. You see, it’s not as easy as it seems. You need to know the proper scale, take into consideration color, and make sure it pulls the design together. This is what completes the space.

 This is a room I recently designed for a client. All the items I chose are in the space. However, the space seems incomplete because it hasn’t been accessorized yet.

Take a look at the before and after photos and see for yourself.
You can see there is no centerpiece to accent the table.


This wall seems so empty and vast without wall art.

The server is bare and has no charm!!

Now to add all the accessories and bring some much need charm!




As you can see, it’s so much better when the room has been accessorized. It completes the space. Adding warmth and charm.
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Painted fireplace; Good or bad idea?

March 26, 2020

Painted Fireplace; Good or Bad Idea??

Painted fireplace, is it a good or bad idea?? Tough decision. It all depends on the condition of the fireplace. When I recommend painting the fireplace, I often get a reaction from my clients. “Really? You think I should paint it?” is usually the response I get. But if your fireplace is old and outdated, then yes, by all means, paint it.


As you can see, you can also paint it a different color other than white. Black looks stunning. An ugly fireplace is a potential problem for buyers, so if your fireplace is old and outdated, or it just isn’t appealing, then paint it. This will give it an updated look.


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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
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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 color? More 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 magazine. The 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
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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!!



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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!

I 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, however, is 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.

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Styling your foyer

April 18, 2019

Styling your Foyer

You know the old saying, “You only have one chance to make a good impression“?Well, your foyer is that “One Chance” to make that good impression. It should reflect your style. 

Many times this area is neglected or just overlooked. But I think it’s a valuable space, if not the most important space in your home.

This is the space that will welcome your quest. It set the tone for the rest of your home. So if it’s neglected what is that saying about your home?

I believe your foyer is a great place to try different design elements you may not have considered before. Here are some ideas you can implement in your space.

1.  Love the color but was afraid to add it to your space? The foyer may be a great place to add color. It’s small enough space that you can try out a new bold color.


2. Scale is everything!! If you have a large foyer, then make sure you put in the right amount of furniture. That’s very important. Too many times I see the entrance is packed with too many pieces.

3. Your foyer will set the tone to your home’s style. If you have a contemporary home, then your entrance should reflect that style. It lends to the character of your home. It gives balance to your place.

4. Don’t be afraid to add an area rug. It will add color, introduce patterns and add depth and dimension to your foyer. Just make sure it can stand up to heavy traffic.

5. Don’t be afraid to go bold in your designs. Add geometric shapes, unique decor and generally have fun with it. Show your personality.


6. Do you love wallpaper but were scared to use it in another room? Then why not try it out in your foyer. Just make sure the wallpaper you use will easily transition from the entrance to the rest of the home.
7. Add some local flavor to the space. If you live in a tropical area, then don’t be afraid to add some tropical designs element. In this case, the stairway depicts the local landscape.
8. Sometime a foyer will be a transitional zone, where the indoor meets the outdoors. This allows you to add some outdoor element in that space.
 
9. The foyer is the first place you enter when you’re coming home. So it should have a place to put your stuff, like keys, gloves, and scarf. Don’t be afraid to add a dresser (if space permits it), console table or even a chest
As you can see, there are many ways to design your foyer. The most important to remember is to create it!! Don’t neglect it. Make it the space warm and inviting to your guests.


All Images Via Pinterest

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