Creating an outdoor deck

February 6, 2020

Creating outdoor decks

Creating outdoor decks can be as simple as introducing furnishing, planting, and different materials. An outdoor deck can be an extension of your living space. Outdoor decks can bring you lots of joy and are great places to entertain.

Besides adding furniture, here are some ways to spruce up your deck.

Create a cozy feeling.

  • Instead of using rails, use bench borders. This will create plenty of seating space.
  • Coordinate your furniture with your house color. This will create harmony.
  • Don’t’ be afraid to use wall art.

Use color and movement.
  • Bright colors can instantly transform a space. Use colorful pillows and accessories.
  • Lots of levels will create interest. You can create this by using different heights of plants.
  • Nature sounds such as water fountains or wind chimes have a very soothing effect.
Create a dining area.
  • Canopy – besides purchasing one, you can create one using canvas. Attach to poles and insert them into large pots filled with flowers.
  • A table can be new or repurposed. It doesn’t have to be matchy-matchy.

As you can see, these are some great examples of what can be done to outdoor space. Just creativity and time and who knows what you can design.

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Reclaim wood anyone?

January 23, 2020

Reclaim wood anyone??

Reclaimed wood anyone?? Have you noticed just how popular reclaimed wood has become, or that matter of fact, anything recycled? Nowadays, it’s all about being “Green.” I love the look brings an organic feel to any space.

There are more and more places they are selling their version of reclaimed wood. So finding it has become much easier.

There are many ways to incorporate reclaimed wood into any design. Here are some examples.

Use it on a kitchen island.

As an accent wall
On a barn door.
Or as a false beam.
As you can see, there are many uses for reclaimed wood. All you need to do is decide where you want to use it. Less is more when it comes to reclaimed wood, as it may make the room appear dark or “heavy.”

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What’s old is new again

January 22, 2020

What’s old is new again.

What’s old is new again. As I mentioned in my last posting, “Green” has become very popular. Going green not only saves the planet, but it also eliminates a lot of waste in the landfill. Bedside, they don’t make furniture like they use to, and let’s face it the old “stuff” is so much better.

When I meet with my clients, there have been many times when they are consider getting rid of old furniture. But if I feel the furniture has potential, I enough recommend they reuse or repurpose it and give it a new life. They are often surprised by my recommendation. I explain to them that adding unique and antique pieces adds so much character to any space.

I love some of these examples of how furniture has been refinished. Some have been completely changed!!

What better way than to reuse what you already have? But if you need to buy items, check out antique stores or salvage yards. They have great finds.

So the next time you think about throwing away an old piece of furniture, take a moment and think. Can this be saved? Not only will it save you money and be “Green” but it will give you bragging rights, which is always nice.

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The many uses of wallpaper!

October 31, 2019

The many uses of wallpaper!!

There are many uses for wallpaper besides putting it on the walls. Lets’ expand our design palette to find other purposes for wallpaper. What do you do with leftover wallpaper? I’m always on the lookout for ideas. This one is a great and inexpensive idea. Keep in mind you can buy discounted wallpaper from any big box retailer as well.

1. Creative bookcase. Use it for lining a cabinet or hutch. It gives it a unique look and piazza without spending a lot.


2. Frame it. Love the wallpaper so much? Then frame it. You can create your art using wallpaper. Super easy to do.

3. Transform furniture. You can easily use it as a table topper.


4. Create a custom wainscot. Find a wallpaper you like, then coordinate the paint color. This will give you a very high-end look.

How about lining drawers? Wallpapering your cardboard boxes? Dressing up your clothes closet? The possibilities are endless. Just a little imagination, and who knows how far you can use wallpaper!!

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Rules of Placement

October 17, 2019

Rules of Placements

Have you ever wanted to know the designers’ secrets rules of placements? Ever wonder, “What is the correct placement of this______?” You can fill in the blanks with any scenario. It helps to know the guidelines. As a designer, there have been many times I have walked in a homeowner’s home and notice the placement is wrong. Here are some guidelines to help you figure out the arrangements,

1. The perfect viewing height for art placements is 60″ above the floor to the center of the art.

2. The perfect amount of space between wall art/mirror and top of the mantle is 7 inches.

3. The ideal height to hang your flat-screen TV is eye level when you’re in viewing position. The perfect viewing position distance is 1 1/2 times the size of your flat-screen TV.

4. A bed should be 23″ off the floor no higher.

5. A bench at the foot of the bed should be no less than 2″ shorter than the mattress width.

6. Keep a minimum of 15″ between the coffee table and sofa.
7. Don’t use end tables lower than 30″. The lamps will be positioned much better, and the proportion is better.

8. There should be a minimum of 36″ of space around your dining table to allow better flow and use.

9. Light switches should be 36″ above the floor and 1 1/2 to 2 ” off the side. This way, they are out of the way of your door casing.
10. The optimal height for your coffee table is 18″ to 20.”
These are just guidelines. As you may know, many of them have been broken like the art over the mantle. Now they lean the artwork right on the mantle. And the bench at the foot of the bed, I have seen two ottomans that work nicely.

The rules are there to guide you. Some may be broken, others like the light switch placement, and dining room table placement is good to know. Use your eyes as your best source of judgment. 

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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!!
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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. 

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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.

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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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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

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