Should you use stock photos in your website? Again, never use stock photos for show casing your work. But I have seen stock photos use on website. I’ve seen it used on the home page. Picture of landscape, beaches, and so on. By law, you can not use stock photos to represent the actual product being sold if it isn’t the actual product. Many companies have use stock photos. It’s an effective way to market your business without having the expense of hiring a professional photographer. But be careful, using stock photos can be misleading. Stock images should not be used on your business cards, post cards or any mailings you do. Use your logo instead. If you’re going to use stock photos, use it sparingly, perhaps a photo or two. Never use stock photo as your logo or any “branding” material. Remember your credibility is your lifeline, once destroyed it’s very hard to get it back.

Idealaunch.com

1) If you make them a part of the process they will feel empowered.

2) They get a say in what stays and what get packed away.

3) Let them know this is only temporary and that all if not most of the toys will come with you in your new home.

4) If you’re trying to get rid of some the toys, give it to charity and let them know you will find their toys a good home for them.

5) Let them help you organize the toys by putting them in storage bins.

6) Reward them when they put the toys back in the storage bins.

Children need to have a say in where their toys goes, it’s their possession. Just like you wouldn’t want anyone touching you possession, children don’t want you touching theirs. Organizing can be a family fun project if you present it that way. It may take some time but the rewards are great. No trauma, no crying and an organized home will be your reward in the end. Beside there are so many solutions out, there is no excuse not to get organized.

There is enough stress when selling your home, and children will pick up on that stress. By talking to them and getting them involved by organizing their toys, they will feel much better about it and so will you.

1.  Appliances-With the tax incentives, buying Energy Star Appliances will save you money in the long run. Yes, they do cost more to purchase than other appliances, but the savings and the resale value will more then make up the cost over time.
2.  Flooring-Did you know that bamboo is a fast growing natural resource? It grows in abundance, almost like weeds. Because of this, bamboo flooring is a wise choice when going “Green”. And it looks beautiful as well.
3.  Windows-Don’t scrimp when purchasing new windows. Energy saving window will save you a small fortune when it comes to paying your utility bill. Buy windows with argon gas between the panes.
4.  Lighting-Use fluorescent lighting as oppose to incandescent lighting. There is talk that incandescent lighting will eventually be banned in the future. Also, use sky light to let the natural light in. If you don’t have the room or don’t want to incur the expenses, use solar tubing. A much more affordable option then sky lights.
5. Countertops-Recycled glass is an excellent choice for counters. The colors are dazzling and it’s quite durable. Another choice is concrete. It comes in array of colors. Concrete, like glass are in abundant supply.
6.  Paint-Using a low or no VOC paint. These paints have no volatile organic compounds that are hazardous to your health. They cover just as well.

There are many more ways to go “Green”. These are only a small sample of what can be achieved. When it’s time to remodel your kitchen, do your homework and research your materials. But most of all have fun experimenting, that’s what good design is all about.

Colour me Happy

Decor Pad

 As you can see from these picture, by adding a dark floor, you help ground the kitchen and make it more balanced. Add old element with new finishes also gives it character. The options are limitless!! White kitchen I believe are here to stay. White kitchen, trendy or timeless? You decide. But it’s definitely here to stay!!

]]> http://abellahomestaging.com/white-kitchen-trendy-or-timeless-long-island-ny/feed/ 0 http://abellahomestaging.com/decorating-your-outdoor-space-long-island-n/ http://abellahomestaging.com/decorating-your-outdoor-space-long-island-n/#comments Mon, 23 May 2011 19:39:59 +0000 Admin http://abellahomestaging.com/?p=654 Decorating your Outdoor Space will not only give you more living space but will increase the value of your home especially here on Long Island New York. As a home stager & Redesigner, I always like to add value to my clients’ home. This is a great way. There are many things you can do without spending a fortune. Here are just some suggestions to get you started.

• Create an outdoor seating area.
• Mismatch furniture, paint it all the same color.
• Don’t forget to accessorize it with pillows, bringing in lots of color.
• Add drape to an arbor or gazebo.
• Treat your wall like an indoor wall, just make sure it can withstand the elements.

2 Clicks Outdoor Furniture

Patio  Garden Tips

Of course you can add more elaborate items and spend more money but you don’t have to. Check out magazines and your local garden shop to get ideas. And remember “Decorating your Outdoor Space” not only creates more living space but adds value to your home!

All you have to do is sand it down, fill in holes, prime and paint. Not difficult to do or you can hire a professional. It would still probably be cheaper then replacing the piece. And what a difference paint makes!! So the next time you have an old piece of furniture that you want to discard, ask yourself, can this piece be save by painting it?

If the answer is yes, then by all means do it! What’s old is new again!!

Centsational Girl

Centsational Girl

Use on Dishwasher

Use on countertops!

Even on Garbage pails!

Comes in a roll!

There are endless possibilities with this product. As you can see, you can use on countertops, backsplash, ceilings, workbench and much, much more!! Its scratch-resistance, durable and easy to use. You can order  a sample to see the product before you use it. I ordered the sample and was very impressed with it. You can even use it on stoves, it’s temperature resistant from 50 F to +122 F. Great for kitchens, bathroom and any room you want to use stainless steel. And it’s easy to remove. I will definitely recommend this product to my clients the next time I do a staging consultation. Especially if they have outdated appliances. A great alternative to stainless steel!!

Living Room Before

Living Room After

As you can see from these before and after photos. I simply remove the corner section of the sofa and added an end table with a lamp and accent pillows. Changed out the curtains and moved the plant to a different location.

Dining Room Before

Dining Room After

In the dining room I had the home owners remove the curtains and added the plant (the plant detracted from the air conditioner unit in the wall).

Master Bedroom Before

Master Bedroom After

In the master bedroom I suggested that they remove the headboard. It took up too much space and it expended 6″ from the wall (radiator was there). By removing the headboard we gained precious space. We used pillow to detract from the fact that there is no headboard. I also suggested that she replace her comforter since it looked worn out. I gave her some suggestions as to what would work . She went shopping and picked out this comforter. We replace the lamps and curtains. Took down family photos and replace with neutral wall art. The transformation speaks for itself!!

In the office it was simply a matter of de cluttering and removing the hutch which took up too much space.

With the girl’s bedroom I had the homeowner remove the wallpaper, which was way to busy and paint the wall instead. They de clutter and removed the curtains.

Bathroom Before

Bathroom After

In the bathroom, I had them paint the cabinet which was worn out and the mirror frame (can’t see). Remove the shower curtain which, was too busy and replace with a simple white shower curtain. These were simple changes that had a dramatic effect on the home. After sitting on the market for five months, when the staging was done, they had an open house and an offer was put in!! Staging doesn’t have to be expensive, for the most part I work with what the homeowner has. Implementing small changes to have the dramatic effect we want.If you need help staging or redesigning your home call Abella Home Staging & Redesign, Long Island New York, and let’s get started today!

1. Curb Appeal. Now is the time for planting flowers and mulching. Just these simply suggestions can make a huge difference in your curb appeal.
2. Furniture placement. Do you have too much furniture in you home? If so, eliminate pieces. Remember space sells and if your house looks too cramped, then buyers will think the house is too small. Less is more!
3. Clutter. Nothing turns a buyers off faster then too much clutter.
4. Updating your kitchen and bathroom.. It doesn’t have to be costly. There are many new products on the market that can totally change the look of  kitchen or bathroom. Rust0leum has a great product that can literally transform your cabinets and countertops.
5. Clean! Clean! Clean! I can’t stress that enough. Buyers will be turned off if they perceived your home to be dirty.
6. Hire a Home Stager. Hiring a professional home stager will give you the edge in this very competitive market. Well worth the cost!

These are just a few suggestion to improve the look of your home. Home owners would be wise to follow as many of these suggestions as possible. Spring, real estate busiest time; are you ready?

Like it’s counter part, it’s easy to use. Comes in five different colors, and can be done in a few days. As a home stager & redesigner living on Long Island NY, I am constantly asked what can I do to update my kitchen without spending a lot of money or time. It’s great to know I can now offer this product as a solution. Imagine what you can achieve if you use both these products in your kitchen! It can totally change the look of your kitchen!!

Rust-oleum Countertop Transformation