Simple solutions equal great design

June 11, 2020

Simple solutions equal great design!

You don’t need to spend a lot of money; you just have to get creative. Many times clients are on a budget (who isn’t these days!). But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice design. There are many ways to spruce up your home, whether you’re selling or redesigning.

Here are some tips that you implant.

1. Fancy feet – you can update a look on an armchair or sofa by merely changing out the feet. Most just screw on so you can easily replace them with your choice of decorative feet. Just make sure your new feet don’t go higher than 1″ of the original feet.

2. Decorative lampshade – there are many ways to “dress up” your lampshades. Cut decorative paper to fit the inside of the shade. It looks great when the lights are off, better when they are turned on. Add embellishment (ribbons, beads, use hot a glue gun) from the scrapbook aisles. Or use reusable wallpaper. Word of advice using the wallpaper will diffuse the light so, plan accordingly.

3. Stairs riser – step up the visual interest on your risers by using wallpaper or custom painting them. Just make sure you pick a print that will work when you cut it down to the size you need.

4. Kitchen and bathroom tiles – if you have plain tiles or even Formica and want to spruce it up without breaking the budget, use peel and stick tiles. Easier to do than removing the old tiles. You simply peel off the backing and position on tiles. Then let it dry/cure for 24 hrs. These stickers withstand moisture, heat, and plenty of splashes.

5. Dog crates – my personal favorite. Do you have a dog crate that is an eyesore? Then consider buying a decorative dog crate instead.

As you can see here, just a bit of imagination and creativity, anything is possible!!

Images Via Pinterest
#AbellaHomeStaging


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!!

All Images Via Pinterest
#AbellaHomeStaging


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

#AbellaHomeStaging


Wall Treatments

October 4, 2018
Wall Treatments!
Your walls are a blank canvas. It is the perfect way to show your creativity. They can dramatically transform a space.

So what are YOU  doing to reinvent your walls? Here are just some ideas that you can implement into your space.

Wood Paneling – Adds warmth. Can be traditional or contemporary.

Painting – The least inexpensive way to reinvent your space. You can also change the look whenever you want.
Architectural Digest
Wallpaper – Comes in many styles, from geometrics, florals to two dimensional, and even wallpaper that is paintable!
Chalkboard – Can make a statement! They are great for kids rooms, craft rooms, basements, and even kitchens.
Peg Board – Comes in sheets and can be cut down. They can even be painted! Great for organizing.
Wood Pallet – These pallets seem all the rage these days. They are basically free. But make sure you check the warnings on the bottom of the crate. Some give off toxic fumes. But most are safe!!
Bricks –  They have been around a long time. But it has recently made a comeback. They can be painted, distressed, or left in its natural state.
Stone – Bringing the outside in. Stones come in many textures, styles, and colors. They come in panels and you can adhere them to the walls.
Faceted or Modular – 3-dimensional sculpted surfaces. They interlock and are made from natural gypsum components. They definitely add a unique look to any space.
Wood Bocks – Again, it’s the ability to bring nature indoors. We love the organic feel to nature. It’s calming and peaceful.
Wainscoting – There are many different variations.  They come in different heights, styles, and forms.

Raised Panel.

Boxed Wainscoting
Board & Batten
Picture Frame
Flat Panel – This comes up 3/4 of the way. 
Bead Board
As you can see there are many options. Many more that I did not include in this post. You can feature wall treatments over a fireplaceor use as an accent wall. 

Remember to think outside the box and ALWAYS have fun!!


(images via Pinterest)

Wallpaper making a comeback!

August 31, 2018
Wallpaper making a Come-Back!!
Whenever I suggest wallpaper, I can see my client’s expression of dread and even horror!! Why is that?  I’m here to tell you, have no fear. Wallpaper used today is soooo much better than yesteryear! They can add a lot of charm, elegance, and interest in any space. They come in a wide range of materials and styles

Here are the latest trends to hit the market.

Floral/Botanicals – Bring nature indoors. This wallpaper will add bursts of colors to any room.

Geometric– They come in different shapes and sizes, creating a more modern look. It can bring versatility and visual interest in any room.
Metallic– Metallic wallpaper can add depth and sparkle while making your space feel incredibly luxurious. It’s one of my personal favorites!!

Brick/Stone/Wood/Natural Effect – This allows you to incorporate natural elements into your space without the expensive construction work.

Bamboo/Grasscloth– Natural material, they add tremendous appeal to any room. Not recommended in the kitchen or bath since they are not cleanable!! They do have antiseptic characteristics so they will not grow moss or germs. Very expensive. Used mostly in bedrooms or dining rooms.

These are just some of the examples of wallpaper that are out there. Get creative and don’t be afraid to add wallpaper to any space in your home. Whatever you decide, do it with flair!!