Abella Home Staging & Redesign

Laminated floors, what are the pros & cons? Laminated floors have exploded into the general public and with good reason. They are much more affordable then natural stone or wood and most homeowners can tackle the job themselves if they wish too.

So what are the pros?

1. Installation. Many have a “click-lock” design. It comes with glue already on it. You simply activated with water and wipe off excess. The new laminated stone tiles can be applied by using glue. You can even grout them so they look like natural stone.
2. Moisture resistance. They’re great for basement and even bathroom. Solid wood would expand and warp with moisture. Although neither solid wood or laminated floors can withstand pools of water.
3. No Defects. Unlike solid wood or natural stone which may come with defects, laminated wood or tiles do not.
4. Easy to clean. Laminated wood floors don’t need waxing or refinishing. Laminated tiles don’t chip like natural stone. They don’t need to be sealed either. Use damp mop and you’re good to go.
5. Durability. Unlike wood which will wear out and scratch, laminated floors don’t. Laminated tiles don’t crack or chip like natural stones.
6. Resist Staining. Laminated floors resist stains. If you have pets, that is a huge benefit. Imagine what pet urine can do to your wood floors!
7. Easy to replace.Tired of your natural stone look?  Unlike laminated tiles, removing natural stone is a huge undertaking!!

So what are the cons?

1. Not real wood or natural stone. Lets face it nothing looks richer then real wood or the beauty of natural stone floors.
2. Resale value is not the same as real wood or natural stone.
3. Not Refinish-able. Unlike wood where you can sand the finish down and literally change the look by changing the color of the stain. With laminated floors you can’t.

When it’s all said and done, I think laminated floors are a great options to homeowners who want that look without the expense. Years ago if you couldn’t afford natural stone there wasn’t much choice.Today are so many options out there and the price is very reasonable.

Laminated Wood Floor

Laminated Stone Tiles

Going “Green” in the Kitchen!

Going “Green” in the Kitchen is the newest trend. Not only here in Long Island New York, but world wide. It’s also the best way to add value to your home. If you’re thinking about remodeling your kitchen, here are some suggestions to incorporate going “Green”. Not only will this be eco-friendly, but it will be great for resale!

1. Appliances-with the tax incentives, buying Energy Star appliances will save you money in the long run. Yes, they do cost more money to purchase than other appliances but the savings and resale value will more then make up the cost.
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 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 abundance supply.
6. Paint-Using low or no VOC paint. Thses paints have no volalite organic compunds 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.

When selling your home, Curb appeal matters!

When selling your home, curb appeal matters. Does your home have great curb appeal? Do potential buyers keep driving past your home? What kind of impression is your home saying?

The color of your home has a great impact, but painting your entire home may not be in your budget. There are still many ways to change the look without breaking the bank. How about repainting the shutters, trim, garage door, railings, front door?  You can update your house numbers, mail box and light fixture. Buyers spent a long time at your front entrance waiting for you to open the door, so the front entrance should be meticulous. Change out the old mat for a new one. When selling your home curb appeal is crucial. It’s the most important step right after posting your photos on the internet. If they like your photos buyers will do a drive by, if they like what they see, then and only then, will they make an appointment to see your house.

Consider resealing your driveway, power washing your house, reseeding your lawn. In fact if you can hire a landscaper until the house is sold that would be ideal. Plant flowers or use flower pots to add a splash of color.

By now you can see there are many ways to inexpensively spruce up your curb appeal. Remember curb appeal matters when selling your home, so don’t over look this very important step when putting your home on the market.

Immaculate Landscaping

Staging and the House Market: What effect does it have on your home?

Staging and the house market: What effect does it have on your home? What target are you marketing? What area? What are your clients willing to spend? These are some of the questions a stager should know. After all, as stagers, it’s easy enough for us to stage, but what market are you staging for? As a stager there’s no end to the recommendation we can make. But since we are working with a budget it does help to prioritize.

A Home in Long Island, New York, should be stage differently then say, a condo in New York city. Different area, different market. You would assume that the house on Long Island is in a  family based neighborhood while the condo in the city is geared to young professional. But if you don’t know your market,  you could be  costing your clients money and the ability to appeal to the right buyers.

You must research the area. Talk to the real estate agent to find out what kind of neighborhood this will appeal to buyers. If the real estate agent has done their homework, and I’m sure they have, they will have the answers. If the home isn’t listed yet. drive around the neighborhood what do you see? Does it seem to be geared to families? What amenities are near by? This could help you determine the neighborhood.

A good stager will make the right recommendation for your home. Staging and the house market does have an effect on your home. Hiring the right stager can make all the difference in the world.

Kitchen and baths are deal breakers when selling your home. So how do we improve these areas without breaking the bank? Hiring a home stager is a great way to get some great ideas! There are simple fixing that can be done, some are easy and inexpensive, some may require a professional and a bit more money. Either way, it’s less expensive then remodeling your entire kitchen and bath!

• Repaint cabinets. That alone will drastically change the look of the room. You can paint vanity and medicine cabinets. Just make sure you prime it well or you can hire a professional.
• Change out the hardware.
• Update the light fixture.
• Replace the vanity sink or kitchen sink if it’s old.
• Update the faucet.
• Update the floor. There are relativity inexpensive stick on tiles that look amazing. There is even a stick on tile that looks and feels like wood! It’s called Allure. Great product.
• Paint the walls.

The reason kitchen and baths are deal breakers when selling your home, is the fact they are expensive to remodel. But doing these inexpensive fixes allows the potential buyer an opportunity to see how great your kitchen and bath are. They can then remodel at a later time.

Bath

Kitchen

Drastic changes that can affect your home and your bottom line! There are so many ways to drastically change the look of your home. I recently was watching the show “The unsellable” on HGTV where Sofie Allsopp recommend to the seller that they replace their dinette set. The totally cost for that was $450! I though that was pretty pricey. For Long Island New York, home owners that would cut into most of the budget. I started to think, what are home owners thinking as they watch this show. Well it got me thinking so much that I decide to blog about! Not just here but in facebook and in activerain as well.

There are many ways to drastically change the look of a room without changing out the furniture. Here are just some suggestions:

• Paint the furniture.
• Recover your sofa. It’s like a brand new sofa!
• Recover your dining chairs, the look can be very elegant.
• Paint your cabinets instead of replacing them. Much less costly!

These of course, are just some of the way you can drastically change the look of the room without going broke. If you are doing the job yourself, make sure you get the right paint and if you’re out sourcing it, make sure they are qualified to do the job. As a professional home stager it’s our job to transform the seller’s home without going over budget. If we do our job correctly not only will we have transform the look of the room but we would have worked with what the home owners have.

Before and After Photo by Centsational Girl

Perceived value is very subjective. Three agents can come up with three different listing price. Choosing comparable home is a somewhat subjective process. The value of ones home will increase if the potential buyer feels that this is “the one”. They’re afraid if they don’t act fast someone else will snatch it up. The amount of money they are prepare to pay for the home goes up because of this perception.

In home staging we are trying to increase the value of the home, by increasing the “perceived value” of the home. If buyer falls in love with the home, then the value will increase even more as they compete with one another. It’s the law of supply and demand. So how do you increase “perceived value” in your home?

If you stage a home to show off its best feature and you’re consistent throughout the house then the “perceived value” increase. The finishing details in you home can suggest a higher value. For examples:

• Decorative molding in any room will give it a more substantial look.
• Expensive looking door knobs in kitchen can completely change the look of the cabinet.
• Painting kitchen cabinet that may otherwise look cheap and outdated.
• Replacing the builder special on light fixture, especially in higher end home will dramatically change the look and feel of the room.
• Curtains or drapery that hang floor to ceiling can make ceilings appear higher. Thereby increasing the perception that the room is somehow bigger.

These are just some of  the suggestion that a home stager can make. A professional home stager can help you achieve that perceived value in your home, by showing off the best features and creating the best environment throughout your home.

Romancing your home can be easier then you think. With Valentine coming up quickly,  and people suffering from the winter blues, sprucing your home may be the cure for boredom. So why not get it ready for Valentine? When we think of romantic homes , we naturally think Victorian homes, perhaps a nice English Cottage or even a Tudor. Seldom do we think of Contemporary , Ranch, or even Mediterranean style homes as having a romantic feel to it, but if you decorate it right any home can have that romantic feeling.

Here are just some of the ideas that you can implement to get that desire effect:

1. Pay attention to the details of your home. Do you have a lake or ocean view, perhaps a beautiful garden? Don’t hide it, instead play it up. These elements have a natural romantic feel to it. They will naturally enhance any room.

2. Color. Think pale colors with warm undertones, colors that give a beautiful glow to the skin and make people look good. Special techniques, like sponging or even marbling can add to that romantic feel.

3. Furniture. Love seats with big fluffy pillows. Padded headboards or daybeds with fancy iron work for the bedroom. Using lots of big oversize, fluffy pillows can make any room look sumptuous.  When we see a bed covered with big fluffy pillows, we image throwing ourselves onto it.

4. Fabrics. Silk, satin, and even velour. Throw blankets draped over a bed, chair or sofa. Playing with patterns and layering different finishes to see what suits your taste.

5. Window treatments. Add full length sheer curtains to add fullness. Let them billow on the floor. Layer curtains to add depth and you can’t go wrong.

6. Smells. Use fresh cut flowers. Nothing awakens the sense more then nature. Incense works just as well, so long as it’s not over powering.

7. Lighting. When we think of romance, nothing comes to mind faster then candlelight. Dimmer switches can have the same effect.

So use your imagination and have fun!