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/alternative-to-stainless-steel-appliances/ http://abellahomestaging.com/alternative-to-stainless-steel-appliances/#comments Mon, 02 May 2011 19:12:04 +0000 admin http://abellahomestaging.com/?p=637 Recently I found an alternative to stainless steel appliances. It’s a peel & stick film from a company called Soft Metal Film. You simply peel and stick it to just about any surface. As a home stager in New York, stainless steel  appliances is highly desirable when selling your home. But not every homeowners has these high end appliances. It isn’t alway cost effective to replace appliances. But now there is another way to achieve the look without spending a lot of money. This product will turn an outdated appliance into a desirable stainless steel appliance that buyers are looking for.

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!!

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

This old House

This kitchen is done in what looks to me in lime green and black. Unusual to say the least!  As you can see this is not an old outdated kitchen. The shaker style cabinet and the clam shell knobs all signified an updated kitchen.

Here’s another one. Pale yellow and light sea foam green.

Handy Man of Charlotte

This one is done in light turquoise!

Although I do like the brightness and versatility painting your cabinets can bring to your kitchen, I’m not sure most buyers would appreciate this look. Will this look become mainstream? Maybe in time, but for now I believe this is a trendy look. Not something I would recommend when staging a home.

Kitchen cabinets with a spice of color, what do you think?

]]> http://abellahomestaging.com/kitchen-cabinets-with-a-spice-of-color/feed/ 0 http://abellahomestaging.com/rust-oleum-cabinet-transformations/ http://abellahomestaging.com/rust-oleum-cabinet-transformations/#comments Tue, 14 Dec 2010 16:24:11 +0000 admin http://abellahomestaging.com/?p=522 Rust-oleum cabinet transformation, is a do-it-yourself cabinet refinishing system. It is sold at Home Depot. It is a great way to refinish your cabinets without spending a lot of money. Although I’ve never used the product, I was impressed by the color selection and the easy of this product. It comes in dark color kit and a light color kit. The dark color kit has 24 tintable colors and the light color kit has 11 tintable colors.

This could be a great way to update your kitchen when you’re looking to put your home on the real estate market. As we all know kitchen and baths sell a home. If your kitchen is looking out dated, this could potential be a great way to update it. As a home stager  in Long Island NY, I am always looking for way to save homeowners the cost of remodeling or refacing.Rust-oleum Cabinet transformation could be the answer people have been looking for!

Rust-oleum Cabinet Transformation

Granite vs Quartz: Who wins? Granite has been all the rage for the last 10-15 years in kitchen and even in baths. Here on Long Island, New York, granite has very popular with real estate buyers. But recently the has been a shift towards Quartz. Why?

1. Contrary to popular belief. Granite has to be resealed every year.
2. It can be chip if you hit a corner or a vein.
3. There is less radon in quartz because quartz, although a natural stone is mixed with polymers, making it the best of both worlds, engineered and natural.
4. Quartz is less porous than granite making more resistance to bacteria.
5. Quartz is available in more colors.
6. Quartz has increased in popularity by 13% in the last year, while granite only %5.

In my opinion, while granite is unquestionable beautiful, I think it quartz is the new “Trend”. It will continue to raise in popularity, while granite takes a back seat. They say it take ten years for a trend to come in and go out. Since it’s been about 15 years for granite, I say its long over due for a new stone to take its place and that stone is quartz!

Granite

Quartz

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.

• 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