Graham & Brown

She’s Smart

Imagine the possibilities!! And unlike traditional wall paper where you are stuck with whatever color you choose, with paint-able wallpaper you can simply paint over the existing color to achieve a whole different look!! Use it on walls, ceiling, and even door to achieve a unique look!!

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.

Here are 8 tips to get you started!!

1. What paint type to use. Latex is water based and cleans up with soap and water. Dries quicker and has less odor then oil. Oil is solvent -based. Dries slower and must be cleaned with mineral spirits. It also has a more durable surface.
2. Quality. Yes you do get what you pay for. The good quality paint comes with primer in it. Saving you time and money. Usually takes less coats so you use less!
3. Rollers. Synthetic for latex paint, natural fiber for oil paint. Here’s a trick I learned from my husband (painter). Take blue tape, pull out about 3-4 feet and run the roller over it a few times. This will trap all the loose lint from the roller so it won’t get on your surface.
4. Brushes. Again good quality paint brush will save you a lot of heartache. Look for angle brushes that are set in multiple lenghts. This will form a slim tip, great for cutting. For oil base use natural bristles.
5. Paint finishes. Choosing the right sheen can have a dramatic impact on your room. Here are my recommedations. Flat-good for ceilings. Matte-good for bedrooms, living rooms, dining room. Satin/eggshell-good for high traffic areas like hallways. Semigloss-good for trim work and doors. Gloss-also good for trim and door I don’t much recommend it anywhere else.
6. Low VOC. Volatile Organic Compound. These paint eliminate potential hazard chemical that can effect your health.
7. Calculating paint. Divide the square footage of wall surface by the coverage  per gallon (listed on paint can)= number of gallons to buy.
8. Pouring spout. Paint now comes in plastic snap-on spout that allows you to pour the paint, making it easier and prevents  it from clogging the lid.

DIY House Painting

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

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

What does this mean to you? Well if your going to redecorate your home you might want to consider pink! You may not want to paint your walls pink but hot fuchsia pillows can give you that pop of color . Did you know that the Moroccans and the Venetians have been using pink for centuries? I can remember when I was a little girls and pink was popular, as a matter of fact my dad had a pink shirt. It has recently resurfaced  again. Pink and green a classic combination. Think outside of the box and don’t be afraid! If you would like to update your home but need help, contact me!

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

When selling your home, Bland is Boring! Most people have probably heard the term Home Staging or have seen staging on HGTV. But what they don’t realize, it’s not as easy as removing clutter, or family photos. In a recent episode, I saw a home owner remove all family photos, including all wall art. Her walls were bare and she had removed all clutter to the point, where  there was no centerpiece and no accessories  at all! Her home was bland and boring. Buyers are not going to “Fall in love” with a home that is bland or boring.

Many people think they know how to stage their own homes, because they’ve seen it on HGTV. It’s not that simply! It takes an expert to see what needs to be removed and what need to be brought in. Removing to much is just as detrimental, as having to much!  There is a fine line and a home stager knows the difference. A Home Stager can make recommendation on paint colors, furniture placement and even updating accessories.

Buyers have to picture themselves living in your home, they won’t do that if it’s bland and boring!

Bland & Boring! No Charm or color!

With the Thanksgiving Holidays around the corner, I though I would share  my recipe for brining the turkey!

Brining  (recipe courtesy of Alton Brown Food TV)

For the Brine:

• 1 cup kosher salt
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1 gallo vegetable stock
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorn
• 1/2 tablespoon allspice berries
• 1/2 tablespoon candied ginger
• 1 gallon iced water

For the aromatics:

• 1 red apple sliced
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 sprigs of rosemary
• 6 sage leaves
• canola oil

Combine all brine ingredients, except iced water, in a stockpot and bring to boil. Stir till dissolve, then remove from heat, cool, and place in refrigerate until thoroughly chilled. Once brine is cold, place  thawed turkey, breast side down and set in cool place for 6 hours (I use a clean 5 gallon paint bucket from Home Depot to put the brine and turkey in). Turn turkey over once, half way through brining. Turkey does not have to be refrigerated because the salt in the water acts like a preservative,  just place the bucket in the coolest place in your house (garage? basement?). You can do this the night before or morning of. Remove turkey form brine and rinse inside and out with cold water. Discard brine. Add aromatics to cavity and coat with canola oil.

I guarantee this will be the tenderest turkey you will ever have. I don’t like to stuff the bird (health reason) instead I stuff it with the aromatics. Enjoy!!