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.

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

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/whats-old-is-new-again-long-island-new-york/ http://abellahomestaging.com/whats-old-is-new-again-long-island-new-york/#comments Mon, 09 May 2011 20:07:10 +0000 admin http://abellahomestaging.com/?p=648 What’s old is new again! How many times have we looked at a furniture piece and though it had seen better days and discard it? What if we had painted it instead? We never seem take in consideration that painting furniture can bring new life to an old piece!  As a home stager in Long Island New York, when doing a Staging Consultation or Redesign project, I often see outdated furniture that can be reused when painted. Clients are often surprise at my suggestion, saying “I never thought of that!” It save money and reuses existing items. That’s what staging is all about!!

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!!

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 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