Using shelf paper to repurpose a lamp shade

I used shelf paper to repurpose a lamp shade. Why? Because I couldn't find a lamps shade that I liked. So I thought, "Why not use shelf paper to cover my shade?" This will allow me to choose any color or pattern I like. 

I found a company called Chic Shelf Paper, but there are many companies to choose from. I was able to order the exact size I needed. I really liked that idea, less wastage.

Here is a picture of my lamp shade. It's just white. I wanted to add some color that would co-ordiante with my pillows and sofa. (There my black cat on my cream colored sofa!!)

As you can see, I wrapped the paper around the shade and slowly pulled the backing. The nice thing about this is, it's repositionable so if it starts to go crooked, you can start over agin.

It's a subtle change but it does make a difference in the space. Also the lighting isn't  good in this room.

As you can see it really is subtle, the left is pure white, the right has aqua stripes. But it's just enough of a difference to me.

What I really like about this shelf paper, I can always remove it, and either go back to the white, or go with something total different. The price for one lamp shade was $30. That's equivalent to the price of  lamp shade if you were to purchase it in a store or online. They have so many patterns and colors to choose from. They even have something for kids!!

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Personalizing Patterns with Today's best Trends!!

Personalizing patterns with today's best trends. What  is trending in todays market? Here is what you need to know.


   1. Stripes - Whether big, bold, large or small, stripes are trending right now.

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       2.  Chinoiseire - Imitation of Chinese and East Asian artistic. Usually found in decorative arts,  

            garden design, architecture, theater and musical performance.

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     3. The geometric trellis pattern - These are very popular. You can see it on wallpaper, pillows, 

         bedding, just about everywhere!!

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      4. Mixing patterns - The trick to mixing pattern is color. Focus on a color palette.

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        5. On trend backgrounds - These patterns with darker background have a more visual 

            impact. The darker the better!

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These are just some of todays trends. Patterns can be fun to use in your design. Just remember when mixing patterns, color should be your main focus!!

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At Abella Home Staging & Redesign, we believe any home can be beautifully transformed. We believe in delivering a custom-made look, but without the custom-made price tag!! Call us and let's get started today!!

Personalizing Lighting with Today's Best Trends.

Personalizing lighting with todays best trends. So what's trending today? What's hot? Here are some design elements you should know.

1. Drop fixture style - These light are breathtaking and can make a statement in any room.

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2. Crystal fixture - Who doesn't like a little bling? 

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3. Over sized Drum pendants - Over sized drum pendants make a huge impact in a room's design.

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4. Geometric Trellis - Geometric trellis lighting can be seen everywhere!!

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5. Silver metal color - Silver metal color, whether chrome, nickel, satin nickel, pewter is what's 

    trending these days.

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The trend we are seeing right now is towards larger statement fixtures that can act as a floating art in a room. Which ever you choose, lighting has a huge impact in a room's design. Choose wisely my friend!!

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At Abella Home Staging & Redesign, we believe any home can be beautifully transformed. We believe in delivering a custom-made look, but without the custom-made price tag!! Call us and let's get started today!!

The many uses of cinder blocks

Cinder blocks are often discarded. That's because many people don't know what to do with them. There are so many uses for cinder block. They are not just for construction projects. You can use them in your garden, or make furniture pieces out of them. Put your thinking cap and get creative!! Here are just some ideas for cinder blocks.

As you can see, you are only limited by your creativity!! Cinder block are also inexpensive. They range from $2.00 to $8.00 depending on what you purchase. So don't be afraid. Go out there and get creative. Build something beautiful. 

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Is butcher block in the kitchen a good idea?

Is butcher block in the kitchen a good idea? A lot of people would be concerned that wood is high maintenance. Others would argue that wood bring warmth into the kitchen.  They would both be right. Yes, it is true that wood does require maintenance, but you can seal with a oils. Just be aware that not all oils are food safe, so make sure you get one that is.

I'm not a big fan of using butcher block on all my kitchen counters, but I am a big fan of using butcher block on an island. They gives you the best of both worlds. The warmth of wood, but in a smaller area, where it's easier to maintain.

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How about using just a portion of your counter top as a butcher block? What a great idea. Easier to clean and maintain a small area.

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Butcher block are beautiful, and they do bring warmth into a kitchen. Especially in today kitchen where there is so much cold stone, (granite or quartz) being used. As far as maintenance goes, you can use oil, (like tung oil or raw linseed oil) to maintain it, and you should have no problems. In the event that you do have stubborn stains that won't come out, you can simply sand it down, bringing back the beauty of the wood!!

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At Abella Home Staging & Redesign, we believe any home can be beautifully transformed. We believe in delivering a custom-made look, but without the custom-made price tag!! Call us and let's get started today!!

Color in the Kitchen!

Color in the kitchen? Why yes please!! Todays kitchen have a lot more color, then they have in the past few years. Do you remember the 50's when colored appliance were all the rage? Since then, color in the kitchen have all but phased out. But I'm starting to see the return of color in the kitchen.

 elledecor.com

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Don't want to invest in major (color appliance) purchase? Afraid it may be outdated in a few years? Then how about using smaller appliances? 

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There is so much to choose from!! Anyone of these appliances can add so much color into your kitchen, without making a huge commitment. Tired of the color? Switch it out to another color. Yes, it's true, it will be an expense to switch out your coffee pot, toaster, or blender,  but hey it's a lot less expensive then switching out your stove!! 

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At Abella Home Staging & Redesign, we believe any home can be beautifully transformed. We believe in delivering a custom-made look, but without the custom-made price tag!! Call us and let's get started today!!

Pendant Lighting

Pendant lighting is trending these day. It serves dual purpose, offering light in a much needed area, and changing the design look of the space. Pendant lights come in all sort of colors, finishes, styles, and lengths.

As an Interior Decorator, I often get asked these two questions; how many will I need? And how big should they be? Good questions!! As with anything in design, there are guidelines. 

How big requires a little bit of math:
Generally speaking you want 12"-16" from the end of the island. Most common is 12". Lets say you have a kitchen island that is 120" and you want 4 lights. With 4 pendants, you will have 5 open spaces, one on each end, and 3 in the middle (one between each pendant). Using 12" x 5 (open spaces) = 60".  Subtract that from 120" and you are left with 60". Divide 60" by the number of pendants (4 pendants) and you are left with 15". This will be the diameter for you fixture. Can you figure out what the diameter would be if you were using 3 pendants? (Hint 24")

How many?
The Rule of 3. In the design world, odd numbers seem to work the best. That being said, rules are made to be broken. In the example I gave above, I use 4 pendants. Why? Because the island is very long, and can handle 4 pendants. Just keep this in mind, if you're going with less, use slightly larger pendants. If you're using more, use slightly smaller pendants. Above all, scale matters!!

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Last but not lest, what height should I hang my pendants? They should hang 36" to 48" from the top of the counter. Be considerate of sight lines. You don't want the pendant to obstruct anyone views, nor do you want them to hit their heads!!

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At Abella Home Staging & Redesign, we believe any home can be beautifully transformed. We believe in delivering a custom-made look, but without the custom-made price tag!! Call us and let's get started today!!