Here is a list of counter top materials for your review with their corresponding pros and cons taken from BHG.com:

Natural Stone:

Pros:  Durable, long-lasting, doesn’t go out of style, heat-resistant

Cons:  Porous and needs to be sealed when installed, requires resealing, softer stones such as marble or limestone might chip or crack, most expensive counter top material

Cultured Stone:

Pros:  Heat, stain, scratch-resistant, easy to clean, does not require sealing

Cons:  Not as natural looking as real stone, costs almost the same as real stone

Solid-Surfacing:

Pros:  Heat and moisture resistant, does not fade or age, easy to clean

Cons:  Can be scorched, not scratch proof

Laminate:

Pros:  Heat, stain, scratch resistant, easy to clean, lower cost than other counter tops

Cons:  Sharp knives and hot pans can damage laminate, scorching, deep scratches and cracks cannot be repaired

Eco-Friendly material:  (for an in depth list of eco-friendly options and their descriptions click here.)

Pros:  Bamboo-easy to clean, Recycled glass-durable, heat and stain resistant, easy to clean, Paper Composite-durable, easy to clean

Cons:  Bamboo needs to be sealed routinely, susceptible to scratches and burning, Recycled Glass can chip, scratch or break with heavy impacts, and paper composite is susceptible to scratches and stains

Wood:

Pros:  Long lasting, timeless material that wears well

Cons:  Vulnerable to moisture, heat, acid, corrosive chemicals, stains, shrinks or expands, require food-friendly sealing and routine maintenance

Metal:

Pros:  Antibacterial, stain and heat resistant, durable

Cons:  Copper, pewter, and zinc are susceptible to scratch and dents, can be expensive

Concrete:

Pros:  Heat and stain resistant, durable

Cons:  Must be sealed regularly to resist stains and water, susceptible to damage from highly acidic liquids

Mix It Up:

If you can’t decide on one particular counter top, you may wish to select multiple types of materials.  To differentiate the space, you may choose to use a different surface on the island than on the other counter tops.

Other resources:

National Kitchen and Bath Association – contact for a free planner.

If you need help with your home redesign, contact Debbie@RedesignRight.com. (Photos from BHG.com)

Debbie Correale is founder and owner of Redesign Right, LLC. You can learn more about her at www.RedesignRight.com. Find her on Facebook.com/RedesignRight, Twitter @RedesignRight, LinkedIn, and Google+.

A great feature that Redesign Right offers is that we use what you already own!  One of the things we often hear from people is that they didn’t realize it would be so affordable.  When you watch design shows on TV, and they discuss spending thousands in remodeling costs it can overwhelm you – but don’t let that feeling stop you!  With the knowledge of understanding proper placement of furniture, art, lighting and accessories, we can give you a whole new look in one day, using what you already own and within your budget!  Truly, everyone should live in beautiful spaces that they are proud to live and entertain in!

Here’s our process:

We will start with a consultation where we meet you and your home.  We learn about your lifestyle, tastes, hopes and dreams.  We will discuss how you use each area that you want to redesign, and work within your budget and time frame to achieve your desired goal.

Redesign Right specializes in giving outdated rooms strong foundations that flow and accessories that create pop and excitement.  Keeping homeowner’s treasured items in the decor are key to great redesigns.  Whether it’s an antique table that has been passed down through generations or a husband’s favorite moose head or college chair, Redesign Right will make sure to incorporate these items in the redesign process to maintain individuality in your home and to reflect the people who live there!  They will decorate your home affordably, within your budget, and use what you already own and love.

If you would like a change this season, email Debbie@RedesignRight.com or call (610) 955-8202 for your consultation.

Debbie Correale is founder and owner of Redesign Right, LLC. You can learn more about her at www.RedesignRight.com. Find her on Facebook.com/RedesignRight, Twitter @RedesignRight, LinkedIn, and Google+.

Personalizing a party makes the guest of honor feel special – it’s a way of saying “You are worth it!”  There are many online sites such as PartyCity.com and OrientalTrading.com that offer many party favor ideas, color schemes, etc.  If you would like to customize the party, here are some unique ideas.

Create Customized Décor or Take Home Gifts
I love this idea from BHG.com, print out photos in black and white and mod-podge to a painted 3-D letter to create a beautiful collage honoring the guest(s) of honor.  Here’s another idea that looks great, tastes delightful and looks complicated but is remarkably easy to do.  Create custom labels using Microsoft Word, your color printer and standard Avery Labels to create a potentially stunning gift or party favor using Hershey Nuggets.  Click here for instructions on how to make these labels.

Table Coverings
Generally people will use a plastic, easily disposable table clothe as table coverings.  What if you added a decorative fabric to that to make the table shimmer with elegance?  Try gossamer fabric as an accent to table, walls, or draped from the ceiling to add a magical feel.  Click here to check out these ideas from Shindigz.com.

Cake
Are you tired of the traditional cake idea?  How about custom made Cake Pops – I love this idea!  They are bite sized, and you could contact your local bakery to see what options are available.  These are Favor Pops from Beau-Coup.com, click on this link to view other ideas.

Invitations
There are many online sites that allow you to incorporate photos of the honoree on the invitations such as, Shutterfly.com, SnapFish.com, VisitPrint.com, and one of my favorites, TinyPrints.com.  (Click on the website link to go to that site.)

Outdoor Party
Are you thinking about throwing an outdoor party event?  I checked in with expert Ruth Santiago of Plan Ahead Events, and she offers these five tips to prepare for various contingencies and ensure that your guests will be comfortable and enjoy the event.

1.  Bad Weather

Monitor weather forecasts.
Provide umbrellas (this could create a fun photo moment).
Rent a good quality tent to protect from rain/sun.
Make sure your décor is “weather proof” and anchored to prepare for possible wind.
Have your vendors do a site visit with you for a contingency plan.

2.  Plan for nuisances

Have the following items on hand for your guests:  Bug spray (a good idea would be to have a pest control treatment done to the outdoor area), Sunscreen, Hand Sanitizers, Fans, Water.

3.  Restroom Facilities

If the event is at a private home, you might want to consider bringing in portable restrooms.  Today’s event restrooms are far from your typical “port-a-potty”; some have sinks and mirrors and are more spacious than bathrooms in some venues.  It is recommended to have separate units for men and women.  Overuse of home bathrooms could cause bigger issues later in the day as they are not designed to handle heavy traffic.  Having someone responsible for keeping these cleaned and fully stocked is also a good idea.

4.  Power

An outdoor event often requires a lot of power.  Check with your band or DJ, caterer, photo booth and any lighting vendors as to their requirements to help determine if you have enough amps and circuits available to avoid overloading them.  Also, a generator is a nice item to have on hand in the event of a power failure.

5.  Permits

Having authorities crash your event would not be a good thing.  Make sure you do your research and find out if your town/municipalities require you to fill out permits; especially if it is at a private home.

For help with your party planning, you may contact Ruth at 267-884-4312 and find out more at www.planaheadevents-montco.com.

If you need help to do a house redesign before you throw your party, contact Debbie@RedesignRight.com for your Redesign and Home Staging needs.

Debbie Correale is founder and owner of Redesign Right, LLC. You can learn more about her at www.RedesignRight.com. Find her on Facebook.com/RedesignRight, Twitter @RedesignRight, LinkedIn, and Google+.

I decided to call on the experts to help us with this process of picking the right paint color.  This is what Bonnie Sunday, Division Designer Account Executive of the Sherwin-Williams Company has to say:

Sherwin-Williams has just the thing to help make color selecting easier whether you’re moving into your new place or updating a room.  Our Color Visualizer allows you to picture your space before you paint it.  Simply upload your photo than drag and drop a color or use the brush to paint.  It’s that simple.  Search our entire palette featuring 1,500 colors or use our color collections to find your ideal color.  You can also use the tools to add or remove color, refine edges, add color to trim, touch up your paint job and more.  Once you found the perfect colors you’ll be able to print your work.  The Color Visualizer also includes a coupon to help you get started!

Now that you found the right colors, you’ll need the right paint product.  Sherwin-Williams is proud to introduce our newest product, Emerald.  Emerald is a zero VOC product and meets the most stringent VOC regulations.  It’s also tinted with zero VOC colorants which no other paint company can tint its full line of colors with a zero VOC colorant.  It’s low order with anti-microbial properties that inhibit the growth of mold and mildew on the surface of the paint film.  It’s also self-priming, with easy application for the most beautiful, durable finish.

For more information on the Color Visualizer paint tool, click here.  To learn more about the Emerald line of paints, click here.  For all your paint needs visit www.swcolor.com.

Have some fun with this process and send me a photo or comment with your favorite paint color this spring!

For all of your redesign and home staging needs, contact Debbie@RedesignRight.com!

He supplied a list of commonly asked questions and expert answers.  I hope you find this information useful as you create your Moving Check List!

How soon should I call a moving company?

The earlier you call the better. The more lead time you can give, the more likely we will be able to meet your preferred pick-up and delivery schedule and be ready to address all your moving needs. If you’re planning on moving in the summer, it is suggested that you have a mover scheduled at least 3 weeks prior to the move date.

What is the difference between hourly, weight, and volume estimates?

Local moves are normally conducted and charged on an hourly basis. Long-distance and international moves are normally performed by weight or volume.

Can I get a free on-site estimate?

Yes, upon request, most moving companies will send a representative to the residence for a walkthrough. If a moving company is providing an estimate without a walkthrough, the estimate will be less accurate. It is strongly suggested that you have a professional visit the residence to provide an estimate.

What is a binding estimate?

A binding estimate can guarantee, in writing, the precise cost of the move based on the services requested or deemed necessary at the time of the estimate. Due to regulation, some states cannot provide a binding estimate, but it depends on the logistics of your move.

What should I pack by myself?

The term packing refers to small objects and loose items. It does not mean to include furniture. The level of packing one should do is entirely dependent upon the amount of time, money, and energy that one may want to spend. You can leave the entire packing to us, pack partially, or pack everything by yourself. Most customers prefer the mover to pack all artwork, lamps, electronics, breakables, and delicate objects. When you receive an estimate from our relocations consultant, do not forget to describe all the items that need special care.

Will the movers protect my furniture?

Your mover should provide full protection service to all furniture. All furniture should be fully wrapped with heavy duty moving pads. Glass, marble, and delicate surfaces should be put in cardboard or wooden crated by the movers. When you receive an estimate from a relocation consultant, do not forget to describe all the furniture that needs special care.

Should I dismantle and reassemble by furniture?

You may if you wish to save some time, but you don’t have to. In fact, most clients leave all dismantling and reassembling work for the movers. The movers will reassemble all the furniture that was dismantled. When you receive an estimate from our relocation consultant, do not forget to describe all the furniture that needs special care.

Do my appliances need special attention?

Most refrigerators, washers, dryers, and other electrical or mechanical appliances require special servicing to ensure safe transportation. Any moving parts such as motors on major appliances, washer drums, or mechanical arms, should be securely fastened for shipment. Gas appliances need to be serviced and disconnected prior to your move. Ask your mover how they plan on servicing these appliances.

My new location is not ready yet, what should I do?

If your new home is not ready, you have two options from which to choose. One is to extend your stay at your old location. The second is to store your goods until the new location is ready. Most moving companies have a number of different storage options – whether it is a night, a couple days, weeks or months.

Are my goods protected against loss or damage while in transit?

Yes, but the customer should determine the type and level of protection. There are three available options: weight based liability; cash value liability; and full replacement liability. Our relocations consultant will explain to you all the protection options and rates, in length. If you have homeowner or renters insurance, inquire with your insurance agent about “in-transit” coverage.

For a complete Moving Check List Guide from Bekins, click here.  For more information on Bekins Van Lines, Inc. go to www.Bekins.com.

For all of your redesign needs contact Debbie@RedesignRight.com

Across the country,

Here is a list of excellent resources to help:

•  Selecting an agent – check out my blog post titled, “Buying a Home? How to select an agent.”
• Want to see the Average Listing Price per zip code?  Click here to check out this tool from Trulia.com.
• Want to see how your neighborhood is trending in 2013?  Click here for a tool from Zillow.com.

While writing this blog, I contacted an expert in the realtor field to get an opinion on what would help someone who is going to be moving in 2013.  She makes the point that staging your home before the photos are taken to post to the real estate site offers the best return on investment.  RE/MAX Preferred Liz Facenda, Realtor, ABR, CSR, CDPE stated,

“One of my favorite marketing/listing “tools” that I use is my home stager.  It doesn’t matter if the home is in the price range of $150k to 2 million; I am a firm believer that a staged home sells faster and for more profit to the seller.  Staging a home truly sets it apart from other homes on the market.  I pay the consultation fee as part of my services that I offer to my clients it is well worth the cost and is extremely affordable.  I don’t understand why all agents don’t use a stager/redesigner for their listings.”

If you have any real estate questions, feel free to contact Liz at LizFacenda@comcast.net and contact Debbie@RedesignRight.com for your home staging or redesign needs.

Nowadays it’s not enough to clean your house,

Home staging is no longer just clearing the clutter and painting the walls a neutral shade.  Buyers make purchases based on emotion, and they want homes that match their lifestyle and dreams.  Staging is all about the buyer and what will appeal to them!  A prospective buyer decides within 20 seconds if your home is for them!  Twenty seconds is not very long to sell one of your most important assets.  Did you know every time a prospective buyer thinks a home needs a substantial change; they automatically deduct $10,000 off the asking price?  The best salesman in the house is not your agent but how the furniture is arranged and balanced.  Based on this arrangement, the potential buyer sees how they can arrange their furniture, and immediately an “I love this!” reaction is created, an emotional connection that places them in your home.  Exactly what you are trying to accomplish!

What to expect from a Redesign Right home staging consultation:

First, a consultation will be scheduled to meet you and your home.  During this time, a walk through will be done, reviewing and analyzing your home through the eyes of a prospective buyer.  During the consultation, an honest, objective and thorough “To do” list will be compiled to help you prepare your home to appeal to the greatest number of buyers and help sell your home quicker.  Redesign Right wants to help you sell your home and will work within your budget and time frame.  Redesign Right will be involved in your staging project as much or as little as you want.

If needed, Redesign Right will come back with a group of certified trained home stagers to create “a model home” in one day starting with what you already own.  Their goal is to highlight and accentuate the positive attributes of your home.  By rearranging and removing existing furniture, they form the looks that will appeal to the greatest number of potential buyers, all affordably and in one day.

“Debbie has been a tremendous asset as a home stager for my clients.  By utilizing the home owner’s own furnishings, and then adding her honest, enthusiastic approach, sellers are very appreciative and welcoming of her skilled advice.  Her keen eye to detail for staging a home to sell has made all the difference in a home presenting at its very best, and the positive result is getting it sold sooner!  I would highly recommend Debbie’s services.” -Lynn Romolini, REALTOR, Prudential Fox & Roach, www.LRomHomes.com, Email:  Lynn.Romolini@prufoxroach.com

If you are planning to sell your home this year, contact Debbie@RedesignRight.com for your professional home staging needs!

You can do so much with the color red as it elicits so many different emotions.  When you try to explain the color red you will find words such as energy, power, and passion.  How does red make you feel?  I find that a pop of red can complete a room redesign, the pièce de résistance!  Red is a fun happy color and can really make a room come alive! For those of you who embrace the color red, you will love these ideas, for those of you who are not too sure keep reading!

Pops of red can be interjected into any room with pillows, throws, artwork for the wall, accessories, an ottoman, a painted wood piece, or drapes.

Red counter seats and a red-framed mirror creates life in this white space!  Add red bar stools to your kitchen island for a fun pop in your kitchen!  (Inspiration by HouseBeautiful.com.)

In this room, the pale blue background is soothing and the pops of red direct your eyes to different areas of the room.  (Inspired by CountryLiving.com photo by Laura Moss.)

The red throw, ottoman, and accented pillows make this room come to life!  (Inspired by BHG.com.)

There are many different shades of red, and if you are trying to decide which one of them you want to use, check out this list from HGTV.com that correlates a style with a color.

Choose Your Style to Find the Right Red

Contemporary design incorporates neutral elements with pops of bold color, often red. On the door:  Bold, bright red.
Inside:  Bright red shades in a pillow, rug or throw.

Modern design calls for all kinds of reds: from primary hues to classic shades with burgundy or brown undertones.
On the door:  Any red you love that makes a statement.
Inside:  Consider injecting red through a painting or piece of art.

Traditional design stays away from primary reds and instead involves burgundy or black tones.
On the door:  A deep, rich red.
Inside:  Decorate with Oriental rugs injected with darker reds.

Transitional design relies on a neutral palette, a perfect canvas for pops of red.
On the door:  Match this red to hues you use inside the home, or skip the red door entirely to keep a more neutral theme.
Inside:  Choose a softer and more indirect approach like a red lamp or piece of art.

Country reds are chalkier and softer: Think barn or scarlet reds. Choose reds with pinkish and purplish hues, like the color of a ripening apple.
On the door:  Barn red

If you find yourself fearful using the color red, consider adding one of these accessories for a bit of pizzazz!

Items in this collage:
Oversized Wall Clock from Target.com.
Red Canisters from Pier1.com.
Poppy glass ware from Pier1.com.
Lanterns from PotteryBarn.com.

Don’t be afraid to try a bit of red in your home, have some fun and give it a try!  If you need help with a redesign, contact Debbie@RedesignRight.com

This photo from Plazahome.es is actually ceramic wood!  It is made from 85% recycled material that doesn’t require shining or refinishing.  Click here to read more about Ecowood.

If you like the look of wood with the stain resistance of a porcelain tile, check out these eco-friendly products from Mannington.com.  This photo displays the Driftwood Sunset product which comes in a 6”x24” tile.  Porcelain is a good choice in kitchens versus natural stone as spills do not affect the tile.

If you want hardwood in your house, in heavy traffic zones, consider this 2013 International Builder’s Show award winner for Best Indoor Feature the Mohawk ArmorMax™ that can be used to protect your flooring.  Click here to read more about this product.For some beautiful hardwood flooring ideas from HGTV.com, click here.  According to the National Wood Flooring Association, “hardwood is sustainable and commercially more available now than ever before.” “…90 percent more wood is added annually in net growth than is removed through harvest.”

Like the look of tile but not the cold and hard elements of tile?  Try an alternative, eco-friendly luxury vinyl tile.  Armstrong offers a line, Alterna, which offers warmth, easy care, and long-lasting features.  Click here to read more about this product.  For more explanation on the differences between ceramic tile and luxury vinyl tile, click here.  I found this helpful explanation of the difference between laminate flooring and vinyl flooring, click here to review that information.

Interested in carpet but looking for an eco-friendly option?  Mohawk Flooring partnered with Dupont and developed a non-oil based carpet material made out of corn!  The stain resistance is built into the carpet, not sprayed on with chemicals.  Read more about the SmartStrand® product by clicking here.

This is the coolest idea, and you could complete the project yourself using the Marmoleum® Click system that is warm, easy to clean, and requires no glue to install.  This is a linoleum product from the Forbo Flooring Systems which is committed to environmentally responsible production and products.  There are many color options available, click here to view more information.

If you are looking for eco-friendly ideas on area rugs, HGTV.com offers some intriguing ones – I particularly like this throw rug for your deck made from flip flops!  I have visions of Aruba! If you find an excellent product that you love for your spring redesign, please let me know I would love to hear about your projects!  Debbie@RedesignRight.com

Create an attractive arrangement of primrose, pansy or Florist Hydrangea!  For ideas on creating spring floral arrangements, click here for instructions from MarthaStewart.com.

If you want the look without the work, go to your local nursery and pick out a ready made container display of flowering plants and shades of green, such as this one from Waterloo Gardens.

This orchid idea is from RealSimple.com; I love the idea of placing the rustic pot into a glass container with small pebbles lining the container.  If you are afraid of orchids, you shouldn’t be!  They need sunlight and only three ice cubes a week for water.  If you need a reminder, go to JustAddIceOrchids.com and sign up, and they will remind you when you need to water your orchid!

 If you have a history of killing off your houseplants, check out the Spider plant which is a hardy plant.  It offers vivid foliage and tiny white flowers.  It has the added advantage of filtering the air of benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene (according to MNN.com. Photo Attribution here.)

Create your own little world with a Terrarium!  For instructions on how to make one, click here from BHG.com.

If you have certainly no idea what you would like in a houseplant, and do not know where to begin, the folks at BHG.com offer a nifty tool that asks you a series of questions and produces a Houseplant Growing Guide based on your answers, click here to get your customized guide!

Happy planting!  Enjoy your spring!

Contact Debbie@RedesignRight.com for all of your home staging and redesign needs!