One of the latest trends in hardwood is the distressed look.  They are starting to become popular in upscale homes and stylish restaurants in the Westchester NY/Stamford CT area. It's a new trend that mixes the old with the new. This look can be great for homes looking for a more antique look.   What is distressed hardwood?   Distressed hardwood has a rustic, weathered look often using handcrafted staining and distressed techniques in to provide the look and character of a naturally aged floor. These planks tend to be wider (and sometimes come in random widths varying from 3" to 7") and they tend to come in darker colors. The darker colors tend to show the scraping more since the finish pools in the scrapes causing shadows and accentuating the character of the floor.   What is handscrap... 01/07/2011

This is inspired by David Popoff's What were your top 10 Active Rain posts for 2010?  Interestingly, my top one is a short post I wrote quickly w/ a video...not a masterpiece by any stretch.  It's called "How to hire a contractor you can trust."  But, I think the title is good and maybe the video helped.  This made me realize I should prob. explore this topic more in the future. 1. 3145 views (2237 clicks) - Hire a contractor you can trust - video 2. 1649 views Is bamboo flooring hard or soft? 3. 1514 views Brazilian Cherry flooring - why do customers love it? 4. 1480 views Patterned carpet - not you grandmother's carpet 5. 1473 views Prefinished vs. Unfinished hardwood 6. 1303 views Designing a Kitchen backsplash 7. 1276 - abt social media: One day at a time (one week at a time) 8. 126... 01/01/2011

Why is cork flooring considered to be a green product? Where does cork come from?  How is cork made?  Have you ever wondered?   Where does cork come from? First, let me clarify that to some extent, virtually every tree has an outer layer of cork bark, but the cork that is used for cork flooring, as well as cork wine stoppers, primarily comes from the cork oak (Quercus suber).  Most of these are grown in countries around teh Mediterranean Sea where the climate is ideal for them - plenty of sunshine, high humidity and low rainfall.  The primary exporter of cork is Portugal, but other counties such as Algeria, Spain, France, Morocco and Tunisia grow these trees as well.   The cork oak has a thicker layer of cork than other trees.  So, the next logical question is Why?  And, of course the a... 01/01/2011

December 31, 10:30 PM - 12:30 AM, White Plains - 10th Annual New Year's Eve Spectacular, Mamaroneck Avenue between Main Street and Court Street, Music, Ball Drop, Countdown and Fireworks by Grucci all add up to great family fun! Free, (914) 328-5166, www.wpbid.com Anthony Stokes Pereira, Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty is delighted to present its annual Winter Events Guide, a listing of local community events throughout the Hudson Valley. This year, the events are organized by region, and then by date, and we have also listed ongoing events in a separate section to make it easier to find great ways to celebrate the season. For updated lists of events, go to www.randrealty.com and look for our weekly events guide. Have a great holiday season! If you would like us to include your eve... 12/30/2010

For those still looking for Westchester Christmas light displays – stay tuned.  There is more to come in the next few days.  This latest set are from Gedney Farms White Plains.  These displays come under the heading of “less is more” variety of light displays. They are lovely, but perhaps a bit more geared to grown ups.  Still – they are great for the entire family.  The last photo is more spectacular to look at than the photo indicates.  Its amazing what spot lights and with very little in the way of glitter can do to light up a home.  Subtle – but spectacular.  My next photos will be more high voltage!  This was definitely a low key display….. Here is the map of the area for your convenience: View Gedney Farms Christmas Lights… in a larger map For more Christmas Displays: Westchester... 12/21/2010

December 17, 10 AM, December 18, 12:30 PM & 4:30PM, December 19, 2 PM, White Plains The Westchester Ballet Company presents its 14th annual production of The Nutcracker. Advance ticket prices: Adults $18, children $12 (age 12 and under) and seniors (age 60 and up). All tickets are $22 on the day of the performance. 198 Central Ave. (914) 995-4050. www.countycenter.biz Anthony Stokes Pereira, Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty is delighted to present its annual Winter Events Guide, a listing of local community events throughout the Hudson Valley. This year, the events are organized by region, and then by date, and we have also listed ongoing events in a separate section to make it easier to find great ways to celebrate the season. For updated lists of events, go to www.randrealty.com ... 12/17/2010

I get this question often from my customers - which type of hardwood should I use for pets?  It's a hard question to answer because truthfully all hardwood will dent and scratch over time - it's just a matter of how much and how much you can see it.  But I do not think this is a reason to avoid getting hardwood for your home.  Tons of consumers have hardwood and pets and they can easily co-exist together.   Usually, this question is less of an issue for cats and more of a concern with dogs, especially active dogs.  And, while there are things you can do w/ your pets (e.g. clip or file nails), I'm going to focus on hardwoods that can take a better beating and/or not show it as much.   1.  First, by all means stay away from the softer woods: American Cherry American Walnut Pine These wood... 12/17/2010

Hoping this works.  I made up this short video on xtranormal.  Not sure if it will come out correctly. Thankfully, most of my customers are serious about buying.  They may not always be ready and they may not always choose me, but for the most part, most of my customers are fairly well intentioned. Hope you enjoy. 12/10/2010

It seems at this time of year everyone is looking for Christmas light displays.   Since I drive around the lower part of the county frequently, I sometimes end up seeing displays that others might miss.  This area is actually quite near to where I live and those that are very local to the area are well aware of it.  But for those from neighboring towns might not know about this must-see Christmas light display right off of Mamaroneck Ave.   The lights are located in the highlighted area right off Meadow Way in White Plains which is easily accessible from Mamaroneck Ave.   These are some photos that I took last night…You can see that some homes are still assembling  their very elaborate displays.  So this is just going to get better over the next week or so. The location is at the south... 12/08/2010

White Plains condominium 15 Stewart Place 1C will be help open today from 1-3pm.  Spectacular 1,238 square foot 2-bedroom condominium at Heritage Towers! Features a bi-level first floor with a step-down living room, high ceilings, glass wall of windows, and patio, plus a lovely dining room & eat-in kitchen. Sprial staircase takes you up to the Master BR, 2nd BR, plus Full Bath; the hallway closet can be converted back to a Full Bath if desired. Doorman building, 1 assigned indoor parking space, plus convenience to shopping, bus and train add to making this a terrific duplex unit! 11/21/2010

Compendium of my flooring posts - Part 5 of many Here's the 5th installment of some of my older flooring posts. At the end of this post I've added links to Parts 1-4 , in case you missed them. This is in case you've missed any of my older posts or as a way to bookmark them for future reference for your clients. 1.  What is a floating floor?  This term is often confused and when someone asks me this question, I really need to dig deeper to understand why they asking so I can give them the right advice. 2.  Designing a kitchen backsplash.  3.  What type of flooring is better for your bedroom?  This discusses carpet vs. hardwood for your bedroom, and why customers have differing opinions on this. 4.  Hardwood Color Variation.  This post is by a fellow Floor Coverings International friend, ... 11/13/2010

Compendium of my flooring posts - Part 4 of many Here's the 4th installment of some of my older flooring posts. At the end of this post I've added links to Parts 1-3, in case you missed them. This is in case you've missed any of my older posts or as a way to bookmark them for future reference for your clients. 1.  Take your shoes off or leave them on?  This post was misunderstood by some as I was just trying to explain the impact of shoes vs. socks vs. barefoot on the floors. 2.  How hard is your hardwood?  Okay, I think this title says it all. You can see the range of different hardwoods from soft to very hard. 3.  How well does your carpet hold up to stains?  You have to watch these 2 videos.  It's amazing how far stain protection has come. 4.  Should you install tile yourself?  Or, s... 11/09/2010

Here's the 3rd installment of some of my older flooring posts. At the end of this post I've added links to Parts 1 and 2, in case you missed them.  This is in case you've missed any of my older posts as a way to bookmark them for future reference for your clients. 1.  Brazilian Cherry Hardwood Flooring - Why do customers love it so much?  Brazilian Cherry is one of the most popular hardwoods.  See what all the buzz is about. 2.  Exotic hardwoods - What are they and what do they look like?  Brazilian Cherry is just one of the many types of exotic hardwood.  Check out some of the others.  They are simply beautiful. 3.  How to go green with your flooring.  This goes into the different types of green flooring - from the obvious bamboo and cork to the not so obvious carpeting options. 4.  Di... 11/05/2010

Here's the 2nd installment of some of my older flooring posts.  Here is a link to the 1st installment of my flooring posts, in case you missed it.  For now, these are just chronological...later, I may put them into themes but I have to leave soon for the Westchester Women's Council of Realtors (since I'm a sponsor).   1.  Importance of carpet pad.  This explains how carpet pad is sometime more important on how long the carpet will last vs. the carpet itself and answers the question of whether you can reuse existing carpet pad. 2.  Cork Flooring.  This is actually by one of my good friends Mark Woodward who owns Floor Coverings International in NJ.  This is jam packed with info about cork - everything you wanted to know and more. 3.  Luxury vinyl - what is it and is it an oxymoron?  Most... 11/01/2010

  When: Friday Dec. 3, from 12-5 PM Saturday Dec. 4, from 10 AM – 6 PM Sunday Dec 5, from 11 AM – 5 PM Where: The Westchester County Center – Tarrytown Rd.  White Plains NY – off Central Ave.   For anyone who likes jewelry the is a must-see in our Westchester Events calendar.  The show features an enormous selection of jewelry from vendors throughout the world.  The price spectrum runs from very modest to the sky’s the limit.  It suits any type of buyer.  They offerings are discounted  and you can save substantially over retail.  There are mineral samples for people to explore. I always find looking at these rocks as fascinating.  Diamonds in the rough has real meaning! My mother bought me a wonderful set of earings and a ring just a year or so before she passed. I also bought some marv... 10/31/2010

Where: Westchester County Center – Tarrytown Rd. White Plains – (off Central Ave.) When: Sunday Nov. 7 11 AM – 6 PM The Price: $15 for Adults, $10 for children under 11, Children under 5 are free, $10 for veterans and active duty personnel.  (ID required for military discount) This expo might more appropriately be entitled “Death by Chocolate.”   This was Westchester Events  biggest food show for 2009 and by all reports 2010 appears to be right on track to surpass what was done in 2009.  Among the offerings I come up with in my Westchester calendar of events, offerings like this rank high because they are fun, inexpensive, and different.   Briefly, the expo is expanding to include more tastings, and sales featuring gourmet chocolate, baked goods, ice creams, wine, beer – and gifts with... 10/30/2010

Westchester NY Carpeting Video. Here is another google video featuring Floor Coverings International, this time for carpet.  We install all types of carpet - residential and commercial.  We install berber carpets, soft nylon carpets, patterned carpets and runners as well as natural fiber wool and sisal. Best of all, we make it simple for you.  "We bring the store to your door."  That way, you can see all the samples in your own lighting and pick out the best color for your home.  Our estimates are always free. So, if you live in Westchester NY and you are looking to replace your carpets, give us a shout. 10/26/2010

Are you looking for Hardwood floors for you home in White Plains NY?  Hardwood can make such a difference to the look of your home plus it improves the value.  Hardwood floors are also easier to clean and maintain vs. carpets.  While hardwood floors cost more than carpeting in the short run, in the long run, they are much less expensive as they will last for hundreds of years while carpeting is often replaced every 5-7 yrs.  So, you're saving money in the long run and in the long run, reducing your carbon footprint.  Oh, and for those with allergies or asthma, hardwood is usually a better choice.  Oh, and did I forget to mention that it improves the value of your home...so, it will make it easier to sell later and sell at a higher value. So, where do you start with your hardwood floori... 10/25/2010

When buyers ask me about White Plains NY homes – the first neighborhood that generally comes to their mind is the Highlands.  Homes in White Plains are very popular with buyers in general, but a home in the Highlands often on top of a buyer’s wish list when discussing specific neighborhoods.  And why not?  The Highlands has a prime location in a growing city. The Upper and Lower Highlands -  Suburban and Walkable: The upper Highlands at the southern end of White Plains is very suburban.  Larger lots with lots of mature growth with the bulk of homes in the pre-war charmer category.  The lower Highlands (north of Bryant Avenue) is a walkable neighborhood.  Once again – the pre-war home is the norm.   In general, the lots are smaller and the area though quite suburban has something of an ... 10/23/2010

Westchester County Home Show October 30-31 - White Plains County Center. Are you looking to remodel your home?  Whether it's a kitchen, or a new addition of if you're buying a new home, you won't want to miss the Weschester County Home Show October 30-31.  It's at the County Center in White Plains. Westchester County Center 198 Central Ave White Plains, NY 10607 (Sat 11-6 and Sun 11-5)   Tickets are $8 ($7 for senior citizens and kids are free), but I have some freebies for Active Rainers, so if you have an interest, leave a comment and I can leave you a couple of tickets at the Will Call booth. This is a great way to explore and meet potential contractors for your home as well as a good opportunity for networking.  Come meet architects, designers, general contractors, plumbers, landsca... 10/20/2010