Love Your Home
Most of us long for a place to call home, a place to come home to at the end of a long day.
My wife and I started our marital journey in a tiny little apartment on the grounds of a retreat center. It was humble but it felt like a mansion to us and we loved it. Over the years we've rented a house, owned half of a two-family, lived with family, had a couple of new construction homes built, moved out of state and back again, lived in a new development, an urban setting, and made our home in the country.
I've been in homes that are tiny and some that are breathtakingly palatial. We've enjoyed meals in homes furnished with thrift store treasures as well as those thoughtfully outfitted by top interior designers.
What, in your opinion, makes a home beautiful? Personally, I think a beautiful home is one where you can unwind and enjoy acceptance and stability, a space where you can find a safe harbor from the world outside and hopefully enjoy it with people you care about.
We invite you to begin your search for your own "beautiful" home in this issue and online at LifeandHomes.com. And when you find that place, we encourage you to fill each room with love and laughter.
Living Large in a Small Space: Downsizing Tips and Tricks
When our son Lorenzo was born, keeping him asleep As urban living becomes more popular, many people are embracing the art of downsizing. Moving into a smaller home or apartment often means adjusting how you live, what you own, and how you use your space. Downsizing can be liberating and even fun, as it gives you the opportunity to prioritize what truly matters and get creative with your space. Here are some tried-and-true tips for making the most of a small home without sacrificing comfort or style.
1. Embrace Functional Furniture:
In a small space, every piece of furniture needs to pull its weight. Look for multifunctional items that serve more than one purpose. For example:
Sofa beds or futons are great for hosting guests, allowing you to create a guest room without dedicating a separate room to it. Ottomans with storage provide a place to sit or rest your feet and offer extra space for blankets, books, or other essentials. Fold-out tables or wall-mounted desks are ideal for dining or working areas that can be packed away when not in use.
2. Maximize Vertical Space:
When floor space is limited, look to the walls. Utilizing vertical space helps create the illusion of a larger room and gives you plenty of options for storing items:
Floating shelves are perfect for holding books, plants, or decorative pieces without taking up floor space. Tall bookcases provide a functional way to add storage and display items you love. Hanging organizers on the backs of doors or inside closets can add extra storage without cluttering up your rooms.
3. Choose a Light, Neutral Color Palette:
Using light colors can make a small space feel airy and larger than it actually is. Neutral colors like white, beige, or light gray give rooms a clean, open look. Don’t be afraid to add splashes of color with your decor — throw pillows, rugs, or wall art in vibrant colors or patterns add personality without crowding the room.
4. Think Beyond Closets:
Small homes often come with limited closet space, but you can create your own storage solutions that look chic and keep things organized:
Under-bed storage boxes are perfect for keeping out-ofseason clothing or extra bedding.Rolling carts or utility racks can be used in kitchens, bathrooms, or hallways for added storage on the go. Baskets and bins work wonders for items like shoes, hats, and bags, giving a cohesive look to open shelving and reducing visual clutter.
5. Use Mirrors to Create the Illusion of Space: Strategically placed mirrors can visually double the space in a room. By reflecting light and creating a sense of depth, mirrors are a go-to trick for making a small room feel more expansive:
Try placing a large mirror opposite a window to reflect natural light. Use mirrored furniture, such as a console table or cabinets with mirrored doors, to add function and elegance. Smaller mirrors in groupings can create a stylish focal point and add light to dark areas of your space.
6. Stay Organized with Minimalism in Mind:
Downsizing is a great excuse to embrace a minimalist mindset. Here are some practical ways to keep clutter at bay:
Purge regularly: Evaluate items regularly and let go of things you don’t use, need, or love. Create dedicated storage zones: Keep similar items together to save time searching and reduce the urge to buy duplicates. Adopt the “one-in, one-out” rule: For each new item you bring into your home, donate or discard an old one.
7. Invest in Clever Storage Solutions: Innovative storage solutions can be the key to making
a small space livable and enjoyable:
Hidden storage beds often come with built-in drawers, allowing you to keep clothes, linens, or even small decor items under wraps. Wall-mounted hooks and racks can be installed just about anywhere, perfect for keeping items off the floor and accessible. Pull-out pantry shelves or cabinet organizers make the most of kitchen space, giving you easy access to items without crowding countertops.
8. Create Zones for Different Activities:
Even in a small home, you can create separate zones for specific activities. This makes your space feel more organized and purposeful:
A reading nook with a cozy chair, a small side table, and a lamp creates a calming retreat. A kitchen workspace with a compact cutting board and wall-mounted knife holder keeps cooking essentials within reach. Even a small office area can be created with a fold-out desk and a comfortable chair tucked in the corner of a room.
9. Let Natural Light Work its Magic:
Natural light can make any space feel larger and more inviting. Opt for sheer window treatments that allow light in while providing privacy. Avoid heavy drapes that can make a small room feel more cramped, and keep windows clean to let the maximum amount of light fill your space.
10. Add Your Personal Touch:
Just because you’re downsizing doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice personality. Add your unique style through carefully chosen decor and personal touches:
Display a few sentimental items that make you smile, like family photos or souvenirs. Choose statement decor — a single bold art piece or a distinctive rug can anchor a room without overwhelming it. Incorporate plants to add life and a natural element to your space, which can make any home feel cozy and inviting.
Downsizing is about creating a space that feels intentional, comfortable, and functional. With these tips, you can make the most of your small home and find joy in living large — even if your square footage says otherwise!
Source: Penelope Graves, LifeandHomes Columnist
ATTENTION REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS
Amodio Realty, Inc. Pays it Forward by Giving Back
Real Estate Rebate Program Honors Local Heroes
BY RICHARD BARRETT Aug. 2018
Amodio Realty Inc., located in the Town of Lee, wanted to show its appreciation to the military, law enforcement, firefighters, first responders, health care professionals, and teachers for their service to country and community, but wanted to do it in a way that went beyond mere words.
So the small family real estate agency, staffed by Stephen Amodio (Broker/Owner), his wife Betsy (President/Owner), and their daughter, Lucciana, decided to do something extraordinary with their business after learning about Heroes Home Advantage and a courageous woman named Michele Ladd, its founder.
Stephen Amodio, a former Marine whose own family includes many community heroes, heard about Ladd’s noble mission of honoring hometown heroes by offering discounts and rebates on real estate services, and he wanted to get on board. He did his due diligence first, spending nine months researching and speaking with other realtors nationwide who were already participating.
Amodio Realty, Inc. joined the Heroes Home Advantage program in January of 2017 and is currently working with about a half dozen heroes. He has closed on several properties already, but explained that it’s not about being pressured to obtain listings, move properties and meet sales quotas. It’s about giving back. He discovered through census tract records that in the tri-county area he exclusively serves, these categories of community heroes when
combined comprise 50% of their total population.
As of August 2024, Amodio Realty, Inc. now serves 8 counties: Oneida, Herkimer, Madison, Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego, St. Lawrence and Hamilton!
“We can never repay our heroes for their service, but we can honor them with a small token of our appreciation,” Amodio said. “We are looking for opportunities to honor local community heroes. That is our goal.”
Amodio Realty gives 25% of earned commission directly to the hero, (up to $5000 per transaction), when we close on the sale and/or purchase of their residential or commercial property.
“It’s a small gesture in comparison to the their daily sacrifices and service to our community and country,” he said.
He also works closely with a comprehensive, likeminded network of community partners who offer additional rebates and discounts on their related
products and services. The savings to heroes when all is said and done can be thousands of dollars. As word of mouth about the program spreads, Amodio envisions adding a half-dozen sales staff and expanding his cadre of committed community business partners even further. He graciously welcomes those who respect the program’s mission and embrace its spirit of honoring community heroes for their contributions.
“We’re hungry for more hero partners,” he said. “The door is wide open to virtually any business, but we discourage people from using the program to leverage their business and not follow through on their promises.” There are no fees involved, no catches, and no restrictions on how Amodio’s rebate can be used. The program is open to all qualified active, retired and volunteer heroes, both buyers and sellers, including first-time home buyers.
Amodio can’t hide his enthusiasm for the program and the people it serves.
“We’re enjoying doing this,” he admitted. “We always get a great reception.”
Heroes Home Advantage has representation in 40 states. For more information, visit AmodioRealty.com or HeroesHomeAdvantage.com
Article written by Richard Barrett Editor, Accent Magazine Reprinted and edited with permission Special Thanks to Jason Gulla with Gulla Graphics
Amy Abdoo
Lic. R. E. Broker 315-794-2653
BLON316@AOL.com
Dominion Homes Real Estate Brokerage
Pamela Allen
Lic. R.E. Salesperson 315-717-7530 pfallen0314@gmail.com
Bruce Ward & Company, Inc.
Sharon Baisley
Lic. R.E. Broker
315-429-9754 sbaisley@hbegroup.com
United Country Real Estate/ HBE Group Inc.
Kay Delano
Lic. R.E. Broker
315-826-7070
Kayd3659@gmail.com
Kay Delano Real Estate
Clyde Diedrich
Lic. R.E. Broker
315-868-4339 rcentur3@twcny.rr.com
Diedrich Associates Valley Realty
David Drapalski
Lic. R.E. Assoc Broker 315-868-3233 superdd527@aol.com Bruce Ward & Company, Inc.
Janet L. Giacovelli
Lic. R.E. Salesperson 315-404-7108 janetgiacovelli@howardhanna.com
Howard Hanna Utica/New Hartford
Azza Giorgi
Lic. Assoc. RE Broker 315- 534-2709 azzagiorgi@gmail.com
Howard Hanna CNY IncUtica/New Hartford Office, NY
MLS BROKER/AGENT DIRECTORY
Gina Hartman
Licensed R.E. Salesperson 315-717-5249
ginahartman55@yahoo.com
Bruce Ward & Co, Inc.
Ryan Hastings
Lic. R. E. Salesperson 315-219-3116
ryan@centralnewyork.com
Coldwell Banker Faith Properties
Patricia Kelly
Lic. R.E. Salesperson 315-717-2421
bward@brucewardusa.com
Bruce Ward & Company, Inc.
Thomas F. Koehler
Lic. R. E. Broker/Modular Home Dealer 315-891-3254
Koehler RE/ New Homes Modular
Kuyahoora Luxury Lodge & Resort
Lic. R.E. Broker 315-741-2202 guestservice@kuyahooraresort.com Vacation Rentals
Fred Macchia
Lic. R. E. Broker 315-292-0373
fmccim@hotmail.com 1st Rome Realty
Bill Macri
Lic. Associate R. E. Broker 315-360-1920
bill.joemacrirealty@gmail.com
Joe Macri Realty
John Macri
Lic. R. E. Salesperson 315-866-2521
jmacri40@yahoo.com
Joe Macri Realty
Monica Munford
Lic. R.E. Salesperson 315-822-6666
pmumford@twcny.rr.com
Bruce Ward & Company, Inc.
Robert Paul
Lic. R.E. Salesperson 315-717-3527
rpaul07@yahoo.com
Bruce Ward & Company, Inc.
Art Pratt GRI, Lic. R.E. Broker 315-366-3600
PrattRealty@ArtPratt.com
Pratt Realty
Matthew Pryputniewicz
NY Licensed R.E. Salesperson/ Commercial Director 315-794-3305
mattrealty@msn.com
Berkshire Hathaway CNY Realty
Paul Sacco Lic. RE Salesperson (315) 525-1377
paulsacco1013@gmail.com
Howard Hanna Utica/ New Hartford
Joel Siegfried Lic. R. E. Broker 315-796-2258
joelsiegfried@gmail.com SBG, Inc.
Carol Spisak Lic. R.E. Salesperson 315-269-6933
carol1320@aol.com
Bruce Ward & Company, Inc.
Michelle Gorea Thompson Lic. R. E. Salesperson 315-794-3260
saratogaunion@aol.com
Coldwell Banker Faith Properties - John Brown Tream
K Bruce Ward Lic. R.E. Broker 315-796-4425
bward@brucewardusa.com
Bruce Ward & Company, Inc.
James F Woodrick
Lic. Associate R. E. Broker 315-866-0258
jwoodric@twcny.rr.com
Bruce Ward & Company, Inc.
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THE POTTING SHED ANTIQUES
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Cabinets
315-733-6261
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Farm & Garden
BENSON'S FARM AND GARDEN
315-520-8395
Member Since 12/21
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Flooring
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Garage Doors
Home Inspection
315-792-9029
Member Since 04/13
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315-724-5129
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2260 State Highway 29A - Incredible opportunity to own a well-established, versatile property on 2 acres at the base of the stunning Adirondack Mountains, just outside the APA border. Currently operating as a charming restaurant, this space is brimming with potential. Whether you dream of continuing its culinary legacy, transforming it into a rustic brewery, bed & breakfast, rustic wedding venue or creating a cozy personal residence, the possibilities are endless. This prime location o ers year-round attractions for every season. Just minutes to Royal Mountain Ski area, local lakes, trails and hiking! There is truly something for everyone! Now is the time to bring your vision to life! 2260statehighway29a.howardhanna.com
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