Sharyn Hutchinson Blog on Interior ReDesign/Home Staging

Halls Need Attention Too!

2012-02-01T14:12:00.000-05:00

Every single space in your home is an opportunity for design and that includes halls. These sometimes unused areas are screaming for attention and thereby the perfect place to display items such as your favorite artwork, benches, mirrors, bombay chests...the list is endless what can be used in a hall.

ReDesign Concepts, LLC

Clean and light...Avian Toile canvas artwork hung over a seagrass bench flanked with two metal sconces.

Houzz.com

Arched tongue and groove ceilings are beautiful in this entryway. A wall of shelving with picture lights displays books, photos and family treasures.

houzz.com

If you don't have room for a bench or table, just adding a rug or two depending on the length of your hall and hanging several pieces of your favorite artwork may be all you need.

Below...Adding a chair to a beautiful table vignette creates a cozy nook in this hall.

houzz.com

How To Sell a House in SIX Days!

2012-01-12T12:30:00.000-05:00

I had the recent pleasure of working with a client who was preparing to sell his home. The key word here is "preparing" i.e. home staging. His first move was to call in a Home Stager - me.:) to see the house through "buyer's-eyes" going through each room inside and out. Every house needs some attention before putting it on the market whether it be simply "losing" the family photos to painting and making the necessary repairs. These days buyers want "move-in ready" homes and this seller made that happen for one lucky buyer.

It is always such a pleasure to work with clients who truly understand the value of home staging and actually execute the "to-do" list. Kudos to my client for doing the work that was needed to sell his home! Nice job, John! Here is his list of tips to get the job done...

Hi Sharyn,

I just wanted to let you know that I put my house on the market January 2 and had an offer January 8 with everything I wanted, i.e. full price, not paying Buyer closing costs. Unbelievable in this Florida market!

Here's what I did:
Hired a great professional home stager, Sharyn Hutchinson, to suggest how to stage my home room by room.

2. Made a list/plan of improvements as suggested by Sharyn.

3. Executed the home improvement staging plan as you have the time and money.

4. Hired professional contractors where needed when I couldn't do the work myself
i.e. knock down, orange peel

5. Painted with colors suggested by Sharyn even though you may disagree.

6. Hired an aggressive professional real estate agent.

7. Priced the house that is realistic in today's market environment.

8. Did final staging of the home.

9. Left town so the house remains staged (perfect) while not living there.

Thanks for your help and professionalism. I believe you were very instrumental in selling my home. I had no idea I would get a great offer so soon. If all goes well, i.e. inspection/appraisal, I will close February 20.
Thanks again,

--John T. Caldwell

Casselberry, Florida

Need I say more! John's list says it all!

Related Articles:

Guest Room Make-Over

2011-12-09T09:31:00.001-05:00

Our guest room has undergone quite a few changes over the years...go figure.:) But I have to say this one is my fave. Lighter and brighter has been my recent motto so I've been busy making changes to most of the other rooms in our home, too. The only room I'm not allowed to touch is my husband's "I Love Me Room" which still has the same paint color from when we first moved in - thirteen years ago! Getting back to the guest room...this room has gone from yellow walls with silk cinnamon-colored curtains hanging across the back wall as well as the entire wall over the windows (making it very dark and cozy I have to say) to taupe, blues, browns and whites.

The pleated white bedding is from Bed Bath and Beyond flanked by two different lamps with the same lampshades from Big Lots - always a great bargain. The white-washed tin tiles from Pottery Barn adds some nice texture along with the seagrass bench from TJMaxx.

ReDesign Concepts, LLC
Guest Room Make-Over

Using a valance in lieu of floor length curtain helps keep the room light and airy. I had some help from my good friend and master seamstress, Patty Mack who not only sewed this beautiful window treatment but made the headboard too! Well, the headboard was a three-girl project and my good friend, Jennifer Lee was right there lending a hand...or two.

Guest Room Valance

Every guest room should have a place for company to sit and read or write so this cozy corner is just the spot. The French blue chair I found at TJMaxx was actually the inspiration and the room started coming together after I bought it home. I found the Mother-of-Pearl mirror at Pier One. The lamp on the writing table (which I had previously painted white) is very special as it was my grandmother's gas lamp turned into a wired lamp.

Reading/writing nook in Guest Room

Because our tastes change through the years as mine certainly has, our guest room now has a lighter and brighter feel yet still cozy and comfortable.

Related articles:

Simply Elegant Holiday Mantel!

2011-12-07T09:59:00.001-05:00

Creating a special look for the holidays does not have to be complicated. Keeping it simple by using the same colors throughout gives a more elegant feel. My client loves magnolias so creamy white magnolias were perfect. Try this quick and easy idea to give your mantel a simply elegant holiday look.

Lay a pre-lit garland across the mantel, add a few flowers such as glittered magnolias and a few candles. If you have room on each side of your artwork, mirror or mirrored television in this case, add candlesticks with different heights. When decorating most any space, you want to keep your eye moving by using varying heights and three different candlesticks are the perfect choice. To keep this arrangement simple and elegant, we used the same creamy whites in the flowers and all the candles.

ReDesign Concepts, LLC

Savannah Style...

2011-11-01T14:34:00.000-04:00

Recently we took an Girls' trip to Savannah, Georgia dubbed FSO Weekend...Savannah. :) Filled with beautiful squares, history and sight-seeing, we spent three days experiencing the Savannah-style beauty and learning much about its very interesting history. To add to the allure, Savannah has also been dubbed America's most haunted city. With five cemeteries literally buried under the city, this fact does not surprise me.:)

A few historical facts we learned along the way:

Savannah was one of the few towns along his "March" that General Sherman did not burn. The mayor of Savannah met Sherman at the gates of the cities and begged him to spare their city. Sherman was so impressed by the beauty of the town he couldn't bring himself to burn it and ended up using one of the estates as his headquarters for several months. He then gave the keys to the city of Savannah to President Lincoln as a Christmas gift. Then later moved on to Columbia and burned it to the ground.

General Sherman's headquarters in Savannah
Now: The Green-Meldrin House Museum

The Mercer House is famous for the alleged murder of the young assistant of Jim Williams, owner and antique dealer, as told in the movie The Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. This estate was also the site of the famous Christmas parties hosted by socialite Jim Williams. Everybody who was anybody received an invitation unless you somehow got on Jim's bad side sometime during the previous year. Then your name card went in to the 'out' stack. Better luck next year:)

Mercer House

The Owens-Thomas House is considered one of the finest examples of English Regency architecture in America. This beautiful estate also boasts the first indoor plumbing system in the city...20 years even before the White House. A young architect designed the home while only in his early twenties. Pretty impressive! "Completed in 1819, and occupying a full block, the home features a columned entrance portico, handsome cast iron balcony, winding double stairway, and arched second story windows. The interior boasts a magnificent stairway of mahogany, cast iron and brass and elegant furnishings. The foundation of the home and garden walls are built of tabby, a regional material made of sand, shells and lime."**

**VisitHistoricSavannah.com

Owens-Thomas House

Hamilton Turner Inn

Drawn by its elegant architecture, ornate ironwork, fountains and green squares, Savannah has become one of the country's most popular vacation spots. It was certainly one of ours and we look forward to a return trip very soon!

Tips on Curb Appeal For the Fall

2011-10-20T12:56:00.000-04:00

If you are selling your home this fall, here are a few tips on how to spruce up the entrance making that best first impression to draw in potential buyers. The object is getting them through the front door and that is accomplished by curb appeal. If the front of the house is unappealing and not very well maintained, why would buyers even want to go inside the home? You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Be sure to clean up and maintain the yard. Add fresh mulch, keep leaves off the lawn for a fresh clean look.

hgtv.com

Add fresh new seasonal flowers such as mums.

hgtv.com

The front entrance i.e. the door can make a huge impression so it needs to be freshly painted or stained. Adding a seasonal wreath to enhance it and tie in with the seasonal flowers planted in the front yard or in a pot by the front door.

hgtv.com

Be sure to keep a clean appearance by pressure washing the sidewalk, front stoop, side of the house of anything that needs it. Don't forget to clean out the gutters.

Guest Room Valance Tops It Off!

2011-10-12T11:17:00.000-04:00

My guest room redesign is coming along nicely.:) Now that the headboard is completed, it's time to top if off with the finishing touches i.e. window treatments. With the help of my incredibly talented and good friend, Patty Mack of Sew Divine, we decided a valance in lieu of floor-length curtains would be the perfect treatment to complete the look. After choosing a beautiful pattern, she is sewing the valance for the window to be hung over the top of the Plantation shutters....just enough to give it some color and pattern in the room as well as enhance the window. Here is the fabric I selected along with this beautiful trim. It 's going to be gorgeous!!

A Headboard is Born!

2011-10-10T06:36:00.000-04:00

Being in the process of redesigning my guest room...again...a new headboard was a must. After researching many websites and catalogs for the perfect headboard, I decided I just needed to make my own. So I enlisted the help of my good friend and master seamstress, Patty Mack of Sew Divine.

My first assignment for the headboard task, after deciding the style and pattern, was to purchase a piece of plywood measuring 48" high and 62" long (the width of the bed plus one inch on each side). This being my first headboard project, I wanted to be sure it was strong so I ended up with this 3/4 inch piece of plywood that would have withstood Hurricane Charley. My other "assistant" and good friend, Jennifer Lee of Coach Jenn Lee, of course had plenty of smart remarks about my hurricane-proof plywood selection.:) ...mainly because we had to maneuver it around quite a bit...and it was HEAVY!

Our headboard-making day began with the necessary treats.:) Then on to laying out the pattern of the headboard. This was accomplished by some guesswork, a weighted string, ruler and a Sharpie.

Because my headboard design entailed an arch and a curve on either side, the string helps form a natural curve when hung from two points. Then we traced the arch.

Using a jigsaw, Patty cut out the pattern on one half, then flipped the cut-out piece over and used it as the pattern for the other half. Pretty ingenious:)

I love how the design came out...even more than the photo I used. We then laid the plywood on the batting to trace the pattern to be cut. Then back on the table to spray glue onto the plywood to secure the batting. Our headboard is now ready for the beautiful fabric....along with more wise comments from Jenn Lee regarding the weight of my very solid headboard because we had to carry it through the house to the table in the back.

Using a heavy-duty stable gun, Patty attached the fabric and even added black backing...she is such a professional.

Now the only thing left is the nailhead trim to give it a sophisticated decorative accent. Patty, the ultimate professional, would have none of the nailhead strips that come on a roll. No...it was individual nailheads to the tune of 357! Foolishly, I thought I can take it from here...at least so I can say I helped make the headboard. After delivering it to my house and attempting the art of nailing each one into place, I almost decided to forego the entire nailhead embellishment. But Patty to the rescue...we ended up taking it back to her house so she could use her handy staple gun to make a groove for the nailheads for easier placement.

She got so carried away, she just completed the entire project herself! And voila! ... a beautiful headboard was born! Thanks soooooo much to my good friend and master headboard maker, Patty Mack, I now have the most beautiful headboard...better than I ever dreamed!

In case you are wondering where I was...someone had to take the pictures:) Stay tuned for photos of the guest room make-over...

Creating Centerpieces From Nature

2011-10-06T10:20:00.000-04:00

Today's guest post is from Susi, a writer for Arcadian Home Decor, a great site that specializes in top quality home accessories at fantastic prices. At Arcadian Home Decor we understand that the majority of us are decorating on a budget these days. This doesn't mean any of us want to give up great style for our homes.

Centerpieces for dining tables are wonderful ways to dress up the table for formal dinners, holidays and celebrations. Looking toward nature for inspiration makes creating centerpieces more affordable but still elegant and full of style. Here are some of our favorite examples of creating centerpieces from nature. Go outside and be inspired!

Martha Stewart Weddings

This sheaf of wheat centerpiece is natural and elegant tied with a beautiful gray satin ribbon. Mixing natural materials with elegant touches creates beautiful centerpieces to go with the furniture.

Katy Cook Photography

A forest-inspired centerpiece from a wedding is full of ideas for creating centerpieces from nature. Each centerpiece is a symphony of textures and colors from small plants, moss and wood.

Pinterest

This is a simple way to take small things and create a big impact. Tying a group of Ball jars together with ribbon makes one large centerpiece. Each jar holds a single type of flower for a contemporary arrangement.

Pinterest

Nature inspired centerpieces don't always have to have flowers. These fall foliage centerpieces would look great on a buffet or dining table for Thanksgiving.

Style Me Pretty

Succulents make great table decorations. Their silvery greens and pinks are feminine while their shapes are more architectural and masculine. They are beautiful paired with silvers and whites.

Thrifty dÈcor Chick

Using seasonal fruit as a centerpiece is a way to bring what is going on outdoors in nature to the table. For fall, small apples, pumpkins or gourds make beautiful centerpieces and candle holders.

Wedding Bee

Terrariums make beautiful centerpieces. These microcosms can be made with a variety of glass vessels and simple or exotic plants.

Better Homes & Gardens

Let natural elements stand alone for simple but stunning table decor. A platter or tray of shells, beach rocks, acorns, chestnuts or other interesting natural treasures makes a quick and stylish centerpiece.

Image credits: { 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 }

Will be using any of these ideas for your home? You can also check out Arcadian Home Decor blog for all your home decor needs!

"New" Chandelier...Created all in one-day!

2011-09-30T11:08:00.000-04:00

Still working on freshening up and redesigning some areas in our home - OK most areas of the home:), I decided the dining room chandelier fell into that "re-do" category. After having company last week and showing them all the unusual items I painted and what a difference it makes by giving the pieces an undated look, one of my friends told me about her brassy gold chandelier with stands of hanging crystals that her husband wasn't particularly fond of. So what better way to make a change for the least amount of money - paint! What I personally could NOT believe was the fact that I, the queen of painting, did not think to paint the chandelier myself!:) So a plan of action was formed and I quickly went to work.

REDESIGN CONCEPTS - AFTER REDESIGN

I began with removing all the crystals - if anything just to clean them. After cleaning the chandelier, it was time to prime. I always use a primer called Zinsser Bull's Eye 1-2-3 Primer - quick and easy, no sanding and will prime most anything i.e. glass, marble, wood, etc. After that dried, I began the tedious process of painting on a Satin Black paint....chain, medallion and all. Then I painted a sealer on. The process would have been much quicker had I removed the chandelier from the ceiling to spray paint it but electrical work is not my forte and don't want to go there even though I have in the past but try to stay away from those situations :) All we have to do now is add back some not all of the crystals. For a more cleaner look, I choice not to bring back the swags. To dress it up a bit, you could add back the chandelier shades. It's all in the look you are trying to achieve....at least on that particular day.

A chandelier that my husband was ready to trash turned into one he now loves. Lesson here: before you throw something out, look at it through fresh eyes and see if it's worth a coat of paint. It could completely change it giving it the look you want and love.

BEFORE REDESIGN

Related Articles:

Decorating With Painted Treasures

2011-09-23T10:45:00.000-04:00

Hi, Susi here. I write as a guest blogger for Design Shuffle, a fabulous social media site that promotes interior designers and their work from around the world. I'm so happy to visit ReDesign Concepts today and share some painted treasures and decorating ideas. I am inspired by Sharyn's philosophy of rediscovering what you have and using it in new ways. Painted furniture and decorative objects can be moved about within a home to add color and interest to any room. From antique pieces with original finishes, to restored and reimagined vintage pieces, decorating with painted treasures is easy and fun.

DIY Ideas via

This dresser, with its classic antique lines, is a painted treasure when painted with a dry brush technique. Outside the bedroom, a painted dresser would look great in an entry or even living room.

Coastal Living via

This Tyrolean style painted bed looks like a real antique treasure. This style of painted furniture comes from the Alps and often includes deer and woodland flora. Great for mountain lodge bedroom designs.

Pinterest via

Antique Americana painted wooden buckets are highly collectible. A clever DIYer could replicate the look and feeling of these buckets for charming storage in a bathroom or kids room.

Brooke Giannetti via

A white washed French antique day bed and matching bench are gorgeous examples of painted furniture. Painted furniture doesn’t have to be colorful to make a statement.

House Beautiful via

Colorful paint can make an antique or vintage piece feel modern and fresh. This vintage metal bed has a new life in aqua.

Flickr via

Tole is the art of painted metal decorative objects. Tole trays, tins, lampshades and even trash cans with their original finishes are definitely painted treasures. You can create your own toleware by decorating a plain metal object in paint.

A Beach Cottage via

Vintage suitcases are a great find at yard sales and flea markets, but they aren’t always in the best condition. A simple and clever solution to restore these vintage treasures is to paint the exterior.

Segreto via

Giltwood, or gold leafed wood, was a popular surface finish on antique furniture and mirrors. Metallic paints can turn an ordinary piece of furniture into a treasure. Great for a bedroom design or even a powder room.

This content is provided by Design Shuffle, where you can find and share talented interior designs from from New York interior designers, Los Angeles interior designers, and more, check out the latest at Design Shuffle.

Dining Al Fresco!

2011-08-08T09:25:00.000-04:00

Adding a warm ambiance, candles are key when dining al fresco. Place them on a 'wall' surrounding your sitting area as shown below, on a table, or hang them from a gazebo or pergola using a candle chandelier. Here are some great ideas for dining al fresco... light the candles and enjoy the ambiance.

hgtv.com

myhomeideas.com

This outdoor space was created with mosquito netting held up by bamboo poles implanted in flower pots on each corner. Strings of lighting were hung across the top for that nighttime glow.

myhomeideas.com

Don't forget your outdoor buffet...not only a great place to set up for your dinner party or use as a bar but also a handy storage unit. A couple of goldfish bowls...not something you see every day in home decor... add conversational interest and a bit a color.:)

SouthernLiving.com

More outdoor ideas:

Patios, Porches, Pergolas...Oh My!

Sconce Ideas...More Than Just Candles

2011-08-01T23:49:00.000-04:00

Last month, I had the opportunity to assist in the Kirkland's Home Stores Grand Opening in Lady Lake. Honored to be asked to help with this event, I was like a kid in a candy store. It was so much fun meeting with customers and helping them make selections. After working with one of many customers, I was thrilled when she came back the next day for more ideas and even brought a picture she had taken of the vignette we put together the previous day!

Speaking of Kirkland's, I recently visited the home of my nephew, Michael and his lovely new bride, Shannon. Shortly after walking in the front door, I recognized many of their home accessories...straight from Kirkland's. I think she is Kirkland's best customer.:) Below are some of her ideas on using wall sconces...very creative and beautiful. She has quite a 'decorative eye'.

Wall sconces add style and character to any room and they don't necessarily have to hold just candles. Place some decorative rocks inside then add an exotic flower. Use them in a grouping with artwork or just hang a couple of sconces by themselves filled with potpourri, flower cuttings or any interesting items with texture and color.

Thanks for sharing your ideas, Shannon!

More ideas on home redesign...

Too Many Pillows? vs. The Marriage Ref

2011-07-28T14:26:00.001-04:00

So the other night, my husband was flipping through the TV channels and paused on The Marriage Ref. What caught our attention was the issue they were discussing...too many pillows in the house! After giving me "the look", we continued to watch the episode to find out whose side the panel of judges voted for...husband or wife. The husband's complaint was too many pillows around the house and always tripping over them. He could not understand his wife's obsession with so many pillows. Now, his definition of 'so many' is relative. The wife loved pillows and they made her happy...case closed...ok that's if I were on the panel.:)

Pillows are part of the icing on the cake when it comes to redesigning a room. They are a simple way to add the necessary color you want or even change the look of a room. In a bedroom for example, adding pillows to your bedding completes the look. Layer the pillows to give it a designer touch. Just be sure to have a specified, out-of-the-way area to store the pillows at night...you don't want to end up on The Marriage Ref.:)

Here are a few ideas for layered bedding. Adding Euro pillows provides some height to your pillow ensemble. Throw in a few textured pillows and one or two at the front for a pop of color. Depending on your style, add a lot or a little. Either way, that added touch will complete your designer layered look.

hgtv.com

ReDesign Concepts Receives 2011 Fan Favorites Ovations Award!

2011-07-19T11:31:00.000-04:00

The Seminole Voice newspaper along with the Oviedo-Winter Springs Chamber of Commerce recently completed a community "best of poll" call The Ovations. Readers were encouraged to vote for their favorite company in more than 50 categories.

ReDesign Concepts, LLC is proud to be in the Top Three Nominees in the 'design category'. Congratulations to all the 2011 Fan Favorites who were voted into The Ovations directory. Being recognized and recommended by your peers is a very proud moment. Thank you to all who participated in the poll. Each company displayed in the publication deserves a standing Ovation!

Kirkland's Store Grand Opening!

2011-07-14T09:50:00.000-04:00

This weekend is the Kirkland's Home Stores Grand Opening in Lady Lake at The Village Crossroads of Lady Lake, 496 North US Hwy 27 on Saturday and Sunday, July 16 and 17. I have been asked to help with this exciting event and will be available both days from 1:00-4:00pm to assist customers with their purchases and design questions. I will be offering free one-on-one consultations. Bring in photos of problem areas in your home...design problems, that is.:) There will also be giveaways and prizes...so don't miss this event!

If you have not had the chance to visit a Kirkland's store, this is a great opportunity to see what they have to offer. With so many beautiful, affordable and unique items, Kirkland's is the place to shop. It will be a fun day! Come on out and meet the Kirkland's team!

Looking forward to seeing everyone there...

Creating Focal Points with Art or Photographs

2011-07-13T09:14:00.000-04:00

I am pleased to introduce my guest blogger: Arcadian Lighting. When redesigning a room, you should begin with the focal points. The following are ideas on creating focal points with Art or Photographs. These are some great ideas to get that attention in the right place.

"Arcadian Lighting is the best source for lighting fixtures and accessories at discount prices. Arcadian Lighting has been in the lighting industry for over 15 years selling decorative home lighting fixtures and lamps online, and has become one of the top Internet retailers for home lighting products."

_________________________________________________________________

It is easy to create a focal point with art and photographs on any wall in the house with single works of art or groupings of art and photographs. Here are several ways you can decorate your room with art while creating a focal point at the same time. Donít forget the wall lights to illuminate your arrangements.

The Glam Lamb via

A collection of prints or photographs uniformly framed and hung in a tight pattern creates a focal wall in this living room. If you look closely, two of the prints are actually wall sconces. How clever!

Crafty Nest via

Monica Ewing over at Crafty Nest took the framed botanic print group idea one step further and framed six prints using a salvaged window frame.

The Vivid Edge via

A collection of antique portrait prints around a mirror creates a lovely focal point in this corner. If you look in the mirror, your face becomes another one of the portraits. Wonder if this was intentional?

All Doing via

A large painting grouped with two smaller paintings in the same colors creates a nice focal point above the sofa. The bright orange draws the eye since it is the only orange in the room.

Living Room Pictures via

A collection of black and white prints in natural wood frames works well in this modern living room. Identical frames unify the different art works. Keep this in mind when creating a grouping.

Decorati Access via

This living room designed by Robert Passal shows that a single beautiful work of art can be the perfect focal point for a room.

Alluminare via

This is an interesting way to hang art on the wallócreate a color block with coordinating paint to draw attention to smaller works on a large wall. Check out the lovely table lamps that complement the decor.

Christie Chase via

A single oversized photograph creates a colorful focal point. Either enlarging a personal photograph or finding one that fits the style and colors of the room would work. Love the vintage feeling to both the photograph and the furniture in this breakfast nook set off beautifully by the modern pendant light.

Content provided by Arcadian Lighting, a site that specializes in top quality lighting fixtures at extremely affordable prices. Come visit us today!

Thanks to Arcadian Lighting for this informative and interesting post.

A Quick and Easy Update...Paint Your Frames!

2011-06-15T15:34:00.001-04:00

A while ago, I began my quest to lighten up things around the house. First I painted the walls and the trim Navajo White...well, most of the walls in the main area...coordinating with a sand color for a little contrast. Then off to my office to paint the dark brown baseboards, the desk, credenza, mirror AND bulletin board.

The painting continues...this time it was my old gold and brassy frames that needed a quick update. Everyone has old picture frames but they may not be the right color or look you want anymore. If they are in good shape, simply adding a couple of coats of paint can liven them up nicely.

Added to my ever changing decor, these frames help achieve the lighter look that I'm striving for.

Now I pretty much just walk around the house with a paint can LOOKING for something to paint. I love the difference each little change makes!

Related Posts:

Imperfect is Perfect!

2011-06-09T11:40:00.001-04:00

Perfect Little Home

Years ago when I was setting up my first home - besides the college apartments - I wanted my home to be beautiful and perfect. And perfect it was...not a pillow out of place, not a mark on any of the white countertops and every photo, picture and piece of art precisely, squarely placed. If you know me now, I can hear the laughter at anything "squarely placed".:) I was very proud of my new perfect little home with not a thing out place...especially when company came. Ok, it was like that when no one but me was there. I was a perfectionist...and getting worse!

Then reality hit...my brother came to visit and the first thing he said when he walked in was "I don't want to touch anything! It's too perfect!". Well, there you have it...what was comfortable for me (perfectly so) was certainly not comfortable for my guests. Of course no one else would have dreamed of uttering those words thinking they might offend me since I was so proud of my "warm, inviting home". Only a very close relative had that privilege.

I have never forgotten my brother's words. So began the journey of learning the art of redesign. I continued to try new furniture arrangements, rehanging artwork and basically warming up the space using what I already had. I was amazed at the difference just MOVING stuff makes! My neighbor who has an incredible "eye" for design helped show me some tricks of the trade. Having that "outside opinion" come in and see things in a different way makes all the difference in the world. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard from clients "I would have never thought to do that!".

Traditional Home

Your home is all about you. It doesn't have to be perfect just perfect for YOU. Don't be afraid to try a new arrangement or bring artwork from another room. Nothing is set in stone...you can always move it back. And many times I do...just keep at it until it feels right.

The journey of redesign always continues...and my existing belongings will continue to move as well...so is the life of an Interior ReDesigner!

Before/After Photos of Interior ReDesign projects

Headboards...or Not

2011-05-20T10:40:00.000-04:00

As with any room, when redesigning a bedroom you may not have all the pieces you need to compete your redesign project. One major piece you may think you need is a headboard. Now the question becomes - do you need a headboard or not? Either way you decide to go is correct. Beds can be just as well-made with or without a headboard. Here are a few ideas for both sides of the coin.

If you decide you want to wait to add a headboard later for whatever reason or simply don't want one, you can always place the bed in front of a window and use the curtains as a backdrop. In this case, we added sheer curtain panels to either side of the existing Roman shades in the center. The additional panels framed the bed nicely also giving some height to the room.

ReDesign Concepts

Again, using ivory curtains pulled closed behind the bed creates the illusion of a headboard.

Southern Living

Something as simple as a piece of furniture such as a dresser can be placed behind the bed giving you a place to add accessories, photos and a lamp.

ReDesign Concepts

If you are feeling creative, make your own headboard. Using a board, your favorite fabric and a staple gun you can have a custom-made headboard in minutes. My sister Shelley of Our Story in Progress, used a curtain panel to create this headboard for her daughter's new room. More on that later:)

Using what you have around your house can become a creative and unique headboard. Here are some shutters that were cleaned up and painted making a big statement in this bedroom.

hgtv.com

Small Office Ideas...

2011-04-05T15:48:00.001-04:00

Any small area or unused space in your home can be transformed into a home office. Personalize the space by bringing in your favorite artwork, family photos and the things that make you smile.

A nook between two doors becomes a cozy office space with a blue background contrasting with white shelving. Add a clock, some vases and books...don't forget a good reading lamp.

HGTV.COM

An unused corner in a breakfast nook can easily become the perfect spot for your home office.

ReDesign Concepts

I love to place a desk and chair beside a bed for reading or writing. Add a bedside lamp, inspirational pieces of art, colorful flowers and your workspace is complete.

HGTV.COM

Patios, Porches and Pergolas...Oh My!

2011-03-28T10:26:00.000-04:00

Patios, porches and pergolas are the perfect places to spend time relaxing this season. Bringing the inside out can help create an intimate and cozy space for outdoor living. Adding elements such as curtains and lanterns bring a warm intimacy to these outdoor retreats.

Pottery Barn

Views from all sides....gather around in this circular porch.

Southern Living

A pergola supports beautiful climbing vines creating a canopy over the entire area. A weathered dining table and chairs provides a peaceful spot for outdoor entertaining.

My Home Ideas

Geometric fabric in bold colors add a fun colorful element to the porch.

Coastal Living

Hang curtains on your porch to help create an outdoor room. Be sure and hang them as high as you can to give the illusion of a taller space. Tie the curtains back during the day then pull them closed to help beat the heat of the afternoon sun.

ReDesign Concepts

Getting Organized...The Calendar

2011-03-25T11:22:00.001-04:00

Is your life so crazy busy that you get nothing done? Through our Organized Simplicity Series our guest blogger, Shelley Hurley, continues her discussion in her quest to finding and reaping the benefits from being organized in each aspect of her life. Using the principles from the book, Organized Simplicity Shelley has discovered something as simple as a calendar has tremendously helped in keeping her very busy world a more organized and peaceful place.

From Our Story in Progress Blog:
Organized Simplicity...the Calendar

Words can not describe how much Organized Simplicity, has been rolling around in my mind. It seems like each week a new facet is brought forth for me to consider. This week it is the calendar.

With four kids we can easily spend much of our time in the car shuttling them here and there. There is no doubt that our life is filled with seasons and there are times when commitments overlap and it is necessary but overall we can over-schedule ourselves. For our family a compromise was to allow the children to play sports but only one child per season. This decision was brought about after a particular sports season where several nights of the week were spent at practices and Saturdays were spent criss-crossing town while mom and dad tag teamed which child's game they would watch. We were out and about more than we were in. As a result, we were all feeling the stress this stretched-thin calendar. I longed for peaceful evenings with my family and dinner around the table and so our compromise was reached.

Recently we again had to spend more time in the car than I would have liked driving the older children. As we finally emerge from this season I am reminded once again how precious the calendar truly is and how we should diligently guard it. Free time is valuable time for a child as well as a family. It is in these moments when we process the events and knowledge of the day. Charlotte Mason calls this materly inactivity.

'Masterly Inactivity.'––A blessed thing in our mental constitution is, that once we receive an idea, it will work itself out, in thought and act, without much after-effort on our part; and, if we admit the idea of 'masterly inactivity' as a factor in education, we shall find ourselves framing our dealings with children from this standpoint, without much conscious effort.

Related Posts:

Organized Simplicity...Education is a Life

2011-03-22T10:37:00.000-04:00

Part Four of our Organized Simplicity Series from our guest blogger, Shelley Hurley.

From Our Story in Progress Blog:
Education is a Life...Mornings

As I continue to meditate on Organized Simplicity, I find myself seeking more intentional schooling. I can look back over the conferences I have attended, webinars I have participated in, and books I have read I see that this is what God has been preparing in me for a while...intentional schooling! With that said, I thought I would share the evolution of our typical school day.

This is mainly what the later half of our week looks like. On Monday we host a co-op here in our home and I try to stick to the idea of the schedule but am realistic enough to know that things happen and that my schedule is meant to be my guide not my dictator. On Tuesdays we are out of the home for a different co-op and after school activities.

Mornings:

We begin our morning with dictation.
I use the Well-Planned Day for our choices.
I do love that planner!
After dictating the selection, we read over it again and punctuate the sentence.
This is where we briefly discuss grammar. We will get more grammar during writing.

This is my youngest's handwriting book.
He copies an English proverb in cursive and then practices saying & writing phonograms.

In order to give our hands a break, we switch gears and read aloud a lesson.

After our Thinking Toolbox lesson, we pull out our respective math lessons and work quietly.

Sometimes I will turn on a Pandora playlist depending on our mood!

Then on to my favorite subjects.
Honestly I could spend hours here and try really hard not to be overwhelming.
I let Tapestry of Grace "drive" the subject.

We read a variety of books and work in our Century Charts or History notebooks.
In this picture, my youngest is reading Story of the World while listening to the CD

Once again, Tapestry of Grace is my resource for Literature study.
I find that the pace is a little ambitious for our family so we do slow things down a bit.
Planning helps in this area.
I have also been having great success with the Go!Chart and like pulling this out on occasion.

Afternoons:
One area of weakness I have is science.
Knowing this about me, we have chosen to seek co ops that offer the sciences.
During the week, each one works on the reading and labs and/or activities are done in co op.
This has been a great help

This is the core of our year. We have languages, music study, art study, etc. but these are not daily activities and so they are interspersed throughout the week.
We also have books we read and our Bible study time before school or in the evenings.

Each year our typical day looks a little different as our needs and schedules change. Only recently have I been able to turn over the responsibility of driving the older ones to their work and activities. This has certainly helped to keep the atmosphere of our day in order. I try very hard to guard our calendar and truly pray over our long-term commitments. Each year has different priorities and goals. I am enjoying our mornings quite a bit more but a huge part of that is being prepared myself. It is not enough to say you want to live simplistically. I think the other part of that must be organization. When things become crazy I still have a plan. I still have a system that I can rely on with minimal effort. I am truly enjoying seeing all the threads of my life weaving together and am finding great peace in knowing the God has been the one behind it all. I am finding great joy in my mornings!

Related Posts:

Spring-Cleaning and My Home Office ReDesign!

2011-03-21T15:30:00.000-04:00

It is officially spring but I got a jump on spring-cleaning a couple weeks ago...working on some redesign projects that have been on my list. I have been busy making changes in my office. What better way to make a quick, inexpensive and easy (yes that depends of your idea of easy) change than painting. A while ago I had painted my baseboards, trim and doors dark brown in my office and wanted to lighten up the look and feel of my space. So out came the Navajo White paint can.

BEFORE OFFICE REDESIGN

The first order of business was the dreaded job of painting those baseboards. It was only one room, how bad could it be? Well...after trying to keep it simple by moving furniture as needed that quickly came to an end. I finally just moved everything to the center or completely out of the room. Still tight quarters to work but much easier to maneuver.

NEWLY PAINTED DESK

With the trim, baseboards and doors complete it was time to move into the closet. After cleaning it out and reorganizing, it got a fresh coat of paint...even the ugly metal filing cabinet was painted Navajo White. I have some traditional pieces and wanted to put a new spin on them. So on to the desk, French buffet (used as a credenza), mirror and bulletin board frame which got the same treatment from the paint. Nothing was safe!

AFTER OFFICE REDESIGN

Some of the smaller unnecessary tables didn't make it back into the room (better used in other rooms) which opened up the office a bit more.

Switching out the darker rug for a lighter rug from another room helped to further brighten the room. The darker artwork was replaced with a lighter one. After adding a couple of new creamy white textured pillows and a cozy throw on the newly positioned leather sofa, my office is now the lighter, organized yet cozy sanctuary I was aiming for.

Any space that is important to you should reflect the feel you want to accomplish. It may only take a quick furniture rearrangement, painting a room or a piece of furniture. Whether it is a calm serene space to mediate or a warm inviting room in which to relax or entertain friends, you can love your home again!

Five Minute ReDesign!

2011-03-17T11:54:00.000-04:00

Redesigning any space in your home may be as simple as rearranging just a few pieces of furniture which will give the room an entirely new look and feel. While working on a client's family room, the sunroom needed a bit of attention, too. With two open walls into the room, the entry was almost completely blocked on one side by the sofa. With a quick rearrangement of the wicker furniture, the room was opened up for a more inviting feel. In just a matter of a few minutes, this sunroom got a cozy new look. Come on in...

Sunroom Before

Sunroom After

Organized Simplicity...the Home

2011-03-15T11:18:00.000-04:00

Continuing our Organized Simplicity Series...our guest blogger Shelley Hurley talks about the importance of your home environment...clean, organized and beautiful. Ok - I hear the sighs...yes, you too can have the home you want. With four kids (three of which she home-schools), two cats and a dog I would say she has a pretty full and busy life. Does this sound like your household? Using the principles in Organized Simplicity and some assistance from ReDesign Concepts, Shelley has created the stress-free, beautiful living space that is so important to her.

From Our Story in Progress
Organized Simplicity...the Home

ReDesign Concepts

As I mentioned previously we are reading Organized Simplicity and as I continue to digest this topic I have been struck by the notion of the simple home.

When we were newly married, we were stationed in California. I sold my car so that I could be a stay-at-home mom and we made adjustments to being a one car family. The kids were young and we walked everywhere we needed to get to. Fridays were set aside to clean the house and catch up on laundry which I could have finished before school got out. Our weekends were also simple. Long leisurely nights sitting on the back porch swinging, looking out over the fields and talking into the wee hours.

Often my husband and I comment how much simpler life was back then. The house was less cluttered, our commitments were not so scattered.I think I have always had a desire to live as simplistically as possible, but life tends to happen. Children are born, we collect more things, we make more commitments and before we know it we are tired and worn out. I certainly recognize that life is full of seasons and as I am currently leaving one and entering a new season, I can not help but ponder the simple home.

What does it look like now?

First of all I would like to say that God has blessed me with some incredible women in my life and I glean from them all. First my mother. I describe her as June Cleaver. She made our house a home. Her housework was never displayed as a burden. She took great joy in being a homemaker, wife, and mother. The atmosphere in our home was welcoming and filled with happiness.

Then there is my sister. I describe her as the ReDesign Fairy. She is so talented and just an all-round wonderful person. A few years back she took what little I had and made both my husband and I fall in love with our home. She set the wheels in motion. Paint, a few pictures, and creative decorating made our home something we loved. Before long she has transformed our home in to a place where we could school, put it all away and enjoy dinner by candlelight. I am thankful for that gift. The decorating was the icing on the cake but the real joy came from the atmosphere she helped me create for my home.

When my husband is not travelling we try very hard (stress the word, try) to have the main living area cleaned up before he comes home from work. For me this is a simple act of love telling him that we appreciate all his hard work and long hours to provide for us. I don't want him to feel the stress of housework or schoolwork when he walks through the front door. Making sure that everything has a home is important to me. Clean up should be simple and can be beautiful as well. It's all about the atmosphere you create in your home. Having homes for our things and putting all together with fabrics and textures and paint help create the right atmosphere.

Related Posts in Getting Organized Series:

ReDesign...Old Florida Style

2011-03-08T11:39:00.001-05:00

Our homes are constantly a work in progress or at least I like to think they are.:) There always seems to be something to move, fix or improve. You know what they say…change a doorknob, remodel the whole room. That one doorknob starts an entire chain of action.

I recently had clients who updated their family room floors with beautiful reclaimed wood flooring. Then of course a coat of paint was needed to further refresh the room. Prompted by my "Are You Ready for Company?" newsletter and an upcoming party, my clients decided it was then the perfect time for a new room arrangement…enter Sharyn.

When redesigning a room, it is best to remove as much as possible to get a better feel for the space. In this case, that work was already done because they had to move everything out of the room in order to do the flooring. After assessing the furniture, deciding what to use and what not to use; a redesign plan was quickly formed.

Bringing in the large pieces such as the sofa and two chairs, created a cozy sitting area in front of the fireplace.

Old Florida Style

Displaying the homeowners' unique accessories and family memorabilia including a grandfather's old hat, a well used baseball glove and a vintage gator doctor bag adds character and charm. We used one-of-a-kind pieces such as floor lamps made by the homeowner who enjoys wood-working and creating unusual pieces. An interesting collection of antlers, turtle shells and a baby alligator - albeit stuffed - helped create the Old Florida theme.

Your home is all about you...reflecting your personality through memory-filled treasures and pieces you love.

Organized Simplicity..the Purpose Statement

2011-03-07T14:57:00.000-05:00

Continuing our Organized Simplicity journey, my guest blogger Shelley Hurley, talks about creating a family purpose statement which helps you identify what to keep and what to remove from your life Templates.

From Our Story In Progress Blog:

The Purpose Statement

I have really been enjoying Organized Simplicity. I think this has been a topic near and dear to my heart for quite some time. I am currently on the topic of creating a family purpose statement. As I read, this got me to thinking about my educational philosophy for my family when we first started. I remember stating clearly what my desires were for their education and how this has helped guide me in my decision making. So now this week I am faced with the challenge of asking my husband and I to define our purpose as a family. I am looking forward to some quiet hours, time with God, and time with my husband as we search for this.

What would your educational purpose be? What about your family purpose? Could you put it in to a simple, timeless statement?

Related Posts in our getting organized series: Organized Simplicity...the Plan

Organized Simplicity...the Plan

2011-03-03T11:18:00.001-05:00

Organized Simplicity

Getting organized is something most of us could use help with. Our busy lives would not seem so chaotic if we had a system to keep them in order. Imagine your home, your time, your finances and your belongings all filling you with positive energy and helping you achieve your dreams. I recently came across a book called Organized Simplicity, the Clutter-Free Approach to Intentional Living which details a 10-day plan to effectively take care of daily activities and put you on the path to a more organized, intentional life.

Being a busy mother who home-schools three of her four children, works part-time, makes her own laundry detergent (and many more household items) AND finds time to write two blogs, my guest blogger, Shelley Hurley, has graciously allowed me to share her series of blog posts on how this book has helped get her organized in her very active life.

I will be sharing all five posts so stay tuned!

From Our Story in Progress Blog:

Organized Simplicity...the plan

So I found this new book and the title caught my eye...Organized Simplicity.

There has never been a book title that could so accurately reflect my desires for my home. Both words indicate peaceful living and hospitality.
Then a friend of mine ordered the book and posted it on Facebook. Like the generous person she is, she allowed me to peek at it. It only took an afternoon of glimpsing through the chapters to know this would be worth my time to read. So I came up with a plan.
Two very dear friends and I have been wanting to plan a trip to my hometown in Florida. We wanted to unplug and spend time leisurely enjoying walks around the lake and share great conversation over good food. So for the next 10 weeks we will be reading through Part 1 of Organized Simplicity. Then we will load up my van and head down chomping at the bit to share our lightbulb moments and of course relax! When we return we will begin Part 2 which is the practical application of the book. I am truly looking forward to all the aspects of this little bookish adventure and can not wait to share it all with you.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall...

2011-02-17T11:47:00.001-05:00

Mirrors are a valuable asset to any room. Large or small, they lend design, balance and interest to your space. I believe every room should be accessorized with a mirror or a set of mirrors.

An oversized floor mirror leaning against the wall becomes the focal point adding a bit of drama to this small space.

www.nicolesassaman.com

Using a grouping of mirrors of the same color can make a bold statement. Be sure to use mirrors large enough to fill the wall space. In other words, don't use small mirrors on a large wall. Keep it proportionate with the space.

http://www.omniartedesign.com/

Dining rooms are another great place to use mirrors. Light some candles and turn on the table lamps for a reflective warm atmosphere.

http://www.davidscottinteriors.com/

Moving Into a New Home...

2011-02-16T15:09:00.000-05:00

AFTER MOVE-IN REDESIGN

Moving into a new home can be an overwhelming experience...especially when decide not to take an entire room of furniture. I recently had the pleasure of assisting my clients with their new home. After deciding not to take most - ok all - of the family room furnishings to their new home, some room planning and shopping were in order.

As my client Barb best explains:

BEFORE MOVE-IN
"We recently moved into our new home, but I had no idea how to decorate it – the rooms were larger than our previous home and I wasn’t sure where to start. A friend recommended I call Sharyn and I am SO glad I did. She met me at the old house and walked through just to get a feel for our tastes. We went over to the new home and she immediately dug in and had so many ideas that I never would have thought of. We went through each room and used all the existing furniture I had, plus she went shopping with me and we bought the pieces I needed to complete each room.

AFTER MOVE-IN REDESIGN
We have gotten so many compliments on how beautiful the house is and everyone asks who helped with the decorating. It is so inviting and comfortable. We had such a great time shopping and hanging pictures and moving things from room to room to see where they looked best. I plan on asking her to come back before the holidays next year to help me decorate then. I can’t wait to see what great ideas she comes up with!
I would highly recommend using Sharyn for redecorating your present home or helping with a new one – you won’t believe the difference she makes!"

Design Tips for Your Home

2011-01-24T12:45:00.000-05:00

Here are a few quick and easy design tips for your home. Just making a few changes can make all the difference .

Use equal amounts of dark and light color for contrast and balance.

Coastal Living

Hang mirrors to reflect something interesting such as the reflection of a window which helps bring in light. If you are leaning it on a tall console or mantel, make sure it does not reflect the ceiling.

Southern Accents

Lowing the chandelier makes it appear larger adding a little more drama to the room.

Southern Accents

Electrical cords are not the prettiest of decor so try to hide them as much as possible. In office redesigns, I like to place cords and cables in a basket and add a fern. Table lamp cords can be pulled and secured under the table so they are not hanging down in plain view. Also don't forget to remove those tags.

Coastal Living

Books are a warm addition to any room. I love to use them in every room even in unexpected areas such as the dining room. Add them to your china hutch. It's not just for china.

Southern Accents

The Painted Floor...

2011-01-05T11:10:00.000-05:00

Painting a room is one of the least expensive ways to create the greatest impact. But have you thought about painting your floors? Not only is it cost-efficient, it is a beautiful and easy way to bring color and style to your home. Using porch paint and a brush, this weekend project can give your room an entirely new look.

Cottage Living

Create any style - from traditional to modern...

Cottage Living

Easy maintenance...just mop with soap and water

Cottage Living

Merry Christmas to All...

2010-12-22T11:21:00.000-05:00

As the year comes to a close, I reflect on the all the good and positive things that have come into my life and for which I most grateful. I am looking forward to the New Year and all the wonderful new opportunities that are in store.

Wishing you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year!

Leanne Michael Interiors

Simple Ways to Add a Holiday Touch...

2010-12-16T10:20:00.002-05:00

Add simple holiday touches around your home to bring out the holiday spirit.

Hang ornaments from your chandelier. I received these beautiful ornaments as a gift last year and wanted to show them off in a place all their own. I might just keep them up all year.:)

Frame a wreath...simply hang a wreath over a picture frame or even a mirror.

MyHomeIdeas

Add a wreath to bookshelves.

MyHomeIdeas

Bring a splash of holiday color to a coffee table with a bowl of red apples or pears.

MyHomeIdeas

Guest Room Retreats...

2010-12-08T10:34:00.002-05:00

Is your guest room ready for company? Here are some inspirational tips to help make your visitors feel right at home...

A room filled with vintage and charm...

A sunny yellow and white island retreat...

Geometric prints add a touch of fun to this brown and white bedroom...

I have always loved four-poster beds especially ones with flowing fabric surrounding them. The blue walls reflect a calming atmosphere any guest would relax in...

All photos from Coastal Living

Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas

2010-12-03T10:34:00.001-05:00

As I write this post, I'm sitting in a hotel lobby in Seattle enjoying the warmth of the fireplace and this beautiful Christmas tree. A cup of Starbucks doesn't hurt either. You know what they say here in Seattle...if you don't like the Starbucks you're in, try the one across the street.:) If you look closely in the photo, you can see one across the street.

The color scheme used on this tree is red and gold...notice the presents are also wrapped in red and gold.

Here are more Christmas tree ideas...

This Christmas tree was decorated using large glass ornaments of the same color giving it a timeless look.

Southern Accents

There is no rule that Christmas trees have to stay inside...take it outside such as on a porch. Use several trees of different heights, poinsettias and wrapped packages to create a festive setting for your holiday parties.

Southern Living

Holiday Ideas Inspired by Nature

2010-11-29T15:00:00.000-05:00

Create a lighted holiday village using an open armoire, coffee table or end table. Remove your everyday accessories from these furniture pieces to make room for your display.

Southern Living

Using palmetto leaves, sea stars, blue glass ornaments, white lights and ribbon; create a beautiful seacoast Christmas tree.

Coastal Living

Decorate your wreath with natural elements of pinecones, berries, and monkeypods and compliment with gold and burgundy ribbon.

Southern Accents

Take Thanksgiving Outdoors

2010-11-23T09:30:00.001-05:00

Take it outside...enjoy Thanksgiving outdoors. No paper plates for this festive setting. Bring out your best china to add elegance to the table. Add a colorful fall centerpiece, some lanterns for lighting and enjoy the good times with friends and family.

Don't forget the blankets to keep warm when the sun goes down...

myhomeideas.com

the Little Things in Life...and ReDesign

2010-11-22T14:26:00.000-05:00

It's the little things in life that can make your day. Last week I took my Mom to get a new phone. It was time for an upgrade for both of us so we headed to the AT&T store to see what deals we could find. I of course had done some extensive research on the new iphone that I had to have. About that time, my good friend, Jen Lee happen to pop in and caught me negotiating BEHIND the counter on THEIR computer.:) I ended up getting a good deal on Mom's phone as well. No, she did not get the iphone...she is strictly a 'phone-only' chick.

Later that day Mom called to say she had something for me. When she arrived at my front door, she had this beautiful rose in her hand. I loved it so much I took several photos of it. This beautiful rose (displayed in this post) now lives on as the wallpaper on my iphone. The bottom line is this little rose not only made my day but added a nice touch in my home. It's those little touches when redesigning your home that can make a big difference.

Neutralize When Selling Your Home

2010-11-09T11:11:00.000-05:00

When selling your home, removing dated furniture helps to neutralize the home. Buyers are not distracted by the outdated furniture and now able to see the space in the home.

Pumpkin Post

2010-10-27T10:54:00.001-04:00

Thought I would share some fun ideas for fall decorating at the room remix.

Country Living photo Kindra Clineff

Create a Warm Welcome This Fall

2010-10-22T12:02:00.007-04:00

Create a warm welcome this fall with these colorful tips. Using nature is a simple way to invite the ambiance of the season into your home.

Fill baskets, bowls or vases with scented pinecones
For a simple centerpiece, fill bowl with green apples
Place candles on your favorite tray filled with acorns
Slipcover throw pillows for a quick change of color
Add colorful throws to your sofa, ottomans and beds
Hang autumn leaf wreath on front door

Staging a Vacant House

2010-10-13T11:07:00.006-04:00

Here's a sneak peak at one of my recent projects...

Bedroom Retreat...

2010-10-10T17:22:00.002-04:00

I'm always talking about those cozy corners and places to relax...well, your bedroom is the perfect spot for these retreats. With all the busy activities going on in your home, having an area or room in which to get away will help you unwind and recharge.

Start with a paint color that you love. One of the least expensive ways to make the biggest impact is paint. To prepare for the job if you are a do-it-yourselfer, you will need to clear the room of all but the major pieces which can be covered. Whether painting a room or just redesigning, this is a good time to de-clutter and decide what really needs to go back into the room.

Once the painting is complete, then the fun begins! This is my favorite part...putting the room back together...but in a different way. Sometimes it takes just trying an arrangement to see if it works. So grab your furniture sliders and get moving. Once you have created the perfect layout, it's time to start bringing in your favorite artwork and accessories.

In a very short time, you could have your very own "Bedroom Retreat"...

For more ReDesigns, check out Our Gallery.

Staged To Sell!

2010-09-24T11:21:00.005-04:00

Staging your home before it goes on the market gives you the competitive advantage to sell your house. Creating the best first impression is key. See the difference Home Staging makes in this video.

Carve Out a Space Just for You!

2010-09-10T12:31:00.001-04:00

The lazy days of summer are over...back to the routine of school or work. How are you adjusting?

Now is the time to think about that special area in your home to carve out a space just for you. With the hustle and bustle of all the fall activities, creating an area or room for you to call your own is even more important. We all need that special place to unwind, relax and catch up on the day.

Even if you think you don't have the extra room in your home, it doesn't take a large area or an entire room. How about that unused corner you did not know what to do with? Just another opportunity to carve out a space just for you...

“I thought I loved my home before hiring Sharyn with Re-Design Concepts...but now I really love it! It was amazing, Sharyn found several, never utilized "dead" areas in my home, and created sanctuary's for me. I now use every bit of sq ft in my home. Creative, Fun, and very, very affordable! Highly recommend her services!”
Jennifer Lee
Winter Springs, Florida

REDESIGN CONCEPTS PRESENTS...

2010-08-31T11:03:00.007-04:00

Here is a video slideshow of a recent Move-In Service. This couple downsized from a large home to a smaller apartment where their artwork and accessories helped bring in color and style.

To read tips on how we created a place they now call "home", please see Downsizing and Loving It! and Redesigning Unused Space in Your Home.

Redesigning Unused Space in Your Home

2010-08-20T15:36:00.000-04:00

Do you have an area or room in your home that is unused and you are not sure what to do with it? ReDesigning unused space in your home not only adds value but turns wasted space into areas or room you will love. You only have a given amount of square footage in your home so using every inch is important especially if it is not as large as you once had.

After moving into a smaller dwelling my clients needed to find space in their new home for an additional home office. Because there was a dining room and counter bar for meals, the area in the eat-in kitchen was becoming an unused space collecting items. The built-in desk provided the perfect starting point for creating the necessary home office. When moving into a new home with furniture and boxes scattered everywhere, I always say it is like putting a giant puzzle together. All the pieces are there, you just have to move them around to try different arrangements in the different rooms to achieve that perfect fit.

In this case, there was a large dresser in the guest room that overpowered the room. We moved it into the unused kitchen space to use as a credenza. Adding a hutch from a smaller desk which is now in the guest room provided additional shelving. Favorite artwork and treasures completed the look for this "corner office". Now everything at their fingertips in a quiet area away from the main traffic flow.

Next time you are wondering what to do with that empty wasted space, "shop" around your home for possibilities to bring into unused space to redesign an area or room where you will love spending time.

Downsizing and Loving It!

2010-07-28T15:57:00.008-04:00

It's been a busy summer...families on the move. The trend of downsizing and simplifying continues as homeowners are moving out of larger homes into smaller spaces. "Less is more" is the motto when selling your home however that same philosophy can be applied when "staging to live".
Moving into a smaller space does not mean you have to give up style. Your new home can be a cozy, warm and very inviting space that will make your friends and family feel welcome.

Downsizing from a larger home to a smaller home is not always an easy task. After going through all the steps of selling your previous house, packing each item then getting it all moved to the new location can be quite the stress-builder. Now add moving from a 2800-square foot home to a 1700-square foot apartment to the equation and you might be ready to throw in the towel.

Instead of getting completely stressed, my clients whose situation described above developed a plan of action. Moving out of your home forces you to go through everything in your home piece by piece and decide what needs to go and what needs to stay. After a garage sale and charity donations, their household was ready to be packed up and moved to their new space.

Because their new home was an apartment where the 'white walls only' rule prevails, artwork and accessories are used to bring in color without painting. A smaller space can also feature your special treasurers in a more intimate and interesting way. Items that seemed to have gotten lost in a larger

home now stand out and even appear new again.

After a busy day of unpacking boxing, arranging furniture and hanging artwork, these homeowners can now relax and enjoy their new space they now call home.

Check out the MOVE-IN SLIDESHOW

Empty Nesters Reclaim Their Space!

2010-06-21T11:35:00.004-04:00

Have your kids moved out and you are finally ready to reclaim your space? Being full-time parents raising children, working full-time jobs, running a business or all the above can be quite challenging and time-consuming. This juggling act sometimes forces us to put our living space on the back burner. You keep thinking one day you will get to it but you just do not have the time nor energy. Now your kids are grown and moved out. It is time to reclaim your space.

The truth is, having a comfortable inviting home effects not only you but your family. As a result, YOU will be much happier and productive as a person as well as a parent and/or partner. Your living environment should be a place where you can relax, unwind and regroup. Surrounding yourself with the things you love can bring comfort and happiness. You must decide what is important to you.

The beauty of your home can get lost over years of accumulating items and furniture pieces with no specific design plan in mind. As shown in the the “before” photo below, too many pieces cause unnecessary clutter. Our redesign began with clearing the room after which a more precise plan went into action.

One of the most common mistakes people make when decorating their homes is using too many small pieces of furniture. For example, my client had placed several small tables around the room to house separate items such as a telephone table holding phone books only or a TV tray to place items she did not know where to put. After shopping around the home, we replaced these small unnecessary tables with one larger more significant piece giving the room a less cluttered feel. Removing a baker’s rack and relocating her grandmother’s hutch to anchor the space between the two rooms leaves the entire area feeling more spacious. Using equal parts of vegetable oil and vinegar to clean and polish the well-used dining table gave it a fresh new shine.

A few final touches such as painting the coffee and side tables, adding curtain panels to the existing sheers and our redesign was complete. The goal to create a beautiful comfortable space for reading, entertaining or just listening to the calming flow of the newly added water fountain was accomplished all in one day. After many years, these empty nesters have finally reclaimed their space.

Would You Benefit from Interior ReDesign?

2010-05-29T11:24:00.003-04:00

This is Only a Test...

Would you benefit from Interior ReDesign?

Do you love to entertain but don't want your friends to see your home the way it is?
Do you have a formal living room that you do not use?
Do you have any rooms in your home that you feel are wasted space?
Have you been looking for new furniture but do not have the money to buy anything new?
Have your kids moved out and you want to make better use of their old rooms?
Have you moved into a new home and still living out of boxes?
Are you tired of looking at the same furniture arrangements and can't think of anything else to do?
Have you inherited furniture and have no idea where to put it?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you may be in need of a Interior ReDesign!

"Never did I imagine my rooms with all my existing furniture could look so fabulous till you came along!! I absolutely love the new looks you gave to both rooms. Thank you, thank you!!"

Barbara Jaynes, Winter Springs

A Walk in The Park...

2010-05-14T12:43:00.001-04:00

We had a great day in the park in Charlotte walking to raise money for the Lupus Foundation of America. Sporting our specially designed shirts and hats...compliments of my sister, Denene and her sister-in-law Debbie, our 14-member team was the envy of all the other walkers.:)

This year there were over 800 walkers who raised over $74,000!! Many thanks to the volunteers who donated their time to make this event a success. We also greatly appreciate all who donated to support our team. I am thrilled to say we exceeded our goal! However, it is not too late to contribute. We are still accepting donations until June 1. Please visit Sharyn's webpage.

Watching family and friends come together to support their loved ones whose lives have been affected by Lupus, was quite a heart-warming experience. Supporting my sixteen-year old niece, Lauryn who was recently diagnosed with Lupus, it was a very special time for our family as well.

Coming in from Orlando, Tennessee and local areas, my sister, Shelley did an incredible job preparing for her weekend guests. Using some of the ReDesign Concepts' tips on creating a cozy guest room, we were welcomed with a basket of goodies placed at the foot of our beds. My niece, Kaelyn (the domestic thirteen-year old who actually has her own blog: Kaelyn's Kitchen:)) proudly showed us to our accommodations she helped to prepare.

Our baskets were filled with fresh towels and amenities...namely bottles of wine with a special label commemorating our Walk for Lupus. It is those thoughtful extras that make your guests feel welcome, special and right at home.

Home Staging Virtual Tour

2010-05-03T10:36:00.003-04:00

After a recent Home Staging, my client graciously sent me the following letter and link to the virtual tour. Click the link below and enjoy the show...

Dear Sharyn,

I can't thank you enough for turning my home into a showcase. From your first visit I knew you were sensitive as well as creative. As you walked through my home I never felt that how I decorated was wrong but now I needed to get ready for the next decorating stage...less of me and more of the house itself.

After the painting and storage were through you came back in like a whirlwind. In less than eight hours the house looked like a model home. I was amazed and still am when I walk into a room.

The house is on the market. I am so proud of the result and am thrilled to give you credit for your creativeness and hard work. You made transforming my home dare I say fun. It was for me.

I wish you continued success in your design business. Let me know if you ever branch out to Chicago!

Mary

Check out the tour...
Home Staging Virtual Tour

How to Stage a Vacant House and Get It Sold!

2010-04-26T11:13:00.002-04:00

One of the most challenging positions in which to be is selling and buying a house at the same time. Relocating for any reason may make it more difficult because of possible time restraints. You may find yourself in a position where you have to move before you have sold your house.

Statistics have shown that furnished houses sell faster than vacant houses. It is hard for most potential buyers to visualize their families living in a house when it is vacant because there are no focal points to draw them into the rooms. Most buyers need to see where furniture should be placed.

But all is not lost. Fortunately, there is a way to solve this dilemma. You guessed it...Home Staging. There are many ways to make a vacant house more attractive to potential buyers.

Paint walls a warmer color. If all the walls are white or off-white, chances are the ceilings are also white. This sea of white will make the house appear cold and sterile with no definition of the rooms. Or on the other hand, if the walls are a loud and unappealing color, that is all the buyers will see. If walls are a warmer, neutral color, the house will become appealing to more buyers.

Rent furnishings and accessories. If you're on a tight budget, just stage the main areas such as the living room, foyer and master bedroom. If you're on an even tighter budget, at least stage with accessories which helps to give the room depth. Bring in color and warmth using items such as greenery, silk trees, candlesticks, vases and towels in the baths.

Create curb appeal. First impressions are everything and the outside is, of course, what the buyers will see first. Your goal is to get them into the house so it has to look inviting and well-maintained. Again, think of color and how it appeals to the emotions. Plant colorful annuals, re-mulch or re-sod, if necessary, but make it as attractive as possible. The outside is a good indication of how the inside is maintained.

The following are some drawbacks of a vacant house:

Every flaw will show up because there is nothing else to draw their attention away.
No character and warmth
Buyers have a hard time visualizing their furniture in the house
It is difficult to see a room's potential

Before you put your vacant house on the market, think about what you can do to make it more appealing and inviting to the greatest number of buyers. Putting a little time and effort into staging your vacant house, can pay off in the end.

Make a Difference With Home Staging

2010-04-13T09:58:00.003-04:00

Are you thinking about selling your house? With so many homes on the market these days, it is even more important that your house stands out from the huge inventory that is out there. Most potential buyers are looking for a “move-in ready” home. Making a difference in your home’s appearance could make or break the deal.

So where do you start? Your preparation process should begin long before the sign goes in the yard. As one recent client did, using a notebook with category tabs and pockets will help keep you organized through the process. She even had a separate "Staging" tab created especially for moi.:) Her notebook/organizer was very impressive where she had everything she needed right at her fingertips.

In the beginning it may seem like an overwhelming task. Taking some time to evaluate what is most important and where to begin will help you ease into the process. Hiring a home stager can help you get your preparations on the right track. Because it is hard to separate your emotions from your personal items, having a professional come in with fresh eyes and an unbiased opinion can make all the difference.

Give Before You Get

2010-04-01T15:19:00.000-04:00

Have you read The Go-Giver by Bob Berg yet? This inspirational book sums up how important it is to “give before you get”. Putting others first and adding value to their life will come back to you in ways you will not believe.

Each year I write a new motto for my screen saver and this year it says “Give Before You Get”. It is a simple but powerful phrase. You can give money, time or yourself – just give first and you will be rewarded many times over.

With so many charities and people in need, you have to decide what is important and has a special meaning which is why I chose to be a part of the Walk for Lupus Now helping to raise money for the Lupus Foundation of America. In a previous post, Step Out for a Worthy Cause: Walk for Lupus Now, I talked about my sixteen year old niece who was recently diagnosed with Lupus. Through her inspiration our team, WingWard, was formed and will be participating in the Peidmont Chapter Walk for Lupus Now in Charlotte on May 1.

If you would like to help make a difference, please go to my webpage on the Walk for Lupus Now website, Sharyn’s Page, to make a donation.

hotelscombined.com is a website that donates to your charity simply by becoming a facebook fan, tweeting or blog posting about them to help spread the word. The charities that they currently support are WWF, World Vision and Make a Wish Foundation.

Whatever charity or organization you choose to help will appreciate your time and efforts. See how good it feels to be a part of something that will make a difference in someone's life. Remember...give before you get.

Step Out for a Worthy Cause: Walk for Lupus Now

2010-03-16T12:06:00.000-04:00

Recently my sixteen year old niece, Lauryn, was diagnosed with Lupus. Ironically, I was also diagnosed with Lupus at the age of sixteen and therefore personally understand the hard road she has in front of her as I have walked in her shoes. I am extremely proud of her for taking this proactive step by putting together her team, WingWard, to help raise money for the Lupus Foundation.

On May 1st, I will be participating in this year's Walk for Lupus Now in Charlotte to benefit the Lupus Foundation of America, Piedmont Chapter. I am writing to ask you for your support and help me reach my fundraising goal.

Last year's event raised more than $60,000 allowing the LFA to provide education and support services to people living with lupus and support much needed research. Lupus is a chronic, potentially life-threatening autoimmune disease that affects an estimated 1.5 million Americans.

You can help me reach my goal by making a secure online donation. Just click on the link below and you will be taken to my personal donation page, 2010 Walk For Lupus Now: Charlotte Donation Page of Sharyn Hutchinson.
donate to help raise money for the Lupus Foundation.

Making a difference starts with one step. Thank you for taking this step!

Become our Walk For Lupus Now Team WingWard facebook fan

Zipline and ReDesign

2010-03-05T12:55:00.000-05:00

What does Zipline and ReDesign have in common? Well, you might say nothing except they rhyme. But actually if you think about it, there are a lot of similarities.

Both zipline and redesign are quick ways to get from Point A to Point B i.e. platform to platform vs. blah room to beautiful room.
You need very little equipment to get you to the end of your journey i.e. lanyard and hooks vs. furniture sliders and a little muscle:)
Ziplining provides amazing views - wildlife, untamed wilderness and wetlands you may have never seen before vs. redesign - providing the beautiful look you never thought you would be able to see.
You see the world from a different angle vs. your redesign, you see your home with different angles.

Why the zipline analogy? I just did it! So I can speak from experience and what an experience it was. Florida EcoSafaris, a 4700 acre eco-ranch and wildlife conservation located south of Orlando in St. Cloud offers Zipline Safaris, coach safaris and horseback safaris.

This little treat was my husband's birthday gift where we had a fun day zipping around the forest 55 feet in the air over alligators, deer, wild boar and all kinds of other wildlife. There were seven lines - some of which were 750 feet long but each with different challenges. One in particular was to remember to grab the rope as you are coming in for your "landing". I discovered the reason for this rule after not making it all the way to the platform and had to be reeled in with the rope I fortunately remembered to grab.:) Otherwise, I would have been dangling out there to be rescued. But that all adds to the excitement!

The guides were very professional and knew their job well. We were very safe 55 feet above the ground standing on that platform with no rails! Just don't look down! Before even stepping out onto the platform, we were hooked to a cable by our lanyards. They took every precaution to keep us safe and I am highly grateful for that.:)

I must say the guides were quite the entertainers keeping everyone laughing and having a great time. It was obvious they loved their job. It is such a pleasure to see those who love what they do. Helping clients redesign their homes is something I love to do. The look on a client's face when they see their home become a beautiful, warm, inviting space in just a few hours is the most rewarding part of my business. Like the zipline guides, I am very fortunate to be able to do what I love!

Now you can see that zipline and redesign actually do have a lot in common.:)

Related articles:

"ReDesign of the Month" - Master Bedroom

2010-02-17T17:03:00.004-05:00

See our "ReDesign of the Month" in the latest issue of "Keeping Up With ReDesign": http://ping.fm/gyBGq

Sign up for our FREE monthly eNewsletters and receive our FREE report on Ten Top Tips, be the first to get the latest tips and special offers. FREE eNEWSLETTER

Home Staging Presentation

2010-02-16T20:21:00.002-05:00

When it comes to selling your home, see the difference Home Staging makes. This home sold within 30 days! Enjoy...

Home Staging Presentation

View more presentations from ReDesign Concepts, LLC.

Interior ReDesign "Move In Service" - Before & After Gallery

2010-02-02T12:04:00.004-05:00

"Sharyn Hutchinson of ReDesign Concepts is amazing!
Sharyn came in, quickly assessed what we had to work with, and in a very short time had my main living areas looking like a model home! Friends and family who visited after Sharyn worked her magic thought I had been moved in for months and raved about how wonderful everything looked. We couldn't be happier with Sharyn's work!! Her move-in service is worth its price in gold...it takes all the stress away!!!" Malina M., Melbourne, Florida

Move In Before & After Gallery

View more presentations from ReDesign Concepts, LLC.

Create Space in Your Home By Embracing Technology

2009-12-28T14:37:00.003-05:00

As the end of the year approaches, I begin thinking about the new year with all the new goals I want to achieve. Many of my goals start right at home. One area that I’ve been putting off is in the technical department e.g. CDs and old VHS tapes. OK - . sometimes it takes a while to catch up to the times. I did finally toss out my 8-track tapes from high school and college days. Now of course, I will probably learn they are worth big bucks.:) After visiting my sister who is a wealth of technical information, I returned ready to dive into my projects.

Entertainment mediums seem to become center stage in our homes also causing unnecessary clutter. I have redesigned many a room with piles of CDs and movies that seem to take over the space. To better display your personal treasures and take the focus off the CD clutter, the following are some of my storage tips.

1. After downloading all our CDs to iTunes and then backing them up for double peace of mind, they are now neatly organized in a leather three-ring album with CD pages for much easier access and less storage space. I had actually forgotten about some until I pulled them all out and removed them from the plastic holders which are now stored away in boxes. I know I could save more space by tossing those too…maybe next year.

2. I borrowed my sister’s VHS converter and now have all of our old movies and home videos on DVDs creating lots of space after pitching those relics. I’m pretty sure I don’t have to worry about those being worth anything.

3. I also picked up a $3 stereo cable that plugs into my Blackberry where I have downloaded www.pandora.com, a personal radio station you create. Now we have my personally chosen music playing throughout our home stereo system. Best of all…it takes no more space than the size of my phone. Love it!

Embracing technology, I have created more room and now have all my music and movies right at my fingertips. These are just a few ideas that help save space so you can enjoy not only the music but your de-cluttered home.

For more de-cluttering ideas, please click here:

http://redesign-concepts.blogspot.com/2008/12/clear-clutter.html

http://redesign-concepts.blogspot.com/2009/05/give-your-bookshelves-facelift.html

Take a Moment for Yourself

2009-12-22T12:03:00.003-05:00

The holidays are always a crazy time of year... trying to get your last-minute shopping finished, baking all those delicious desserts and attending every holiday event you can squeeze into your schedule. Not to mention just everyday life taking care of your families and working.

But do you take time for yourself? You will enjoy the holidays much more with all the memorable events with family and friends if you just take a few moments for yourself. Something as simple as lighting candles even during the day can help calm your nerves, take the edge off and help you relax.

Warm Up Your Home With Lighting

2009-11-09T11:04:00.005-05:00

When redesigning your living space, lighting is a very crucial element to creating the warm inviting atmosphere most people want to achieve. Each room should have three points of lighting such as floor lamps and tables lamps placed in a triangle pattern around the room. Add a dimmer to overhead lighting such as chandeliers or recessed lighting. This will help soften the room and still give you the option for bright lighting if needed.

To achieve a more intimate environment, completely turn off overheads and use lamps, ambient lighting and candles.

Some ideas for ambient lighting include:

• Up lights behind plants or folding screens set on a timer (also a good safety feature when away from home)
• Picture lights (cordless or if corded, paint the cord the same color as the wall to help hide it)
• Bookshelf lighting
• Wall sconces (electrical or candles)

Using candles is another way to help bring warmth and atmosphere to your home.

• Group several candles of different sizes and place on a beautiful tray or platter. Fill in with colorful rocks, coffee beans or whatever you have on hand.
• Votives candles are very popular and easy to place around on tables, line up on mantels or around your tub to create a relaxing atmosphere.
• Tea lights are very inexpensive and easy to use inside of different votives and candle holders. To preserve your large candles, place a tea light inside. Then simply change the tea light instead of burning the actual candle.

Candles come in most any fragrance you can imagine. Different aromas can 'spark' different memories. But the most popular is still vanilla.

So turn down the lights, light the candles and bring in the ambiance for a cozy, welcoming and romantic room.

More tips to help you warm up your home: http://redesign-concepts.blogspot.com/2008/10/paprika-and-spice-and-all-thats-nice.html

Copyright © ReDesign Concepts, LLC

New Beginnings Fall Business Expo

2009-10-27T02:21:00.002-04:00

I am very excited to be participating in this upcoming expo. J&J Creations is presenting their first Fall Holiday Business Expo on Wednesday, October 28 at the Clarion Inn & Conference Center in Altamonte Springs from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Lots of local vendors of all types will be there with all kinds of specials, door prizes and fun. ReDesign Concepts will be offering our version of a Stimulus Package. First time ever - HALF-PRICE ROOM REDESIGN! If you have been on the ReDesign "fence" waiting for the opportune time to get that "new" room, now is the time. Book your Room ReDesign at the Fall Business Expo and receive your HALF PRICE DISCOUNT!

Don't miss out! See you there!!

Click here for more information on the exciting event "Fall Expo"

Clock Tips…Time to ReDesign?

2009-10-17T01:49:00.003-04:00

Clocks are one of my favorite accessories of which I have a small collection displayed in most every room. When the time change rolls around, I seem to conveniently be out of town which leaves my husband, Scott, the task of changing them all. :)

After recently spending a small fortune on clock repairs, Eric Christiansen of Christiansen Clocks in Oviedo gave me a piece of advice to help my clocks last longer. I thought I would pass this along.

When a battery goes dead, it can release acidic fumes which may destroy the electronic circuitry. I now know from experience this happens all too often. To avoid this from happening and an easy way to remember is to replace the batteries each time the time changes. While you are at it, do the same for your smoke detectors.

Keep on ticking…

ReDesign & Make Your Friends "Green" With Envy

2009-10-12T09:07:00.008-04:00

It does not have to be Springtime to think about decorating “green”? One simple way to help save the planet AND save your pennies is Interior ReDesign, an innovative concept using what you already have. Recycling your existing furnishings and accessories is a quick, easy and inexpensive way to create an entirely new look for your home.

Simply moving furniture pieces to a different room or using them in an unexpected way can make the pieces and the room look “new” again. For example, a china cabinet can hold more than just china and does not even have to stay in the dining room. Use it to display your favorite treasures, books and fill in with some greenery to add warmth.

There are many ideas you can incorporate into re-creating your living space such as up-dating your accessories with paint. Most anything you have can be painted, giving it a fresh new look in a very short time.

• An old beat-up table or chest can be instantly restored with a coat of primer, a couple coats of paint and a sealer.
• Paint a few picture frames the same color, add your favorite family photos and voila! - instant art gallery.
• Update candlesticks, frames, mirrors, etc. with an accent color then rub on some black, brown or gold paint to give it depth and dimension.
• Paint a set of dining chairs black or a darker color to contrast with the matching table.

Recycling what you already have is a very cost effective way to create an entirely different look for your home. Remember, before you throw it out, re-think how you can re-use it. Go ahead… make your friends “green” with envy by instantly transforming your home into a beautiful “new” living space.

Check out ReDesign Before/After Photos: http://redesign-concepts.com/Gallery.html
To receive FREE Before/After photos, latest tips and special offers, please click "here".
Copyright © ReDesign Concepts, LLC

How You Can Help "Pet Rescue by Judy"

2009-09-26T14:34:00.003-04:00

Pet Rescue By Judy is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to rescue cats and dogs. Their most urgent goal is to rescue animals that are abandoned or in distress, update their vaccines, and find good new homes for them. But they attempt to be more proactive than that. It is their heartfelt desire to prevent any animal from the need to be "rescued". With that vision in mind, they take a three-prong approach through the education of pet owners and the general public which includes:

proper care of animals, including correct diet of good quality food, fresh clean water, daily exercise, and lots of love
spaying and neutering companion animals (dogs and cats) in order to prevent euthanasia and over-population
low-cost spay/neuter clinics and wellness centers in their local community

As with most non-profit organizations, their needs are great but their funds are limited. Pet Rescue by Judy has an opportunity to win $20,000 through The Aminal Shelter Site and PetFinder.com Shelter Challenge.
It costs you nothing but a few minutes of your time to help Judy and her staff to care for and find good homes for each and every animal. Judy can use your help even more now. On September 23 their rescue van was stolen! Yes, can you believe someone stole a van from a CHARITY??!

PLEASE go to the following site everyday and help Pet Rescue by Judy win $20,000. Every vote counts and you can only vote once a day! Votes will be accepted from Monday, September 14, 2009 until Midnight (PST) on Sunday, December 20, 2009. ANIMIAL RESCUE SITE

Don't Google ~ Use Goodsearch Instead!!! When you need to find something on the internet, use http://www.goodsearch.com/ and select Pet Rescue By Judy as the charity for which you search for. Each time you search, they will receive one penny! So far they have raised over $1,000. Cool! Tip: click Verify after you enter Pet Rescue By Judy and it will automatically be downloaded as your choice in the future.

Bounce This Along...

2009-09-21T09:25:00.003-04:00

ReDesign comes in many forms. There are more ways than one to use most anything you have and Bounce Dryer Sheets are no exception.

The US Postal service sent out a message to all letter carriers to put a sheet of Bounce in their uniform pockets to keep yellow-jackets away.

Use them all the time when playing or working outside. It really works. The insects just veer around you. All this time you've just been putting Bounce in the dryer!

1. It will chase ants away when you lay a sheet near them. It also repels mice.
2. Spread sheets around foundation areas, or in trailers, or cars that are sitting and it keeps mice from entering your vehicle.
3. It takes the odor out of books and photo albums that don't get opened too often.
4. It repels mosquitoes. Tie a sheet of Bounce through a belt loop when outdoors during mosquito season.
5. Eliminate static electricity from your television (or computer) screen.
6. Since Bounce is designed to help eliminate static cling, wipe your television screen with a used sheet of Bounce to keep dust from resettling.
7. Dissolve soap scum from shower doors. Clean with a sheet of Bounce.
8. To freshen the air in your home - Place an individual sheet of Bounce in a drawer or hang in the closet.
9. Put Bounce sheet in vacuum cleaner.
10. Prevent thread from tangling. Run a threaded needle through a sheet of Bounce before beginning to sew.
11. Prevent musty suitcases. Place an individual sheet of Bounce inside empty luggage before storing..
12. To freshen the air in your car - Place a sheet of Bounce under the front seat.
13. Clean baked-on foods from a cooking pan. Put a sheet in a pan, fill with water, let sit overnight, and sponge clean. The anti-static agent apparently weakens the bond between the food and the pan.
14. Eliminate odors in wastebaskets. Place a sheet of Bounce at the bottom of the wastebasket.
15. Collect cat hair. Rubbing the area with a sheet of Bounce will magnetically attract all the lose hairs.
16. Eliminate static electricity from Venetian blinds. Wipe the blinds with a sheet of Bounce to prevent dust from resettling.
17. Wipe up sawdust from drilling or sand papering. A used sheet of Bounce will collect sawdust like a tack cloth.
18. Eliminate odors in dirty laundry. Place an individual sheet of Bounce at the bottom of a laundry bag or hamper.
19. Deodorize shoes or sneakers. Place a sheet of Bounce in your shoes or sneakers overnight.
20. Golfers put a Bounce sheet in their back pocket to keep the bees away.
21. Put a Bounce sheet in your sleeping bag and tent before folding and storing them. It will keep them smelling fresh.
22. Wet a Bounce sheet, hose down your car, and wipe love bugs off easily with the wet Bounce.
23. If you have a dog that has fine hair and static makes shocks and makes their hair fly away, just smooth a sheet of Bounce down across their back. They will smell good and have no more static.

For more unique tips on the many uses of other household items :
http://redesign-concepts.blogspot.com/2008/09/unique-and-useful-tips.html
http://redesign-concepts.blogspot.com/2009/05/redesign-your-coffee-filters.html

Using Angles To ReDesign Your Space

2009-09-18T16:04:00.002-04:00

Anyone who knows me knows I love angles when redesigning a room.:) Placing furniture at an angle creates greater visual interest as well as being unexpected. To help break up a square room, angle the sofa, bed or even dining room table. Then create the room around this placement. Believe it or not, there will be room for more furniture.

Sometimes it is not always possible to use angles in a room because of the layout, windows or traffic flow. In this case, try angling something unexpected like the rug. Unused corners are another area to place furniture at an angle such as a chair with a table and lamp which creates a cozy reading nook.

Next time you’re not sure how to place a new piece, try angling it. You may end up with a whole new and interesting look.

For more ReDesigns, please visit www.redesign-concepts.com/gallery.html

Repurpose Your Home, Your Life

2009-09-08T18:50:00.006-04:00

With a theme of "Responding to Life Changing Events", I was invited to appear as a guest on the Creating Your Masterpiece Podcast Show to share tips on finding a new purpose in your home and creating personal sanctuaries. Listen to tips on creating a special space to unwind and relax after a busy day along with the latest trend - "stacations". :)

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE POCAST

Each week Leah Turner and Jennifer Lee provide you with useful tips and techniques, based on Personal Development Coaching practices, to guide you through the process of making the shift from surviving everyday in a reactive state - to thriving in your life in a proactive, purposeful and passionate mode!

On this week’s podcast show, Jennifer and Leah begin their four part series: Responding to Life Changing Events. This week they focus on Repurpose. Sometimes life has a away of creating changes, and the best way to respond is to Repurpose…which means giving an old item and new purpose. Our physical environment is so important to us. It is an essential part of creating a balanced palette. So, the things we surround ourselves with (furniture, accessories, lighting, etc) have an enormous impact on our lives!

For more information on redesign and how it can benefit you and your life, please visit http://www.redesign-concepts.com/. You can also sign up for FREE eNewsletters with the latest tips, offers and Before/After photos of the latest redesigns.
To receive FREE motivational tips & podcasts, please visit http://www.creatingyourmaster.com/

How to Create a Pet-Friendly Home | This Old House - 1

2009-08-20T16:35:00.010-04:00

In some homeowner's eyes, their pets are probably the most important member of their household. These little or sometimes not so little wonderful creatures need their own special place, too. In our family, we were just honored that our beautiful Golden Retriever, Rawlie, allowed us to live in his home. He had cozy little nooks in every room and cozy he was. Rawlie was all about relaxing taking one day at a time...we should all take that tip. Dogs have had it right for years...living stress-free:)

For tips and ideas on how create that special home for your special pet, please click on the following link:

How to Create a Pet-Friendly Home | This Old House - 1

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Be good to your pet. Their life here is so sadly and incredibly short. We had the privilege of having Rawlie for almost seven years bringing laughter and joy to our lives every single day. He will always be incredibly missed.

To read more about "A Dog's Purpose": http://redesign-concepts.blogspot.com/2009/03/dogs-purpose.html

Moving In...stress-free!

2009-08-16T14:15:00.009-04:00

This summer has been very busy and flown by way too quickly. For some homeowners, summer is the opportune time to relocate. It gives a chance to become acquainted with the area, get the kids enrolled in school and meet the new neighbors.

Moving into a new home is a very exciting time but can also be overwhelming. You spend countless hours preparing for the move and when it comes right down to it, you just want to be settled in and enjoy your new space as soon as possible.

Recently I had the pleasure of working with past clients who moved from Northern Central Florida to a beautiful beachside home. After all the packing, planning and moving, they did not want the added stress of figuring out where to place everything in their new home. Working together to redesign their new space, their home is now ready for living – stress-free!

To learn how you can survive a move into a new home, please visit http://redesign-concepts.com/services.html

Room Service, Please...

2009-07-01T14:26:00.005-04:00

No, we are not in Alaska...Getting away for the weekend can be as easy as driving across town and staying in a beautiful hotel, dining at local restaurants and experiencing something new such as your local Ice Bar (only 27 degrees). For our 10-year wedding annniversary, my husband Scott and I decided to do just that. So I dusted off my little white sun dress that I wore when we got married on the beach - yes, same dress, grabbed my Spanx:) and off we went.

Staying at the Peabody is always such a treat. Not only is it welcoming and comfortable but there is entertainment as well...the famous Peabody Duck March. At 11:00 am, these little guys are ceremoniously escorted into the lobby fountain on a red carpet no less and then escorted out in the same fashion at 5:00 pm. You can even book yourself as Duckmaster with 24 hour notice. Of course, we had to ask but the position was already filled.:)

As most hotels, your comfort is their utmost concern. The guest rooms are filled with comforts of home including amenities such as bottles of water, magazines and chocolates on your pillows. Down comforters and cozy bedding makes for a relaxing and comfortable stay.

If you plan on entertaining overnight visitors, you will want them to feel comfortable in their “home away from home”. Providing a few extra touches will surely be appreciated. The following are some tips to spoil your guests and make them feel right at home.

Place a “Welcome Basket” in their room. Use either a basket or an open suitcase and fill with amenities i.e. bottles of water, house slippers, reading material, munchies for late night snacking or special treats you know they will enjoy.
Set up a “Coffee Station” with an assortment of coffee and teas.
Lay out bath items such as towels, bubble bath, soaps, etc.
Create a cozy reading corner with a comfortable chair, table and lamp.
Add some fresh flowers or a single rose and chocolates on their pillow.
Last but certainly not least, a comfy bed with lots of pillows and an extra blanket.

Your guest room should be welcoming and comfortable. Offer a cozy, relaxing room with the convenience of home and your guests may never want to leave.:) Room Service, please...
For more blog posts on guest rooms, please see http://redesign-concepts.blogspot.com/2008/10/carole-lombard-room.html
To see the difference Interior ReDesign can make, please visit http://redesign-concepts.com/Gallery.html

Change Your Life Through Interior ReDesign

2009-06-25T10:27:00.008-04:00

We get so busy with day to day activities that sometimes we just forget to take time for ourselves. What better place to do that than your very own corner which I like to call a “cozy, reading nook”. Almost any room is appropriate for these nooks. Your home is your haven and should be a place to relax, unwind and regroup.

You may just need a place to read the newspaper, a book or just reflect on the day with a cup of coffee or glass of wine. All you need is a comfortable chair or two (if you feel like sharing your nook) a table for a beverage and maybe your favorite photos along with a good reading lamp. Your nook needs to be happy and relaxing so add a few items that bring you joy.

Whether in your bedroom or in the corner of the family room, this grouping can be small enough to fit in most rooms. Add a footstool or ottoman to put your feet up or hold a tray with your favorite beverage. Just make it a comfortable a place you can really relax and unwind.

"I was getting ready to trash my furniture when a friend told me about Sharyn and her service. Not only was it easy, affordable, but it changed my life. I feel like I am in a new home." Dusty Self, Orlando, Florida

To view our Before/After Gallery, please visit www.ReDesign-Concepts.com/Gallery.html

Break It Up!

2009-06-19T12:26:00.005-04:00

When redesigning a room, think about how best to use each and every piece. Groupings such as all leather, all the same color, or even bookshelves and entertainment centers do not have to be used together or even in the same room.

In this ReDesign of the Month, a cozy corner was created by adding the end piece of the entertainment center from the opposite side of the room. This also helped balance out the room by reducing the size of the large entertainment center. Fitting perfectly in the corner, the space was filled and a cozy nook was created.

When you have items such as a sectional or an all leather grouping, changing out a piece or two gives it a softer look. As shown to the left, the sectional that started as one piece in one room was used in three different rooms.

Next time you're not sure what to do...break it up!

To view the Before/After photos, visit http://www.redesign-concepts.com/gallery.html

The "I Love Me" Room

2009-05-30T17:30:00.003-04:00

Everyone deserves a special place surrounded by the things they love. I have found that not only do women love a "new" space...men also need a place where they can relax, enjoy and "get away". Displaying awards and accolades from his NFL days, my husband, Scott's office is now dubbed the "I Love Me" Room. :) ReDesigning a room is all about YOU!

One of my clients had the perfect spot for creating just such a room. As common in many homes, this couple had a bonus room over the garage that was never used. It had all the right elements to turn this unused space into a "home-away-from-home" for him...big screen TV, comfy sofa, even the manditory bar. :)

Because the room already had a golfclub coffee table, a golf/fishing theme evolved. Replacing the fabric love seat with a black leather sofa gave the room a more a manly feel. The fabric love seat then worked better in the family room to help break up the all leather look...but that's another redesign. Yes, that meant carrying both sofas up and down stairs. Fortunately, he was there to help:)

Bringing in a small desk and using the hutch as a .....behind the desk, he now has a place to work AND watch the big screen across the room. What more does a man need?

After hanging some favorite photos and displaying special treasures and trophies, this "I Love Me" room is ready for work, play and just a 'get away'...

To view our Before/After Gallery...
http://www.redesign-concepts.com/Gallery.html

ReDesign Your Coffee Filters

2009-05-30T11:27:00.002-04:00

Just when I thought I had redesigned almost everything, here are some tips for re-purposing coffee filters. ..who knew? And you can buy 1,000 at the Dollar Store for almost nothing. Yes, you can redesign almost anything:)

1. Cover bowls or dishes when cooking in the microwave. Coffee filters make excellent covers.

2. Clean windows and mirrors. Coffee filters are lint-free so they'll leave windows sparkling.

3. Protect China. Separate your good dishes by putting a coffee filter between each dish.

4. Filter broken cork from wine. If you break the cork when opening a wine bottle, filter the wine through a coffee filter.

5. Protect a cast-iron skillet. Place a coffee filter in the skillet to absorb moisture and prevent rust.

6. Apply shoe polish. Ball up a lint-free coffee filter.

7. Recycle frying oil. After frying, strain oil through a sieve lined with a coffee filter.

8. Weigh chopped foods. Place chopped ingredients in a coffee filter on a kitchen scale.

9. Hold tacos. Coffee filters make convenient wrappers for messy foods.

10. Stop the soil from leaking out of a plant pot. Line a plant pot with a coffee filter to prevent the soil from going through the drainage holes.

11. Prevent a Popsicle from dripping. Poke one or two holes as needed in a coffee filter.

12. Do you think we used expensive strips to wax eyebrows? Use strips of coffee filters.

13. Put a few in a plate and put your fried bacon, French fries, chicken fingers, etc on them. Soaks out all the grease.

14. Keep in the bathroom. They make great "razor nick fixers."

I can't believe this is my home!

2009-05-28T12:50:00.002-04:00

To create a more inviting and warm living room, the sofa was placed on the right side of the room opening up the space in front of the window for a cozy seating area. AFTER ON LEFT, BEFORE ON RIGHT

Instead of using all of the leather furniture, we exchanged one of the leather chairs with a sectional piece from the family room. This adds more texture and breaks up the "all-leather" look. Angling the rug also gives the room greater visual interest.

After a little "shopping" around the home, a few accessories were brought in to complete the beautiful "new" living room. Turn on the lamps, light the candles and enjoy the ambiance. :)

My client sums it up: "I can't believe this is my home!"

For more Before/After Photos, please visit http://www.redesign-concepts.com/Gallery.html

"I Never Would Have Thought To Do That!"

2009-05-15T18:00:00.001-04:00

Do you have a room that you just don't use? Why not turn it into a beautiful, welcoming space that you WILL use. Most homeowners can't afford to waste one inch of space in their home and why would you? Your home should be a place to relax and enjoy.

You may never know the possiblities you can come up with if you don't try. Sometimes, it helps to have someone with a fresh eye, like myself, to come in and evaluate your space. That new perspective will see things in a different way and you will reap the benefits. What I hear a lot is "I never would have thought to do that!."

Creating a usable room adds to the value and beauty of your home. In a few short hours, you could have a "new" room! That's another great benefit of Interior ReDesign.:)

To see Before/After photos, please click "here".

It Pays to Plan

2009-05-15T13:38:00.001-04:00

When selling your house, it pays to plan. Preparation is key BEFORE the sign goes in the yard. Consider your time frame then make your list of items to complete to get your house 'market-ready'. Taking the time to plan and prepare was exactly what this market-savvy homeowner did.

After the necessary painting and cleaning, the Home Staging process brought out the very best. Professional photos and a virtual tour...this house SOLD IN LESS THAN 30 DAYS!

Important items that can make the biggest impact are:

Paint - add fresh neutral colors (yes, greens and
blues can be neutral)
Clean - if you don't have time to thoroughly clean,
hire a professional service.
Home Stage - make the best first impression. Not
only will you attract more potential buyers but your
photos and virtual tours will look more professional.

With the convenience of the internet, most home buyers "shop" online first which makes it extremely important to get the best photos and virtual tours.*

*Professionsal Photos/Virtual tour provided by One Eyed Dog Productions, LLC

Click "here" to see the Before/After photos

Give Your Bookshelves a Facelift

2009-05-03T10:30:00.002-04:00

Sometimes we use our bookshelves as a "catch-all". They tend to get cluttered with items we are not sure where to put. To give your bookshelves a fresh look, start by removing everything. This might, also, be a good time to dust.:)

Remove the book covers from the hardback books for a cleaner look.
Place books at the front edge of the bookshelves so they appear to fill up the space and not look lost.
Stack some books on end and lay a few next to the stack to use as a bookend.
Group pictures or like items together in odd numbers using highs and lows.

If possible, you could even remove a shelf or two to accommodate a large picture or mirror resting on the back of the bookshelves. Add a few accessories and fill in with some greenery. To create depth and add a little more punch, you could paint the back of the bookshelves a complimentary color such as a shade darker than your walls.

The ReDesign Fairy:)

2009-04-25T19:34:00.001-04:00

Late one night while visiting my sister, Shelley, in Charlotte, we...ok...I decided we needed to do a room redesign in her master bedroom which I had done a couple of years ago. Yes, it was WAY too long. Time for a "new" look!

My other sister, Denene, was also there and quickly jumped on board...NOT. We did have a long day of baseball games, making 35 PB & J lunches and driving all over town. We finally convinced her we were moving the bed with her in it or not:)

Because furniture is moved after being in one place for a long time, there is usually dusting and vaccuming to do. So don't feel bad if this is the case in your own home. It happens all the time when I'm redesigning a room. You may want to clean the 'new' spot before a major piece of furniture is moved into it and then clean the area where it was moved from. (I'm still in my Spring-cleaning mode)

After a very short time (since I had so many willing and able assistants), Shelley had a 'new' master bedroom that she loves! It makes quite a difference when entering the room now. Her husband was out of town so he also came home to a 'new' room which BTW he loves! Right, Jay??
The funny thing was when my five-year old nephew, Ben, came to climb in bed with his mother in the middle of the night. All Shelley heard was "Huh??" and saw Ben staring into the corner where the bed used to be:) The ReDesign Fairy strikes again...