Last month I talked about keeping table setting needs in a basket or tray for quick outdoor dining set -up. One reader wrote in saying that she didn't like the idea of "all that stuff sitting out in the open getting dusty". She's right, of course and I should have been more specific. The container doesn't need to sit out nor be "open". I totally agree that in some kitchens, depending on the container, that could add to visual clutter. A tray, basket, caddy or box could be kept in a pantry or cupboard until needed.

Your storage could be stylish and practical if you use a container like the Chinese Wedding Basket shown. It's a three tiered piece that stacks together making it handy for many storage needs-table setting, storage for jewelry, cosmetics, sewing accessories, games, home office supplies and stationary for example. Its compact size, 10.5''W x 11''L x 14.25''H, makes it perfect for table top use or can be placed on the floor next to a chair, table, or as part of a grouping.

Stackable steamer baskets could be used in the same way, although to some they may seem too much like kitchen equipment to be used anywhere else. Look at the containers and yes, even cooking equipment that you own for potential storing solutions.

What unique storage solution will you find in your home?

Chinese Wedding Basket from World Market

In an effort to be more "green" and avoid man made chemicals, many are turning to natural solutions to control annoying insects.

The idea of having clusters of attractive planters filled with a floral display that also combats these pests is much more appealing than spraying ourselves or the air with chemicals.

Catnip and Rosemary contain oils that are natural mosquito repellents. Marigolds, long known for repelling aphids in the garden, can repel other insects too. Lemon Thyme, a wonderful herb, is not beloved by insects.

Then there is Citrosa Geranium, the Mosquito Plant pictured here. The lore is that this plant was genetically engineered-a cross between citronella grass and a lemon scented geranium that created a super plant that mosquitos hate. Whether the story is true has come under debate, but the plant is attractive to people for its foliage and scent.

How effective these plants are depends on many things but it is generally agreed that just having the plants in pots isn't enough. The leaves must be crushed to release the oils and the scents. Since they are attractive plants anyway, why not include them in your pots and planters?

Speaking of going green, if you are interested in the movement but aren't ready to make huge sacrifices in comfort and convenience, check out The Lazy Environmentalist which is a web site and also a book by Josh Dorfman

It's described as a "hands-on guide to the best of easy, stylish, green living" for people who "are concerned about the environment, but don't always have the time, energy, or inclination to do something about it." Sometimes the simple alternatives are the easiest to incorporate into your life. Small efforts can make a difference!

I recently completed the color certification training program, "Color with No Regrets" a patent pending color selection process that has earned me the credentials of CWNRCP (Color with No Regrets Certified Color Professional) and meets the requirements to become a Certified Color Consultant with the Society of Decorating Professionals.

The Color with No Regrets System is based on the science of the color wheel and on combining levels of color intensity to create perfect color harmonies for a client quickly and effectively. The result is the Perfect Palette that makes clients more comfortable in their spaces. The color selection is all about the client, not the decorator.

I have a responsibility to my clients to keep current on trends within the industry. Choosing color is an area where many people feel intimidated. This training has helped me to offer color selection that gives you complete confidence in your own Perfect Palette. So many of the services I offer involve or are affected by color. It is a significant element in a room's design and can profoundly impact the way you live and feel about your surroundings.

Colors can help turn the rooms you have into rooms you love quickly and affordably. Give your rooms a lift and enhance your furnishings with your perfect colors. Call or email me for a Color Consultation today at 703- 689-9886 or pam.faulkner@faulknerhouse.com.

When doing a redesign, I often find that homeowners have wonderful posters and prints that can look like entirely different pieces by updating them with new mats and frames. Freshening up existing artwork can cost less than a new piece and can stretch your decorating dollar.

A perfect example is this music poster. The piece had been given to the homeowner by her sister some time ago and had been framed in a simple shiny gold poster frame. The casual look was fine for the time, but the room that needed to be redesigned called for something larger and a bit more distinctive to counter the pale upholstery and wall colors.

The solution was to add a more dramatic textured mat, an antique gold fillet and a simple black frame. The fillet gives the poster a bit more formality; the contrast of the dark mat makes the poster stand out and also creates a larger and more eye catching element against the pale wall above a black baby grand piano. The result preserved a favorite gift that blended seamlessly into the redesigned room.

Now see the music print in the room. Making the print more dramatic gives it more presence and helps to balance the "weight" of the dark piano in the room. Future wall decoration will compliment the print and help to fill the remaining expanse.

Using the print as the foundation of the wall arrangement gives the design focus and allows the clients to take their time in acquiring pieces that have meaning to them. Decorating plans that allow time for the room to evolve result in a room decor that has more longevity, remaining fresh for many years.

A tip for a fun and functional step saver comes from Pat Macintyre, an accomplished local artist who has been a long time client. Pat writes: " At the cottage in Canada I have in the gazebo a regular mailbox, painted white, for those things I was always forgetting-salt, napkins, extra silverware, small votives and matches. Since it is waterproof and insect proof, it has saved me lots of trips back indoors, when I'd rather be out enjoying looking at the lake." This is a great idea and could be expanded to store gardening gloves and implements near flower beds for quick pruning and weeding. So many things can be done to make mailboxes blend into their surroundings or stand out like architectural accents depending on your tastes. Thanks, Pat, for the great tip. Enjoy your summer at the lake!

Bella and Birch is a new designer wall finish that comes on a roll, but it's not wallpaper-it's a dry paint pattern that smoothes on with no seams! Intrigued? So am I. I'll be testing some samples and will report next month on how it looks and works.

The Redesigner's Notebook is devoted to tips and articles relating to interior redesign, decorating, entertaining, organizing and related subjects.

If you have an interest or question that you would like to see addressed, or a community event that you would like to see included that relates to these subjects please contact me. Your comments and suggestions are always appreciated!
~ Pam Faulkner, Faulkner House Interior Redesign

email: faulknerredesign@aol.com

phone: 703-689-9886

web: http://www.faulknerhouse.com

Have you made your preparations for the 4th of July? There's still time to create a festive backdrop for your celebration. You don't have to go overboard to get the patriotic feel. A few balloon clusters, liberal use of red, white and blue, and of course, flags, are expected elements, but using them in unexpected and inventive ways adds to the fun.

Do you have a favorite way to decorate for the holiday? Are you particularly proud of your holiday display? If so I would love to hear from you and see your photos. Email me at faulknerredesign@aol.com .

Flag Garland from Shindigz

Think outdoor dining is time consuming or a bother? There are many accessories that can make dining alfresco just as easy as dining indoors.

Serving trays are the most versatile of your helpers. Keep one assembled with the basics- napkins, place mats, tableware, candleholders and more. Setting the table can be done in just minutes-and it allows you to turn this task over to a willing volunteer!

Deeper trays or caddies can be used for taking drinks outside. Set up a small side table outdoors as a beverage cart for convenience.

Keep foods hot or cold with warming stones, cordless hot trays or specially designed cold trays. Marble trays or cheese-type boards can be chilled in the refrigerator to help keep foods cold. Serving dishes can be placed on a tray, jelly roll pan or a container of crushed ice. Be sure to protect your table surface from condensation or temperature changes, especially if using a glass topped table.

Plate covers like the bamboo set shown help insulate foods as well as protect from wind and insects. Their design adds interest to the tablescape and can make the "reveal" of each dish more entertaining.

Buying accessories like this needn't add seasonal clutter to your home. These pieces can be used for other purposes all year round. Trays and caddies are obvious candidates for repurposing. Plate covers can help insulate serving dishes indoors when the weather is colder and foods cool off quickly. They can "hide" a small stack of paperwork on a desk , or makeup and toiletries on a tray in the bathroom for example.

Shop now for the best selection and look for other accessories that may be multipurpose. If you find a great buy, please contract me. I'll be happy to include your find in the next newsletter.

Bamboo Cover Set

As mentioned above, trays are indispensable when entertaining. A tray table such as the one pictured can be used inside and out as a side table or beverage bar. Think of how handy it could be as an auxiliary staging area in a kitchen.

It can be set up in a guest room to hold necessities or in a bathroom to hold toiletries and towels. In a small bedroom it could even be used in as a nightstand.

Compact, versatile, convenient, and affordable-tray tables are available in styles to fit into nearly any decor.

Tray table

Create the feel of summer indoors with these quick tips for a seasonal room makeover:

Clear out heavy, dark or other season specific accessories. Pack up woolen throws, accent pillows in dark colors, heavy candlesticks, containers of pinecones and wood stacked in the fireplace or firebox

Clear clutter. Fewer things and less "STUFF" will make the room feel more open and fresh-and will require less maintenance.

Let there be light!. Remove heavy curtains and replace with lightweight panels or sheers. For light or privacy control,, consider installing inexpensive "quick shades" which will filter light.

Remove area rugs where possible. Polished wood floors reflect light and seem cooler, as do tile floors. If a rug is needed, try a lightweight woven rug or one of the indoor/outdoor designs that look like wool or sisal.

Brighten up your color scheme. Whites and pastel versions of your color palette can be introduced through strategic placement of accessories.

Go natural. Shells and elements from the sea are classic summertime accessories. Ferns, tropical leaves and flowers in simple arrangements or in a cluster of glass bottles bring the casual feel of outdoors inside. A few glass containers in odd numbers with pale stones and wisps of sea oats or ornamental green grass, for example, are architecturally interesting accents.

Add color. If your sofa or chair needs a lift, add color without weight by using a woven sarong, shawl, or tablecloth as you would a throw.

Mix it up. Replace a wooden table with a glass or tile and metal outdoor piece. Birdbaths and planters can make interesting table bases.

Shop your house first and see the possibilities in the things you own. Then shop the stores for the seasonal accessories that will complete your summertime decor.

Glass vases from Pottery Barn

I've just learned about a new system for keeping track of what you own. Inventory Guardian has been created for businesses and homeowners to easily track and document their inventory or possessions. This new software is designed to be user friendly-by using software and optional scanners, items may be tracked by location and quantity. Photo documentation/identification is also available. Bar-coding is not required to track items, but barcodes that are currently placed on items can be integrated.

The software is web based. It has potential for being a perfect peace of mind system for businesses and homeowners living in areas subject to the threat of disasters like floods, tornadoes or fires. With Internet access, downloading the inventory information for insurance claims would be quick and easy.

Whether you're a business person who needs help with inventory control or a homeowner who wants to organize household inventory, collections and your most treasured possessions, Inventory Guardian promises to make the process of information set up and retrieval simple and accessible.

For more information and special introductory pricing until June 30th, click on the link below.

Inventory Guardian

Love the colors of the sea, but are afraid to paint an entire wall the color? Purchase blank artist canvas in different sizes and create a collage of beach glass colors for your wall. This no-commitment-needed color fix can be left as is or it can be embellished. Simple designs are best for this treatment to allow the colors to be the focus.

Some wall colors to try: Return to Paradise 2038-50, Sea Mist Green 2042-50, Bahama Waters 576, Ocean Front 660 and Carribean Cool 661 all from Benjamin Moore.

Love it or hate it, yard art is definitely a case of beauty being in the eye of the beholder. Many homeowner associations have regulations about the use of decorative accessories in the front yard including the type of mailbox that is acceptable. Few regulate the backyard and that gives the homeowner the freedom of expression that may or may not delight their neighbors.

What separates classy from pretentious? What is corny and what is cute? What is classic and what is dated? Sometimes the lines are blurred by the objects and the materials they are made of, where they are placed, how they are used, the type of home, the neighborhood, and the occupants of the home.

Years ago, I would occasionally drive by a house that had a concrete goose on the front stoop. During the rainy season it had a yellow slicker, hat and umbrella. Then I noticed it had a costume for nearly any holiday. (The cupid costume was particularly inventive.)

I never saw the homeowners or knew if they had children or grandchildren or if they just had a sense of humor. I don't know if their neighbors enjoyed the show or if they thought it was an eyesore. (The costumes seemed well made and were always placed just so.) The people moved and the goose went with them. I miss it and the humor and effort that went in to the display.

I mention this because it could have been an eyesore if the costumes had become ragged or tacky looking. If they had added a lot of accessories or "friends" it would have changed the entire display. The homeowner's association, if there was one, apparently allowed it and it was the only decorative element in the front yard. The restraint, timing and subtle humor made it work, in my opinion.

That's the key to using yard art successfully. You may be restricted to having something only in your back yard but even there, use restraint. Just as too much jewelry will ruin an outfit, using too many decorative accessories outdoors will overwhelm the landscape and your home. You want to limit and coordinate your accessories, though everything needn't match. Continuity in a theme or look will result in a more seamless landscape. Placement is important. Does the piece complete the plantings or compete with them? Does it look like an after thought or stick out awkwardly? Does it make sense where it is or in relationship to the architecture of the home? If it doesn't add anything of value to the landscape then it's clutter.

As with most things in decorating, less is more in using yard art. You may be attracted to decorative dragonfly collectibles or maybe elves but you don't want to create the effect of a swarm of insects or Keeblerville in your backyard-or do you?

I guess it all depends on your sense of humor!

For more information on the little garden door for elves or leprechauns please click on the link below.

Elfin Garden Door

Web shopping is as common and easy as catalog shopping. It's also easy to be lulled into the sense that web businesses are reliable, particularly if the company has been in business for some time.

At a time when many well known businesses are facing reorganization and bankruptcy, it is particularly important to check out a company before you place an order.

Several years ago there was a catalog company that had unique accessories for the home. When I tried to look for a particular accessory that they had once carried, I learned that the company had run into trouble and was not responding to customer service issues. I avoided problems for myself and my client by searching for information on Complaints.com.

Complaints.com is a site where you can post your complaints and consumer experiences for public view, read other consumer experiences, get help with your product / service / customer service problem or complaint, gain leverage to help solve your complaints, and check to see how a business is performing and treating customers.

In today's changeable business climate is is important to be informed about the reliability of the companies you do business with locally and online. Protect yourself and help others by visiting this or similar sites.

Complaints.com

The Redesigner's Notebook is devoted to tips and articles relating to interior redesign, decorating, entertaining, organizing and related subjects.

If you have an interest or question that you would like to see addressed, or a community event that you would like to see included that relates to these subjects please contact me. Your comments and suggestions are always appreciated!
~ Pam Faulkner, Faulkner House Interior Redesign

email: faulknerredesign@aol.com

phone: 703-689-9886

web: http://www.faulknerhouse.com