The last apartment for the Patrick Henry Family Shelter in Falls Church was finished in record time last month.

This apartment, one of the smallest in the building, was a challenge. Replacing the worn bulky furniture with smaller scaled but sturdy chairs and a love seat made it possible to rearrange the furniture so that a small desk area could be added.

Warm earth tones and accessories with a global feel contributed to the cozy feeling. Once again, paint, paint supplies and painting help came from Anthony Virgil, manager of Duron Paints in Falls Church and painter Darryl Boone. Also a special thank you to Caryn Carkhuff, the representative from Sherwin Williams, who put in an entire day painting along with all of us. What a trouper!

During the reveal, the Shelter House staff was amazed at how the tiny space was transformed. More than one commented on how each apartment had been given a distinctly different look and feel, but that all appeared to be bigger! The elements of design used in this space can be applied to any home. The principles behind redesign, particularly using what you have as the foundation of your design was applied here, with a twist. Some existing furnishings weren't in the best condition and/or were too large to allow the room to be truly functional. Finding free furnishings on Craig's List or donations filled in for the usual option of "shopping" a client's home for needed furnishings. Considering the time constraints for finding pieces that would go together and being able to see the possibilities shows that in even these extreme circumstances, redesign is truly the answer to just about any decorating challenge!

The three apartment project has been a amazing experience. Click on the link below for the 90 second before and after video.

Read on for more about the project.

The IRIS National Capital Area Chapter received the 2009 Community Partner Award from Shelter House for our Adopt an Apartment work on the three apartment makeovers. In addition to that honor, Virginia Congressman Gerald Connolly officially recognized Shelter House and the recipients of the 2009 Shelter House, Inc. Volunteer Awards on the floor of the House of Representatives. His remarks and the list of award recipients, including the Interior Redesign Industry Specialists were printed in the Congressional Record for Tuesday, June 9, 2009! We were thrilled with the recognition and honored to be a part of the work that Shelter House is doing for the homeless in our community.

For myself and my organizing clients, I recommend the Know, No and Now approach to keeping on top of things, focused and in control:

Know
Your priorities
How much time you have to devote to your projects
Your limitations

No
Time wasting /excuses when in "organizing mode"
Procrastination
Need for the thing, project or activity? Eliminate it.

Now
Do it as it appears
Stay in the present but learn from the past

Being organized is a continuing process. Allow yourself time to create a system that works with your lifestyle. Need help? I'm a phone call away-703-689- 9886.

Many travelers have fallen in love with paintings from a local artist, hand made pieces of pottery, sculptures, rugs and more only to return home to find that these treasures look out of place. Avoid buyer's remorse by packing a swatch packet of your home's wall colors, fabrics, photos of rooms that could use furnishings, and measurements of floor, wall and display spaces in case that perfect piece appears. Take photos of your item from different angles and inspect the piece for flaws or damage. You'll have proof if the wrong item is sent or in case of shipping damage.

Why not bring home something from this list? You'll have an accent, a remembrance and a maybe a conversation starter.

• Candlesticks-classic shapes that can be dressed up or down
• Serving trays-functional and decorative. Choose with clean lines and minimal ornamentation for versatility
• Boxes and containers ring box size to trunks
• Vases and decorative bowls-for arrangements or as sculptural accents
• Small framed art, decorative plates or platters-use in bookcases or as table top accessories
• Books-interesting reference books, favorite novels or childhood books, coffee table books and those that are or look like family heirlooms
• Linens-tablecloths, napkins and runners in basic colors and simple patterns that will blend with your color palette
• Pillows and throws-think color and texture and don't over do
• Architectural accents-corbels, finials, door locks, keys and door knockers are examples of antique store, fair and flea market finds
• Art glass and ornaments-a little goes a long way with these pieces. Select timeless designs and colors to blend with different decorating styles

Seven years of being in a business that I love-how lucky is that? To celebrate I'm saying Thank You to established clients with special discounts and services. New clients will receive 10% off the initial consultation fee.

The offer applies to services scheduled in July and must be completed by August 31st. Some restrictions apply. Call to find our more about my anniversary specials and how they can save you time and money on any of the services I offer-including in home classes! Appointments are subject to time availability so be sure to act quickly before the summer, and this opportunity, slip by!

Quick test-is your car parked in the driveway because your garage is too full of stuff? Summer is the perfect time to get the space in shape. There are lots of options for storage and display but you need to know what you have first. Pare down your possessions to those you really need and use and you will be able to rid the space of clutter. Once you have edited the contents of the garage you are ready to choose your storage equipment. Visit your home improvement stores to see what is available or go online.

Home Depot has a series of simple garage improvement tip videos to inspire you (click on the link below).

If your tastes and budget allow for upgrading there are many companies who do garage makeovers with custom and semi-custom cabinets, shelves and wall systems. I can help you organize your possessions and sort through your options to make your garage attractive and functional within your budget. Call 703-689-9886 or email me now at faulknerredesign@aol.com before the summer slips away.

Whether you are addicted to HGTV and decorating shows or you feel decorating challenged, attending my mini decorating seminars, Redesign Parties, will clue you into design secrets, tips and techniques that will jumpstart your redesign projects. The fun and informative 2 hour programs are offered in real homes like yours. You will learn through demonstrations and hands-on opportunities how easily a room can be transformed from OK to Oh, WOW! using traditional design principles and innovative techniques.

How can you get "in the know"? Call or email me now for information about attending or hosting a Redesign Party at 703-689-9886 , FaulknerRedesign@aol.com or pam.faulkner@faulknerhouse.com