When the heat is on you can keep your cool if you plan now for spur of the moment entertaining and unexpected guests.

Make a list of the nearest or fastest take out sources- restaurants, delis, even groceries with specialty departments-and let the foods suggest the theme for your evening.

Search your cabinets and cupboards for appropriate serving pieces, tableware, linens and paper goods and add this information to the list. Note any additional pieces that may be needed to complete your setting or aid in serving so you may pick these up as you see them on sale.

To make it even easier and save time, group things together in your cabinets if space permits. If anyone offers to help it's simple to direct them to the area where your serving pieces and accessories are assembled. Feeling guilty about not cooking from scratch? Using your own serving pieces and creating a special tablescape in practically minutes will cancel that out!

Spending time with your guests or making a mad dash into the kitchen to try to create a meal or refreshments from what's on hand? The choice is obvious. Entertain with ease and style by doing a little planning now. When the occasion (or guests) arrive, you'll be ready. Now how cool is that?

Have you run out of ideas for that special man in your life? Does the thought of buying one more shirt or looking at one more gadget make you cringe? Try something different this year. Give the man in your life something he could really use-a space where he can really feel at home.

Before, the basement space was a mutli-purpose room that wasn't truly filling anyone's need because of the furniture arrangement. A treadmill and four large recliners competed with a home office that was functional but cramped. A wonderful roll top desk wasn't functioning well as a computer desk. Although the wall of recliners did screen the office space, there was little real privacy.

The home office was relocated to another, more private room upstairs which made it more convenient. The L-shaped basement space became a home theatre and entertaining center with a screened exercise area where the TV can be easily viewed.

You can see the makeover video by clicking on the link below. In case you are wondering, the curtains are striped in two shades of blue, cream and tan. Why they photograph as the solid color shown is a mystery!

From a garage or basement workshop, a study or home office, or the "Man Cave Media Room" he's always wanted, Faulkner House Interior Redesign will work with his existing possessions and suggest new furnishings that will create that special room.

Father's Day is just around the corner so call soon to find out how you can make this one memorable. Gift Certificates are available. Call me at 703-689-9886 or email me at FaulknerRedesign@aol.com for more details.

I received so many comments about the following article that appeared last summer that I decided to repeat it earlier in the season.

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?

Last month I showed you the second apartment that was redesigned for the Patrick Henry Family Shelter in Falls Church. When I was interviewed for the article I was asked for design tips that would accompany the story. As it turned out, only those signed up for The Washington Post email alerts received them. So I am including them here.

The following redesign tips come from the apartment makeover but can be applied to any room redesign project:

• Rethink-learn to look at "negatives" as challenges.
• Reclaim- Freecycle, Craig's List and curbside shopping for gently used furnishings.
• Refurbish and Refinish-repair, polish, paint and stain furnishings that are well made and have classic lines for a dramatic change.
• Recover-cushions, accent pillows, chair seats and backs for a budget friendly new look.
• Repurpose-find another use for an item such as turning a light strip base into a towel hook.
• Reinvent-add fabric paint accents to printed fabric for the perfect color palette.
• Recreate-copy a graphic used in fabric as a wall accent or art.
• Repeat-use an element such as color or a decorative motif in the room in 2-3 ways as an accent.
• Restraint-don't over decorate; leave room for future purchases as needs change.
• Recycle-don't throw away useful goods and furnishings-donate them to charities and salvage centers.

The IRIS National Capital Area redesigner group was recently granted chapter status by the national board of the Interior Redesign Industry Specialists. It has the distinction of being the first chapter on the east coast and I am honored to be the first president of the new chapter.

The Interior Redesign Industry Specialists is an international organization dedicated to excellence in interior redesign and real estate staging. Since its formation in 1999, IRIS has set the highest industry of certification training and specific criteria for membership.

Did you know that men and women see color differently because the light and color receptors in their eyes are different?

Did you know that everyone has "color memory" that often associates different emotions with colors?

Did you know that the lighting in a room can change not only the wall color but all colors in a room substantially, not only during the day but throughout the year?

It's no wonder that choosing colors for a home can be frustrating and can cause many to surrender to white walls and very neutral color schemes.

The room shown above is in a basement and functions as a media room and an occasional guest room. The upholstery and walls are soothing neutrals chosen to expand and warm the space while the accessories and art give the room color and interest. Basements do not have to be white to be bright!

See the makeover of this basement in next month's newsletter

I offer Color Consultations and Choose Color! classes to help you conquer your fear and frustration when decorating your rooms. You'll see how to coordinate the furnishings you own using color palettes designed with your personal preferences in mind.

Summer is the perfect time to take stock of what you have and refresh your rooms with color on walls, floor coverings, accessories or other furnishings. Using redesign principles, we may discover that you have nearly everything you need in your home, right now!

Contact me to find out more about classes and consultations-and get that new room you've been wanting this summer. Call 703-689-9886 or email me at faulknerredesign@aol.com today!

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