Give added importance to a single window indoors or out with architectural pieces such as this. Used as is or with blooming, vining plants, this trellis can provide interest and personality to an otherwise plain window.

The style, if not the exact look, can be achieved by creatively adapting inexpensive metal arches and brackets found in garden centers and some craft stores. Click on the link below for more information on how to buy this piece.

Surprise your guests or guest of honor with customized sodas. Jones Soda of Seattle makes it possible to create labels with your own photos and personalized captions. Perfect for graduations, weddings, family reunions, milestone birthdays, anniversaries, retirement parties and more, the drinks can part of casual party decorations, party favors or a unique gift. For more on the designs and the types of sodas available, click below.

It's pretty safe to say that you can finally retire your winter wardrobe and say hello to your warm weather clothes if you haven't done so already. Now is the time to take stock of your storage system and make adjustments for the type of clothes and accessories you'll be wearing in the coming months.

It may be an A HA! moment for you to realize that you can change your closet as well as your clothes each season. Many closet systems are built fto be adaptable and you can create the same flexibility with individual storage pieces. Before you go out to buy what may seem like great organizers, take into consideration the amount of room each piece may require compared to the amount of storage you will get. Also consider the versatility of the piece-can it be used in other ways and in other places if your needs change?

For more on seasonal closet storage click on the link below. For more on the purse organizer shown above, click on the photo.

Bankrate.com isn't known for it's decorating advice, so when I was contacted for budget decorating tips I was pleasantly surprised.

Although my business name and location were listed incorrectly, the message of the article is correct. You can have an interesting and attractively decorated home on a budget without sacrificing your style or your tastes. All it takes is realistic planning and creativity.

Now is a great time to start on those decorating projects you've been wanting to do. Sales are plentiful and our area has many outlets for bargains on furnishings if you know how and where to look. Be sure you don't waste your budget on furnishings you may not need. Call me for a consultation on your next project. Your rooms can take on a completely new look, often for less than the cost of a piece of furniture, by using your existing furnishings along with tips and tricks that come from years of redesign experience.

Call 703-689-9886 or email me at faulknerredesign@aol.com to make an appointment.

The second of three apartment transformations was recently unveiled to the delight and astonishment of the Patrick Henry Shelter House staff. Click on the link below to see the transformation.

As with the first apartment, members of the IRIS National Capitol Area Chapter gathered gently used furnishings to add to the original few furnishings in the apartment. The pieces were repaired, refinished and repurposed to create the strikingly different new look in the room. New items like kitchen equipment and bath and bed linens must be new so donations were raised to cover these costs.

For this apartment, paint and painters were furnished by Caryn Carkhuff of the Sherwin-Williams Paint Group and by Anthony Virgil of Duron Paints and Wallcoverings, both in Falls Church. United Way youth volunteers took time during their Spring Break to help create decorative bulletin boards for the bedrooms and other projects.

To clean, prep and paint walls, refinish furniture, move in furnishings and decorate took about 10 full days. Once again, our thanks to 1-800-PACK RATS for the use of two donated storage units which made the gathering of materials and furnishings possible and practical.

The effects of surroundings can have such an impact on a person's sense of well being. Homelessness is not hopelessness. Having a pleasant place to live can give a temporary shelter the feeling of a comforting and safe home and the sense of possibilities.

I will be a co-leader on the third apartment. Much of what is needed has been gathered but we are in need of donations of funding and/or gift cards for things like towels, rugs and kitchen needs. Your tax deductible contributions can be made directly to Shelter House for this project.

Please call me at 703-689-9886 or email me at faulknerredesign@aol.com for more information on how you can help.

Click on this link for The Washington Post HOME section article by Jura Koncius For more information on Shelter House please visit www.ShelterHouse.org. For more on IRIS, please click on the link shown below in Quick Links.

So it's down to the last minute and you want to do something special for your mother. How about creating a special space for her to relax and unwind?

This mini makeover is meant to be temporary, so feel free to be creative. Start with an area that can be cozy and private-an outdoor spot in the garden or a gazebo, a curtained bay window, a corner of the living room and more. Let her tastes and available space be your guide. Gather a comfortable chair or lounger, her favorite things like favorite foods, music, books and accessories and assemble them to create a personal retreat. Keep it fun and fanciful.

Or, consider giving her the gift of a new room. One day room makeovers are perfect gifts because they are personalized, practical and fun. Find out all about customized gift certificates and interior redesign packages that are affordable and unique by calling 703-689-9886 or email to faulknerredesign@aol.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