Do you have original, playable DVDs that you don't want to keep? You can donate them to your local library or you can join groups like SwapaDVD.com.

Clear out the clutter and enjoy new movies. Click on the link below to see what MSNBC, Today and Good Housekeeping have to say about it...

Last month I wrote about how to plan lighting in a room. This month let's take a look at the lighting needs of the dining room.

Most dining rooms have a central light or chandelier and for many homes that is the only source of light other than daylight. There is a rule of thumb about the optimum amount of light needed in a room. To see how your dining room measures up, try the following calculation.

Multiply the length times the width of the room (in feet). Then multiply that number by 1.5. This gives you the number of watts required to provide ambient lighting for the room. For task lighting, which includes direct lighting of a dining room table, multiply the square footage by 2.5 instead of 1.5 to find the wattage.

Flame tip bulbs, for example, range up to 60 watts. A typical 6 arm chandelier could provide 360 watts, enough for a 10' x 14' room.

The next considerations-the size of the fixture and how high above the table it should be.

A chandelier should be no wider than 12 inches less than the width of the table. The bottom of the fixture should be no lower than 30 inches above the table for an 8 foot ceiling, raise it 3 inches for each additional foot of ceiling height, always keeping into consideration the proportion of the piece and how it relates to the table.

Adjusting the lighting balance is important. Watch out for glare from clear bulbs. Shades on chandeliers can counter this but may cut down the available light, depending on the type of shade.

As with other rooms, layers of light can add to the ambience of the room. Up lighting behind plants and screens, recessed lighting, sconces and cove lighting (as shown above) are all good options for layering light in a dining room.

Have you been "staycationing" this year because of the economy? We have so many wonderful areas and sights to explore in our region such as historic Old Town Alexandria. Its mix of charm with unique shopping and top-rated restaurants is one of my favorites.

The Boutique District features 19 unique shops showcasing antiques, collectibles, one-of-a-kind and hard-to-find items. Your search for that perfect item to complete your decor might just end at one of these interesting shops.

Some boutiques have online shopping but why not treat yourself to a stroll along quaint brick sidewalks and take in the atmosphere this Fall? Maybe I'll see you there! For more information, click on the link below.

Most pet crates are constructed to be functional, not attractive. Stylish crates are available, but at a price.

Crate covers are an affordable alternative. I have written about them in the past, but a new company, CrateCoversand More.com, recently contacted me about their product line. They offer tailored and gathered styles in many fabrics to help coordinate with your room.

Their products also include beds and accessories. For more information and to see their various styles, click on the link below. From now until the end of October 2009, mention The Redesigner's Notebook and you'll receive 10% off, not including sale items.

Have you shopped for area rugs and felt bewildered by the terms and phrases used on signs and labels- and by sales associates? Do you know a little but would like to know more of the basics? Click below for a short primer on area rugs courtesy of Horchow and while you are at it, check out their designs for inspiration.

In July I wrote about organizing your garage and right after that a friend sent me a link to a company specializing in garage door covers that create the illusion of something other than your typical garage contents as seen through an "open" door.

The picture shown is only one of the transformations possible; perfect for those with a sense of humor and a budget to support it. Other styles give the illusion of a huge and very clean parking garage and various stored items like stacks of gold bars or a personal jet. With the trend of turning garages into Man Caves, it would seem more practical (as if practicality really would be an issue) to use this as a decoration inside the garage. Or is that just the redesigner in me?

Wonder how a neighborhood Architectural Review Committees would react to one of these? See more by clicking below...

I love anything that makes hanging art work easier and this is brilliant in its simplicity. Made for hanging canvas art, this one piece hanger can make installation a breeze.

Looking ahead to the holidays, what is the most difficult part of holiday decorating? What do you like the least and why? What do you dread? Do you find that you do some things out of a sense of obligation/because you think it's expected rather than because you enjoy it?

If preparing for the holidays has become a chore rather than a time to celebrate and be creative then it's time to rethink your traditional way of doing things and come up with a plan and decorations that fit the way you live now.

Please email me about the most difficult aspects or the problems that come up when getting ready to decorate and/or entertain and I will try to address them in the next two issues and in my Redesign Parties.

Let's make this coming season the most enjoyable ever.

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