Whether you take everything down immediately after the holidays or wait until the last needle has fallen off the tree, at some point you will want/need to say good-bye to the festive decorations and get back to your everyday decor.

There are several ways to repack. I think doing it by room is the easiest, especially if you intend to use the same decorations in that room next year. Take photos of the areas you particularly like so that you can duplicate them next year, or someone else can if you have an offer of help!

Use plastic boxes to store items for best protection, but don't try to put too much in each box or you risk crushing from the weight. Big bins are best for garlands, some wreaths, smaller trees or decorations that come apart in sections, for example.

Try taking photos of the way things are packed away to make pack up easier next year. If you make notes of how and where things are stored, your pack up time may be cut by as much as a half!

A good room design starts with an inspiration. It could be the colors in a painting, a collection of objects, fabrics, area rugs and other elements in the home.

Rooms do not have to have a theme to be attractive and well coordinated, although themes can be a way to develop a focus for a room's decor. Themes can be overdone so use care when using them as your room inspiration.

A feeling can be the inspiration for a room's decor. The photo shown conveyed serenity and simplicity to the homeowner so wall colors and fabrics were chosen to compliment and enhance the mood.

Freshen your rooms this year and stay on budget with a redesign consultation. Together we can find inspiration and focus for your decor using your favorite art, accessories and furnishings. Call or email now-your new rooms are waiting to be discovered!

While post holiday sales are still going on, look for bargains on multipurpose accessories like these square vases. Used in multiples of 3 or 5 for a more interesting effect, they can hold more than floral arrangements.

On a desk they might hold notepads, pens and pencils. Smaller sizes might hold colorful postage stamps and labels. The filled containers can sit on a desk or be tucked into a bookcase, freeing up drawer space while providing some color and interest in the room.

For entertaining or everyday use, the vases can hold flatware, rolled or folded napkins, recipe cards, tea bags and bar tools.

What interesting small items do you need to contain? These multipurpose vases may be your answer.

A friend whose tastes run to contemporary furnishings loved the clean lines of some 12" mirrors she saw at Homegoods but they weren't the right size or shape. They were framed in a chunky deep frame wrapped with what looked like hundreds of folded or rolled pieces of newpaper print. The text was basically illegible, but with a touch of color here and there it made an interesting textural, almost tweed-like effect.

I found the material online and thought I would share it with you. ( It's a lot more interesting when you see it applied to an object!) It's a woven recycled paper placemat. The possibilities for its use are only limited by your imagination. Wrap a plain rolled edge or box frame with it. Cover cubbie boxes and hang on a wall. Line a plain serving tray and top with protective glass for a unique serving/accent piece. You might be able to cover a rectangular or drum shaped lampshade with it.

Click below to read more about this material and see close-up photos.

Are you curious about which home repairs or upgrades add the most value to your home? A lot depends on what features comparable homes in your area have and the features that are most desired by buyers in your target market.

If you are thinking about major home repairs or remodeling this year or are getting ready to move, do your homework when developing your plans for freshening up your home. Though some projects tend to net more of a return on your investment, such as kitchens and bathroom updates, it depends as much on how the projects are done as what is done.

An attractive result is not the only consideration. High maintenance materials, too trendy-looking styles or over improving for the style of the home or the neighborhood can detract from the home and actually make it less attractive to potential buyers.

There are many web sites that explore this in depth and can be of help for your particular situation. I've included a link for Home Gain below that has more information on this subject. Frontdoor.com is another web site that has articles on best home improvement projects.

A few months ago I noticed a small scratch on one of our kitchen cabinets, less that 1/4" wide. Now, the cabinets are only a few years old and I was so annoyed since it would probably be a big deal to get it fixed.

Then I remembered something I had read about fixing small scratches by rubbing a walnut or pecan gently over the scratch until it disappears. Yes, you read that correctly. A walnut or a pecan can make the scratch go away.

I tried it, using the outside edge of a pecan half, not the shell. Rubbing lightly just over the scratch it actually seemed to buff it out. Where it had been rough before it was fairly smooth. Why and how it works I don't know, although I suppose it has something to do with the oil in the nut and the light pressure applied that smoothed and maybe filled the depression.

You might try it for yourself if you have a small scratch on a cabinet or chair leg in an inconspicuous spot. It may not work on all woods, particularly on darker finishes or those sealed with a polyurethane finish.

Wish I could remember if it was Helouise, Martha or someone else that came up with this solution. I'd like to thank them!

I've used, or suggested the use of wall typography for years. It can be the perfect decoration for those hard to decorate walls where you need something but a framed piece isn't practical or is too repetitive. It's also perfect for holiday sayings that are covered up by art at other times of the year.

Wall "graffiti" can be strikingly simple but effective decorative accents that are easy to customize, easy to apply and easy on the budget, especially now. Wonderful Graffiti is having their January Sale starting on the 1st.

Witty, whimsical, inspiring, and clever, the designs can be used on more than walls. Mirrors, furniture, refrigerators, cabinets, desks, file cabinets and more can be embellished with their designs. With a few exclusions, their selections are 25% off during the sale. Check out their web site by clicking on the link below for more about their products and lots of inspiration.

Have you ever thought how wonderful it would be if there could be a Spring Break for women? A time when you could get away from it all, be pampered at a spa, get some exercise and get started on a healthy lifestyle and maybe take some fun and interesting classes?

You are not alone-and your wish has been answered. The Mosaic Weekend will be held March 6th and 7th at The Woods Resort in Hedgesville, West Virginia, less than 2 hours from Baltimore and Washington.

I have been invited to conduct one of the 10 learning sessions during the weekend. I'll be revealing redesign tips and tricks- ways you can redecorate and revitalize your home using things you already own as well as how to update and repurpose items that everyone owns. Bring a notebook-you don't want to miss these easy-to-implement ideas.

Refresh, Renew, Reinvent, Repurpose and Redesign!

Round up your friends and come join me for an early Spring Break. Reservations before February 1 are eligible for a $25 Woods Gold Gift Card. For more information on activities, Spa information and classes, please click on the link below. Hope to see you there!

Once the decorations are packed away and before you put everything back in the usual places, take stock of your rooms.

A spot here, a smudge there, nail pops or small cracks, a scratch or two on furniture or the floor-all are small annoyances that can add up to a room looking old and worn. It's easy to overlook them or tell yourself that you'll fix the problems as soon as you get time. Funny thing is, the time often never arrives and you get used to the problems which can get worse or multiply. Suddenly, you realize that your house is a mess and you are overwhelmed by the work that needs to be done.

So now, while it is easy to see what touch-ups are necessary, go room by room and make a list of all that you see. Start with the easy things so you'll be able to feel a sense of accomplishment right away. Make up a Nick of Time tote with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, wood scratch cover pens and/or Old English Scratch Cover, caulk, spackle or dry wall compound, sanding paper and paint touch up supplies, metal polish and cloths, glass cleaner, dust wipes and any other tools or materials required. You'll be able to attack each small job as soon as it is noticed rather than take the time hunting for the right supplies.

In just a little time you will have taken the room from time worn to fresh and renewed with quick fixes that will make a big impact on the way your home looks and feels. Do it now while the weather outside is frightful and you'll thank yourself when sunny Spring rolls around.

Read more about furniture care by clicking on the link.