Room makeovers begin with a need and are guided by the existing architecture and furnishings. In this case, the basics were there, all that was needed was injecting a little more color and warmth into the room.

The previous owners had installed the heavy shades which obscured the view and closed in the room. The current owners' white wicker furniture with blue cushions brightened the room but what was missing was the warmth factor. It was a sun room after all!

Please click on the link for the 60 second video of the room makeover.

Outdoor fireplaces and patio fireplace pits have been popular for years. They can extend the season for using your patio or deck and provide an dramatic and attractive glow to a gathering.

Until recently, there have been few changes to the styles other than cosmetic. Storage can be a problem off season, too. The introduction of indoor/outdoor fireplace inserts offers innovations and a solution for storage.

The insert pictured, called The Ethanol Fire Grate, has a unique style that can be used indoors or outdoors and offers the ability to incorporate ceramic logs, decorative fire glass, or natural rocks. At the end of the season, it can replace the grate in your empty fireplace, solving the storage solution. Could this be this year's unique Father's Day present ?

Looking for a summer project? Try your hand at faux painting.

If this brings to mind sponge painting of years ago, think again. The techniques have become more subtle, more nuanced and more interesting. Tools and paints have been developed to make application easier so you can unleash your inner creativity.

You don't need to commit an entire room or even a wall to a project. Faux finishes lend themselves to furniture and objects. Trays, picture frames, candlesticks, boxes and planters are easily embellished. Old furniture can be repurposed with a designer look. All it takes is a little inspiration, a plan, the proper tools and directions.

I'm a self taught faux painter. One hallway has been my laboratory over the years for different techniques. I felt that I couldn't discuss painting options if I didn't understand faux techniques and how they might enhance or detract from a space.

Though I no longer paint for others, I did take on a project last year to duplicate a wall that a client had seen in a magazine. The magazine example was more subdued than he wanted so colors were mixed and remixed to get the desired effect-a backdrop for some of his original art collection.

The result was rich and dramatic, as you can see from the photo. Not every faux finish needs to be so. Sheer color washes, suede techniques, and others can add interest without taking center stage.

Try a small project for fun. You can get tips at craft stores, online and on TV. A great place to start is a site I found called Faux Like a Pro. Click on the link below for more information, videos and inspiration:

An Ice Cream Social says it all. The focus is on the gathering to meet, mingle and eat ice cream. The basics are simple: ice cream, toppings, beverages, cookies and the means to serve and eat the creations.

So what will you serve? For a classic party, and to make it easier if this is your first Ice Cream Social, offer vanilla ice cream with up to 5 toppings-syrups, chopped nuts, sprinkles, candies, etc. Enlist a few plastic gloved helpers to dish the ice cream and add the toppings for your guests. This helps to keep things orderly and make sure that everyone has their first before guests come back for seconds-and they will!

For a more contemporary version that is even easier, serve ice cream novelty treats. Pass chilled platters around with an assortment. Be careful though, it can encourage seconds and thirds!

For a different twist, line up a few borrowed blenders and set up and ice cream drink bar with flavorings, toppings and mix-ins. Have additional sodas on hand for ice cream floats.

Speaking of sodas, thirsty guests will also appreciate beverages like plain and flavored water, lemonade and punch

Simple cookies work best here so try classics like, sugar, peanut butter, oatmeal, butter and wafers.

Locate your serving station near a sink with easy access for your guest to get to and from the serving area. If you'll be outside, stay in the shade far away from a patio or sidewalk which will may retain or reflect heat.

Creating and enjoying the perfect ice cream dessert-no wonder an Ice Cream Social is nearly the perfect party. If you'd like to know more about how you can put together this easy to organize party for your guests, call me. In one consultation session we can put together a party plan like this that you can use and adapt to your needs year after year, season after season.

I love to show people how to think creatively when solving decorating problems and how to repurpose everyday things. Recently I had another simple aha! moment that I wanted to share.

My husband and I bought a metal gazebo two years ago and have been very happy with it. It's solid and attractive, working with any decorations we have used for parties. The only drawback we have encountered is the inexpensive plastic rings that attach the mosquito netting to the curtain bars.

One by one they have broken and I had no luck trying to find a decent replacement until I thought of shower curtain hooks. Not the old metal kind, but the open, decorative styles. I found the perfect style at Target, bought two packages on sale and now we have sturdy, more decorative hangers that should withstand the elements for many seasons since they are meant to be used in a steamy shower.

The photo shows the two styles side by side. The new hooks blend in perfectly. What a difference a small detail can make!

If you struggle with a way to hang a jacket or sweater in your car without wrinkling it or obstructing your view while driving, this could be the answer to your problem.

This backseat organizer doesn't block your view according to the manufacturer. It installs by detaching the headrest, installing the coat hanger, and replacing the headrest. The hanger is wider at the ends to prevent "hanger marks" on the garment.

This could be handy for anyone who carries a summer sweater for those chilly meeting rooms or times when you want to cover up your summer look with a more business-like jacket. It's available from Organize.com.

Have you been promising yourself that you are going to make decorating changes in your home but Planning Paralysis has stopped you? Did you know that even small redesign changes in your rooms can make an amazing difference quickly, easily and affordably?

Interior Redesigns aren't always about re-doing entire rooms and they aren't major upheavals in a household. Often during consultations I show how effective quick changes can be. The result is easy to live with changes that can jump-start your decorating projects.

Are you ready for a redesign? Contact me and we can talk about your ideas and needs.