On my way to an appointment recently, I passed by a forlorn floor lamp, passed out on the curb, waiting for the trash collection. I didn't stop to examine it or pick it up then, but decided that if it was still there on my way back, I would.

Almost three hours later, the lamp was still there and the trash truck was less than a block away as I pulled up to the curb.

The lamp was in shambles. The shade was smashed, the pole and fittings were tarnished and the metal base was corroded. The cut glass base, which was oddly placed (at the base where it would be more prone to break), was dirty but in amazingly good shape. Could anything be done with it? Was it worth saving?

Well, I do love a challenge and I hate to waste things so I put it in the car and brought it back to my "redesign lab" to see what I could make out of it. Taking it apart was simple and I discovered that the glass base was actually two pieces-a bonus for repurposing!

How many ways do you think the reclaimed piece could be used? Find out by clicking the link below for the 60 second before and after "Masterpiece Makeover" video segment. (Hope you enjoy the humor in the choice of music-a perfect contrast to its humble beginnings!)

Spring cleaning also means switching the winter clothes in your closet with spring and summer styles. While you are at it, put your closet on a diet and get rid of things you don't need or wear.

Can't stand the thought of letting go of some things because you spent a lot of money on them, they are new or timeless and someday you just may need them? Soothe your conscience-try consigning the items.

Check out local consignment shops and find out what their guidelines are for accepting items. Some will only take current styles or designer labels but others may specialize in vintage looks, funky clothes and accessories.

I just read about an online consignment shop for fashionistas on a budget. You may want to check it out at the link below. If you do, please report back and let me know what your experience was like-I'll do a follow up here with your stories.

Consider the usefulness of a hanging jewelry organizer. It takes up little space in a closet next to clothing, making it easier and faster to dress, separates pieces to protect them from scratching and from dust, and can be rolled or folded up for travel in seconds.

So what are the drawbacks? Some are too small for everyday use, come in dark colors which can make many jewelry pieces difficult to see or have "pockets" that are too small.

That's changed with the development of larger organizers with pockets in different sizes, both front and back. Some, like the style shown, have a loop that suspends necklaces and bracelets to help prevent tangles.

A hanging jewelry organizer may be the practical yet unusual gift you are looking for when planning for Mother's Day, Graduation, birthdays and wedding showers. Some may be embellished and personalized with fabric markers and stamps, iron-on trims and beading. You can even use one as an imaginative "gift wrap" for a piece of jewelry or gift certificate.

It's SPRING! Being outdoors is the antidote to cabin fever you've been craving. Whether you have a small balcony or patio, or a deck the size of a small airport landing strip, you can take advantage of the space you have and turn it into your own private escape with an outdoor room makeover.

This is the first of a series of outdoor room redesigns meant to illustrate common situations and how they may be transformed. This is a true redesign-the makeover was accomplished using only what existed in the home. More...

What kind of gift can you give that will say Congratulations! to someone who has achieved a goal, got the job or bought a new house, a gift that will be useful and memorable?

You might consider A Box of Applause! When the box is opened, the sound of a crowd cheering is released. Just the thing to validate a person's sense of accomplishment or provide encouragement during a big project. The box could also hold a gift certificate or a small gift- or maybe the keys to that new house or car!

The Box of Applause is available from Signals catalog.

Here's an amazing furniture idea. It's a portable table/server that folds up into a carrier when not in use.

I couldn't believe that it folds up until I clicked on the larger image option where it shows how it works. Very clever and handy. The sale price is amazing-for the price of a nice wooden serving tray you can have a table and a removable tray. Think of how handy this could be for entertaining now and during the holidays.

Can organizing be fun, creative and stylish? Yes, with the right attitude and supplies. Plain containers, binders and files will take on a simple elegance when labeled with stylish graphics like these. Meant to be used as mailing labels, they can embellish other things like bottles, jars and even take the place of bookplates. They are 4" wide and come in a roll of 120 for $19.99.

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.