Many people don't realize that even "silk" floral arrangements have a limit on their life expectancy. In redesigning for clients, I've done quick renovations on arrangements that were once lovely, but over the years have became faded, dusty or dated. Some are really well past their prime, with only a few flowers and possibly the container, worth saving.

Most people don't know what to do with just a few floral stems and throw them out. They could be donating the better floral stems and containers to their favorite charity thrift store so someone else may be able to put them to good use and also help the charity raise funds.

This Saturday, April 21st, from 10-3, I'll be demonstrating how to repurpose odds and ends like silk flower pieces, mis-matched dishes and glassware, tiles, lighting components and more at the ReStore in Chantilly. (Click here for more information and directions.) Several other redesigners will be there showing how to refresh furniture with paint, update artwork, repurpose cabinet doors and more, as part of our alliance with the Habitat for Humanity. Come out and be inspired to repurpose and create, recycle and donate to a wonderful organization.

Click below to see a preview of one of my demos on how to create a faux petal cake-a fun party decoration or whimsical no-calorie kitchen accessory.

Hope to see you on Saturday!

Some of the best ideas combine necessity, simplicity and artistry. This idea, from Better Homes and Gardens, is a perfect example.

The hanging garden, (shown here planted with herbs and peppers), takes advantage of vertical space. It frees counter work space and doubles as living art in the kitchen.

The idea could be perfect in a bathroom planted with ferns, African violets, Cape primroses, Small Crotons, Begonias and others that would thrive in the higher heat and humidity found in bathrooms.

There could be many other applications, depending on the architecture of the home. To find out more, please click on the link below.

Spring! Time to get outside and take advantage of better weather-a definite cure for cabin fever.

If you'd rather do something fun than a bunch of home repairs, but think it's more cost effective to DIY, check out a site that may get you off the hook.

DIY Do it Yourself or Not has project costs, how-tos, calculators, videos, advice on hiring a Pro and more. You may find that it is more cost effective to have someone else do the work and not feel guilty about it! (You're welcome!)

Click on the link below to learn more.

Quick test-is your car parked in the driveway because your garage is too full of stuff? It's an easy place to house temporary projects, become a storage area for items that are leaving the house, sports equipment, gardening supplies and miscellaneous tools. Now that the weather is getting warmer, it's the perfect time to get the space in shape.

Put your garage on a diet before you make any storage decisions. Pare down your possessions to those you really need. Make it a goal to use up those odds and ends of gardening supplies before you buy anything else. Resolve to sell or donate equipment and gadgets that you rarely or never use.

Once you have edited the contents of the garage you are ready to choose your storage equipment. Visit your local Sears, Home Depot, Lowes and other home improvement stores to see what is available. There are many manufacturers of garage/work room storage cabinets and fixtures so be sure to compare quality, price, functionality and versatility before you buy.

Check out online videos such as the series from Gladiator Garageworks for more information and inspiration. We used a combination of their cabinets and rails in our garage and it has made such a difference!

Is this the year you reclaim your garage? Check out the link below for information and inspiration:

I recently read an article about things to do/check in your final walk through when buying a house. The first suggestion was to turn on the dishwasher when you enter the home and let it run through the cycle while you continue through the home. It's brilliant in its simplicity. Many things can change between the time you put a contract on a house and when you do the walk through. Appliances can- and do- break down unexpectedly and leaks can develop over time. It's a simple step that may prevent damage and the cost of clean up and repairs.

If you, or someone you know, is in the process of buying a house, click on the link below and check out these ideas.

...that my redesign consultations cover more than how to arrange furniture, accessories and art.

That color consultations cover more than the selection of a room's wall color?

That I can not only tell you how but but also show you how to revamp your furniture, art and accessories on the spot?

My consultations are chock full of information you can use right away. The result is easy to live with changes that can jump-start your decorating projects while stretching your decorating budget.. Did you know that I can help you make informed choices when picking tiles, countertops, finishes and other items when you remodel?

Did you know that one of the perks I offer my clients is the ability to virtual shop with me from the comfort of their home? That when we shop together, whether virtually or locally, it comes with design tips and information you can use to be more confident in your choices, now and in the future? It's like taking Decorating 101 ! Interior Redesigns aren't always about re-doing entire rooms and they aren't major upheavals in a household.

Are you ready for redesign, staging and decorating help? Contact me and we can talk about your ideas and needs. Call me at 703-689-9886 or click on the link below to email me.