Have you ever felt that summer decorating has become one big cliche of sea shells and nautical accessories, tropical prints, paper lanterns, watermelon accessories and Americana decor? Maybe what you need is a new perspective.

These motifs are classics. By changing up the use of some of the elements and recombining them with new or different accessories and materials, the expected can become the unexpected.

Avoid the sea shell cliches by re-interpreting the look. Think in terms of color. For a black and white theme, incorporate a few large white shells and black coral on a bed of polished black stones scattered across a mirrored tray with pillar or votive candles. Embellish with red Canna blossoms and leaves for drama or orchid blossoms for understated elegance.

Break up all of the red, white and blue decorations on the 4th of July with tablescapes or displays that incorporate two of the colors. Top a white tablecloth with a red runner, add a wicker or rattan placemat to the left of the center of the table, then group fun watermelon candles, available from Pier 1, on one clear glass candle plate to protect the placemat. Cluster red and yellow nasturtiums or zinnias along with trailing ivy around the plate, allowing the placemat to show through. Arrange red plates, clear plastic cups and white napkins in the center of the table along with utensils. On the right, place a carved watermelon fruit basket or bowl or a large clear glass bowl with fruit salad on top of another wicker place mat. The wicker mats add a more color and texture and another summer element. The expected watermelon presented in a fresh new way! It's another example of what redesign can bring to your table.

For more about the watermelon candles, click below. To learn how to make a watermelon bowl or basket, click here.

In any economy, the cost of home repairs or updates can be costly, but how do you know if an estimate is within reason, let alone within your budget? If it has been some time since you have had any work done, the cost of labor alone may be a shock.

Lots of things enter in to an estimate for a project. The area you live in will play a part. Where the cost of living is lower, so will the cost of many repairs. Materials, level of expertise, time, accessibility and other factors will have a bearing on the costs.

Andres Torrubia, CEO, Co-founder at FIXR.COM, has created a guide to the cost of many home repairs that may be helpful in evaluating estimates for your home projects. FIXR is a home improvement, remodeling and maintenance services marketplace. Homeowners post what they need done, where and when, then home improvement contractors and service providers submit public estimates to compete for the job.

I've only just learned about it myself and will be interested in getting your feedback on its usefulness for your purposes.

Please click on the link below for the guide.

Once the summer heat hits, our homes become an oasis of perfectly cool air. What can be sacrificed is good air quality.

Off-gassing from furnishings and cleaning solutions are the main culprits and you may not even be aware of it. Enter the under appreciated house plant as more than a decorative accessory. Many plants with low light requirements can remove or reduce the common chemicals in our indoor air as well as replenish the oxygen.

Many years ago, NASA conducted experiments with plants for use on the space shuttle. They found that plants can remove VOC's like formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene and mold spores.

The plants that are helpful aren't necessarily exotic or finicky. Rubber trees, peace lilies, aloe, snake plants and Christmas cacti are just some examples of generally easy care and readily available plants.

Look for books in the library and bookstores for more on the subject. One of the best is, How to Grow Fresh Air by Dr. C.B. Woolverton. A link to the book on Amazon is given below.

I was one of three designers recently interviewed in the June issue of Lawn and Leisure Magazine, a publication distributed by Weed Man Lawn Care, for an article on creating a backyard getaway.

The summer heat is on and you can take advantage of the cooler mornings and evenings on a well-planned patio or deck. Outdoor furniture discounts will be in full swing soon, so be a wise shopper and pre-think your idealized outdoor living space. If you don't dine outdoors and aren't likely to, why buy a dining set? Firepits can extend the outdoor living season but there are restrictions on where they can be used. Furniture and accessories can be big investments, so maintenance, out of season protection and storage need to be considered.

By knowing your true needs and familiarizing yourself with trends and products you can create the perfect backyard escape.

The online version of the article can be read by clicking on the link below.

A corner can be an afterthought when decorating. Often it's because it's too small to be of use though in many cases it needs "something".

The usual tricks won't work in a corner as small as the one shown. Plants, screens or even pedestals would project too far into the room. Small art prints would only emphasize how the narrow space is.

That's where an interesting corner shelf unit might be the perfect solution. The one pictured doesn't overpower the space and can showcase smaller collectibles that are better appreciated in a more open grouping. Though contemporary in feel, the simple lines make it a versatile transitional piece and a welcome change from the expected triangular corner shelves. Shelves like these can showcase and protect more substantial pieces, too, allowing this are to make more of a statement.

The high contrast between the wall, trim and dark stain was perfect for the room's decor. A lighter stain or a painted finish might be more appropriate for a different decor.

For more information, please click on the link below.

How can you make a small bathroom look and feel larger without knocking out walls? Secrets like using specific fixtures that will make the most of the space and several light sources that will provide levels of light are just two I share in a recent article online at About.com.

I discuss ideas like the ones used in a spa-like bath I created for one of my long time clients. The narrow bath now seems twice its former size, although it is exactly the same. Read the article by clicking on the link below and see if you can spot the space savers.

(Hint: a traditional landscape wasn't used in this case because the client wanted a more "Zen" feel.)

Please note: as of publication my page has gone from number 6 to number 2 recently. The link below should take you directly to it. If not, please use the "previous" or "next" tabs on the page and you should find it. If you have difficulty with the link, please let me know. As always, your comments are welcome. Thank you!

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.