Sometimes simple is best. We all love technology and all the whistles and bells that it can bring, but you know, sometimes it is just easier to use a good old reliable tool that we know will work and impress every time. I love this tool. I found it many years ago and still use it to this day. It is a space planning furniture arranger that is magnetic, simple, and easy to use.

If you would like to order this great tool, we at The DSA have arranged for you to get a 10% discount. simply click on the picture of the product or go to  www.spaceplanning.com and insert the code (CBODD12) on the shopping cart page. Hope you enjoy using it as much as I do. Carol Bass

The DSA is proud to offer quality education and support to the creative entrepreneur.  Our specialized training is frequently requested by a variety of other industry leaders such as IDS, WCAA, WFCP, RESA, IRIS, CHF Academy, and more.  We are delighted and honored to announce our newest affiliation with the Association of Design Education. ADE was formed to promote excellence in the field of design and specialized niches through quality continuing education and ongoing support to today’s decorating professional. And the really great news is that because of our new affiliation, you have a

wonderful opportunity as well! Throughout the month of May you are eligible to join ADE without paying the application fee – you need only pay your yearly membership fee!

A few of the benefits include:

1. Professional Business Listing in high-profile ADE directory
2. Free Monthly Teleseminars hosted by industry leaders on a variety of topics of both a business and creative nature
3. Monthly Newsletter filled with information and resources to assist you as your business grows and changes
4. Industry Discounts on a variety of products and services with more added every month
5. Access to the Member Center, filled with information and assistance in every aspect of your business
6. The ADE Mentoring program, enabling you to become a member of a Mentoring Team
7. Earn Additional Credentials in your chosen field
8. Annual Conference at a reduced rate
9. Teleclasses and webinars on a variety of topics hosted by a variety of industry leaders, all at a reduced cost. And much, much more!

Hi, it’s Sandra Racz of The DSA and Signature Redesign. One of my recent projects was for a teenage boy, Jimmy, living in a bedroom he had outgrown.   By understanding his needs, we incorporated color, savvy shopping, furniture placement, some  favorite items and most of all, sweat equity.  Jimmy made my job easy as he had a  clear understanding of his style which made it a dream to design and decorate his space.  Armed with the budget, I hoped I could pull off the room in the challenging time frame I had.  Follow me through the process I use with my clients.

Before #1

Step One: Assessment of Space and Client

• Special Likes-Music, Existing Posters, and Guitar Collection
• Functions-Hang out with friends, desk to study, sleep
• Room is only 11 x 11 and needs to be multi-functional

Step Two: Create the Plan

• Use posters for color inspiration-Gray, Black and Red
• Expand space with horizontal stripes
• Change Room Arrangement
• Creating both sleeping and lounging space
• Create unique Headboard to showcase his love for music
• Increase Perception of size by using horizontal color stripes and removing closet doors

Step Three: Shop Savvy

• Create List with The DSA’s Comfort Zone Shopping System
• Be willing to be Flexible-started with one desk in mind and found one that worked even better
• Keep running total on list to stay on top of budget
• Shop by priority-we knew a sleeper sofa or futon was a top priority for extra seating and sleeping
• Identify ways to save money-Laying a stylish rug brought the theme together and covered existing  carpet stains

 Shopping List Included:

• Sofa/Bed- $180
• Rug – $70
• Bedding- $70
• Desk -    $230
• Desk Chair- $99
• Drapes (readymade) -$40
• Hardware for Drapes- $20
• Desk lamp $10
• Decorating Services $500
  TOTAL $1219

Q: Should you compromise on some items? A:  Only if you won’t regret it.  Although, the head board of the bed wasn’t a top priority, we looked.  At the end of the day, we opted to use our original idea of purchasing old, tattered guitars and taking the neck of the guitar and creating a headboard. This would carry the theme and give Jimmy a unique project for his space. See before and almost after below, the room is ready for the next step.  On the hunt for guitars to create our unique headboard…photos to follow.  Questions, feel free to contact me at sandra@sandraracz.com

We live in a fast paced world and demand instant gratification.  Our clients are used to seeing a home built and decorated in two hours or rooms transformed in 30 minutes.  Now, the reality is that even one day decorating doesn’t take one day.  First, you need to assess and find your inspiration.  Then you might add color and perhaps do a little shopping.     Instant gratification decorating only works when the pre-planning and behind the scenes elements are done well.  Each transformation begins with the core of placement and color.  It is time to pull out the stops and add some dazzle. Every redesign and decorating class we teach incorporates new and exciting ways to take a room to a new level. Quick change ideas are the ones that get them talking about you.  This is where referrals come from, those blow your socks off, I never would have thought of that ideas.  After all, you are only as good as your last great idea. Don’t let your fear stop you from creating magic.

1. Chandelier Magic-Thousands of homes are sporting dated chandeliers that may have good “bones” but dated finishes.  I used to remove them from

the ceiling and spray paint.  But then I experimented with faux finishing a chandelier with great success.  Use 3-4 acrylic colors, including a deep base

such as brown or black, accompanied by 2 metallics.  Squirt some of each color on a plate and

then using a sea sponge or cheese cloth, dab into each color so that all 3 colors are on your applicator.  Now dab away on the chandelier coming back again and again to load your sponge.  Work your way up the chain and don’t forget the ceiling medallion.

2.  Light Upholstery-Bedspreads, old quilts, discontinued fabric samples, table runners, are just a few of the things I have used over the years to transform a dated and sad dining room chair.  All you need is a screwdriver and a staper and you are ready to go.

Don’t worry about the old upholstery, if your new fabric is heavy enough, cover over top of it.  Often if I am doing a table in a great or family room, I will use the left over fabric to create a quick pillow to bring the color and fabric around the room.

Share with us your 5 minute transformation ideas.

See you soon, JoAnne Lenart-Weary

Professional BrainStormer

Click on the images to see before & after photos

Oh! Look what I found. As you know, I am always on the lookout for cool tools and  I found a good one at the Nashville Home and Garden Show.  Cindy and Earl were showing a product that anyone can use.  Earl used to be in computers but he loved to create new things by welding.  He designed and created a fancy vent for Cindy and she loved it. Soon their family and friends saw what he had created and wanted one too. Voila-  Fancy Vents was born!

We all have seen the utilitarian, ugly vents, in fact, they are probably in your home right now.  I am always trying to figure out how to hide them, and Fancy Vents has made it easy.  So don’t hide them, flaunt them! Check out their website,  Fancy Vents, and by the way,  tell them Carol Bass from The Decorating and Staging Academy sent ya.