Celebrating Your Home's Birthday......

We all celebrate birthdays for ourselves, our kids, even our pets. Have you ever considered celebrating your home's birthday with a special gift? I had never thought of it, but I met someone this week who wants me to give his home new and improved lighting as he and his young family celebrate their home's first birthday. What a wonderful idea!

It is easy for us to begin to think of ways we can improve our home as each spring comes around and our thoughts turn toward warmer days and breaking out of the winter doldrums. Maybe the time is right to add some new feature as a celebration of living in your home, but also think of the spring season as a time to evaluate any fixes needed to keep your home in tip-top shape. Don't wait until the problem becomes obvious....spend some time looking for any cracks in the foundation, small roof leaks that have reached the attic but not yet found their way to causing water stains on the ceiling below, or peeling paint on the exterior from brutal winter winds.

So you're not one to crawl under the house, climb into the attic, or get on a ladder? Call a home inspector. Licensed home inspectors can check out your entire home in less than a day and present a detailed report of any repairs that might be needed. We spend hundreds of dollars each year keeping our cars in good running order, wouldn't you want to do the same for your home---your largest investment!?

Once you've budgeted for this annual or bi-annual service which helps with the general maintenance --saving big bucks by preventing major repairs--, you can plan for bigger birthday presents for your abode that your entire family will enjoy for years to come! Now, let's see......birthday presents......basement game room......updated kitchen......updated powder room......bigger master bedroom suite........kids' tree house.......

Windows and Headboards.....

Often in magazines and in homes I visit I see beautiful windows with an amazing view to the great outdoors beyond the walls of a bedroom...unfortunately, the view is often blocked by high headboards, as the bed has been placed directly in front of the window.

Now, sometimes this is unavoidable, because someone designed the space with too many openings....windows, entry door, closet door, bath door, etc. But even in this case, there are better solutions.

So let's begin at a beginning point~~if you're ready to re-design a master bedroom, select new furnishings, or searching for a new home with that perfect retreat, call an interior designer for a consultation. She or he can see the space and give first-hand advice and guidance.

Generally, here are some ideas to help keep a clear view. If you are accepting that you have to live with your existing space and there are no other options for placing the bed in front of a window and that headboard is just in the way, shop around for a shorter headboard. Or opt for no headboard and create a headboard look with the window treatment....a very creative way to add some interest and pizzaz to the room.

If you are lucky enough to have the room re-designed, let your designer come up with a scaled drawing that relocates openings to allow the bed to be on a wall of its own---not shared with the windows. The drawing, with furnishings in place, and a few elevation and perspective sketches can give you the visualization you'll need to make your decision.

Remember, windows are for viewing out and allowing light in.....try to keep it that way throughout your home, particularly in your bedroom spaces!

We're just gettin' started here....

Welcome to my first blog posting! The universe is a broad and wonderful place, so I choose to concentrate on those parts of the world that are closer to home...your home! Or your office. Or your church. A place on which I might have some impact, some influence, on how you can change it for the better. My passion is helping my clients turn their ordinary spaces into extraordinary places. In coming postings I'll share solutions to the situations that you yourself may be dealing with in your little world--too much stuff, not enough stuff, the wrong stuff--check in for updates!