Oh baby, it's HOT outside...

I had to use this picture from the backyard of my former Milwaukee home of "my" sunflowers.  Sunflowers ALWAYS make me think of summer, the sun & abundance...along w/all the birds that nest & feed in their.  What fun. 

OK...today's column, I wanted to offer some tips on inexpensive ways you can re-design your space without having to incur the expense of a contractor.  Now before you think I'm anti-contractor...I'm NOT.  I think hiring a good, well-referenced, experienced contractor is vital for helping increase the value of your home, the safety/security of your home & helping to keep your home properly maintained.  I couldn't do a lot of what I do WITHOUT the help of some fabulously talented contractors.  This is especially important for any project that includes plumbing, electric & structural changes to your home.  Due to all the code changes & additions, it's hard for even professionals to keep up for all that's required, let alone a homeowner who just wants to add another sink in an older master bath.  While you may think that you are "saving money" now, this will cost you in the long run when you decide to sell the house or your property gets "adjusted" regarding tax values. 

The following are for when you're looking to update or you just want a change of energy in your space.  These are also items that I include in design consultations, & for my "regulars" that have me come in annually to do an energy re-charge after the New Year.

• Change out your curtains, area rugs & throw pillows to match the
    changing season or for entertaining.  Lighter, flowy fabrics for warmer
  weather,  heavier, darker fabrics for winter.
  
• Changing a room's space plan is an immediate energy booster in any
    space-i.e.changing a couch from facing a window to enjoy a view in summer, to
    facing inward (fireplace/TV) for winter.
  
• Refinishing cabinet fronts is also a great way to give a facelift to a
    kitchen, bathroom or even office if a lot of built-ins are present.  Adding
    moulding, re-painting or staining or doing cut-outs and doing a glass or metal
    insert are some options.
  
• Change out drawer/cabinet hardware is another way to re-accessorize a room. 
    (You can also change out faucets and tub/shower fixtures as well if you have
    some plumbing knowledge as this can be tricky, but the results are fabulous!).
  
• Creating a Gallery Wall in a hallway or any other wall focal point.   Group
    the pictures to tell a story, by subject or family member.
  
• Add crown  moulding or a plate rail for a) add height to a room, b) add
    value and architectural detail, c) use as display shelf for collectibles (I've
    done this in children/teen bedrooms with great success!).
  
• Install new drapery hardware & tie-backs to add more detail and/or
    drama.

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Some updates of what's going on here in my new abode & with Bante Design LLC....The renovations on my new home continue.  While I still haven't "bonded" w/the new house, it's turning out to be one of my crowning design achievements, & I can't wait to share the before/after photos of the house.  The flooring is finishing on the first floow, painting is about halfway done & lighting fixtures are being changed out.  I've also been doing some filling in in the landscaping, as it was "done", I'm personalizing & planting some fruit trees & will be adding a fence.  Next up is renovating the 2nd floor bonus room & converting it to a media room.  While I was in the attic checking out a noise last weekend...a "check" that actually turned into a scavenger hunt as I found many items IN THE INSULATION which were stored there for whatever purpose from the previous owner.  I "found" ups & fedex shipping boxes, stackable filing shelves AND BRAND NEW WINDOW SCREENS.  Yes, while there was numerous broken, bent & damaged screens in place on the first floor, brand new screens were "hiding" in the insulation.  I've stopped trying to comprehend or make sense of the actions of the previous owners....What I also "found" in my scavenger hunt is a walled off section above the garage, which is also insulated & a "floor" installed...but there's NO DOOR into this space from the 2nd floor bonus room.  SO, when I get more into Phase 2 of my renovations, I will be installing some sort of doorway into this space & either use as a reading nook/office or as storage space.  Seriously...there are no words as this is approx 250 sq ft of usable space that they walled off.

***Things like the above are the types of things that you NEED to be on the look-out for during your home inspection (this is a whole other topic) & when you are looking at homes to purchase as any time you can add square footage to your home, you are adding value & increasing your investment.***

At Bante Design LLC, we are also re-focusing our products & services.  I will no longer be offering 1-on-1 consultations via the web or in-person, but rather focus on email.  Pricing will be based on square footage of the project & will include design, blue-print analysis, color consulting, space-planning & Feng Shui.  There will be an approximate 2-3 week time-frame for this.  Same procedure from the Design Questionaire & follow-up report will be provided/included.  This change will go into effect September 1, 2012.  I will be focusing my energy on teaching (groups, appearances, video & webinars), as well as writing (new book) & the radio show, CasaVerde.  This was done after much soul-searching, however, I feel this is the right path to help as many people as possible, & in response to our growing client-base in other countries...of which I'm very grateful.

I'd also like to bring to  your attention to our new Author Page on Amazon.com which includes video, all available books & upcoming book signings/appearances.  Check it out here: http://tinyurl.com/cqtqsrt

I've also been doing a LOT of media recently for some large publications, make sure to follow us on Facebook & on Twitter to get the links & be updated in real time.  HOT topics include: color therapy, children's healthy bedroom design, moving & office design.  What fun!  Until next time...DeAnna :)