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	This small extension to the kitchen was originally designed as a nook. Since the kitchen counter provided an eating space we decided to dress this space as a small version of a family room. We combined a comfy loveseat with a modern chair. The wicker bench toped with an oversized tray performs double duty as a couch table. To the left we added an antique children's rocking chair to give some visual interest and to complete the ensemble. Below as a comparison the empty room. .
	The large master bedroom came uninspired with gray carpeting and mismatched furniture pieces. We suggested to replace the carped with a highly textured wall to wall carpet. We moved the bed to the wall opposite from the sliding glass doors to maximize the benefit of the nice backyard view. A custom headboard in rich gold and red tones give the room some drama. We added window treatments to the sliders and removed the old vertical blinds. We used a carved Indonesian wood screen for the small window in the back to soften the light. The modern chaise in the front should inspire the visitor to a moment of relaxation. The dresser in the back is the original 80's style dresser in the before picture below. We painted it black and updated the hardware to match the more contemporary appeal of the room.	To the left it the "before" picture. Above is the room after its makeover.
	This hallway bath had its original builders grade fixtures, a tired laminate countertop, and light blue walls. We updated it with a new granite tile counter and designer fixtures bought online in a discount outlet. New chrome pulls give the old cabinets a sparkle. We closed up the dated overhead fluorescent light boxes and installed recessed halogen spotlights instead. The aging wall to wall mirror had to make way for a silver furniture mirror that adds detail to the scene.
	The original room featured a blue/gray Berber carpet that did not work for the room at all. We suggested installing bamboo hardwood floors throughout the space to give it some shine, warmth and structure. A large three piece painting adds interest to the long wall which had been painted in a warm but muted yellow. The furniture is angled in the large space and anchored with a graphical rug. Rod iron decorative elements populate the middle of the gable wall to draw the eye up.
	We exchanged the vertical blinds in the dining area with drapes. The dark brown dining set and the custom built console table give a great contrast to the wood and neutral tones of the room. A few accessories tie the design together. The small Asian bench to the right in the lower picture give a perfect balance to the red in the picture above the console table. The rug with its green and neutral tones help to center the dining set. The sheer curtains dress up the windows and show off the fabulous large windows in this bright and friendly room. Since there is no low hanging chandelier in the dining space we could use the room for some taller accessories. In this case a green glazed porcelain horse statue with a pair of mouth blown vases harboring tall grass.
	This fireplace had an outdated touch. The mantel was just a square block. We shortened it and added trim as well as supporting sconces to give it a more refined look. The existing mirror did not had much interest to it. We added the rod iron accent and the sconces to change its appeal. A vase and a tall sculpture was all that it needed to be complete.
	We changed a dated overhead florescent light box to recessed halogen lighting. All it has needed was to remove the old trim work and custom cut a piece of plywood to cover the soffit. The halogen lights were easy to install in the space. We suggested to update the faucet and added decorative accessories. We dressed the shower enclosure to the left with a curtain. Since the bathroom fixtures were gray we went with black accents to tie the look together.
	This bathroom had outdated wallpaper which just was removed in this picture. A rich hue of sienna give the wall the right depth. We changed also in this bathroom the typical 80's fluorescent light box to halogen spot lights. The cabinets were original in blond Oakwood. We chose a dark brown color and new hardware to update those existing cabinets. Instead of the builders grade mirror wall we chose a pair of matching framed mirrors to accent the the dual vanities. New faucets and accessories give this bathroom makeover the polished look. To give the commode area in the back some needed privacy, we suspended a hand carved screen from the ceiling.
	The porch had undergone a quick dress up with curtains along the existing support posts. Simple hooks and electrical conduit functions as the curtain hardware. Since these sheers are somewhat exposed to the elements we used durable synthetic fabric. The tiebacks hold the curtains in place and help to create this festive look. This low-tech transformation creates a high impact for less than $ 200. Now this outdoor porch has the appeal of extended living space, ready for entertainment on a grand scale.
	I Design to Sell Helene Bonello-Strauss PO Box 471274 Lake Monroe, FL 32747 Office 321-218-0385 Cell 407-314-5468 Fax 407-650-2769 hbonellostrauss@cfl.rr.com	View a virtual tour of this property at http://www.realtourvision.com/tour/RE/rst.view.new.php?utl=RE-1549-1VFO9S-01