Check out my interview with HGTV designer Martin Amado!

I always like it when I get to ask the experts design questions that seem basic enough, but we tend to forget. They always leave me saying "ohhhh yeahh..." Well I was offered the opportunity to ask Martin a few questions and came up with a few that either I always seem to need help with or that I get a lot from readers. Here are my questions...


1. For those who love to rearrange and change things around in their home a lot, what’s the most cost efficient way to “change” up your décor? In other words, what décor change gets you the most bang for your buck?

2. If one can only make one purchase or change to improve the eco-friendliness or green rating of their home, what singular purchase/installment would you suggest?

3. What is the most valuable lesson learned from a renovation/redecorating “mistake” you made in the beginning of your career that others can learn from?

4. This is one I get a lot - a young family moves into an old home with great original architectural elements – for example – dark wood paneling, floors, and molding. If painting or altering the wood in anyway is 100% out of the question, what design tips and tricks do you suggest for adding some youth, funk, style, and modern flair? How do you lighten up the space and “ungrannify” it with decorating elements other than paint?

Watch to hear me ask Martin these questions and to hear his really great answers:



Thanks again to Martin for his wise words of wisdom! To see some of Martin's fab work or to learn more about him, go to his website.

And the winner of the HGTV software redraw is....

Rebecca! Congrats Rebecca, who is also a fellow blogger, and the creator of Harmony and Home. Thanks again to everyone who participated!

Rebecca- Just email me with your shipping address and I will send it over asap!

HGTV Winner Update - New drawing on 01/01/09

Hi Folks -
It's been two weeks and Cheryl Ng has yet to claim her prize. So I will be redrawing a winner for the HGTV Home and Landscape Platinum Suite software. You can read about the contest here. I will be drawing from the same group that originally entered, so check back tomorrow to see if you won! Also, if Cheryl Ng happens to read this, you have until midnight tonight to email me.

And the winner of the HGTV software is...

Number 13! Cheryl Ng! Congratulations Cheryl Ng; I hope you enjoy the software - you will have to let me know how you like it. Email me with your shipping address and it's all yours*

Thanks everyone for participating, this was a lot of fun, and I hope to have more giveaways in the future.

One of you will get this HGTV giveaway!

Consider it a holiday present from me (and HGTV) to you! I'm giving away a copy of HGTV's Home & Landscape Platinum Suite, which normally sells for $79.99. All you have to do is leave a comment with your name. I will be drawing a name from a hat and announcing the winner via a new post on Friday December 19th. The giveaway will close at 11:59 PM on Thursday the 18th. Good luck to all of you, share with your friends, and don't forget to comment and mention your name!






Go to www.homedesignsoftware.tv to read about all of the cool decorating features and tools. You can even do 3D walk-arounds of your rooms after you've uploaded photos and virtually redecorated!

*System Requirements:

HGTV’s home design software is compatible with Microsoft Windows XP and Vista and requires 1GB RAM; CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive; a color monitor 1024 x 768 display or higher and an Internet connection for Internet features such as additional home plan templates.


Images via HGTV Home Design Software

Chic and easy DIY

Hanging a striking canvas in place of a headboard creates instant drama. I also think the mirrors here are great because they open up the bedroom so much! Image via HGTV


One of my favorite headboard ideas, and so easy! Just install a curtain rod to the wall, drape your favorite fabric or quilt, and instant headboard! via Martha Stewart



Two great ideas from Martha Stewart for hiding tvs. Top, a "TV cozy," just pick out a fabric you wouldn't mind looking at all the time, and with a few simple stitches you have pretty tv camo. Or install a simple clean roller shade at the top of your tv cabinet for super easy hide and reveal.


From Domino readers, you can pick up some cheap frames from a place like target, collect your favorite paper or fabrics, and frame them as art. It's inexpensive, and you won't feel guilt if you get tired of something and rotate it out with something new.



Want moulding but lack the budget? Paint some! grab some painters tape and a level to create an even line around the wall, and create the illusion of moulding in any color you desire. Via Domino



Some bathroom tips from Martha Stewart again. For a one-of-a-kind soap dish, epoxy two shells backs facing one another. Instead of ho-hum towel hooks, screw in some stylish knobs!