Kit Davey, Interior Designer
18 Years in business - Over 2,600 homes transformed!
Newsletter: Summer 2000
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Do Your Kids Collect Beanie Babies?
If they do, then you probably have a storage and display problem. Organization, Etc. (417-882-336, or www.org-etc.com) offers two great options: the 6-Foot "String a Beanie" has 18 removable clips attached to a plastic chain which you can suspend across a bookcase or corner, or hang from the ceiling, and sells for only $6.99. They also offer a "Collectibles Organizer" , which looks much like a hang-from-behind-the door shoe organizer and sells for $16.99.
Want to Become a Millionaire?
I recently read "The Millionaire Next Door" and recommend it. The authors, Thomas Stanley and William Danko, have spent the past 20 years studying millionaire behavior and provide a myth-busting portrayal of the wealthy and advice on how to build your wealth. It was surprising to discover that truly wealthy people are unusually frugal and believe that "financial independence is more important than displaying high social status". Did you know that typical millionaires don't buy flashy expensive cars, but rather dull cars and keep them for many years? Or, that most millionaires have never spent more than $100 on a new watch or more than $399 for a new suit? I am pleased to inform you that when I transform a room for you, I am contributing to your wealth! Rather than spending thousands of dollars on new furnishings, you rediscover the beauty of what you already own and can invest your savings. Although the book is repetitive in some chapters and is male-oriented (as statistically there are more male than female millionaires), I still found it fascinating and informative.
Volume Two of "Decorating on a Dime" Now Available.
I have compiled 73 of my columns from March 1997 to October 1999 into a booklet. Topics include how to give your kitchen and bath a makeover, how to get organized, free accessorizing ideas, how to shop for the best deals, tips on selecting paint, making a small space seem larger, how to avoid common decorating errors and more! Receive yours by mailing your check for $13.77 ($9.95 for the book, $0.82 tax and $3.00 for shipping and handling) to Kit Davey, A Fresh Look, 1539 Granger Way, Redwood City, CA 94061. FYI, Volume One (March '95 through March '97) is still available for the same price as Volume Two.
Home Sale Preparation Class:
"Staging Your Home For Sale: How to Maximize Your Profits". Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2000, 7:00-9:00 pm. Thinking of selling your home in the next few months or years? Find out how to invest your time, money and energy so your home sells quickly at the highest possible price. You'll learn what potential buyers are looking for in a new home, which improvements and updates give you the most bang for the buck, how to give your home "curb appeal" and how to stage each room of your house. To be held at the Palo Alto Adult School, 50 Embarcadero Rd., Palo Alto, CA ($25). Call (650)329-3752 to register.
Decorating Class:
"Transform Your Home in a Day---For Free!" : Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2000, 7:00-9:00 pm. Would you like a more comfortable, functional and beautiful home? Learn how to redecorate your house by creatively rearranging the furniture and artwork you already own. You'll discover how to define your personal style, how to create new furniture arrangements, and how to balance a room with color. Quick, easy accessorizing techniques for bookcases, artwork and displaying collections will also be shared. To be held at the Palo Alto Adult School, 50 Embarcadero Rd., Palo Alto, CA ($25). Call me at (650)367-7370 if you have questions about either class.
Need a Room Transformation?
When I started my business in March of 1991, I provided only one service: room transformations. Since that time I have expanded my services to include design consultations, professional organizing and staging homes for sale. My greatest joy is to rearrange the furniture and artwork in a room so that it creates a balanced, harmonious and beautiful space. Every client who "redesigns" a room with me exclaims "I love this room now!", or "I never knew that my things could look so beautiful!". The benefits of a room transformation are many: it's quick (usually 2 to 4 hours), it's inexpensive (traditional redecoration can cost between $5,000 and $15,000 per room) and it's environmentally friendly. If you want to have some fun and get a newly redecorated look in your home, without having to buy anything, give me a call!
Catch my column in the Palo Alto Weekly.
Starting on May 19th I will be writing a monthly decorating column for the Weekly. Find it in the Home and Real Estate Section. I continue to write my "Decorating on a Dime" column for the San Jose Mercury. It supposedly prints on the first and third Fridays in the Silicon Valley Life, Home and Garden Section, but I am often rescheduled, and occasionally a column is refused (My story on decorating with feathers was refused last month because they thought it was "too lightweight"!). Check out both publications for frugal decorating ideas.
Jean's Yummy and Easy
Chocolate Torte
(Can be made in one saucepan!)
Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 cup semisweet chocolate. chips
1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs (or 3/4 cup egg substitute)
1 tsp. vanilla
1 Cup all purpose flour
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Raspberry jam