Whenever I walk into a client’s home and see one of those large floral boxes of tissues in the living room, I ask, “Do you really need to have those out on the coffee table/end table/media cabinet?”

I realize that I sound like a la-di-da decorator but why oh why does anyone require a big unattractive rectangular dispenser? Even when one has a cold or allergies, aren’t the small square boutique size boxes sufficient?  Does it make sense to keep a giant size box (which requires more paper production and takes up twice the space of the smaller ones) in the bathroom, the smallest room in the house? I don’t think so. While I’m at it, why don’t tissues come in plain white boxes? In 2010, paper boxes manufactured with colored dyes and printing and faux designs are so unnecessary and un-eco-conscious. And, hasn’t Kimberly Clark heard that everyone is trying to go green, downsize and declutter?

Therefore, may I propose that we all save trees and resources by using only small sized boxes and that we put good-looking covers over each one – perhaps made of metal or wood – so that they coordinate with our rooms’ decor? If we do, the boxes and our homes will look more elegant and cohesive. Sigh… just thinking about it brings tears of joy to my eyes. Would you mind passing the you-know-whats?

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Joe and I went to Miami Beach for the weekend and while we were there we took a walking tour of the hotels overlooking the ocean. Since Joe enjoys interior decor almost as much as I do, he was not only interested in seeing the buildings from along Miami’s beautiful new Beach Walk but also keen on taking a peek inside the various well-designed lobbies and restaurants. And peek we did!

We visited at least 8 resorts and what struck us both was how quickly things have changed over the last few years. We barely recognized places that were once familiar, even though we go there fairly often (although I work in Miami I usually head home as soon as I finish with clients).  With one beautiful new hotel after another and with more planned resorts under construction – announced by dramatic banners and tall cranes dotting the few remaining open lots – in a way, Collins Avenue seems like a beachfront mini-Las Vegas strip.

Aside from Miami Beach being a very convenient destination for a mini-getaway, there seems to be a fun hotel that might satisfy anyone, whatever style one likes: From art-filled (The Sagamore) to art deco (The Raleigh and The National); from open and grand (The Lowe’s) to Asian and intimate (The Setai) to just plain cool (The W). And those are just a few.  There are also lots of terrific new restaurants, on and off the beach. We ate at a couple with our friends and are planning to return soon to try more.

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In the past few months Use What You Have has been working with more and more clients who are interested in updating their homes in preparation for resale – when the real estate market strengthens a bit more. Perhaps the fact that spring will be arriving in a few weeks has something to do with the increased focus on home improvement, too.

Whether you are thinking about selling your house or apartment now, or in a few years, here are a few things you can do to get your place in Resale-Ready® shape, too:

1. Be sure the paint and trim is in good condition, inside and outside. Touch up where needed.
2. Check to see that all light bulbs (CFLs or halogen) are working. If you haven’t already made the switch to compact fluorescent bulbs, now would be the ideal time.
3. Clear the clutter from the floor and all horizontal surfaces. Leave only the best and most useful pieces on display.
4. Fix anything that is broken.
5. Clean out the garage and organize whatever is left. First, be sure that the garage floor is in good condition and put on a new coat of sealer, if needed.
6. See if your mailbox is in good order. Does it need to be painted or leveled?
7. Be sure the lawn is raked and the landscaping is tidy (once the snow melts!).
8. Are your wood floors in need of sanding and polyurethane? Does your tile work need new grouting? Do your rugs/carpets need to be cleaned?
9. Remove any extraneous furniture. Less furniture can make a space feel more open and airy.
10. Check to see that your home looks and smells clean.

Once you’ve done all of the above, put out some fresh flowers, fluff your pillows and you’ll be ready to show your home to its next owners.

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This morning I did a radio interview and was asked several questions that I thought might be of interest to you. Here are a few:

Q: What are some of the ways a kitchen can be improved without spending money, since most people seem to hang out in that room a lot?

A: Clear the countertops of anything that is not used daily. Doing so will free up a lot of space and make the entire room look bigger. For example, if you don’t use your food processor a lot, it should be put away.

Q: Are there any inexpensive changes we can make to the kitchen, besides repainting it?

A: Yes, new hardware can give the room a fresh new look. Just be sure to measure the existing handles before you shop. This will allow you to use the holes that are already drilled into the doors and drawers, without making new ones.

Q: What is the biggest mistake people make when it comes to decorating their living rooms?

A: Arranging the conversation area so that is comfortable seems to give most of my clients’ trouble. Here’s the secret: avoid an L shaped grouping, comprised of a sofa and loveseat, and, instead, create a U shaped seating area with a sofa and a matching pair of chairs. There are 5 variations that can be arranged in a U shape because the pair of chairs provides lots of flexibility.

Q: Speaking of pairs, I know you love them and encourage people to use them. What are some examples?

A: Pairs of chairs, pairs of lamps, pairs of throw pillows, pairs of tables: The more the better! Most rooms are architecturally off-balance because they have doors, windows and walls that are asymmetrical. Pairs help to correct the lopsided effect. I have a maxim, which I call Imelda’s Rule: “You can never have too many pairs.”

And, like the saying and new Boys Like Girls song (with Taylor Swift)  go, “Two Are Better Than One.”

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Use What You Have will be unveiling a new website shortly and the pressure is on for me to “get with the program” and sign up for Facebook in order for the new link to work (our redesigned site has actually been ready and waiting for a while). Although I’ve received email invitations from people who want to be my ‘friend,’  I feel awkward about the whole process (obviously, they haven’t realized I’ve been a holdout).

Perhaps it’s because I am a fairly private person it seems strange to me that anyone would care to read about what I, and others, might be doing or thinking at a particular moment. But I felt the same way when I started writing this blog and have really enjoyed connecting with you.

I guess the time has come to join the thousands (millions?) who are already sharing their musings on this enormous social network. Have you? If so, give me a couple of weeks and let’s become Facebook friends, too.

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Everything changes, doesn’t it? Here are 10 ways the interior design industry has shifted over the past decade:

1. There are more home design-related retail stores than ever before.
2. Many trade-only showrooms have opened their doors to the public.
3. The Internet has provided endless resources for purchasing furnishings online.
4. There are more TV programs and catalogs focusing on home design than ever.
5. More interior design books have been published over the last decade.
6. The interest in DIY decorating has grown.
7. Decorating webinars and seminars have gained popularity.
8. Home electronics use has greatly affected the look and function of many rooms.

And, my favorites, saved for last:

9. Decorating help is no longer restricted to only the very wealthy.
10. The affordable services of interior redecorators (vs high priced interior designers) have become accessible so that almost anyone who wants to have a prettier and more comfortable home – albeit on a budget – can do so.

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Have you seen It’s Complicated, the new film from Nancy Meyers?  She’s the writer/director who gave us Something’s Gotta Give, The Holiday and (with her ex-husband), Father of The Bride.

In a recent New York Times cover story, Meyers quoted French filmmaker, Francois Truffaut as saying: “Making movies is an accumulation of details.” Anyone who loves interior decor will enjoy Meyers’ funny films all the more because of her respect for design’s value. She pays great attention to every element in all of her films to ensure that they each accurately reflect her characters’ personalities. And she, along with her talented set designer Beth Rubino and production designer Jon Hutman, is always spot on.

Do you remember Diane Keaton’s fabulous house in Something’s Gotta Give? (Love that movie.) It was absolutely gorgeous and, since the film opened, its design has been the most in-demand with homeowners around the country who are renovating their kitchens.                                  Conversely, the kitchen in It’s Complicated belonging to Meryl Streep’s character who is a professional baker, is super cozy and aesthetically appealing but it has quite a few functional problems: poor placement of appliances, insufficient counter space and not enough storage.  Of course, a major renovation is one of the running topics throughout the movie.

We are lucky. Nancy Meyers offers us an unbeatable combination with her thoughtful films: feasts for our eyes and belly laughs for our souls.

(Left photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures. Right photo courtesy of Universal Pictures.)

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It’s hard to believe that 2009 is almost over and the second decade of the millennium will begin in a couple of days.  It has been a memorable year, in many ways, and I am counting all of the blessings and lessons that have made it significant.

Aside from evaluating the past, have you also started thinking about what you would like to accomplish in 2010? I’ll show you my list of resolutions, if you’ll show me yours. Okay?
Here goes, in no particular order:

1.  Take more time to relax
2.  Find more green solutions and implement them at home and in my clients’ homes
3.  Increase volunteer work
4.  Practice my violin
5.  Register for at least two new courses
6.  Visit several new museums
7.  Keep a Mother of the Bride journal of all the exciting details leading up to Tracy’s and Matthew’s wedding day
8.  Increase my meditation practice
9.  Eat even more fruits and vegetables
10. Attempt to do more difficult crossword puzzles

Okay. Now it’s your turn: What are your goals for the New Year?
Whatever your wishes, may you and your loved ones have a healthy, fun and peaceful 2010.

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This year the Obamas did things a bit differently than past occupants to decorate “the people’s house:” they decided to reuse approximately 800 ornaments that were left over from previous administrations and sent them to 60 local community groups around the country for redecoration. Simon Doonan, who is well known for his original displays in Barney’s New York windows, coordinated the project.

The First Lady, Michelle Obama, said, we “… asked them to decorate them to pay tribute to a favorite local landmark and then send them back to us for display here at the White House.”

Some of the ornaments were covered with magnolia leaves and painted an antique gold, along with pine cones, berries and flowers taken from the White House garden. How wonderful: They used what they already had and took advantage of (free) natural materials.

Can you think of anything more appropriate for holiday decorating in 2009?

However you choose to redecorate and whatever you choose to celebrate, thank you for stopping by to read my blog throughout the year.

Have a beautiful, peaceful, happy holiday.

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If you are downsizing to a smaller home and own a sectional sofa, consider removing one or two armless seats to create a better-fitting unit.

A couple I consulted with last week had an L-shaped sectional that was not working in their new living room. While the sofa was attractive and fit the space, the L shape was not conducive to conversation – it took too much twisting and turning. As often happens, they already had what they needed in another room: a pair of saddle-colored leather club chairs, which were taking up too much space in their dining room, were just what the living room grouping required.

We got to work and removed two of the armless pieces from the sectional, creating a more classic looking straight sofa. With the L gone, we brought the leather club chairs into the living room and created a U-shaped grouping by placing the two chairs across from the sofa. An extra occasional table with a glass top was brought in to serve as a coffee table; it will soon have a new, bigger marble top. Now, the grouping invites conversation and offers a place to put down drinking glasses, etc. The couple will also hang a large oil painting on the wall above the sofa, that they already own, and purchase a new rug and a pair of lamps.

Finally, the two pieces that were removed were pushed together in the dining room to create one armless loveseat (since there was no other place for it in their home). It takes up a lot less space than the club chairs. Shortly, a new fitted slipcover, that matches the dining room chairs, will cover the loveseat and no one will suspect it was ever part of the living room sofa. Another L-shaped sofa bites the dust.

Do you have a sectional that would benefit from reconfiguration?

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