2007 is here and if you’re like me, you probably have a list of resolutions you’re determined to tackle. Is one of them to give your home a new look for the New Year? With the help of an interior redesign industry specialist, this is one resolution you can easily keep!

Our January issue will cheer you into the New Year! Create a “Home Décor Book” and get started on a plan for action. Post-Holiday curb appeal tips will give the sale of your home a new year’s jump-start. Read about a redesign that will show you how some little changes can make a BIG difference for your new look. A good way to start the year off right is by helping others. The IRIS/NOCC Healing Havens program may be just what a friend, family or neighbor needs for a brighter 2007.

So put your decorating resolutions on top of your list and let IRIS members help you get the job done! Together we will carry the joy of the season into the New Year journey ahead.

Marcia Smart, owns Smart Interiors Styling in Southern California. You can reach her by phone at 805-241-7997 or on the web at www.smartredesign.com. She is an instructor of interior redesign and author of the soon-to-be- released book, “Decorating by Instinct”.

Working with a plan is always the best way to begin when furnishing and decorating your home. I recommend you create a personalized Home Décor Book.

Purchase a 1 ½ inch three ring binder and about twelve clear tab dividers with pockets. Label each tab with a room name. Add a few sheets of notebook paper behind each tab.

Start with the basics for each room: room dimensions, window measurements, and digital pictures of the room / area. Highlight any architectural features in your photos. Add a budget sheet if you want. Then start adding details for each room’s décor: your decorating ideas or pictures, paint and wall paper samples, fabric samples for window treatments or bedding, items to buy or replace for the room, etc.

The room dimensions can be used at most furniture stores which have programs to lay out your room and input your potential furniture selections. Your Home Décor Book will help you succeed by having all the necessary information when you need it.

Renee Lambing is the owner of Crystal Redesigns in Jacksonville, FL. You can reach her by phone at (904) 504-4084, or email her at renee@crystalredesigns.com.

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer- related deaths in women age 35-74. Even for a survivor, it has devastating affects on her health and spirits. This is where the I.R.I.S. alliance with the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition can help.

The NOCC’s mission is to raise awareness and promote education about ovarian cancer. The Coalition is committed to improving the survival rate and quality of life for women with ovarian cancer.

Two hundred and fifty I.R.I.S. redesigners across the nation have volunteered their time and talents to help bring peace and harmony back into the lives of women battling ovarian cancer. Once the cancer survivor is well enough, we match them with one of our redesigners and further healing begins! We use the survivor’s existing furnishings to bring harmony and respite to the survivor through a one day redesign.

With twenty-two havens in progress and five successfully completed it’s been an incredible experience for everyone involved. Upon the completion of her haven, Millicent Reguzzoni of Oakland, CA said, “I want to sincerely thank both of you for your stupendous work at my home. It does give a feeling of comfort and relaxation. Thank you again for your contribution to my life.”

You can help women like Millicent to enjoy the benefits of a haven. If you know someone that has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and could benefit from the healing that a haven can bring, please contact I.R.I.S. at 866.388.5208.

Vanessa Nielson owns Interior Reflections in Walnut Creek, CA. You can reach her by phone at 925-595-4700 or on the web at www.interior- reflections.com. When she’s not busy coordinating NOCC Havens, she is “remaking” spaces in fun and affordable ways.

It’s a new year and the perfect time to be resolved about selling your home for top dollar.

It is imperative that all remnants of the holidays and other seasonal décor is completely removed and packed away. To avoid having your house suddenly feel drab and a bit barren, apply these tips before showing your home to potential buyers.

• Keep door and walks clear of snow
• Hang eucalyptus wreaths on the front door
• Add color to the landscape with large potted winterberry shrubs
• Choose planters that match your home’s style and fill them with fresh evergreens and large sugar pinecones (replace greenery as needed)
• Buy an attractive but sturdy new door mat
• Highlight shrubbery and walkways with spotlights
• Replace any door hardware that is showing any tarnish or wear
• Tighten anything “flapping in the wind”
• Hang a feeder in the back yard to attract colorful birds
• Cover the grill
• Make sure there are no summer items laying forlornly outside

Buyers will emotionally respond to the newly created ambience.

Victoria Palmer owns Redesigns by Victoria in Kansas City, MO. She offers interior redesigns, traditional decorating, decorating workshops, real estate staging and career training in both areas. For more information visit www.redesignsbyvictoria.com

Read more about "how to" from Irene below.

Challenged by a family room that appeared dull and lifeless, this client was frustrated and desired to add warmth and drama to make this room come alive. The architecture included a vaulted ceiling. The furniture placement made the room feel very congested. We needed to make it more comfortable and inviting, fast.

First, after a Color Consultation, we recommended Benjamin Moore’s “Red Currant” for the accent wall. Once applied, this color created a wonderful contrast to the warm caramel colored furniture and helped define the vaulted ceiling and wood molding around the windows.

During the redesign phase, we changed the furniture placement to create an “open” feeling with better traffic flow. To relieve the congestion we moved the swivel chair closer to the TV. We hung the pictures at an angle to follow the vaulted ceiling line. We removed an antique accent table and replaced it with a more contemporary wood and glass table from the living room. We also changed the accessories to feature a contemporary style to match the new color scheme.

The result was a sharp, clean look to the furniture and accessories, creating the “Wow Factor” the client wanted. She now loves this dramatic new room!

Irene Woodworth owns One Day Redesigns Inc in Boise, ID. You can reach her by phone at (208) 853- 2772 or on the web at www.OneDayRedesignsInc.com. Her business specializes in “One Day Room Makeovers,” Color Consultations, Custom Interior Painting and Public Speaking to “Transform Your Home from Tired to Terrific!”