“The fact is that HGTV both helps and hurts designers. It helps show that design is more accessible, not just for the wealthy. But also makes consumers believe that design takes considerably less money and time than it does in the real world.” ~ Maria Bayer

When I began ReDESIGNS by Ava nearly 15 years ago, I did mostly interior redesign using the best of what a client had to decorate their home. I admit the Interior Redesign service is my very favorite service that I offer. Within 3 to 5 hours, I can make a huge difference using furnishing and accessories my client already owns. Most of my business now comes from doing decorating projects and consultations. Most projects can’t be done in a few hours and sometimes take months to complete. Not long ago, I made the comment to a contractor when working on a home update that I would love to have a magic wand. This client is updating furniture, bedding, window treatment, paint colors, spiffing up the kitchen, and doing a bathroom remodel. Unlike the 3 to 5 hours an Interior Redesign takes, this project will probably take 3 to 5 months….so that magic wand would be wonderful! Oh….and the contractor said if I found a magic wand, get him one, too!

Until HGTV hit the airwaves in December 1994, shows weren’t available for those of us who love doing projects around the house and yard. Designer wannabes had to search magazines and do things by trial and error. Now with shows like the ones on HGTV, it’s easy to come to the conclusion that design happens quickly, and without much effort! A show might do a complete kitchen tear-out, go to commercial, and come back to a completed kitchen. In reality, it doesn’t happen that way.

If I have control of the remote at my house, the channel is more than likely on HGTV. From experience, I know that design doesn’t happen quickly or effortlessly, and it is costly. I understand that most shows are edited to fit a time frame and have a team of tradespeople lined up to do the work. I know how important timing is and how hard it is to coordinate all aspects of the project, including the ordering and arrival of materials. Before you start a project, do your homework, get more than one estimate, price out materials, and have realistic expectations of the time frame to get the job done. Be realistic!

There are so many choices out there. ReDESIGNS by Ava can help you narrow down the choices by talking with you, finding out your needs and wants, and help you stay on budget.

Try this recipe for a brunch or a luncheon this spring. 

 Spring Parfait

“Muesli” layer:

• 1 ½ cups milk
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup lemon juice
• 2 ½ cups old-fashioned oatmeal (not instant)

Fruit layer:

• 4 cups of several types of fresh fruit, cut into ¼” dice (consider using 1 to 4 of these fruits: mango, kiwi, strawberries, mandarin oranges, seedless grapes, pears, peaches, blueberries, cherries, raspberries, bananas, etc.)

Whipped cream layer:

• 3 cups whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks

Garnish:

• 12 small perfect fruits (raspberries, strawberry halves, etc.)
• 12 mint leaves (optional)

Combine milk, sugar, lemon juice and oats. Mix well and soak overnight.

Dice fruit. Layer fruit, oatmeal, and whipped cream in a small drinking glass or a wine glass. Repeat, ending with whipped cream. Garnish with fruit and mint. Depending on size of glass used, this recipe makes 8 to 12 servings.