I am recently divorced and want a brand new start to my whole life. The problem is I have older furniture that I’ve moved with me. I can’t really afford all new stuff, so how can I update my look on my “single girl” budget.

Thank you,
Single and Sassy

Dearest Status Updater,

There are very simple changes you can make now without dipping into the “Girls Night Out” fund!
Here is a brief list to get your started:
1. Slipcover – Go to your nearest Bed, Bath and Beyond (The Beyond section is the best!) and get an inexpensive slipcover for your sofas or chairs. Choose a darker neutral tone. It hides the most spilled food and drinks for all those parties you will be having.
2. Start Tagging! – Don’t be afraid to paint furniture pieces to update them. A Semi-Gloss Black can of paint can do wonders for a small side table or coffee table.
3. Color – Decide on your new “single color”! A color completely opposite of what you had before to symbolize your independence. Once decided buy small, inexpensive accessories in that color to jazz up table, mantels, sofas or beds.
4. Send out the Evites – It’s time to show off the new you. Cheers!!

________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Kelli,

I’ve lived in my beach-side home for 7 years and I’ve hated it ever since. My husband and children love the home, I am the only unhappy one. There is nothing warm about the home. I am having trouble making it “mine”. What can I do?

Sad in the Sand

Dear Crabby,
Most people would think living near the ocean with a happy family, would be heaven…but as a Design Psychology Expert I know there is much, much more to it!
Start with this exercise;

Exercise #1 Realization: I want you to walk through every room in your home, slowly and intentionally looking at each and every item in each room. Place an emotion onto every item as you do. For example; You walk into your family room and you see your coffee table bought by your husband upon marriage. It makes you happy, but longing for time with him alone, like it used to be. On top of the table is your Mom’s antique bowl you’ve always hated, full of potpouri (you never liked the smell) and old books you love. Realize that everytime you walk by those items your subconscious has those exact impressions in a split second. If the majority of your emotional responses to the stuff in your home is negative – you cannot like your home! BUT you can change how you feel by removing the things that don’t make you happy. DONT throw out others belongings without conversation, but DO surround yourself with things that make you smile and feel happy.

Exercise #2

Once you’ve determined the room that needs you attention most, call in the troops. Your next project is to reclaim your room by making it fresh and a source of happy feelings. For this example we’ll stick to the family room. Enlist your family or friends to help you completely clear out the room. Everything out! Just the walls, floors and you… Notice the “bones” of the room. Remember why you liked the room in the first place. It could be the beautiful fireplace, the large windows, the niche for art work, the flooring, etc… Now decide what you’d like to highlight in the room – your new focal point. For this example the fireplace is our new focal point. Arrange the furniture to highlight the new focus. Sometimes there is more than one focus. This may mean having to find a new home for the TV, or “repurposing” furniture from other rooms to make it work. You may decide to replace the furniture you dislike. But realize whatever changes you make, they are absolutely worth the effort and money if it means your happiness!

As always, I am here to help….
Cheers,
Kelli

• Memory Walk, Master of Ceremonies, Alzheimers Association


• Lifestyle Designers, keynote speaker, Newport Beach, CA


• MomTV, featured guest


• Remake My Life, TV Series, Design Psychology Expert


• Marketing to Millionaires Summit, celebrity appearance


• Ryan Lee Continuity Summit, celebrity appearance


• BoomJ Today talk show, DirectTV


• World Market Las Vegas, Keynote, MGM Grand


• ABC Morning News, Milwaukee, WI


• Fox Morning News, Milwaukee, WI


• NARI Home Show, Milwaukee, WI


• LA Fashion Week, celebrity appearance


• Hollywood Yard Sale/W Magazine, celebrity appearance


• CA/Boom, LA’s Top Design Showcase, celebrity appearance

NBC and Jane Pauley welcomed Kelli to their stage to discuss organization and displaying your “treasures”… And she appears monthly in her own column in the OC Gazette, “Ask Kelli”

PR…

Celebrity Designer Kelli Ellis Named Orange County’s Top Interior Designer by OC METRO Magazine

Orange County, CA (PRWEB) September 29, 2009 — OC’s own celebrity interior designer, Kelli Ellis is OC METRO’s cover girl and voted Orange County’s Top Interior Designer.

This may not be the first time you’ve seen Kelli Ellis. She has been busy beautifying homes on HGTV’s Takeover My Makeover, TLC’s Clean Sweep, and Bravo’s Real Housewives of Orange County. In addition to her residential interior design business, Kelli appears in three documentary movies, The Compass, Riches, and The Vow. Her commercial projects have put her on the design map throughout Orange County, Los Angeles and San Diego. Kelli has received many accolades and rewards for her work including Luxe Magazine’s, Editor’s Top Choice, and speaking engagements across the country, discussing design and her theory of Design Psychology.

After polling OCMETRO’s fans and readers, the online vote was overwhelming. “Kelli really deserves this top honor, her eye for design and color is amazing. Not to mention all who know her, love her – she is a truly gifted, beautiful person inside and out,” OC Metro Editor.

In a recent interview Ellis was asked, what one piece of advice would you offer aspiring designers? Ellis replies, “Respectfully remember you are there to help the homeowner create their dream home, and be honored they’ve asked for your guidance.” When asked, “What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a designer?” Ellis responds with a huge smile, “We are all trying to make our homes our havens. I know I’ve succeeded when my clients say, “I live in my dream home,” or “It’s exactly what we wanted.” I must admit, I get a bit teary-eyed.”

Kelli Ellis can be contacted at http://www.kelliellis.com

Editor’s Note: Kelli Ellis is available to discuss interior design trends in Orange County and across the country. In addition, she will explain the importance of design psychology in the American home.