sensibleredesign.com Blog

We added a “bamboo” wall out of a simple roman shade.  It added texture and interest in this small space — a great alternative to painting (which you can’t paint most dorm rooms anyway).  The headboard is an inexpensive custom piece we created — easy and impressive!  We opted for a neutral material –a beige burlap – so Madi has the option to change out her bedding in the future.  The large floral picture was an “inspiration” piece for color — blues, yellows & white – which compliments the feminine bedding quite well.  We thoughtfully accessorized her shelves — not TOO many cluttered nic-nacs.  Use your favorite pieces so they get the attention they deserve!  Most importantly, Madi loved her home away from home,  and that’s my ultimate goal in any space I decorate! 

I’m a big believer in budget shopping — and I believe you don’t have to sacrifice great style and beauty to get a finished room you love.  So, here are a few more of my favorite dorm room tips I’ll pass along.  “Bed in a Bag” is a great concept and budget saver.  However, I hate matchy, matchy and encourage you to find interesting, complimentary pillows or a simple coverlet/blanket, then fold up the comforter and place at the foot of the bed.  Use LARGE art pieces for color and design inspiration.  I found some very affordable pictures recently at Ross.

This large city scape with bold colors was a bargain at $24.99 (Ross).

This huge Bridge & Skyline picture would be perfect over a dorm room bed. It was another great find at Ross for about $50.

I use the command hooks to hang pictures in dorm rooms.  They adhere to the walls without damaging them and they can hold up to 50 pounds.  I also like to add beautiful fabric to walls — easy to apply with spray adhesive.  Here’s a sample picture from a fabric wall we did at our “Ty Space” in Dallas. 

This fun bright green fabric was my quick, easy way to make a boring wall pop!

Be creative with headboards!  Fabric isn’t the only creative option for headboards — look at another great find from Ross…

I found two bundled walls of bamboo reeds that would make the most unique head board!

Storage solutions are endless.  Beautiful baskets (some with lids) and decorative storage boxes are everywhere.  You can always hide clutter in an organized fashion under the bed.  It’s amazing how much storage you can create in tiny dorm room spaces.

Whatever your students’ personal style may be — creating their home away from home can be cost effective & FUN!  Involve them — shopping can be a very bonding experience!

Tis the season when our kiddos head back to school!  I hear sniffles from some moms AND see lots of smiles from others! I’ve got one in elementary school, high school and college.  I guess I’m somewhere between sniffles and smiles.  Sniffles as Madison, Macey & McCall grow up SO fast, and smiles as they enter the new adventures in their lives.  We’ll be packing Madison up this weekend and sending her off on her new adventure — Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy in Dallas, Texas!  After successfully completing her freshman year at Texas A&M, Madison struggled with this decision for several months.  We’ve encouraged our girls to get their education and pursue their passion — which I think may have been in reverse order.  It seems like a “no brainer” that college is the obvious next step after high school.  Then, while in college, we decide what our career should be and go from there.  In Madison case, she has always been a talented hair & make-up girl!  She’s been styling her family & friends hair & make-up for years.  When Greg & I realized how torn she was to finish her college degree, we empowered her to truly pursue her passion, releasing her from her “obligation” to complete college.   Madison mistakenly thought she was “quitting” when in fact, she is taking the proper steps to fulfill her dream!  She is now very EXCITED and enthusiatically looking forward to her year at Toni & Guy.  Her father and I are very proud of her.  Maybe I need to save a room in my studio for Madison’s Salon? No sniffles here…just smiles!

The Hampton Girls -- Madison, Macey, Tera & McCall (in the front)

Madison

I love this FUN picture of Madison -- it captures her personality perfectly!

I’ve been invited to speak at the Austin Home Show in just a few weeks!  My seminar times are Saturday, August 27th at 1:30 PM and again at 4:30 PM, then Sunday at 2:00 PM.  I’ll be sharing some decorating tips & ideas on “Staging to Live” and “Designing to Sell”.  For those of you who have your home on the market, or are thinking about listing your home, I’ve got some practical tips to help your home stand out from the competition! 

For those of you staying in your home, but are looking for ideas to “freshen” it up a bit — I’ve got some great tips — with little or no cost — to help you fall back in love with what you already own!

Here’s the link for more information on the 16th Annual Austin Home Show:

http://www.austinhomeandgardenshow.com/index.html

Is is just me or is this the hottest I’ve ever been in my life?  A quick trip from my house to the car, to a job site, back to the car…leaves me dripping wet!  Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE being outdoors!  My family spends a great deal of time doing outdoor activities, from trips to the lake, swimming, camping (in an air conditioned RV, mind you) to outdoor entertaining.  It’s summer after all and outdoor entertaining should be at it’s peak.  It doesn’t help that Texas is experiencing one of the worst summer droughts in decades.  I think the actual temperature today is supposed to be 106!  My studio air-conditioning is chugging at top speed and the temperature won’t drop below 82 degrees INDOORS! 

I’m already longing for cooler nights, when Greg and I can enjoy sitting on our back porch with a refreshing drink.   I recently came across some pictures of our outdoor patio in a home we lived in several years ago.  The space was amazing — rustic fence with a huge stone patio and a wrap around porch with beautiful views of the little lake on the property.  Most of our entertaining happened on that patio and wrap around porch.  I genuinely enjoy decorating with nature inspired items and the options are endless!  Enjoy the pictures…

One of my favorite features of this picture is the old iron "chandelier" hanging from the tree with simple candlesticks. Notice the big bird cage as the centerpiece of the rustic picnic table. All I added was an inexpensive candle in the middle. Branches, cedar and pine cones from the property complete the look. Easy, inexpensive, outdoor elegance that is sure to impress!

It would be an understatement for me to say that last week was busier than normal!  Janet, my Studio Manager and good friend, was out ALL week preparing for her oldest son’s wedding.  So, in addition to my normal routine of stagings, re-designs, consultations, custom window treatments, flooring (you get the picture), missing my Studio Manager – my family was involved in the festivities of the upcoming Decker Wedding.  In fact, McCall (my youngest) was the flower girl and I hosted the Bridal brunch Friday morning.   I’m posting a snapshot of my McCall and a few shots of the bridal brunch.  

McCall is the black & white dress in front of the groom, Lt. Nicholas Decker. She LOVED every minute of it!

I really liked the combination of the turquoise chargers, leopard plates and colorful napkins. I got most of these items from World Market.

Here's a look at another table setting with a different centerpiece in my family room.

This was the larger table in my formal dining room where the bridal party sat together.

A shot of the finger foods -- notice the CHOCOLATE -- must have at any female event!

The bridal party before hair and makeup (all of them gorgeous)! The brunch was casual chic! The bride wore a white satin robe with rhinestones on the back.

So I left you hanging for two months on McCall’s new bedroom!  By this time, the anticipation for the “BIG” reveal has diminished and boredom has set in — SORRY!  All I can say is that I have one happy little girl who not only got her “surfer girl” bedroom, but actually helped pick out several items.  I think I have a future designer in the making! 

This weekend Greg and the girls were at a tournament in Dallas, so I had the house to myself.  NOT that I did any relaxing, of course!  It was so nice getting to “de-clutter” and re-accessorize my personal space!  My nine year old, McCall,, has been asking me for over a year to re-do her “little girl” bedroom into a “Big Girl Surfer” space.  For those of you who know me, I HATE themed spaces!  But I do love my McCall, so I decided to surprise her and began working on her new look.  Here’s a picture of the “old” bedroom.

McCall's "Little Girl" Bedroom

Her room is still a work in progress and I have way too much pride to show you an unfinished project!  I’m hoping to complete the space by the weekend and will post pictures of her new Big Girl Surfer Bedroom next week!

Happy April!  I really meant to blog Friday…I know it’s the 4th…this is how my life is right now…about 4 days behind!  Spring is HERE and many of you are ready to bring new life into your home.  With budget constraints, I’d like to offer some practical, easy tips to liven up your home without breaking the bank.

Spring Cleaning…YUCK!  She used the “cleaning” word! I know, I hate cleaning as much as you, but I promise you it’s the best start to giving your home that much needed pick-me-up!  My mantra is “de-clutter, de-clutter, de-clutter”  AND I truly practice what I preach!  If you haven’t used it in a year — time to go!  Haven’t worn it in a year — bye, bye blouse!  We all have TOO MUCH STUFF!  There are many worthy organizations that would be happy for you to donate your unwanted items.  AND garage sales are a great way to get rid of your extras while giving you a little extra cash in the process!  Many of my clients tell me an item is too sentimental to discard, so I’ll often suggest a “keepsake box” that can be stored away in your attic or closet.  Ive recently seen some beautiful boxes at Hobby Lobby, Tuesday Morning and Ross.

It’s not an overwhelming task if you break it up room by room.  Start in your front yard.  Look at your house objectively.  Do you have dead plants by your front door?  Texas was hit with a colder than normal winter and we lost more plants that ever.  It won’t take long to clear those dead plants out of your beds and planters if you recruit your spouse.  Plus you’ll get a little quality time together!  Then add a pop of color with some fresh plants in  beautiful pots by your front door.  One of my designers, Jill and I literally picked up two perfectly great planters off the curb on garbage day.  O.K. so the planters are bright orange — but one or two coats of spray paint and we’ve got two “new” planters at a minimal cost!  Replacing dead plants and filling your beds with fresh mulch will make your home feel welcoming and inviting! Mulch is about $3.00 per bag if you do it yourself.  You could even purchase a new welcome mat.  I’ve seen some awesome door mats at Kirklands for under $20.

Entryway…I think when possible, every entryway should have a mirror.  It reflects light and makes your room appear bigger & brighter.  If your entryway is large enough, place a small table or hanging shelf underneath the mirror.  Add an appropriate sized lamp, favorite framed picture or a few scented candles that appeal to our senses as you enter your home.  The LAST thing your entryway is intended for is a dumping ground for shoes, backpack and mail!  Check out the before & after picture of the entryway below.

Subtle changes that were mainly de-cluttering and replacing the smaller mirror with one that was more interesting and better suited for the space. 

Color is BIG right now, too!  Vibrant oranges, blues, greens and purples.  There are so many beautiful glass vases all over the place right now.  Think about adding fresh flowers or branches from outdoors in a variety of vases like the picture below.  Glass cylinders are one of my FAVORITE accessories, too.  You can bring a variety of colors by using simple, inexpensive glass cylinders.

O.K. so you have a few tips to get started!  Next time, I’ll share some ideas for your living areas and bedrooms.  For now don’t be afraid to DE-CLUTTER and GIVE IT AWAY!

  I have LOVED design for as long as I can remember.  As a young girl, I would re-do my bedroom as often as most girls changed hair styles!  For that, I have to thank my mother, Joy, because I can’t imagine giving my 3 daughters the freedom to paint and re-design their rooms like I did (sorry girls)!  I have been married to the love of my life, Greg, for over twenty years and thank him for being my biggest ”cheerleader”!  Greg actually encouraged me to try out for Design Star and was active throughout the whole process of  applying from taking videos, carpools,  cooking, to being SUPER DAD while I pursued by dream of appearing on Season 5 Design star.  My experience on the show helped me grow as a designer and personally, as well!  What an amazing experience!

Currently, I have taken what started out as a life long hobby and turned into a full time career for me.  I am the founder of Sensible Re-Design.  I have been working with many builders designing model homes, and over twenty area real estate agents helping them stage homes.  My absolute favorite thing is “taking what you have and making it better” — I LOVE going into clients homes and using what they have to beautify their homes.  Nothing is more fulfilling to me than to help clients fall back in love with what they already own!  AND, I absolutely enjoy designing new spaces and helping clients discover their design style, as well. 

My newest venture is opening a Design Studio in Georgetown’s historic downtown district located right off Austin Avenue in a building over 30 years old — lots of charm & character!  I will be offering full design services from color consultation, flooring, granite and custom window treatments.  So excited!  Stop in and say hello — 202 S. Austin Avenue, suite 102, Georgetown, Texas — Janet will make you a cup of coffee and show you around!

O.K.  So I’m blogging now.  Feels strange.  What can I share that would be of interest to anyone?  Let me start off by sharing how incredibly blessed I am!  Seriously — who gets paid to do what they LOVE — every day???  Designing.  Check.  Shopping.  Check.  Spending time with people.  Check.  Something different every day.  Check.  Seeing the fruits of your labor.  Check.  Did I aready say shopping?

LOTS of activities this  month!  In addition to serving my clients, I did a guest appearance on KVUE News in Austin promoting the BIG Texas Home Show at Cowboy Stadium.  The spot happened to be at 6:30 AM, which meant I was up at 4:00 AM, sipping strong coffee, gathering my thoughts and getting a “pep talk” from my friend and assistant, Janet, on the way to the station.  My nerves quickly settled as everyone at KVUE was so warm & friendly AND the appearance ended as quickly as it began!  I think I could do this again — no worries!

BIG Texas Home Show at Cowboy Stadium was a great experience for me and my staff.  Four designers were paired up with four celebrities.  Our challenge was to create a space inspired by our celebrity.  I had the priviledge of teaming up with Ty Pennington from Extreme Home Makeover.  I decided on his bedding set “Finch” from his line at Sears and was inspired to bring nature indoors.  Many hours of planning, shopping, and building one of a kind pieces went into the completion of this room.  Couldn’t have pulled it off in a few short days without Jill (one of my talented designers), Janet (my assistant) and Shelly (my oldest friend dating back to middle school)!  I am especially fond of the bird cage hanging lamps we built and the custom headboard. 

Making the custom headboard.

Janet, Tera, Shelly & Jill taking a short break before finishing the bamboo wall.

Ty said he like our space and that I did him proud!  I enjoyed meeting him — he was just as friendly and funny in person as you would imagine him to be — Janet snapped so many pictures of us that Ty joked that he may have a seizure from the flash.  She was quick to volunteer her CPR services in case of an emergency! 

I got to meet Ty Pennington!

Chit chatting with Ty.

I also met Jason Cameron from Man Caves — LOVED him!  So down to earth and he seemed to really enjoy interacting with the exhibitors. 

Visiting with Jason Cameron from Man Caves.

I felt an instant bond with Donna Moss from Design Star Season One.  We had a great time sharing our experiences from Design Star–best moments, likes, dislikes (shhhh), who we’ve kept in touch with, etc.  Donna was one of the other designers paired up with a celebrity and her room was beautiful! 

Posing with Donna Moss, Season One Design Star Finalist. LOVED her!

Then comes the speaking portion of the BIG Texas Home Show experience.  I was invited to speak three times throughout the weekend exhibit.  Their advertisements promoted Tera Hampton’s “wit & wisdom” — no pressure — all I have to do is be witty and wise!  So, I share my wealth of wisdom on “Designing to Sell” — The Five D’s — Detach;  Decide; De-personalize;  De-Clutter; Design.  AND “Staging to Live” — The ABC’s — Assess; Build; Complete. O.K.  So nothing earth shattering, but I did have dozens of exhibitors in the audience.  I genuinely enjoyed the interaction and question time.  Plus, my fan club (a.k.a. family) showed up Saturday to cheer me on! 

On the JUMBO tron at Cowboy Stadium!

Sharing my wit & wisdom!

It truly was an honor to be invited to design a space and speak at the Big Texas Home Show.  I’ve already got an invitation for next Spring!  Stay tuned for more Tera Hampton “wit & wisdom” coming your way (smile)!