Greetings!
Yes, spring has arrived in Dallas. It's a wonderful time enjoy the magnificent azaleas in Highland Park or stroll the beautiful gardens at the Dallas Arboretum on Mother's Day. Aren't we fortunate to live in Big D!
Everyone loves before and after's, so I have included some of my own snapshots of a recently completed remodeling project highlighting the dramatic changes.
On that same note, check out the article on Sarah Suzanka, author of several books including The Not So Big House . You really don't have to add square footage to gain more space. Sometimes, a more efficient approach is to re-organize the existing space, add drama with architectural details and high-quality, unique materials and you can achieve a very comfortable living space. That has been the experience of this young Park Cities family.
Mother's Day is May 11 and I have included a gift certificate offer to give your mother, daughter, wife, or yourself. Give one hour of consultation, or a full or half day, which could be used for Immediate Gratification by re-designing her favorite things for a fresh, new look, a productive day of shopping or to begin a new project.
Our website is being revamped so stay tuned for an announcement of it's debut. And if you have missed our past newsletters they are now archived and can be found by clicking here or on the Newsletter Archives button under Quick Links. |
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Before and After
This client called for help remodeling their 1940's cottage home in the Park Cities. Without adding any square footage, I designed a more efficient layout and the entire house was updated with 21st century conveniences. There are still a few finishing touches but even with these photos taken with my digital camera, you can get a sense of the dramatic resulting changes.
Before After
The den ceiling was vaulted, creating a taller fireplace and increasing the sense of openness. One of the client's concerns was a lack of storage, so built-in bookcases were added on each side of the fireplace, as well as on both sides of a new wall that create a vestibule area at the back door. Windows flanking the fireplace were added for additional light and the outdoor views.
The tiny kitchen held a stackable washer and dryer and no dishwasher. The formal Dining Room was used to create a much needed laundry room, hall closet and increase the size of the kitchen. The new informal dining area was located between the kitchen and den. The 8 ft ceiling height of the kitchen and the dining area create a more intimate setting for those activities while the expanse of the vaulted den ceiling provide a view of spaciousness.
Before Before
 The new plan reconfigured the Master and full hall bath into a larger Master and a Powder Room. A Jack and Jill bath was created between the son's bedroom and the guest bedroom in lieu of inefficient closets.
AFTER The enclosed porch off the Master Bedroom which had been serving as an office, exercise room, clothes storage and catch-all for items with no place to go, was finished off as an efficient office and walk-in closet. Now there is a place for everything! |
 I first heard Sarah Suzanka, the "less is more" advocate, speak at an Annual ASID state convention several years ago. She is an architect and author of The Not So Big House series and Home by Design. As a designer, I was impressed with her mission to change the way we design homes to fit today's lifestyle and design for human comfort instead of size.
Suzanka's books address basic concepts related to the quality of space, such as "shelter around activity", which means we feel safer and more comfortable in a nook or engaging in activities in demarcated areas of a larger room.
Interior views are vital to the quality of space, creating a feeling of spaciousness, bringing the outdoors in and can be used to transform a space. Another concept she termed is "doing double duty". I also love her idea of creating a Mail Sorting Area and use it in my client's homes.
The model for homes hasn't changed in over a century but our lifestyles certainly have. Suzanka's books offer great ideas for making much needed creative adjustments for our modern lives. Click here to learn more about Suzanka. |
Dona Rosene Interiors
From new construction to remodeling, from commercial to residential- Dona has successfully worked with all design styles and budgets for the past 20 years. She guides clients through the creative design process, manages construction, finish & furniture selections and installation.
Dona is a Texas state-licensed Interior Designer and has been a professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers since 1986.
Call for your appointment today. 214-349-9769 |
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Crockpot BBQ Recipe
This is the easiest BBQ Chicken recipe and so delicious.
4 lbs Chicken
(pork or beef)
2 cans Tomato soup
2 tsp. Soy sauce
2 tsp. Chili powder
1 cup Brown Sugar
2/3 cup Vinegar
2 tsp. Celery Salt
2 tsp. Salt
2 tsp. Pepper
Mix and cook in crockpot on low for 8 hrs or high for 6 hrs.
Have plenty of papertowels on hand because it is finger-lickin' good.
Enjoy! |
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What Clients Have to Say About
"Dona turned our house into a home. Dona's eye for color and her design aesthetic provided the missing pieces that we needed to create a home that is warm, welcoming and wonderful for entertaining guests and clients. Whether it is consulting on basic furnishings or providing overall direction for a project, Dona has the ability to manage both small details and large concepts to create a beautiful home".
Jeff Singer, President, Leventina USA | |
Dona Rosene Interiors 
