MyCastle Magazine - FRISCO, TX

CASTLE-0200-A0.qxd 1/20/12 12:40 PM Page 1

Group One Realtor Network proudly supports Frisco Family Services. Members have pledged a percentage of their earnings to Frisco Family Services in an effort to give back to the community.

16 Agents • 8 Real Estate Companies

CBDFW.COM Premier Group

Choose One Realtor with the Power of Many

Lynn Slaney SilgueroEbby Halliday [email protected]

972-588-8449

Carmen RobertsEbby Halliday [email protected]

972-533-6444

Debi LeavittEbby Halliday [email protected]

972-567-9107

Michelle CampbellKeller Williams Realty

[email protected]

Christina WhiteColdwell Banker

[email protected]

972-989-2010

Janice BergEbby Halliday [email protected]

972-365-5103

Jeff ChaneyKeller Williams [email protected]

214-707-7320

Angie BoydEbby Halliday Realtors

[email protected]

Rusty PierceRE/MAX Preston [email protected]

214-850-7509

Patty SmithThayne Realty

[email protected]

Melissa ManemannColdwell Banker

[email protected]

214-244-3786

Judi WrightKeller Williams [email protected]

214-597-2985

Sammy GardnerFrisco Home Center

[email protected]

Christina KlementColdwell Banker

[email protected]

214-923-5920

Tom RobertsonCentury 21

[email protected]

Christie CannonKeller Williams Realty

[email protected]

FRISCO | PLANO | PROSPER | CELINA | MCKINNEY | ALLEN | DALLAS



“Every builder puts in a ceiling fan with a light kitand those are the first things I say to get rid of,”Arnold said. “Those lights are going in different direc-tions and aren’t pointing in the right spots, and usuallyare just tacky globes. If you have to have a ceiling fan,at least get an attractive looking one and don’t put alight kit in.”

For four yearsArnold has beenusing her personalintuition to helpclients createrooms that reflecttheir personalityand lifestyle. Theformer sales andmarketing execu-tive thrives onencouraging eachclient to thinkbeyond the stan-

dard bulb box when striking the perfect color andlighting balance in their home.

“It’s about creating cohesion; everything in the roomneeds to agree somehow,” Arnold said. “You can evenhave an eclectic room, but it has to balance in someform.”

There are two things you must consider when it comesto selecting the right lighting – the type of bulb andthe lighting sources available. For rooms boastingcooler tones like blues and greens, Arnold recom-mends fluorescent lighting and LEDs. However, shewarns against using them when complimenting warmhues like reds or oranges. For this, Arnold recom-mends GE Reveal bulbs, which best resemble a natu-ral light source.

“They are perfecting [them] more and more each day,but they’re really still challenged with the temperatureof the light – not the heat but the color temperature,”Arnold said. “That means it stays that real white-

FEBRUARY 2012MYCASTLEMAGAZINE.COM4

L E T T H E R E B E

lightWHEN IT COMES TO FINDING THE RIGHT LIGHTING SCHEME

FOR YOUR LIVING ROOM, DALLAS-BASED INTERIOR DESIGNER NICOLE ARNOLD

USUALLY GETS RID OF THE MOST COMMON HOUSEHOLD ACCESSORY

ON THE COVER

Gothic cathedral-style home in west Plano

showcases local artisan talent in handcrafteddetails. See Page 6.

COVER PHOTO

BY KELSEY KRUZICH

CONTACT US

lizMcGATHEYEDITOR

[email protected]

cindyMOLINARIART DIRECTOR

[email protected]

kelseyKRUZICHPHOTOGRAPHER

[email protected]

nathenBLISSADVERTISING DIRECTOR

[email protected]

dellaHEMPHILLSALES MANAGER

[email protected]

MyCastle Frisco is published monthly byStar Community Newspapers, 624Krona Dr Ste 170, Plano, TX 75074-8304.

The entire contents of My Castle FriscoCopyright 2012 by Star CommunityNewspapers. No portion may be repro-duced in whole or in part by any meanswithout the express written permissionof Star Community Newspapers.Additional copies are available for pur-chase by contacting customer service at972-424-9504.


972-733-8025 • kaycheek.com

Kay Cheek

7417 Cobblestone, 3 Beds/2.1 Baths. FabulousBradford custom w-oversized back yard on cul-de-sacstreet. Scraped hardwoods, newly replaced carpet,Family room has FP w-gas logs & is open to kitchen. Kitchen has bar stoolarea, granite c-tops, SS appliances, pantry & refrigerator. Plantation shut-ters. Spacious downstairs master. Upstairs has GR w-built-ins, 2 bedrooms& bath. Radiant barrier. Floored attic space. Much desired StonebridgeRanch w-2 golf courses, pools, trails & lakes.

Ebby’s #1 Company-Wide Team!!!

Named in D Magazine asBest Real Estate Agents in Dallas 2006-2011 Top Residential Real Estate Producer

$267,500

9321 Rattle Run, 4 Beds/2.1 Baths. Beautifullyupdated home shows like new with fresh paint thru-out. Island kit has 42 in. cabinets, Corian counters,opens to spacious family room. Wall of windows to view gorgeous pool,spa, waterfall. Master w-sitting area. Upstairs offers game room, 3 largesecondary BR’s, 2 walk-in closets, 1 has 2 double doored closets. Flooredattic space. Covered patio, multiple seating areas, bordered stone beds,pool has spa w-waterfall, tanning ledge.

$279,999

bluish color. It’s not attractive if you have warm colors in yourkitchen [for example].”

On the other end of the spectrum are incandescent lights, which pos-sess more yellow and orange tones. These can make blue upholsterylook green, and therefore should be coupled with the warmer tones.

Recessed lights in the ceiling with dimmer switches are a mustin any living room, as it allows you to adjust the room’s “mood,”Arnold said. Recessed lighting and indirect lighting from lamps,sconces and/or spotlights for artwork work together to create theperfect lighting balance.

“People always think about light coming down, but there’s also a lotof accenting you can do with lights going up,” she said. “Have a pinlight going straight up and it just creates a really cool effect on thewall. You can do it on top of mantels or light artwork from the bottomup and have a completely different effect than lighting it from thetop down.”

Triangulation is the best way to create depth in a room, especiallyone with only a couple of windows or none at all. The idea is toarrange lamps in three different parts of the room as a way to bal-ance the light. If a room isn’t big enough for three individual lightsources, add a reflective surface, like a mirror or crystal.

For those with pricey artwork onthe wall, consider using bulbsspecifically designed not to dam-age its surface.

Thanks to modern technologyand an array of lighting sourcesto choose from, it’s easy to per-sonalize your living space with-out the costly price tag associat-ed with a new furniture set or theelbow grease of a paint job.

“The lighting in your room is keyto evaluating color before youput it on the wall,” Arnold said.

n kelleyCHAMBERS, [email protected]

FEBRUARY 2012MYCASTLEMAGAZINE.COM 5



The oversized, arched front door of Mike andJulie Karnes’ west Plano home lets visitorsknow they’re in for a treat before they’ve evencrossed the threshold.

The 8,200-square-foot abode is situated on anacre near Plano West Senior High Schooland, despite its modern comforts, holdsMedieval touches that truly make the Karnes’five-bedroom home their castle.

Julie and Mike live in the house – which theybuilt six years ago – with daughter McKenna,a junior at Plano West, and son Paden, asophomore at the University of Texas.

One step inside offers a peek at what theKarnes have created. The eyes travel acrossthe foyer to the study, where a lion skin rugsprawls across the natural hardwoods, andaround to the iron and wood staircase thatboasts a restored 18th century piano dis-played in the niche near its base.

Julie, a Plano native, describes her home assimply “comfortable.”

The desire to create a livable home paved theway for the Karnes to build from the groundup as opposed to buying an existing home,and spurred the Karnes to move away fromtheir previous style – a contemporaryapproach – for its design.

Julie and Mike had very specific ideas fortheir new home and found an architect to puttheir ideas on paper. After bidding out vari-ous builders, the Karnes hooked up with

Martin Raymond Homes andseeded a lasting relationshipwith Martin “Marty”Raymond.

“We wanted a builder whowould think outside of thebox, but we wanted somebodywho could work within ourfloor plans,” she said. “Martyturned out to be exactly whatwe were hoping for.”

In their previous Planohome, Julie and Mikeworked with interior design-

er Joy West, in a relationship that carriedover into the new project. Julie said Joy hadnever worked with Marty before, but togeth-er the two professionals proved to beinvaluable.

details.IT’S ALL IN THE

WEST PLANO HOME BRINGS THE

MIDDLE AGES INTO THE NEW MILLENIUM

PHOTOGRAPHYBY KELSEY

KRUZICH



“It was a wonderful experience,” she said. “Iheard so many people who were buildinghouses say what a nightmare it can be, andwe had none of that. I think it was just themarriage of our designer and our builder.”

Julie said having a hands-on builder who wasalways onsite and consistently availableshowed her that Marty and his buildingsupervisor, Mark Eggleton, were as concernedabout the little things as she was.

“They were a great partnership. Marty knowsall the contractors and they were all onsite aswell,” she said. “Even now, his memory of thedetails blows me away; he knows the houseinside and out. He took pride in it, and thatmade it positive for us as well.”

Julie and Mike, who have been married for28 years, had always preferred more contem-porary features, but decided they would leavethat “young married lifestyle look” behind.

Together with Joy, the Karnes found a moretraditional aesthetic loaded with antiques,many of which hearken back to the MiddleAges – complete with a full suit of armor inthe foyer.

As the gothic cathedral feel began to emergeduring the planning stages,so did the ideas for featureslike gothic-shaped stainedglass windows throughout, aturret out front and hand-crafted ironwork.

“The artisans that are outthere today ... I didn’t evenknow those kind of peoplewere around anymore,”Julie said.

From the pianobench to the fire-place, both hand-carved by thecraftsmen atEmmanuel DesignGroup in Dallas,detail is what givesthe Karnes’ homeall the interest of amuseum. The samepassion and atten-tion to detail wasgiven to all the

HOMEOWNERJULIE KARNES


ironwork and stained glass throughout thehouse.

Above all this, Julie said one of the firstthings she set out to have in one of her sixbathrooms was an amethyst sink that is, with-out a doubt, the literal jewel in this crown.

“I had seen anamethyst sink in aparade of homes in acontemporary houseand thought, ‘that isthe coolest thing;someday I’m going tohave an amethystsink,’” she said.

The amethyst, hand-picked from MineralHunters Dallas, isnow a working sinkthat hangs from aminiature drawbridgein the powder room asa testament to theout-of-the-box think-ing that the house was built upon.

The Karnes spared no creativity – all the way

down to the floor in the winecellar. With Marty in tow, Julieheaded to Canton, Texas (whereFirst Monday Trade Days offereverything including the kitchensink), to find antique gates tolay into the cellar floor. Theycouldn't find just the right thing;but where there’s a will, there’sa way, and iron doormats wherefloated in the concrete floor andsealed by Mark for the rightlook.

Furthering the home’s lived-in appeal,McKenna’s princess bedroom and ballet roomdisplay the Chamberlain Ballet dancer’s love



LASTING BEAUTYNo Demolition, Less Mess Maintenance Free — No Sealing Non-Staining, Non-Porous Recycled Glass Surfaces Available Lifetime WarrantyCall today for a FREE in-home design consultation:

(972) 919-0180www.granitetransformations.com/frisco

*Loans provided by EnerBank USA (1245 E. Brickyard Rd. Suite 640, Salt Lake City, UT 84106) on approved credit, for a limited time. Repayment terms vary from 6 to 12 months. Interest waived if repaid in 365 days.

Collin County Home and Garden Show

FEB 17-19, 2012Allen Event Center

Booth 209/211Ask us about our Trade Show Special!

NATURE MADE GRANITE.

.

(972) 379-7909


for all things feminine, and Paden’s taxi-dermic decor draws the college boy home.

In addition to its five bedrooms and sixbathrooms, the home’s loggia offers its resi-dents a place to relax and where McKennaand Paden can bring their friends.

“We wanted someplace that was comfort-able, that we could entertain in and wherewe could enjoy the outside,” Julie said. “Wespend a great deal of time in the loggia.”

During the winter, a heater complimentsthe loggia’s fireplace, and during thewarmer seasons, folding doors open fromthe family room to welcome a scentedbreeze from the wooded area just behindthe house.

When the family isn’t lounging by the pooland enjoying the loggia, a media room isequally inviting with its theater atmosphereand leather recliners.

“And we watch everything from ‘Next TopModel’ to ‘American Idol’ to Cowboys’ foot-ball games in there,” Julie said.

Julie dismisses any notion of changing any-

thing about her custom surround-ings.

“Some homes that are this sizehave these large rooms that aren’tused,” she said. “But we really useour house ... we really live in ourhouse.”

n lizMcGATHEY, [email protected]


Jenny Moots said one of themost beneficial things abouthome gardening is the ability toknow exactly what went intothe growing process of yourproduce. She said all ofthe plants bought atCalloway’s are organic,so with proper garden-ing techniques you canensure what you areeating is 100 percentorganic.

“A lot of people haven’t beenturned on to organic gardeningso we try and educate themwhen they come into our store,”Moots said. “I have been veryimpressed with the organic fer-tilizers and pesticides that havecome out recently. They do justas good a job, if not better, thantheir non-organic counterparts.Even with store-bought organicproduce, you can never be surewhat you are getting. Justbecause the government certi-fies it as organic, sometimesthat just means that less than acertain amount of somethingwas used.”

Moots said growing your ownfruits and vegetables can alsosave money, especially withplants such as blackberries andraspberries that come backeach year. She said even if youdon’t save money in the firstyear, the savings will start to berealized in successive years.

For information on plants andgardening techniques, visitwww.calloways.com/info.


Winter is still blanketing North Texas, but the time toplant spring fruits and vegetables is already here.

Gardeners hoping to have fresh blackberries for piesand smoothies have less than six weeks to get theirplants in the ground to ensure optimal yields. Withtime running out, gardeners should begin preparingflowerbeds in the next few weeks so the plantingprocess is as smooth as possible.

“You want to get them in the ground before they startflowering around March 1,” said Jenny Moots, storemanager at the Calloway’s Nursery in McKinney.“Plants such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers andsquash need to be in by Good Friday.”

For first-time gardeners, Moots suggests preparing theflowerbed by using a quality organic compost to breakup the hard clay soil found in the region and add crucialnutrients to the soil. A longer-term solution is to useexpanded shale, which will keep the soil nice and loose.

After preparing the soil, cover the area with a weed-blocking fabric or two to four inches of mulch to keepweeds at bay.

Once the bed is ready to go, most fruits and vegeta-bles can go directly into the soil. However, someplants such as blueberries require a little more care.

“Blueberries require a little more acidic soil then wehave here in Collin County,” Moots said. “People usu-

ally grow them in pots where the soil pH is easier tocontrol. Blueberries like the soil to have a readingbetween 4 and 5, while our soil is typically between6.5 and 8.2. Adding aluminum sulfate will make thesoil acidic and suitable for blueberries.”

Moots said when the berries start appearing in thesummer it is important to keep the birds from stealingthe fruit before it is harvested. She suggests usingbird netting to prevent birds from getting to theplants.

One of the more popular plants sold at Calloway’s areonions, which Moots said should go in the ground assoon as possible.

“When it gets hot in the summer and the tops of theonions die, you know it is time to pull up the onions,”she said.

The tops of the onions can be cut off for chives, Mootssaid, adding the tops will grow back after they are cut.

n billCONRAD, [email protected]

2 3 4

whatKNOW

YOU GROW

SPRINGSEASON

preparing for the

1: blackberry plant; 2: blueberry tree; 3: pink lemonade blueberry; 4: blackberry; 5: green onions

1

5

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELSEY KRUZICH


WHAT: The Collin County Home and Garden Show is setto be the largest to date with more than 150 ven-dors. Hosted by Show Technology, the show willfeature a variety of exhibits highlighting the latestin home and garden products including spectacu-lar gardens, landscapes and plants, the latesttrends in kitchens and baths, pools and spas,building and remodeling.

The show will also feature Donna Moss, the“Queen of Bling” and host of HGTV’s “DonnaDecorates Dallas.”

“Wall Wizard” Brian Santos will also be on handto share eco-friendly painting tips and techniques.

WHEN:Friday, Feb. 17, 2-7 p.m.Saturday, Feb. 18, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.Sunday, Feb. 19, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

WHERE:Allen Events Center200 E. Stacy Rd. Suite 1350Allen, TX 75002

TICKETS:Children 16 and under are freeAdults 17 and up are $9.50Seniors 65 and up are $7.50 Get a $1 off admission coupon atwww.showtechnology.com

INFO:Tickets are valid for the durationof the event. All tickets must bepurchased at the door on the dayof the event with cash or checkonly. Parking is complimentary.For more information visit allenhomeandgardenshow.com orcall 1-877-663-6186.

CUSTOM • ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS

ACCESSORIES•

LIVINGROOM

•LEATHER

•BARS

DINI

NGRO

OM•

ARM

OIRE

S•

DESK

•CO

NSIG

NMEN

T

RUSTIC • MATTRESSES • IRON • BEDROOM

MATTRESS GALLERYMATTRESSES FOR EVERY BUDGET!

QUEEN - $299 SetKING - $399 Set_________________MATTRESSES FOREVERY BUDGET

Pillow Tops Starting At:

TEXAS STAR FURNITURE“A Bargain Hunters Paradise”

FAIRVIEW5760 S. U.S. Hwy 75, McKinney, TX 75069

MON-SAT 10AM-6PM

972-369-1130www.texasstarfurniture.com Exit Stacy Rd. & North on Service Rd.

NTexas StarFurniture

Stacy Rd.

McKinney U.S. 75

TX 329

FEBRUARY 2012 11

Mark your calendar

3rd Annual Collin CountyHOME AND GARDEN SHOWFeb. 17-19More Than 150 Vendors to Showcase Newest Home and Garden Trends

FE

B.1

7•

18

•1

9

MYCASTLEMAGAZINE.COM


OMESHOF DISTINCTION

atTHE HILLS OF KINGSWOOD

RRoodd WWeeddeeCustom Home Builder of the Year

Making his mark atThe Hills of Kingswood

Nestled in the heart of Frisco is aplace of extraordinary beauty.Tucked away, amid the woodedgreenbelt that borders LakeLewisville, The Hills of Kingswood is an exclusive, gated community offering premier home sites forexceptional luxury homes. Kingamong the builders in this magnificent community is Rod Wede Signature Homes.

With over 20 years of building andreal estate experience, Rod Wedeand his team offer personalized service to truly meet your family’slifestyles and desires.

This summer, three incredible

Rod Wede Homes of Distinction

will be on tour at The Hills of Kingswood

with proceeds going to alocal charity

205 Falling Water DriveMcKinney, TX 75070

[email protected]

rodwede.com

All Rod Wede Signature Homes include

features above and beyond what you

would come to expect from a luxury

custom home, making them

energy efficient, quieter and dust free.

Stop by anytime to watch these amazing homes as they become areality. Watch their progress onCBS11 this spring and tour them inearly summer.

See the latest in building designand innovation, garner ideas foryour home and contribute to a localcharity. Learn more at:KingswoodHomesOfDistinction.com

7,000 square foot Tuscany beauty

10,000 square foot old world masterpiece

9,000 square foot French country classic


OMESHOF DISTINCTION

atTHE HILLS OF KINGSWOOD

Rod WedeCustom Home Builder of the Year

Making his mark atThe Hills of Kingswood

Nestled in the heart of Frisco is aplace of extraordinary beauty.Tucked away, amid the woodedgreenbelt that borders LakeLewisville, The Hills of Kingswood is an exclusive, gated community offering premier home sites forexceptional luxury homes. Kingamong the builders in this magnificent community is Rod Wede Signature Homes.

With over 20 years of building andreal estate experience, Rod Wedeand his team offer personalized service to truly meet your family’slifestyles and desires.

This summer, three incredible

Rod Wede Homes of Distinction

will be on tour at The Hills of Kingswood

with proceeds going to alocal charity

205 Falling Water DriveMcKinney, TX 75070

[email protected]

rodwede.com

All Rod Wede Signature Homes include

features above and beyond what you

would come to expect from a luxury

custom home, making them

energy efficient, quieter and dust free.

Stop by anytime to watch these amazing homes as they become areality. Watch their progress onCBS11 this spring and tour them inearly summer.

See the latest in building designand innovation, garner ideas foryour home and contribute to a localcharity. Learn more at:KKiinnggsswwooooddHHoommeessOOffDDiissttiinnccttiioonn..ccoomm

7,000 square foot Tuscany beauty

10,000 square foot old world masterpiece

9,000 square foot French country classic



Perhaps people might not make such a fuss overApril 15 if they simply had a shredder and a fewfile folders, said Tonia Tomlin, professional organiz-er and founder of Sorted Out LLC in Plano.

“I think the biggest misconception and why peopledon’t get prepared for tax season is that they pro-crastinate and they don’t have a good filing sys-tem,” Tomlin said. “There’s nothing fun abouttaxes, paying them and getting paperwork ready,but if you don’t it’s going to cost you more moneyand time if you’re not prepared.”

Tomlin and her team of organizers provide a widerange of organizing and consult-

ing services to help both cor-porate and residential

clients regain control oftheir time and the dis-organization in theirlives. Tomlin has

been featured onthe Martha StewartFine Home LivingNetwork, HGTV’s

“Mission: Organization,” Parenting Magazine and“Good Morning Texas” for her stylish organizationalskills and attention to detail.

The first thing to do when preparing for tax day isassess the severity of the disorganization in order toaccurately determine how much time will be need-ed to turn the mess into a success. Depending onpaper load and the size of the mess, the averagehome office takes anywhere from eight to 12 hoursto organize, Tomlin said.

“You have to allow yourself to have that time to gothrough things and set a realistic expectation,”Tomlin said.

When it comes to helping a client prepare for taxseason, Tomlin recommends committing to a four-hour minimum session once a week for four weeks.The hands-on sessions consist of anything fromgathering receipts, itemizing and creating effectivefiling systems. At $75 an hour, Tomlin said hiring aprofessional organizer not only saves the client timebut also money, as a CPA is likely to charge morefor organizing a box full of odds and ends.

KEEPING

taxesIN ORDER

A filing system for tax infor-mation can be handmade orpurchased. When makingyour own filing system, makesure the files are organizedalphabetically and by color tohelp when scanning for some-thing in particular.

Most people have a tax organ-izer folder which has differentslots for storing mortgagestatements, 1099 statementsand other tax-related informa-tion. Smead and FileSolutions Group providesgreat systems for home and forbusiness, said Tonia Tomlin,professional organizer andfounder of Plano-based SortedOut.

Note: Tomlin said it took herthree hours to build her filingsystem. She said the averagehome office takes anywherefrom eight to 12 hours toorganize, so plan accordingly.

THIS TAX SEASONorganize

WITH 80 PERCENT OF WHAT WE SIFT THROUGH BEING ITEMS WE END

UP NEVER USING, IT MAKES YOU WONDER WHAT TAX SEASON WOULD BE

LIKE IF WE DIDN’T HAVE ALL THE JUNK TO NAVIGATE THROUGH.

THE AVERAGE PERSON SPENDS ONE TO TWO HOURS

A WEEK LOOKING FOR THINGS


“People procrastinate,” Tomlin said. “Make an appointment on yourcalendar every week for a couple of hours so you’re not stressing outthree days before tax time, and you’re staying up into the wee hours ofthe night trying to get your stuff together or you’re having to file for anextension.”

Regardless of whether you opt to hire help or go it alone, the best wayto achieving the best benefits for your 2012 filing starts with a cleanand simple filing system. Eliminate any unnecessary papers first, asoften much of the chaos in those desk drawers come in the form ofthings like miscellaneous flyers, take-out menus and dated birthdaycards.

Once the piles have been whittled down to what’s important, Tomlinsaid, they can be sorted out by category and subcategories. Examplesof this include a file for all documentation pertaining to your vehicle.The “auto” file should have subcategories such as maintenancereceipts, car payments and insurance documents. Other examples ofcategories include a medical expense file and a banking file with sub-categories containing information from each of your accounts.

A filing system for tax information can be handmade or purchased.When making your own filing system, make sure the files are organ-ized alphabetically and by color to help when scanning for somethingin particular.

“You always want to align [the tabs] allon the right-hand side, middle or left,because this is more pleasing to the eyeand your eyes aren’t bouncing around,”Tomlin said.

Most people have a tax organizer folderthat has many different slots for storingmortgage statements, 1099 statements andother tax-related information. Smead andFile Solutions Group provide great systemsfor home and for business, said Tomlin,who said it took her three hours to buildher filing system.

A receipt organizer is also another tool thatis almost a necessity for organizing a year’sworth of purchases, she added. Aside fromorganization, communication is also key to

surviving tax season with your sanity and money intact. Tomlin recom-mends meeting with your CPA and financial planner quarterly to makesure all parties are on the same page and the same goals are beingworked toward. There won’t be any surprises the more you plan ahead,Tomlin said.

“You really need to take your time with taxes because you could savea lot of money,” Tomlin said. “There are a lot of things people don’ttake advantage of that they don’t necessarily know.”

n kelleyCHAMBERS, [email protected]

1513 S. Tennessee St. Ste. 123 McKinney214.733.5711 • myacworks.com

Call About Our Energy- E fficient Heat Pumps

LIC #TACLB00026696E

Four Seasons, One Solution

Financing

Available!Call for more information


‘‘T H E R E A R E AL O T O F T H I N G S

P E O P L E D O N ’ T T A K E

advantage O F

T H A T T H E Y don’tN E C E S S A R I L Y

know. ”

—tonia tomlin


FEBRUARY 201216

Whether you’ve lived in your home for 10 yearsor 10 days, surely there is something about ityou would like to change. Maybe you want toupdate your master bathroom or perhaps you’vebeen sketching a garage addition.

Whatever your remodeling dreams may be, cer-tain projects can offer real-life payoffs whenyou decide to sell your home. Even if you maynot think you will be selling any time soon, itcouldn’t hurt to keep your home’s resale valuein mind for the future. Here are a few things toconsider when planning your home improve-ments.

“Remodeling” magazine publishes an annualCost vs. Value Report that compares the costfor popular remodeling projects to the amountthe projects recoup when the homes are sold.According to the 2011-12 report, all remodel-ing projects in the Texas region offer less thana 100 percent return, although some projectscome closer to paying for themselves than oth-ers.

According to the survey, the projects thatretained the most value in the Texas region

were replacing entry doors (83.6 percent) andremodeling a home’s basement (82.6 percent).While those may not fit your idea of an excitingremodel, they are projects that hold their valueat resale. Replacing existing siding with fiber-cement siding also scored high (79.6 percent),as did replacing the garage door (74.5 percent).

The value of home improvements can varyfrom city to city and even neighborhood toneighborhood. One constant, however, is thatodd or unusual projects may not increaseyour home’s appeal to the average prospec-tive buyer. If you plan to stay in the samehouse for years to come, go ahead and turnyour living room into a replica of Kyle Field.Be aware, however, that if you do choose tosell, it may stand out to potential buyers…forthe wrong reasons.

Generally, low- and mid-range projects holdtheir value better than upscale remodels. Forexample, an upscale, major kitchen remodelwith an estimated cost of more than $100,000returned only 63.3 percent according to theCost vs. Value Report, while an $18,000 minorkitchen remodel returned 74.9 percent.

It’s important to remember thatevery home in every market is dif-ferent. It’s true that the datasays you won’t get muchreturn on your invest-ment from adding a sun-room (49.7 percent), butwhat if you really want asunroom? Or what if mosthomes in your subdivision have sunrooms, andyou think you’ll be at a disadvantage competingagainst them when you sell?

The report from “Remodeling” magazine is agood place to start, but for specific adviceabout how a room addition or other improve-ment may affect the resale value of your home,ask a Realtor. And if you’re already planning amove, a Realtor can even help you choose proj-ects that might help your home sell faster.

If you’re looking for a Realtor to help you withthe home buying or selling process, I encour-age you to visit the Collin County Associationof Realtors’ “Member Search” link on its web-site, www.ccar.net.

n Collin County Association of Realtors

SALES STATS 10/1/11 THRU 12/31/11

95$ SALES CLOSINGSNUMBER OF SALES

SALES PRICEON AVERAGE

DAYS ON MARKETON AVERAGE

20 SALESZIP: 75033

274 SALESZIP: 75034

211 SALESZIP: 75035

banggetting the biggest

for your remodeling buck

7377

Information courtesy of Collin County Association of Realtors

n ZIP 75033 n ZIP 75034 n ZIP 75035

$346,375

$459,629$235,374




One way to do this is by upgrading certain fea-tures of the house, with one of the most impor-tant being the kitchen. Patti Pfeiffer, a realtorwith Gallery Realtors in Flower Mound, saidupgraded kitchens are a big selling point, espe-cially with women.

“The most popular things that buyers ask forthese days are granite countertops, as well asisland kitchens and stainless steel appliances,”she said. “You will never get back all themoney you put into improving the kitchen, orany area of your home, for that matter. But youwill get back a percentage in the sale price,and it can also help you move your homefaster.”

Pfeiffer said advertising an upgraded kitchencan also be key in getting buyers through thefront door, which she said is difficult to do inthis market.

“Buyers are very choosy and are very selective,and they can afford to do that right nowbecause there are so many homes on the mar-ket,” she said. “Anything that will stand out inthe advertisement such as upgraded kitchensor bathrooms will make the house more mar-

ketable and attractive tobuyers.”

Eppler Construction, afamily-owned companybased in Dallas, has seenan influx of requests forhome remodeling. OwnerKirk Eppler said hiscompany offers a widerange of options, fromsimply installing new countertops to fully gut-ting a kitchen and starting over.

“A lot of homeowners are looking for more ofan open concept,” Eppler said. “With the waypeople live today, they are looking for an openkitchen that looks into the family room whereyou have your TV. With the open kitchen, peo-ple that are entertaining and spending time inthe kitchen will still be able to visit with theirguests.”

Some of the most common upgrade requestsEppler receives are custom cabinets and gran-ite countertops. The company can work withthe existing footprint to ensure the refrigerator,sink and oven remain in their existing spots

and the costs remain lower. Simple additionssuch as new lighting fixtures and under-cabinetlighting can really improve the look of thekitchen.

Eppler cautioned about homeowners attempt-ing to do the remodeling job themselves, sayingall too often this ends up costing more moneywhen a contractor has to come in and finish thejob. Contractors will get better prices on mate-rials and the work will be completed quicker.He said when a project is complete, you canusually tell the work done by professionalscompared to the work done by do-it-your-selfers.


LET’S GETCOOKIN’WITH A SURPLUS OF HOUSES ON THE MARKET, SELLERS MUST MAKE THEIR HOUSES AS

ATTRACTIVE AS POSSIBLE IN ORDER TO INCREASE THEIR ODDS OF FINDING A BUYER.


CChhaappeell CCrreeeekkL U X U R Y C O M M U N I T I E S I N F R I S C O , T E X A S

Latera

5649 Mallard Trace Drive$530,000 • 4 Bedrooms / 4.1 Baths

Starwood

Paulette Greene972.733.5277Ebby Halliday

Realtors

5111 Stillwater Trail$575,000 – 4 Bedrooms / 4.1 Baths

Starwood

Kay Cheek972.733.8025 Ebby Halliday

Realtors

6001 Star Mesa Drive $595,000 • 3 Bedrooms / 3.1 Baths

Starwood


Realtors

5965 Haley Way$750,000 • 4 Beds/4.1 Baths/4 Living Area

Starwood

Spectacular back yard with newly installed outdoorkitchen & fireplace under an oversized wood arbor!Beach entrance pool & spa! Recently updatedkitchen features huge island and private courtyard.Handsome study with leather style walls!Gameroom & Media Room! Awesome home!

Exceptional Steve Roberts Villa in much desiredStarwood. Island kit w-double ovens, granite, gas

c-top, Bosch DW, blt-in frig. Remodeled masterbath w-marble counters & accents, large Walk-In

shower & custom designed master closet.

Hard to find gameroom and media room! Greenbelt lotlocation offers privacy as you enjoy your pool and spaunder the canopy of shady trees! Handsome finish-outthroughout this home, an oversized kitchen with all the“I Wants”. Family room offers custom wine cabinet and

walk-in wet bar.

3LA/Study/Pool/4093 SF Stunning Home! SweepingRomantic Staircase, Plantation Shutters Thru-Out,Chef Style Kitchen, Abundant Cabinetry w/Pull-OutDrawers, Butler’s Pantry, Dual Stairs Study w/Built-Ins or 5th Bed/Nursery,3 Rooms Up, GMRM, HeatedPool & Spa, Xtra Green Grass Space, Corner Lot!

Rene Burchell469.877.3303

Keller WilliamsPlano

Kirlin Custom with stone exterior. Elegant finishoutwith floor to ceiling 2 story windows! Handsome studywith fireplace in private master wing. Oversized game-room with space for pool table and game table.Adjacent media / exercise room. Saltwater pool, spaplus expansive verandas!


Realtors

5903 Shy Drive $925,000 • 5 Bedrooms / 4.1 Baths

Debbie Murray214.558.1004Ebby Halliday

Realtors

5981 Haley Way$1,050,000 • 5 Bedrooms / 5.1 Baths

Starwood

5650 Buena Vista $1,498,000 • 5 Bedrooms / 5.3 Baths

Starwood

Magnificent entry thru double iron doors, wood casedroom entrances, ornate trim on ceilings & cabinetry, 2wet bars. His & Her study, media down! EnormousEpicurean kitchen w huge island that seats 4!Backyard retreat with sparkling pool, spa, outdoorkitchen & living framed by beautiful pillars!


Realtors

5003 Buena Vista Drive$1,580,000 – 5 Bedrooms / 5.1 Baths

Starwood

Host your next big event in this entertaining home, withfour living areas, a gourmet island kitchen and fabulousmedia room with star field lighting! Two bedrooms downare split and every bedroom has its own bath.Meticulouslymaintained. Outdoor paradise with cookout center andwaterfall pool on greenbelt lot. Measurements approx.

Luxury living at its Best! Stunning Mediterranean Homeboasting exquisite design thru-out. Lg 5 bedrooms, 5 fullbaths w/walk-in closets, 3 half baths, 3FP, Outdoor liv-ing w-pool-spa and sport court w-plenty of grassy area.One of a kind media and game room.

Lisa MondayKeith DobbsTeam

214.680.7769

Starwood

5218 Spicewood Lane$1,585,000 – 5 Bedrooms / 5.1 Baths

Starwood

Myla Patton214.288.5725

Patton InternationalProperties

5681 Arminta Ave$626,700 • 5 Bedroom / 4.1 bath

Starwood


Realtors

6347 Karens Court$1,629,999 – 5 Bedrooms / 5.1 Baths

Starwood

5098 Oak Knoll$1,197,000 • 4 Bedrooms / 4.1 Baths

Starwood

Stunning sophistication in this Steve Roberts Paradeof Homes winner. Ornate moldings, leaded glass win-dows & doors, 6 fireplaces, furniture vanities. Resortstyle pool & spa with 2 waterfalls. Entertain in the fab-ulous outdoor pavilion complete with kitchen, fireplaceand media center.

Gorgeous tree lined creek lot on approx .5 acre.French inspired chateau! Amazing finishout with richwood trim & beams. 4 fireplaces, wine room & 2 walk-in bars. Gated motor court with stamped concretedrive. Outdoor living with fireplace, pool, spa andhuge yard with panoramic views.

Gorgeous Tuscan Mediterranean with gated entrance.Elevator, Gourmet Kitchen, Spectacular backyardkitchen & pool overlooking heavily treed creek. 3Fireplaces, Game Room, Media and Wine Cellar. CulDe Sac street! Exquisite finish out and quality crafts-manship throughout.


Realtors


Patton InternationalProperties

This home has a 3 car garage with a Study, gameroom, media room, formal dining rooms and livingroom ,with a spectacular outdoor kitchen/ Pool.


CChhaappeell CCrreeeekkL U X U R Y C O M M U N I T I E S I N F R I S C O , T E X A S

Latera

Michelle Campbell972.365.0916

Keller Williams Realty

12096 Venice Ct.$1,025,000 - 5 Beds - 4.1 Baths

This home boasts wood & travertine stairs,exotic ironspindles,double hallways with groin vaulted hand-painted ceilings.Media room off family room,kitchenhas large island,farm sink,commercial Wolfe stovetop&ovens,Huge back yard w fire place,built-ingrill,mature trees,pool,spa,play yard.

Latera

4970 Buena Vista Drive $1,474,900 • 5 Beds/6.1 Bath/6,446 sq ft

5653 Monterey Drive$2,789,000 • 6 Bed/8 Bath

6233 Chamberlyne Drive$2,249.500.00 • 5Bed/5.2Bath/App 9,300 sq ft

Starwood StarwoodStarwood

OPULENCE ABOUNDS-Huge Media Theatre Down--Private large guest suite Down-Gourmet Kitchen-2pantries-2 Outdoor Patios-Kitchen-SpectacularPool/Spa

REDUCED! EXTREME OPULENCE! From the careful-ly selected colors that transition seamlessly from roomto room. To the hand painted mural of theMediterranean with columns and arches that blend real-ity into fantasy.

5Bed/5.2Bath/app 9,300 sq ft/HUGE LIGHTED SPORTSCOURT PALATIAL OPULENCE on 1 acre-creek-trees-KISSING GILDED STAIRCASE-Private guest suite down-HUGE Bedrooms-Grand Theatre-Gourmet Kitchen-pool/spa/outdoor loggias/separate bar-OVER THE TOP!


PattonInternational

Properties


PattonInternational

Properties


PattonInternational

Properties

OPEN HOUSE • Jan. 29 • 2-4PM

Tonya Peek 214.356.4472Ebby Halliday

Realtors

2748 Montreaux Drive $950,000

Villages of Stonebriar

2904 Shenandoah Drive$1,999,000 - 5 Bedrooms / 5.3 Baths


Stunning French Home in desirable guarded gatedFrisco community just off the North Dallas Toll Way.Huge rooms w giagantic gourmet kitchen, Nearly anacre nicely treed creek lot, this home feature 4 cargarage, pool, guest room - pool cabana. Fireplace inmaster, study, formal living, family room, patio and bal-cony.


PattonInternational

Properties

2879 Belclaire$2,150,000 • 5 Beds • 6.1 Baths


Impressive architectural detail throughout this SharifMunir custom home. Located on .823 heavily treedand luxuriously landscaped creek lot. Outdoor livingon the dual patio with fireplace. Views of the groundsfrom all rooms. Entertain with ease in the spacious liv-ing areas.

Magnificent Custom home on a Lushly Landscapedcul-de-sac lot. Designer touches thru-out. A Stunningentry~Spacious rooms~Soaring ceilings~Scrapedhardwoods~Downstairs media room~Paneled librarywith built ins,crown molding in every room. Spaciousgranite island is a gourmet cooks dream Gameroom~exercise room. Outdoor living with TV,FP,grilland Gorgeous Pool! Paulette Greene

972.733.5277Ebby Halliday

Realtors

6100 Shady Oaks$1,300,000 • 5 Bedrooms / 5.1 Baths

Chapel Creek

European inspired design offers luxury at its’ finest!Domed ceiling entry, custom wall treatments & ornatemoldings. Wine grotto, Epicurean kitchen with Vikingappliances. Picture frame ceilings, 3 fireplaces, 2 wetbars and a downstairs media room! Firepit plus apool/spa with 2 fountain


Realtors

Under Contract in Three Days

Villages of Stonebriar Stonebriar

Lynn SlaneySIlguero

214.668.3079 Ebby Halliday

Realtors

1779 Torrey Pines Lane$1,299,000 • 5 Beds • 6.1 Baths

Stonebriar Country Club


PattonInternational

Properties


PattonInternational

Properties

2917 Belclaire$2,599,999 • 6 Beds • 7.3 Baths

Acreage LotsEstate quality lots in exclusive gated community.Perfect home sites for your dream Home. Countrycharm with big city amenities. Horses permitted.XXXX Cliff Trail 2.61 acres, 3 Riva Ridge ( 2 acres) ,30 Stonebriar Way 2.56 acres

Spectacular Mediterranean Villa with gated front courtentry. 6 Fireplaces, 5 dishwashers, 2 kitchens inside(caterer's kitchen) another outside. Quality woodworkand craftsmanship through out. Exercise room, sauna,huge secondary bedrooms, 18 foot diameter circularformal dining room all in guarded gated community

Located in Stonebriar Country Club Estates! Feelslike a one Story home- Master with a true sittingroom, 2 Bedroom suite on the first floor! The HomeTheatre has tri-level seating, sconce lighting. MasterSuite has a true sitting room, Media & Billiarddown,Executive Study, Pool/Corner lot, http://1779tor-reypines.ebby.com/

T O A D V E R T I S E

Y O U R L I S T I N G .

C A L L

T A M M Y

A T

9 7 2 . 3 9 8 . 4 2 0 8


The hailstorms that swept acrossNorth Texas in 2011 damagedroofs throughout the area. Withspring and the severe weatherthat accompanies it quicklyapproaching, now is the time forhomeowners to get their roofsinspected to ensure they are ingood working order.

Broken and missing shingles,caused by hail and high winds,reduce the integrity of the roofand can result in water damagedue to leaks, which can go unde-tected for several years before itis noticeable.

With hail-damaged shingles hardto detect from the ground, RalphHarris of Frisco-based Town &Country Roofing said there is aneasy way to assess the conditionof just about any roof.

“Wind damage is easy to spotbecause you will see missingshingles, which results in watertravelling down into the felt andthen finding a seam and gettinginside the house,” he said. “Withhail damage, it is important tolook for collateral damage.Check the gutters and air condi-tioning units. If they show haildamage, you likely have damageto your shingles and should getan expert opinion.”

Harris said some leaks can be

detected by simply observing awet spot in the ceiling. Othersoccur inside the walls and areharder to spot, and may requiregoing into the attic to see if watercan be spotted dripping from theroof. When a leak is found, hesaid it is important to replace thedamaged drywall as well as theinsulation to ensure mold doesn’tbegin to grow.

Luckily for homeowners, Harrissaid many insurance companieswill pay to replace roofs dam-aged by hail and wind. For thosepeople who don’t have thatoption, Harris said his companyhas a solution to roofs that haveonly light to moderate damage.

“With the economy as bad as itis, people may not have themoney to get the roof completelyredone,” he said. “An alternativeis getting a roof tune-up, whichwill fix wind damage. When wedo that, we replace broken shin-gles and also check to see ifthere are any exposed nailheads. We inspect the PVCpipes to make sure there are noleaks and make sure the singlesaround the wind turbines are ingood shape. When the roof istuned up, you can usually getanother two to three years out ofa roof.”


I once had this image of realestate agents. Cutthroat, snooty,nasty witches – they smugly drivearound in expensive cars, withnoses aimed upward, doing littleand making much. Then I becameone and learned nothing could befurther from the truth.

Geez. What was I thinking?

I have no idea what got into me.One day I’m sitting on the sofa,content witnessing dust bunnycollection on the inside and grassgrow on the outside. Next thingI’m screaming, stressing andpulling out my hair.

Needless to say, I’d convertedfrom a carefree domestic goddessto crazed real estate agent. AndI’m aging quicker than ever, real-izing I have no patience, com-plaining too much, doubting mycompetency and questioning thisdramatic lifestyle change.

My first listing was a big one. Mybright red sign signaled to thepublic, “Looky, looky. I’m startingoff right!” After months of time,tension, hard work and mountingmarketing expenses, unbeknownstto me, my sign came down andthe foreclosure notice went up.

Pssssss … My ego deflated – asdid my business account.

So I did what any desperate realestate agent would do – I preyedon family.

Mom sold her home and boughtanother. Guess who her agent was?Yes, I went to school on my parent,learning a lot from transactionswhich abruptly uprooted Mom,transplanting her from her belovedcomfortable cottage to East Texas.And before anyone gets the wrongidea, I didn’t make any commis-sion on either of those deals. Thefruit of my labor went towardMom’s closing costs. Nice, huh?

Boy, my real estate career was off

to a whopping start. Foreclosure,Mom, then a line of lease clients.However, money was not my moti-vation. I like helping people.

Most agents would kill for a mil-lion-dollar transaction. Yet seeingthe smile on the face of someonewhen they lease their perfect placeis more valuable than money.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not allnoble. I’ve downed a few glassesof wine after work trying to dousesparks and the ensuing fumingover clients that I long to throttle –those that think they know betterand deserve something for noth-ing, including part of their agent’shard-earned commission. But still,there’s nothing better than involve-ment in a home welcoming,whether long- or short-term.

My first non-family, full-commis-sion-collected client was a friend.After several offers she finallypurchased a place last fall. Amongmy Christmas gifts this past yearwas her sharing how much sheand her family love her home.

It’s not a trite statement whenagents say it’s a pleasure and priv-ilege making dreams come true,helping others find a home, assistin a sale, ease a person’s propertyburdens. That’s what makes a realestate person a true professional.

I never knew how hard agentswork until I worked as one. It’sdifficult, time-consuming, tedious,tough and has huge responsibility.However, the profession is alsoexciting, gratifying and rewarding.Likewise, clients hopefully finddealings with their real estate pro-fessional a positive experience.

For information visit the TexasReal Estate Commission websiteat www.trec.texas.gov.

Patti Pfeiffer is a columnist for StarCommunity Newspapers, freelance writerand author and Realtor. She can bereached at [email protected].


hit the roofBEFORE YOU

The glamorous life ofa real estate agent


Christina Klement [email protected]

214-528-8500www.sellingdallashomes.net

For your mortgage and financing, call me today...

3141 Eagle Nest$284,900 • 3 Beds • 2.1 Bath

Robert Gerwer - President • 972-265-00896833 Coit Rd. Ste. 103 • Plano, TX

[email protected] • www.bluestarlending.netNMLS # 299853 # 300295

HOME WITH MANY UPDATES OPEN FLOOR PLANFOR TODAYS LIVING LOCATED IN DESIRED EAGLESNEST ESTATES ON 1.05 ACRES. THIS CUSTOMHOMES OFFERS LARGE LIVING AREAS, GOURMETKITCHEN WITH NEW APPLIANCES LOTS OF CABINETS.LOVELY MASTER RETREATWITH SITTING AREA. STUDY IS CUR-RENTLY BEING USED AS A MEDIAROOM. 2ND GARAGE LOCATED INTHE REAR OF HOME.

12006 Kingsvilee Dr.$269,990 • 5 BR • 3.1 BA

SPACE GALORE! THIS 5 BEDROOM 3 AND HALF BATHBUESCHER RESALE FEATURES HIGH CEILINGS,EXTRA LARGE BEDROOMS, GAMEROOM, MEDIAROOM, AND STACKED FORMALS. SUBDIVISIONAMENITIES INCLUDE HIKE AND BIKING TRAILS, CLUBHOUSE, COMMUNITY POOLS AND PLAYGROUNDS,AND MUCH MORE. EXEMPLARY SEM ELEMENTARYSCHOOL IS WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF THEPROPERTY.

6234 Pineview$344,900 • 4 Beds • 3.0 Bath

PRESTONWOOD CLASSIC BEAUTY ELEGANT HOMEFEATURES GRAND FORMAL LIVING,UPDATED FAMILYROOM OVER LOOKING THE BACKYARD OASIS.GOURMET KITCHEN,STAINLESS APPLIANCES,GRAN-ITE COUNTERS. LARGE MASTER RETREAT WITH AHUGE MASTER CLOSET WARM ANDINVITING COLORS. LOCATIONOFFERS EXEMPL RICHARDSONSCHOOLS.

1512 Cedar Brook Ct.$258,990. 4 BR 3.1BA

FANTASTIC KHOVANIAN RESALE FEATURING 4 BED-ROOMS, 3.5 BATHS, WITH GAMEROOM, MEDIA ROOM,STUDY, AND STACKED FORMALS. AMENITIESINCLUDE HIGH CEILINGS,GRANITE COUNTERTOPS,CERAMIC COOKTOP, EXTENSIVE WOODFLOOR-ING ON FIRST FLOOR, SKIP TROWEL, AND MUCHMORE.

FEBRUARY 2012 21

Canaletto“Alnwick Castle” canvas art print, Overstock.com,$52.99

Similar paint color: Gotham by Benjamin Moore (CSP-385)

Aura interior paint by Benjamin Moore: $65.99/gallon BenjaminMoore.com

get thislookTouch of Taupe

hourglass lampshade,

PoshTots.com, $82

Kenroy Home Aruba two-pack buffet lamps in oil-rubbed bronze,Amazon.com,$119.99

Colette Side Chair in Erin Tomato,

Crate and Barrel,$499

FROM OUR FEATURED HOME



It’s a tough economy. How are people managing to save money and decorate at the same time?They’re deciding to stay and are re-investing in their own homes.They’re updating and putting what they want in the homes they’re inright now, instead of upgrading to a more expensive home. Just fromthe beginning of the year, we’ve gotten a bunch of calls from peoplewho are remodeling their kitchens, remodeling their bathrooms, updat-ing window treatments and just sprucing up quite a bit.

What are the biggest mistakes people make when redecorating their homes?Not calling a decorator. Some people are afraid to call a decoratorbecause of several reasons: They think they’re going to cost too muchor they’re going to impose their own tastes on them, and that’s reallynot the reality. Most decorators are trained to pick up on their client’slifestyle. Most homeowners, when they’re doing it themselves, make alot of costly mistakes. Because we have a vision – we can see the roombefore it’s completed – we can advise them on the right things toselect.

With most people, the mistake that they make is in proportion andscale and selecting things. Either the furniture is too small or too big,or not appropriate for the room. So when you make that selection andyou spend that money, it’s something you have to live with.

What decorations would you recommend to spruce up the inside of a home?

The biggest bang for the buck is acoat of paint. For $20 or $40 … ifthey can handle a paintbrush, theycan make a dull room really comealive. And then maybe bring thatcolor around the room to a coupleof different places, from pillows toa rug to accessories to match thatcolor around the room.

If they’ve got a little bigger budget,then I’d say maybe new windowtreatments or a new piece of furni-ture. It depends on the room thatthey’re working in and what their

budget is.A couple ofnew lamps canreally be eye-catching.There are some beautiful, wonderful styles out now.

What decorations would you recommend to spruce up the outside of a home?Outside decorating is huge. It’s one of the biggest areas that’s growingin our industry right now. Especially in this area where we have a lotof outdoor space to work in, from outdoor furnishings to outdoorkitchens to outdoor fire pits and heat lamps. All of that is extremelypopular right now.

We have tons of books right now with indoor/outdoor fabrics, wherebefore if we had one, we’d have to really search for it. But I probablyhave 20 books with indoor/outdoor fabrics to do pillows, cushions andall of that.

We’re doing lots of area rugs that would go out on the patio that cancome inside, also. They’re great for kitchens or families with children,because you can scrub them down or hose them off. They’re great foreither outdoors or indoors.

What outdoor decorations work well in the winter?Flowers. Pansies are the winter flower here in Texas. They can be verycolorful and look beautiful outside, whether it’s your front yard or yourbackyard. That’s where we get a lot of our inspiration from is fromflowers. So if you look at the colors of pansies now, we’re bringingthose colors indoors. The purples, the yellows mixed with the graytones make a great color combination.

n michaelBOREN, [email protected]

FEBRUARY 201222

making it

better

Reinventing a room with new decorations can be a fulfill-

ing experience. It can also be stressful – and costly –

if you don’t know what you’re doing. My Castle Frisco

spoke with Peggy Spitaletto, the owner of Decorating Den

Interiors in Plano, for some tips. Spitaletto has been an

interior decorator for 30 years.

Here’s her advice on how to spruce up a home,

inside and out.



FREE &QUICK ESTIMATELIFETIME

CARPET INSTALLATIONWARRANTY

Spend $1500.00 with Peek’sand have DINNER on us at:

GREAT WALL$25.00 GIFT

CERTIFICATE5 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU

www.PeeksCarpet.com

Frisco’s Finest Floors!2006-2011

CARPET • WOOD • TILE • STONE

SUPERSTORE1002 N. Central Expressway #601Richardson, TX 75080972.479.9100

17194 Preston Road Ste. 151Dallas, TX 75248972.248.0991

4350 Lovers LaneDallas, TX 75225214.528.4808

2595 Preston Rd Ste. 200Frisco, TX 75034972.712.2341

2240 South Stemmons Ste. 100Lewisville, TX 75067972.353.5667

IN STOCK CARPETSMARTSTRAND (3 colors)

$1.99 sq.ft. installed

NYLON 4202 PATTERN$2.89 sq.ft. installed

MAGIC FRUSH 50 OZ. NYLON$3.99 sq.ft. installed

MASCARD PATTERN (2 styles)Perfect for Area Rugs

IN STOCK HARD SURFACEANDERSON 3” PECAN

$1.99 wood onlyHAZELNUT 5”

$2.99 wood onlySHAW 5” HAND-SCRAPED

$2.99 wood onlyEXOTIC 5”

$3.99 wood only18” SPANISH PORCELAIN

$2.99 tile onlyCERAMIC TILE

$1.09 tile only

EXTRA SPECIAL DEALS!3 cm GRANITE

20 COLORS

$35.99sq.ft. installed

12 ml LAMINATEFREE PAD

$3.99sq.ft. installed

NOW CARRYINGVANITIES with GRANITE TOPSWINDOW BLINDS • DOORS

WINDOWS • SINKS & MUCH MORE

PPeek’seek’sFLOOR COMPANY



Date post:	04-Feb-2016
Category:	Documents
Upload:	minnesota-sun-newspapers
View:	226 times
Download:	0 times

MyCastle Magazine - FRISCO, TX

Documents