Have you been contemplating re-decorating your patio or lanai? This can be a challenging project, but with a little imagination and some basic design principles your outdoor areas can be as beautiful as the inside of your home.

Use the same steps to decorate your outdoor areas as you would if you were decorating your living room. The first question you must ask youself is... what is my inspiration? Do you have a favorite plant, a sisal area rug, or some fabric covered wicker furniture? Choose something that you can build the room around. It will help you to make each decision in the design process. Once you have a starting place you should select your focal point. Is it the pool? Is it the view? Do you need to create one? After the focal point is decided, then place your furniture so it addresses the focal point. You will need a color scheme (primary, secondary & accent) as well as lighting & accessories. And don't forget the artwork. Hanging outdoor artwork, thermometors, plants, etc will be the "icing on the cake" along with some outdoor accessories. Remember to add an area rug to anchor your seating area.

There are many products available now at your local Home & Garden stores that are specifically made for the outdoors. Whatever you do, don't limit yourself. Your outdoor spaces should be as comfortable as any other room in your house. As the weather starts cooling off from the summer heat you'll want your patio or lania to be saying "come in and relax awhile".

PROBLEM:I have a large entertainment center in my family room and it feels very unbalaced. Is there any way to help this problem?

SOLUTION:There are several things you can try to solve this decorating dilemma. Try placing your largest piece of furniture directly across from the entertainment center. A large piece of artwork on the opposite wall will also help balance the room. Also try placing a tall plant such as a potted tree in one of the opposite corners from the entertainment center. Bringing height to the other side of the room is the best way to make the room feel more in scale and balanced.

Try this yummy recipe for BACON COLESLAW. It is the BEST coleslaw we have ever tasted!

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 Tablespoon sugar
• 1-1/2 teaspoons cider vinegar
• 4 cups cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
• 1/2 cup peanuts, chopped
• 4 slices bacon, cooked crisp & crumbled

Mix mayo, sugar & vinegar. Add this to the remaining ingredients and mix well. Refrigerate before serving... It's the bacon and peanuts that make this unforgettable! Enjoy

September 9th thru 22nd - ONLINE AUCTION - Our local newspaper, The Herald, will be sponsoring an online auction. We have donated a 1-room, 1/2 day & full day redesign. To bid on one of our services, visit their website at www.heraldtoday.com to place your bid beginning on September 9th, 2005.

October 15th & 16th, 2005 - GULF COAST FALL HOME SHOW will be held at the Manatee Civic Center in Palmetto, Florida. Visit our booth and find out all about interior redesign. See our before and after photos and register to win a great prize, which includes a decorating consultation.