May 1, 2006 Contact: Sandy Dixon, Interior Arrangements, Inc., 303-674-8667
For immediate release

Patio Pizzazz: ‘Use What You Have’ Design Process Adds More Living Space to Homes

Evergreen, CO. A porch, patio or courtyard is the perfect setting for sharing time with family and friends, and is often overlooked as “bonus” living space. Applying interior redesign - using what’s already there - techniques to your outdoor spaces is the perfect way to showcase your own style and to dramatically increase your entertaining area without remodeling your home.

“Creating beautiful patios, backyards and courtyards doesn’t require a huge investment of time or money. The possibilities are endless,” says Sandy Dixon, a certified real estate staging and interior redesign trainer and owner of Evergreen, Colorado-based Interior Arrangements, Inc., one of the country’s leading redesign and real estate staging training companies.

Dixon suggests using a variety of colorful and fragrant plants in pots along railings or in window boxes, or in hanging baskets. Use fountains, yard “art” like stakes, sculptures and weathervanes to add focal points and interest to your outdoor spaces. Search the garage or basement for no cost “finds” such as old buckets, stepladders, fences, watering cans or furniture, either painted or left to weather in the elements. String lights to accent an arbor, railing, umbrella or trees, line a walking path with solar powered luminaries, minnow buckets with pillar candles or use an outdoor lamp if an outlet is handy. A water element or wind chimes supplement the sounds of nature, which can be enhanced by adding feeders around the patio that will attract a wide variety of songbirds.

“An added benefit of spicing up your patio with color, interest and comfort in mind is that you bring the outdoors in by creating a view to be enjoyed while working inside. Then you can get out there and exercise, dine, entertain or just relax,” she continues.

Dixon is a certified instructor for the Interior Redesign Industry Specialists (IRIS), an international organization of real estate stagers and re-designers and belongs to the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) and the National Speakers Association (NSA).

For information or interviews, contact Sandy Dixon at 303-674-8667 or go to www.interiorarrangements.com.

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