Television personality and AZfoothills.com columnist Nadine Toren is scouring the area, finding savvy Valley features, bringing readers “on the scene.” Every day she’ll introduce you to celebrities, athletes, and give you an inside look into local events and hot spots. She'll touch on topical issues, and keep AZ fans posted on all the big talkers around town.

Does your house need a make-over?  Check out these must-do decor tips from an A-list designer!

He’s knowns as the “Designer Dad” and he’s coming to an Ikea near you.  Yep, former TLC host and now home editor at Family Circle magazine is heading to the Tempe superstore to talk all about interior décor, but lucky for me, I got a one-on-one with the savvy Stephen Saint-Onge.

Stephen has been in the deisgn biz more than 15 years—you may have seem on The TODAY Show, The Early Show, CNN, Oprah, and The View.  (And he recently made a pit-stop on our local CBS-5 Morning News.)  His expertise has been showcased in a number of publications, including the Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, Chicago Sun Times, and Chicago Tribune.  And in the midst of his jam-packed schedule, he wrote a book: No Place Like Home, which sold out nationally after its release last year.  Stephen describes himself (in this order) as a dad, husband, homeowner, and designer, determined to help make your home a tranquil haven.

Stephen says there’s no time like the present to give your home a make-over, and doing so can actually be quite easy and affordable.  He believes good design has the power to change your life.

“I see it all the time in makeovers I’ve done on TV, in magazines, and in newspapers…you live in a house every day and you cannot see after a while; however, you need to see it with new eyes--it will motivate, empower, and get you excited about your home again,” said the outgoing designer.

Feeling inspired? 

Well, if you’re desperately craving some decorative change, go with Stephen’s first tip: de-clutter.  That’s right…get rid of things that don’t work.  Next, rearrange.  Stephen says you can re-vamp a room by simply creating different sitting areas.  You can also readjust tables on a diagonal, pull your couch away from the living room wall, and simply accessorize.  Speaking of accessories, here’s my favorite tip: shop your house.  Look for fashionable stuff you happen to have laying around and USE THEM.  Stephen loves to add plants, picture frames, throw pillows, and photographs to any given room.  (And if you really want a wow-factor, paint certain areas of your house—accent colors add pretty pizzazz.)

To meet the “Designer Dad,” head to Tempe’s Ikea at 1pm on Saturday, January 14^th.  For more information, visit: http://stephensaint-ongeblog.blogspot.com and www.familycircle.com.

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