About
Shaynna
Shaynna Blaze-Vaughan is a woman of many talents that have allowed her to weave an intricate career from design, teaching and public speaking, to an accomplished commercial artist. She even managed a career as an entertainer and jazz singer. Her first job as an interior designer twenty years ago saw her travel the country designing showrooms for a well-known retail company. Now armed with her vast life experience, passion for design and solving design problems Shaynna transforms commercial, private and retail premises working with budgets anywhere up to two million dollars. Shaynna’s unique talent of interpreting what her clients want, even if they don’t realise what that is themselves, has kept her in constant demand since she re-established her business, Blank Canvas Interiors, five years ago. Shaynna has lived in Melbourne most of her life and draws inspiration from its ever-changing seasons, diverse cultures, world class restaurants and a yearly calendar of art and music festivals. Selling Houses Australia is Shaynna's first television series and she was keen to get her hands on the interiors of the homes featured and get them ready for sale.
You can contact Shaynna directly via her blank canvas interiors website www.blankcanvasint.com or via her personal website www.shaynnablaze.com
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questions & answers
Q2: Hi Shaynna
just wanted to sayhow much I loved your talk at your community in Yarram. the tips and ideas you gave us have really got our house looking the best it ever has. I cant thankyou enough, we have already had two offers on the house and one pending. fingers crossed!
Susie
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just wanted to sayhow much I loved your talk at your community in Yarram. the tips and ideas you gave us have really got our house looking the best it ever has. I cant thankyou enough, we have already had two offers on the house and one pending. fingers crossed!
Susie
Susie Alder, VIC 10/29/2008 7:22:13 AM
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Cheers
Amy
PS> I'm going to send through a photo of the hall in a seperate question.
Amy Daalder, VIC 10/15/2008 10:56:37 PM
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I have a bay window that stumps me. It is in the master bedroom and currently has really heavy block out curtains on it as my husband likes no light when trying to sleep. However, this is ugly.
I was hoping for some advice to lighten the room without completely killing the block out. I was thinking maybe blinds of some kind, but I don't really know where to start. The two little windows measure 600 and the middle is 1500. Any ideas would be great!
Thank you!
Kate Hutton, QLD 10/1/2008 10:18:42 AM
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Q6: We have a burgundy leather lounge suite which we can't afford to change so I would like some ideas about what colours I could use for carpet, walls and curtains (there are 2 large windows in the room which is long and narrow) to update the look
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Lyn Pearson, VIC 9/30/2008 10:46:54 AM
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Q7: I need a simple way for hanging curtains in a rented house without using heavy hardware, what do you suggest?
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Jozzett Helle, QLD 9/18/2008 8:48:06 PM
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Q8: Hello Shaynna,
I love your program. i need your ideas about how to decorate Entry Hall. My hall is about 3 x 5 and its bascially empty. i dont know what to put there or how to decorate it. any ideas/tips are greatly appreciated.
thanks
Fanila Rani Shaynna's answer
I love your program. i need your ideas about how to decorate Entry Hall. My hall is about 3 x 5 and its bascially empty. i dont know what to put there or how to decorate it. any ideas/tips are greatly appreciated.
thanks
Fanila Rani
Fanila Rani, NSW 9/13/2008 2:28:13 PM
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Q9: Hi Shayna,
I am really struggling with the decor of our family room. It is a great large room with lots of light and is overlooked by the kitchen which works OK. The problem for me is that the colour scheme is to some degree dominated by the corian bench tops and kitchen cupboards which are a very pale green, and the couches of deep burgundy. They actually go together reasonable well I feel that it needs something warmer and definately needs a 'lift'. The floors are sandstone and other furniture is timber. I really want to paint some colour on at least some of the cream walls, and to add some additional colour in accessories but I am at a bit of a loss as to what to try. Any suggestions. The burgundy is more pink based than brown based (but dark), and the green is blue based rather than yellow (pale). I would love to give the area a brighter, more modern feel. Shaynna's answer
I am really struggling with the decor of our family room. It is a great large room with lots of light and is overlooked by the kitchen which works OK. The problem for me is that the colour scheme is to some degree dominated by the corian bench tops and kitchen cupboards which are a very pale green, and the couches of deep burgundy. They actually go together reasonable well I feel that it needs something warmer and definately needs a 'lift'. The floors are sandstone and other furniture is timber. I really want to paint some colour on at least some of the cream walls, and to add some additional colour in accessories but I am at a bit of a loss as to what to try. Any suggestions. The burgundy is more pink based than brown based (but dark), and the green is blue based rather than yellow (pale). I would love to give the area a brighter, more modern feel.
Sue Dartnell, WA 9/5/2008 5:43:09 PM
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Regards
Catherine
Catherine Reid, VIC 9/3/2008 3:27:25 PM
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Q11: Hi, I was the selling agent for the property that was featured on the lifestyle show. I have someone who would like to use your services. Could you please foward your business contact details if that is appropriate. Regards Jennifer McCormack
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Jennifer McCormack, NSW 9/3/2008 9:23:15 AM
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Q12: We have a home which we want to sell and I am tossing up whether to have a formal dining room. We have an eat-in kitchen, then a large living room off that then a smaller room which opens from that. We were thinking of putting a formal dining room in the smaller room but it has a bathroom off it. Wiill that put buyers off if there is a formal dining room with a bathroom off it? Thank you. Wish you were in Sydney!!
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Liz Jardim, NSW 9/1/2008 10:03:20 PM
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Q13: How can we get the most benefical outcome using the ducted a/c without all the polutants and allergants in the vents?
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melissa placueh, NSW 8/28/2008 8:59:19 PM
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Q16: Hi, i live in Sydney (Eastern Suburbs) & are after a interior designer for my semi. DO you have any one to recommend? Thxs
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Daniel Young, NSW 8/6/2008 2:39:09 PM
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Q17: Dear Shaynna
I love the series and would like to focus my question around the kitchen renovation in Sydney. At present our kitchen cupbords are old and very tried looking. Our property is in the Western Surburbs of Melbourne. I would like to remove the cupboards and change the look by painting them professionally or replacing them. Which is the better option? Do you have a list of
firms you deal with that specialise in kitchen makeovers. I would appreciate any suggestions you might have. Thank you for your time. Shaynna's answer
I love the series and would like to focus my question around the kitchen renovation in Sydney. At present our kitchen cupbords are old and very tried looking. Our property is in the Western Surburbs of Melbourne. I would like to remove the cupboards and change the look by painting them professionally or replacing them. Which is the better option? Do you have a list of
firms you deal with that specialise in kitchen makeovers. I would appreciate any suggestions you might have. Thank you for your time.
Jeannette Wyllie, WA 7/20/2008 6:43:27 PM
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Q18: I am hoping you can help us . We have a 1970's brick base chamfer board house our six children have left home & we need help to re do the inside of our home which is everything lighting flooring painting and so on. We would like someone to come through and help us with a plan . As we do not know who or what to look for in finding the right person. Can you help.
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marilyn & john heston, VIC 7/18/2008 11:15:54 AM
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Q19: In a couple of your makeovers you've used lovelly fluffy custions .... where can I get them ????
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Jackie Latimer, QLD 7/4/2008 9:08:34 PM
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Q20: We are looking at selling house. Currently the floorboards are in good condition, most of the lacquer has worn and due to this the floorboards aren't shiny. Is it possible to put a varnish over the top without doing the whole sanding and re-lacquering process. Or is there another cheaper option to make them look better?
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Philipp Burath, WA 6/29/2008 11:32:47 PM
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Q21: What paint colours to do you suggest to paint a house internally, do you go for something bland ? How about a very pale green ?
Regards Terrie Shaynna's answer
Regards Terrie
Terrie Mclaughlin, NSW 6/27/2008 5:08:20 PM
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Q22: Hi Shayna. My family has lived in the same house for 28 years, and after having 4 children for a 3 bedroom 2 living areas home, we transfered the family room into a bedroom. 3 of the 4 children still live at home, and one of my daughters occupies the room. We're going up for sale soon and are planning to market our house as the 3 bedroom 2 living areas home it really is, but still need to use the family room as a bedroom. What kind of furniture setting would be most appealing to potential buyers without us having to lose our current use of it as a bedroom? We were thinking a fold out couch for her to sleep on, but were unsure also where she could store her clothes. Any ideas you may have would be a great help!
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Diane Steans, VIC 6/25/2008 11:07:42 PM
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Q23: Can you recommend an interior designer in Sydney?
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Kate Vlastelica, NSW 6/25/2008 8:39:50 PM
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Q24: In episode 9 (house in Coogee) you hung some art work in one of the living areas and I was hoping you'd be able to give me some further information about it. It looked like it was 'leaves falling' down a white canvas background. There were three hung side by side. I thought it looked very effective and as I've been looking for something like this for our living area would appreciate any information about availability etc. Thanks.
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Bev Wild, WA 6/24/2008 12:05:41 PM
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Q25: Hi Shaynna, I love what you do and my boyfriend and I are always trying to pick up ideas. In the last 2 episodes you have used outdoor pods that we just love (the last episode we saw in coogee just down the road from us!!) would love to know where to get them from. Thanks for the info and can't wait to see more. Next episode is dingley village, where I grew up!! Feel like you are following me. Cheers
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Olivia Serritelli, NSW 6/23/2008 8:10:58 PM
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Q26: Shaynna
I have a section of tiles in an entry of a Tuscan style home that need replacing (24 tiles in total) and want to replace the existing tiles with a feature.
What would you suggest as I am becoming confused when looking at the range of tiles available. The existing tiles are large terracota suuares. The house has also got blue and yellow tiles and bench tops in the bathrooms and a blue painted feature wall in the open plan living area.
I have thought of a blue centre diamond surrounded by blue and cream coloures stone tiles (in a diamond shape but dont know if this will look out of place. Please help. Shaynna's answer
I have a section of tiles in an entry of a Tuscan style home that need replacing (24 tiles in total) and want to replace the existing tiles with a feature.
What would you suggest as I am becoming confused when looking at the range of tiles available. The existing tiles are large terracota suuares. The house has also got blue and yellow tiles and bench tops in the bathrooms and a blue painted feature wall in the open plan living area.
I have thought of a blue centre diamond surrounded by blue and cream coloures stone tiles (in a diamond shape but dont know if this will look out of place. Please help.
Cheryl-Maree Bentley, QLD 6/23/2008 2:34:41 PM
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Q27: Hi Shayanna I would like to know how to go about changing a whole living area (kitchen, dining, lounge)such as what is done in selling houses australia. I want to sell in a couple of years and want to prepare and also enjoy some of the change before i sell.
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Cheryl Cullen, NSW 6/21/2008 2:13:22 PM
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Q28: Do you come out and have a look at the what is needed ?
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Helen Robinson, NSW 6/18/2008 10:16:13 PM
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I love the show and really enjoy watching you transform those dull, lifeless homes into something quite spectacular.
I have recently completed a renovation on my property. It is an old federation, freestanding house, 5 bedrooms, very grand but also very bland. The front of the house still retains some old features but we have modernised everything else.
I love the minimalist kitchen but want to paint the back kitchen wall a light silver colour in a French wash style as the walls are currently Hog Bristle 1/2 strength.
My first concern is will it look ok?
Secondly should I do the whole kitchen space or just the back wall?
Thirdly, I have no splashback on the wall and I am not planning on getting one so this will obviously affect which paint I can use? Any suggestions
Also I am very curious to find out where you get all the home wares to style the homes from. There was a house you did in Brisbane where you took the lady along to this big huge warehouse place and got a couple of trolleys worth of stuff for about $700. Any places like that around in Sydney.
Many thanks for your advice.
Jessica
Jessica Taylor, NSW 6/16/2008 3:17:40 PM
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Q30: Hi, in episode 7 that aired last night (Botany). Could please give me some info on the oven you use eg: style make and model and if possible how much it cost and also where you got it from. I am looking for an oven just like that. Thank you so much for your time.
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doreen muirhead, QLD 6/5/2008 8:07:50 AM
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Q32: Could you please give me some tips about what to ask and how much it costs to hire an interior designer? I need someone to tell me what is possible in my house and what won't look terrible, nor cost the earth. Can you please give me a few hints and tips.
Regards, Cynthia Shaynna's answer
Regards, Cynthia
Cynthia Mulholland, NSW 6/2/2008 1:33:35 PM
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Q36: This room is on the right as you enter our front door. I want to know how should I arrange what I have to make it feel more inviting? Excuse the mess Thanks
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Chrisanthy Mihalarias, NSW 5/30/2008 5:19:48 PM
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Q38: Hi Shaynna I was wondering if you could recommend someone in my area that could assist me. We are renovating our house to sell and I have absolutely no idea about interior design, of course it is on a budget. I would really appreciate someone in the campbelltown southern highlands area.
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suzanne Elliott, NSW 5/28/2008 8:57:13 PM
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Q39: hello shaynna, great show hope to see more of you in the future , anyway having trouble with paint colour, we don't really want to paint the trims but the trims are a dulux seed pearl and our walls are off white what shade do you suggest please thankyou for any help cindy
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cindy tomac, QLD 5/28/2008 7:15:53 AM
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Q40: Hi Shaynna
I just saw the show about the Highland Park house in Nerang on the Gold Coast. Great job! I have two questions: Where did you get the lovely headboard in the main bedroom that looked like twigs? Do you do any private decorating jobs on the Gold Coast? We are in the process of building a house on the water and need some guidance with our colours and furnishings...
Cheers
Franci Shaynna's answer
I just saw the show about the Highland Park house in Nerang on the Gold Coast. Great job! I have two questions: Where did you get the lovely headboard in the main bedroom that looked like twigs? Do you do any private decorating jobs on the Gold Coast? We are in the process of building a house on the water and need some guidance with our colours and furnishings...
Cheers
Franci
Franci Cantatore, QLD 5/24/2008 7:45:09 PM
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Q41: Hi Shaynna, we are the purchasers of the house on the show last night at Highland Park, thought you did a fantastic job on what is soon to be our new home, my wife now wants to remove all traces of yellow downstairs. We would appreciate any colour suggestions you may have. Kind regards Graham and Ann.
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Graham Belby, QLD 5/22/2008 1:54:26 PM
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Q42: Hi Shaynna, I am an interior designer with Coco Republic in Sydney and was watching your show last night from the Gold Coast. I loved the sculptural piece you used above the bed in the Master Bedroom and it would be just perfect for a job that I am currently working on. I was wondering whether you would mind divulging where you picked up this striking piece. Many thanks and love the show, you do a great job. Kind regards, Fiona Bech.
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Fiona Bech, NSW 5/22/2008 10:36:38 AM
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Q44: Could you recomend someone who is as good as you in the Melbourne area to assist with my home? I have a blank canvas and need the special effects.
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Pauline Worrall, VIC 5/21/2008 8:36:56 PM
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Q45: I have been trying to sell my late mother's house. It has been with a Real Estate Agent for 4 months now. It has been repainted inside, has new carpet and light fittings and is in pretty good condition with a good size yard and entertaining area. It also has a four car garage and carport. The problem is the house is empty. No furniture no nothing. What can I do to make the house more appealing to potential buyers?
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carolyn trimble, 5/14/2008 8:40:44 PM
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Q46: Hi Shaynna, We changed our home from gray tones right throughout our 2 level home back in 2001. We started downstairs in the office by putting mini orb as the ceiling lining (the beams were never covered) and painting the walls a soft lemon. the theme in the office and bedroom next door was 'seaside'.with linoleum parquetry design for the office floor and a deep blue carpet for the bedroom. Then we had a friend help us with upstairs which has all decorated in a TUSCANY look, with wrought iron, polished timber floors, feature walls in mango, jade and russet throughout. Grapevines drape a russet section of the breakfast bar with a few 3d tile features. I have a lovely big sunroom with cane furniture off the large loungeroom.
Within the next week our home will be placed on the market. Should I be concerned about the different colour downstairs? I am very aware of continuity and 'clutter' in homes I see advertised for sale, so I have started to remove what I think is clutter. I love the way you 'stage set' homes and this is what I would like to achieve. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you for your time, Sharon Shaynna's answer
Within the next week our home will be placed on the market. Should I be concerned about the different colour downstairs? I am very aware of continuity and 'clutter' in homes I see advertised for sale, so I have started to remove what I think is clutter. I love the way you 'stage set' homes and this is what I would like to achieve. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you for your time, Sharon
Sharon Ackerman, 5/13/2008 9:27:37 PM
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Q49: Hi Shaynna, I have a mocca coloured feature wall and a burnt orange feature wall, in my open plan dining, kitchen, lounge room. I have a black and white kitchen and a black and white rug in the lounge room to tie it all together. Would it be too much to have a black and white wall art with a touch of orange? or could you recommend the colours in decore art piece to blend it all together/ Love your show and style...Thanks
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MILLIE JOO, 5/9/2008 1:24:06 PM
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Q50: WE HAVE A HOUSE 2 MINUTES FROM THE BEACH BUT COUNTRY FEEL SURROUNDED BY PADDOCKS. iT IS EMPTY SHOULD WE FURNISH?
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STEPHANIE SARGEANT, 5/7/2008 8:37:41 PM
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Q51: I have a really small open living dining and kitchen area with very less cabinets in kitchen and a zigzag dark hallway. Can you please assist. The wall colors are light yellow which seem dull and vinyl flooring which is also ugly. Sorry but no pics to attach
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Antonitte Anderson, 5/3/2008
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Q52: I have just brought a property to renovate and the sell or rent out. With the overall colour scheme whats more appealing to the general public at the moment.
White walls with dark browns earth tones in the tile etc. or Stone walls with gloss white trims , tiles and possible kitchens?
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White walls with dark browns earth tones in the tile etc. or Stone walls with gloss white trims , tiles and possible kitchens?
Lisa Cox, 5/1/2008
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Q53: Hi Shayanna, I have two navy to royal blue couches that my husband doesn't want to part with, no matter how much I ask, in our new house. How can I dress my lounge room to reflect a "Cape Cod" feel with these two couches? Nicci. PS I think you are doing a fantastic job on the show!!
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Nicola McInnes, 4/25/2008
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Q54: Hi, Loved the show - great to see it finally in Australia. Loved Shaynna work too. We are in the middle of a disastrous renovation and would love to get some advise from an Interior Designer (not a decorator - we're not there yet). Can you recommend someone on the Northern Beaches of Sydney? Or anywhere close by. I'm pretty desperate. It's been going on for a year and there seems to be no end in sight. Thank you for any help you can give us. Sigrid
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Sigrid Mulherin, 4/24/2008
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