814-Lancaster Fanning, Saturday. March 23.1996 LOU ANN GOOD Lancaster Farming Staff MANHEIM (Lancaster Co.) Spring housecleaning often inspires real house cleaning: those curtains really are too old to rehang after washing, those walls really do need a fresh look. Or maybe your critical appraisal reveals that your home portrays a sterile, unwelcoming aura. Sometimes changes don’t require a large outlay of money, only the know-how of how to tie everything together. Kathy Shenk and Carol Mylin sychronize their talents to give homes personality and vibrancy. Carol, whose husband Jay Mylin is president of Lancaster DHIA, began a floral designing business about 10 years ago. Over the years, she has been asked again and again to come to homes to design the right arrangement for a „.jgL . are a simple but attractive way to give a room personality and display favorite mementoes. In creating attractive interiors, Kathy uses items the homeowner has to the fullest advantage. Here the picture on the wall Is actually an antique embroidered pillow cover that Cathy had framed. The matching bedspread and win dow sways are accented with throw pillows. fr\ $ In this home, Kathy suggested sponge painting the walls a muted rose. Old photo graphs are edged with crocheted lace and framed In double glass. Heirloom dishes are arranged and the window treatment and tablecloth pull together the accent colors. Make Your House Your Home specific spot She did, but often found that people needed a lot more interior decorating touches than a few flor al arrangements. With an eye for color and design, Carol offered a few sug gestions for decorating, but she said, “I really wasn’t trained for interior design.” When a best friend’s daughter graduated from the Pennsylvania School of Art and Design with a degree in interior design, the pair started comparing notes. “We found we had a lot in com mon and worked well together,” Carol said. Carol, who owns a shop called Carol’s Creations, created a nook in her shop for Kathy’s fledgling interior design business, called Interior Fancies. Together or individually, the two go out on house calls. “We find there is a real need for accessoring in homes. Even if a decorator helps a client select fur niture, often little attention has been paid to detail and the house can look as empty as a bam,” Carol said. “We make your house your home,” Kathy promises. The two women are diligent to make customers’ homes reflect the tastes of the homeowners. “People in this area are often surprised that Kathy and Carol are not limited to country decor. “We specialize in custom designs that include country, tradi tional, oriental, and contempor ary,” Kathy said. Kathy charges $2O an hour, but that fee is waived depending upon the amount of services ordered such as window treatments or furniture. Some people are hesitant to use a decorator because of the expense. But Kathy said, “Mis takes are cosily. If you do it wrong, it costs more money.” On her initial visit to a client’s home, Kathy lakes pictures and measurements. She discusses likes and dislikes with the owner to determine preferred style and interests. She likes to see whatever acces sories are already on hand and, if desired, will incorporate them into the overall decorating scheme. “During the initial house call, I get a feel for the home. Then 1 do research and come back with fabr ic swatches and accessory pieces.” she said. Kathy will do as much or as little as the homeowner prefers. “Some people want me to do everything selecting furniture, window treatments, and accesso ries. Others like to help choose items,” Kathy said. Carol designs flower arrange ments and sells high quality silk plants and trees. At Carol’s Creations, wreaths, swags, dried and silk arrangements are ready for pick up, but Carol is always eager to arrange custom designs to match draperies, wall paper, and upholstery. The shop is located at 1592 Old Line Rd., in Manheim. Directions: Route 72 N. in Manheim, turn left onto Colebrook Street. Carol’s Creations is located 2'A miles on the right. The floral design store is open Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment Call (717) 664-2834 for more information on either Carol’s Cre ations or Interior Fancies. Carol Mylin, standing, and Kathy Shank combine their talents “to make your house your home.” Carol arranges Linda Carman, a floral designer for Carol’s creations, preserves flowers from bridal bouquets to arrange Into a wreath for the wall. Fraud Alert HARRISBURG (Dauphin Co.) Consumers should beware of misleading and exaggerated advertising claims about grass seed as they prepare for the spring gardening season, according to Agriculture Secretary Charles C. Brosius. “Certain advertisements for mail order grass seeds promise sensational results and charge exorbitant prices.” Brosius said “Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Consum ers need to stay alert for products which may not live up to the claims of the advertisting.” Brosius suggested that consum ers check with reputable dealers before purchasing grass seed, comparing packaging labels to be sure they are getting the most appropriate seed for their particu lar lawn. There are many improve d varieties available on the mark et, and some less expensive seeds may provide the same results as those being sold at higher prices. Most exaggerated advertising claims are for seeds only available by mail, but some retail stores car ry these products.
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