Your Summer Sanctuary
Author: FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS
Copyright 2004

Lighten up.
In the heat of the summer, we heed this simple command for everything from our clothing choices to meals. But it should apply to our homes as well.
The good news is that giving your home a summertime look is as easy as changing as few strategic home accessories. Sometimes it's a matter of rearranging and re-emphasis -- or even just putting away the heavy, bulky items until winter.
Designers and store employees note that it's not necessary to buy new furniture or...

By Kathy Blackwell
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Thursday, June 3, 2004

Renovations were the rage at this year's Designer Excellence Awards.

The Austin branch of the American Society of Interior Designers last month honored local interior designers for their work on everything from downtown lofts and office buildings to the bathrooms and kitchens of private homes. Many of the awards were given for remodeling projects.

This marks the 19th year of the awards, which are open to the more than 250 members of the local chapter. Judges for 2004 included Christi Farley, chairwoman-elect of ASID's Texas chapter; Charles A. Forester, chairman-elect of ASID's San Antonio branch; and Christi Palmer, a San Antonio-based designer.

Ten interior designers received 15 first-place awards, and eight received 11 awards of merit at last month's awards luncheon. The winners are:
* Jessica Nixon -- first place, model home, parade/model/showhouse.