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Summer Baltzer: this year’s Home Show celebrity

STYLE

One of the 2010 Buffalo Home & Garden Show’s highlights is the chance to see Summer Baltzer, of HGTV’s Design on a Dime and Unhinged. The energetic, do-it-yourself guru—she’s one of the few female celebrity general contractors—is scheduled to appear March 6 and 7. On display will also be a Tuscan villa-style show house, complete with piazza garden. For more information, see www.buffalohomeshow.com.

Baltzer, thirty-four, was born in Orlando, Florida, and primarily raised in California. She spoke to Spree on the phone, while her baby boy played cheerfully nearby.

Huge home shows can be overwhelming. What should people expect?

Home shows have everything. There are over 300 vendors, representing everything from landscaping to closet organizers. People can be inspired by trends and eye candy. If they have a project in mind, come with notes, questions, pictures, ideas. When I do seminars, I try to talk to people afterwards; maybe give them some pointers. They can find a supplier—that’s what the exhibitors are there for.

What would you recommend to those who may be intimidated by redecorating?

Develop a plan, as much as possible. Tear out appealing pictures of rooms, color schemes, and items from magazines; start a notebook—your “design plan.” Whatever the size of your project, this is a good idea; if you do it piecemeal or haphazardly, it is more likely that you will quit and be depressed.

What if people aren’t handy?

When I first started out, I resigned myself to screw up—and I was okay with it. I feel powerful having a concept. If you don’t know how to hang pictures, or sew pillows, you can hire people. But there is power and inspiration in having that notebook, and in experimentation.

Let’s say the kids have gone off to college, and you want to use their room, yet you don’t want them to feel unwelcome …

To repurpose and transition kids’ rooms, try multifunctional furniture, like a day bed, or a pull-out couch. Keep some personality for the kids; if it was a daughter’s room, use some of her favorite colors, or frame a couple of her pictures.

These are tough times—aside from paint, what are some effective expenditures that can make a difference?

You don’t need to spend money. Take stock of what you have. Evaluate your collections—maybe take away a few pieces. Revitalize by rearranging furniture and artwork. If you can spend a little, get new pillows, window dressings that let more light in, or other accents.

How about a few kitchen quick fixes?

If you have some money, and the cabinets are in good condition, I suggest new countertops and backsplash. A lot of times you can buy them prefabricated, and just have them installed. If you don’t have a lot of money, definitely paint. Some find it blasphemous, but painting kitchen cabinets can lighten and brighten. Replace knobs—they are like jewelry for your kitchen. Coordinate them with your fixtures. Lighting is another inexpensive change.

Who are your influences?

One of my favorite designers is Candice Olson. I’m more into architects than designers; I studied Frank Lloyd Wright, [Richard] Neutra, and the mid-century era.

Does your California upbringing influence you?

I’m not a huge California design and architecture fan; my aesthetic is more East Coast. I’m into Craftsman homes: crisp white molding, wainscoting, and a cottage-y feel, with modern mixed in. In California, there’s a lot of stucco and Mediterranean. I like looking at it, but don’t necessarily want to live in it.

What are the benefits versus risks of hiring a designer?

It is great to work with a designer. If you can’t afford one for the whole project, hire someone just to go shopping with. You’ll need to investigate, so you don’t end up with someone who doesn’t listen. Ask for referrals, see their portfolio, get a consultation—which you may have to pay for—or at least talk to them on the phone. See whether you can have a conversation. Their job is to make sure that you will enjoy living in the room.

Jana Eisenberg is lucky that her husband has a keen eye for decorating, or she’d be living with milk-crate shelving and Indian-bedspread curtains.