With that said, I am honored to be able to reveal interior designer, Dawn D. Totty’s “mystery makeover” of the CAC, which is located in Jasper, TN.

The facility had the award-winning designer’s attention, as soon as she learned of it.

“In a nutshell, I found out about this facility and it really weighed on my heart to elevate and beautify the space, so that it would be much more child friendly and welcoming.  I set up a meeting with Gene Hargis (Chief Detective of Marion Co.).  I went in for our meeting, offered to waive my service fees and to do my own fundraising. He jumped at the opportunity,” reflected Totty.

When she entered the center, she observed dark gray outdoor carpet from wall to wall, along with brown walls.  There were multiple fluorescent light fixtures and four large conference tables in the main area.  Her wheels were already turning.

As this project is so near and dear to her heart, Totty spent five months doing exactly as she said she would do. Through her own fundraising efforts, she was able to raise $24,000 for the project.  With services combined, it was $50,000 redesign.

She strived to create a center that would be both comforting and uplifting, as those who enter need a safe place of healing.  Time and time again, it was confirmed that God had orchestrated the project.

Dawn was also able to recruit some fantastic artists, donors and general helpers to make her vision come to life.  Day after day, the center continued to transform into a brighter, friendlier, more calming space.

Through a generous variety of donations, Dawn’s design skills, and other helping hands, the vision has been achieved.

“Designing and being project manager for the CAC has taught me a multitude of lessons – particularly lessons in human nature.  I’ve learned that generally people are kind and generous. When people heard about these hurting children, they were happy to assist me in so many ways – they volunteered their time and monetary donations,” she continued.

After five months of hard work, Dawn revealed the makeover to the CAC staff.  As one might guess, they were blown away.

Now, Dawn and the CAC crew look forward to the big grand opening event which will take place at the Center on Friday, May 29.

Even as she goes forward and returns to her usual work, the CAC project will remain in her heart and mind.

“Everyone was a child once.  Some have had a beautiful, childhood experience, but others have not. My main objective is in some small way to restore some joy for these sweet children – joy that has been lost through abuse.  Creating a calm and happy healing environment is a good place to start.  This is the biggest and most important project I’ve ever completed in my career since the day I started working at 16 years old.  Designing the CAC will forever be in my heart.” concludes Dawn.

About the Children’s Advocacy Center:  The CAC which has been in local operation for 4 years serves severely abused children, both male and female, from the ages of 2-18. Children from Jasper, as well as surrounding Middle TN areas come to the non-profit center as a safe place for counseling and healing.  It is comprised of several board members, along with Gina Presto (President), Gene Hargis (Chief Detective of Marion Co.) and Kathie Tierney (Jasper Chamber of Commerce President), leading the organization.

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About Dawn D. Totty of Dawn D. Totty Designs:

Dawn D. Totty is an innovative Interior Designer focused on service, customization, enhancing property value and affordably designing spaces to reach their full potential.  Whether a home or business renovation, she has been successfully meeting individual needs and bringing personal visions to life, everywhere she goes.  As a self-described “problem solver,” Totty consistently saves her clients time and money, while reflecting their personal styles at affordable rates.  With a background which began in the New York Fashion industry, Totty has been designing people, places and spaces for 23 years.

In the past year, Dawn’s designs have been featured in over 50 publications, including House Beautiful, Realtor.com, Reader’s Digest, City Scope, Chatter (Times Free Press), Stir Magazine (Sherwin Williams) Vie Magazine, American Farmhouse, and Contemporary Stone + Tile DESIGN. Most recently, Dawn was named the “Best Interior Designer” in Chattanooga’s 2019 “Best of the best” awards.

To keep up with Dawn D. Totty of Dawn D. Totty Designs, “like” her Facebook page and follow her on Instagram.

The post Dawn D. Totty Reveals “Mystery Makeover” of Children’s Advocacy Center appeared first on Homestead Holly.

Dawn’s passion and expertise IS in the design world, so I can simply sit back and listen. As we had our latest conversation, I begged her to allow me to blog about it.  Thankfully, she agreed.  Our conversation was about choosing the proper light fixtures for your home.  

As I write this post, many of us are spending more time in our homes than ever before.  Therefore, it is the perfect time to boost the lighting in our homes, or to at least begin a plan.  Just the light fixtures alone can be the difference between a desirable inviting space, and a dark, lonely one. Not only can some new light fixtures add lighting and character to your home, but it can also boost your mood.

Now, let me say ahead of time:  You do not need to head out to a home improvement store to make this transformation happen.  You CAN order a great deal of your supplies online.  

A helpful tip:  Order your supplies directly from Dawn D. Totty’s ideabook on Houzz and receive an instant 5% off discount.   Dawn’s ideabook has some very attractive and modern light fixtures choices.

Most recently, Dawn has been working with Teems Electric (of Ringgold, GA), to achieve some of her most important light fixture goals yet.  Teems specializes in both residential and commercial electrical work.  They are currently graciously volunteering for one of the most near and dear projects Dawn has ever been associated with.  With Teems Electric by her side, Dawn is working to create an uplifting and nurturing environment at the Children’s Advocacy Center in Jasper, TN. 

With that said, in previous posts, you may remember that Dawn has expressed how vital proper lighting is.  When it comes to brightening up your space, she emphasizes that everything from window treatments to paint color matters (Sherwin-Williams is her favorite).  Today though, we are going to focus solely on those light fixtures.  As always, Dawn doesn’t share just what to do……but she also dishes on how to do it.

Dawn’s tips for choosing proper light fixtures:

•  Ceiling height:  The higher the ceiling, the larger the light fixture should be.  If the ceiling is shorter, its length should not exceed 18 inches.

“For rooms with shorter ceilings, I recommend going with a light fixture that is more horizontal vs. vertical in shape.  It will simply look more showy and add character to your room,” reveals Dawn.   

“ Avoid light fixtures that hang too high or too low.  It should always be approximately 6 foot 7 inches from the bottom of the fixture to the floor. If you have a 28 foot ceiling, you should go the standard 8-10 feet from the floor,” emphasizes Totty.

•  Triple and quad lighting fixtures vs. one single light fixtures:  Dawn is a big fan of clusters of pendants and chandeliers.  

“You can use 3 full-sized chandeliers on one ceiling if it’s big enough.  I also like to stagger the lights, and prefer odd numbers of lights to even,”suggests Dawn.

“When it comes to contemporary kitchen island lighting, I would suggest a very large 4 ft. LED light.  You can go with a very long horizontal pendant, or you can go with 3 pendants depending on the size of course.  And when it comes to recessed light fixtures?  You can have too many, I promise.  I like pendant lights over a kitchen sink vs. recessed.  With the pendants,  you get nice ambient lighting – yet it’s an opportunity to create a little personality rather than simply have a light disk in the ceiling,”she adds.

•  Mixing metal finishes:  As Dawn has also emphasized in past posts, your home doesn’t have to be predictable or cookie-cutter.  She enjoys going outside of the box and mixing it up. 

“You can always mix your metal finishes.  A combination of brass and pewter is perfect,”explains Dawn.

•  Expensive vs. cost-effective:  Dawn is all about salvaging, refinishing and making the most of what you already have whenever possible.  Sometimes, the same can even be true of your current light fixtures.  Not every light absolutely has to be replaced – especially if it’s not in the budget.  

“Avoid fixating on buying that $300 light fixture.  Always buy the shape and size that is suitable for the space, as well as your personal style.  Sometimes all you need to do is buy a $5 can of spray paint (with primer) and refinish,” she reveals.

Though ceiling fans are not among Dawn’s preferred light fixtures, she emphasizes that even those can be improved for a small price.  

“If the ceiling is white, and you know you cannot budget enough to replace the ceiling fan – simply paint the blades the same color as the ceiling.  Remove your blades, take them outside, lay them on a big black garbage bag, and spray them with 2 or 3 coats of spray paint (with primer).  It will make your fan blend in more appropriately with your ceiling, rather than look like a big black spider hanging down,” she shares.

•  Light bulbs: Most important of all?  If you want adequate lighting, you must choose the right bulbs to make it happen.  

“A lot of people don’t necessarily think light bulbs matter, but they matter tremendously. LED bulbs are always the best option.  There are warm LEDS and then there are cool LEDS, which give off absolutely no heat. In the south, that is always the best option of course,” says Totty.

•  Exterior lighting:  

Dawn stresses that though interior lighting is crucial, we should also give attention to our exterior – especially if we are looking to sell anytime soon.

“About 85% of potential home buyers will drive by to look at your home at night.  Exterior illumination, porch entry light fixtures and landscaping lighting are all part of the curb appeal and “wow factor.”  Your exterior entrance light should be covered or semi-covered….not a flush mount.  It always adds value to a property to see a pretty light fixture vs. just a glow,” expresses Totty.

Needless to say, lighting can truly be everything.  What are some of your favorite light fixture styles?  Sound off in the comment section below.  

To keep up with Dawn D. Totty and her latest projects, follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

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About Dawn D. Totty Designs

Dawn D. Totty is an innovative Interior Designer focused on service, customization, enhancing property value and affordably designing spaces to reach their full potential.  Whether a home or business renovation, she has been successfully meeting individual needs and bringing personal visions to life, everywhere she goes.  As a self-described “problem solver,” Totty consistently saves her clients time and money, while reflecting their personal styles at affordable rates.  With a background which began in the New York Fashion industry, Totty has been designing people, places and spaces for 23 years.

In addition to her aesthetic talents and undeniable creativity, lies the mind of an entrepreneur.  She’s a real estate investor with a highly favorable track record.  She has been known to consistently make sizeable profits off of her investments as she has a trained eye for what potential buyers look for.  From homes, to business environments, Totty’s designs have been positively impacting lives both personally and professionally.

In the past year, Dawn’s designs have been featured in over 50 publications, including House Beautiful, Realtor.com, Reader’s Digest, City Scope, Chatter (Times Free Press), Stir Magazine (Sherwin Williams) Vie Magazine, American Farmhouse, and Contemporary Stone + Tile DESIGN. Most recently, Dawn was named the “Best Interior Designer” in Chattanooga’s 2019 “Best of the best” awards.

The post How to create exceptional lighting in your home (With Interior Designer Dawn D. Totty) appeared first on Homestead Holly.

However, this year, let me make a suggestion:  How about updating your space and enjoying it all year long? 

Now, it’s important to note that when I say “new year, new space,” I am not talking about spending a lot of money.  I am referring to simple, yet exciting ways you can improve your residential or commercial space.  Lucky for me, I happen to be friends with a top interior designer.  Dawn D. Totty of Dawn D. Totty Designs was named “Best Interior Designer” in Chattanooga’s 2020 “Best of the Best Awards.”  Lucky for all of us, Dawn has graciously agreed to share some of her greatest design secrets with us.

First, let’s talk about the most-defining 2020 design trend: 

Minimal is still in, folks.  There has recently been a wave of purging, downsizing and minimizing going on in America:  Let’s continue to welcome it.  Less really is more.  As we declutter and resist purchasing random knick knacks everywhere we go, we can better showcase the pieces and designs we cherish most.

Without further ado, here are some of Dawn’s ways in which you can spruce up your space in the new year:

#1 Fresh coats of paint:  Paint is one of those small upgrades, which makes a huge difference.  “Paint is a $30 refresher with 2-4 hours of labor,” expresses Totty.

How to implement:  “If you don’t want to commit to painting an entire room, pick a focal wall.  In your living room, it would preferably be the wall where your television sits. Choosing this wall will help camouflage the obvious large black box in the center of the wall.  Paint this wall 3 or 4 shades darker than the other walls in that room,” she reveals.

The 2020 paint colors of the year are as follows:  First Light (Benjamin Moore), Sun God (Kelly-Moore), Back to Nature (Behr), Minty Fresh (Dunn-Edwards), Songbird (Pratt & Lambert), Whirlwind (Glidden), Chinese Porcelain (PPG Paints) and Naval (Sherwin-Williams).

#2 Wall coverings:  “To add some character to your space, consider some wallpaper.  Wallpaper looks fabulous in bathrooms, living rooms and on your focal point wall,” shares Totty.

How to implement:  Head to a shop with quality wallpaper.  Dawn who resides in the Chattanooga area, recommends “Associated Fabrics” on Dodds Avenue.  They do have a website and online shop as well.

#3 Customizing with accessories:  Accessories are yet another way to make your space uniquely yours.  Your accessories should be a direct reflection of your personal style.  The more customized and uniquely you your accessories are, the more you will feel at home.

How to implement:  The best place to accessorize is in your local small shops.  In the Nashville area, the possibilities are endless.  Some of my Dawn’s personal favorites closer to her home are 1866 Revival in Sewanee, Area 61 (Broad Street – Chattanooga), as well as local art galleries.

“How about creating your own gallery wall?  Perhaps you could do a black and white wall of your own family photos,” she suggests.

#4  Textiles:  Again, textiles are small changes that make a big difference.

How to implement:  Change out bedding, shower curtains and pillows.  Perhaps you could also do some fresh new window treatments.  Yet again, Associated Fabrics is also among her favorite places to shop for textiles.

#5 Furniture:  Swapping out furniture is another way to make your space feel fresh and new.  Like Dawn’s other tips, this doesn’t have to be overly pricey or detailed.

 How to implement:  You have an endless amount of furniture options out there:  From local shops, to antique stores to Facebook Marketplace, you can reasonably achieve both comfort and style in 2020. When it comes to textiles and furniture, bold colors and patterns can really make your environment pop.  Also among some of this year’s biggest sofa trends are the color white, soft corners, curved-backs and round legs.

So there you have it.  Design doesn’t have to be overly complicated or time consuming.  Small changes can truly make a big difference.  Happy 2020 and happy designing!

Keep up with Dawn’s lastest designs by following her on Facebook

& Instagram!

The post New Year, New Space:  2020 Design Tips & Trends with Dawn D. Totty appeared first on Homestead Holly.