Hope you tuned in to see me launch Kimberly-Clark's Room-A-Day Giveaway LIVE on The View? What a great group of women. For those of you who missed yesterday's show, check out the clip by using this link to The View's website. As you know, I'm working in tandem with Kimberly-Clark and for the past couple of weeks I've been revamping The View's dressing room area, hoping to turn these dated spaces into a home away from home for the show's guests.

And let me tell you, the pressure was on. The View's dressing room area has hosted everyone from the President-elect to international superstars, so no big deal, right? Then again, I've designed for Jennifer Lopez & Marc Anthony, The W Hotels and I even have some international projects in the hopper, so I knew we'd be able to pull this off and transform the spaces into something stunning.

Channeling this year's Room-A-Day Giveaway theme, I wanted to create spaces that would soothe and calm time-crunched guests by using décor that would create a sense of comfort, style and warmth. I wanted guests to relax in an inviting and stylish space where they could be comfortable and at ease--just like in the sanctuary of their own home. As you can see from the before and after photos, I couldn't be happier with the results and I must give major kudos to my tireless team that helped bring my vision to life. And a special thanks goes out to Vanguard Furniture for their top-notch selection of traditionally chic and classic furniture, and Kravet for their beautiful and unique fabrics, all of which I used to decorate the spaces.

I look forward to chronicling my adventures with the Room-A-Day Giveaway program in this blog. Be sure to enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win one of the 16, $25,000 room makeovers so you can transform your space! And check out all of my design tips for some thought starters on how to update your home. You can also pick up my new book, Thom Filicia Style, which is available now online or at retailers across the nation.

I'll be posting live updates and new blog entries every Tuesday so come back soon!

Greetings from fabulous Las Vegas! No, I'm not starting my own show down here (although that doesn't sound too bad...) I'm here talking about the design work that I've been doing with Amana Kitchen and Appliance. The kitchen is the most popular room in the house-it's a people magnet! So naturally you want your kitchen to not only reflect your personal style, but it needs to be practical and sensible. If you're looking for some good design tips specifically for your kitchen, check out the gallery photos at www.Amana.com and you'll see three beautiful kitchen designs.

And speaking of design tips, I had so much fun answering all of your home design questions last week during the Room-A-Day Giveaway online press conference. What a cool experience. For those of you who weren't able to log onto the online press conference, I'll give you a quick debrief:

I chatted with a bunch of members of the media via a Web/Cam and walked them through the before and after photos at the View. I pointed out some tips and techniques for recreating a similar aesthetic in your own home. Like mixing different textures such as matte with shiny, and pushing yourself to decorate outside the box. Just because you live in a colonial home, doesn't mean that your interior needs to reflect that!

And like any press conference or interview with the media, my favorite part was when we opened the floor for questions. You guys never cease to amaze me with your thoughtful, detailed, design queries. Whether it was, "I'm a busy mom, how can I have a chic home when there are always legos laying around?" or "What's your favorite, cheap trick that instantly transforms a room?" (The answer to the latter is to paint, paint, paint! It's inexpensive and freshens up any room. And don't forget about mother nature - always use VOC paint), we touched on ways that anyone can achieve a homey home for their friends and family.

I'm off to take in the sights and sounds of Vegas and I look forward to chatting with you all next week. And don't forget to tell your friends and family to enter the Room-A-Day Sweepstakes at RoomADayGiveaway.com, they could win a $25,000 room make-over.

Wow. Too bad I can't enter.

XOXO,
Thom

Hey Guys,

I can't wait.

Next Monday, February 2nd on the View, one of the lovely ladies will call out the very first winner of the $25,000 Room-A-Day make-over.

I'm so excited for the lucky winner-to-be. I can't believe it's the end of January. It seems like just yesterday I was redesigning the guest dressing rooms and rehearsal room at the View.

Since the show aired, I've received such great emails from so many of you with stories and questions about your own home decor challenges. For those of you who still need some help don't despair. You can try these three quick and simple tips listed below. I mentioned these in the "Tip Section" on the RoomADayGiveaway web site, but wanted to call them out again because they're so easy!

Personalize Your Space
Your home should be an extension of your personality. If your kids are little Picasso's, showcase their artwork around the home. No need to spend a lot of money on expensive gallery art. Find a frame that works with your decor (you can't go wrong with a black, matte frame) and place it over the mantel, in the hallway or kitchen. No kids? No worries! Consider framing a map from your favorite city. It's offbeat and an instant conversation starter.

Will Work For Furniture Don't be afraid to scour your local antique shop, favorite flea market or off-beat vintage store for unique furniture finds. You can find great one-of-a-kind pieces that won't break the bank. And be sure to search the internet because there are some fabulous designer knock-offs that are very affordable.

Lose the Matchy-Matchiness
You wouldn't wear one designer brand from head to toe, so why do the same with your living room? Be creative, inventive and switch it up. Each piece you select in a room should have character, be eye-catching and tell your story. It doesn't matter if your furniture, artwork, and textiles are collected during exotic trips or sourced from local design shops. As long as the overall look is original with intriguing juxtapositions and unexpected contrasts you'll create a beautiful room.

And in my new design book, "Thom Filicia Style" you can find more tips, some case studies and beautiful examples that will give you the confidence to express your personality through design and create the interior of your dreams. Looking for the book? Head to Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com for quick and easy shipping.

Until next time.

XOXO,
Thom

Hi Everyone,

I'm back. It's week four of the Room-A-Day Giveaway and I hope that you and your friends have entered to win one of the sixteen, $25,000 room make-overs. How could you pass up an opportunity to redesign any room in your home with twenty-five grand?

And speaking of design, I was just in Buckhead, Atlanta to launch the new W Buckhead hotel I designed. I really loved this project and the space came out stunning! I call it southern hospitality with a modern twist. The concept was to maintain the grand traditions of the south, and provide a comfortable, stylish, urban environment infused with the historical references that define the rich tradition of Buckhead. Take a look at these pics and let me know what you think.

In the same way I channeled the personality of Buckhead into the hotel, I always encourage my clients to channel their own personality and style into their home.

You're a blue jeans and t-shirt kind a girl? Great! Why have a home that feels like a cold museum?

At the W Buckhead, I wanted to create a luxurious setting but still keep it fun and

unpretentious. You can expect to see bright pops of color with modern twists. Keep an eye out for turquoise guestroom doors accented with orange trim and large pewter door knockers that complement cool color palettes.

I must say, I'm quite happy with the end result!

Talk to you soon.

XOXO,
Thom

Hi Everyone,

If you're anything like me, you love winter: the beautiful snow, cozy nights beside the fire, snuggling up on the couch with a good book and of course, a delicious glass of wine (or 5, just kidding). Some of my favorite times have been spent at my home in upstate New York. As some of you already know, I'm originally from Syracuse, so not only do I look forward to the changing of the seasons, but I embrace it!

Whether it's the snow or the desire to save a little money, 2009 is the year of the home entertainer. This month, it's all about your home and creating space that's warm and inviting; a place where your friends and family can get together to play Taboo on a Saturday night (hey, board games are the new cocktail party).

For those of you who are dying to host a Friday night get together with family and friends but need to take your great room from drab to fab, try these 4 design tips:

• Opt for an area rug over an Oriental imposter. Area rugs create rooms within rooms and are so much fresher and younger
• Stagger sofas, chairs, lamps, bookcase and artwork at various heights to move the eye up and down the walls
• Patterns add personality, but sometimes they do more. Choose prints that remind you of the world travels that you've gone on and the places you've been
• Simple finishes, clean lines, and crisp, modern style always look timeless. Try integrating the TV by handing artwork above and below the screen

Truth be told, my busy schedule has left me with little down time to invite friends over, cook or hang around the house. I've been on the go, busy with great projects such as redesigning a children's unit at St. Vincent's Medical Center in New York City.

I wanted to create an environment for children and teenagers in need that's warm, comfortable, and inviting. Moreover, I really wanted design to be a part of the healing process and I think that it's important to treat the whole person by providing an environment that enhances their spirit. I'm using fresh, warm colors, interesting objects and unique layouts. And I'm incorporating whimsical elements like exaggerated utensils on the walls of the dining room and children's furniture in the shape of acorns and leaves to stoke the imagination.

The concept was to truly use design as a tool in the healing process so that kids could respond in a positive way and staff could perform their amazing jobs in a space that lent itself to imagination and productive healing.

I'm so happy that I'm working with St. Vincent's to create a space that eases the healing process and hopefully, brings lots of smiles.

As soon as my schedule dies down, you all know where I'm heading: my couch to hang with my dogs Paco and Foxy.

XOXO,
Thom

Hi Everyone,

Sadly, this is my last blog posting for the Kimberly-Clark Room-A-Day Giveaway Program.

What a great experience. I'm so glad that I teamed up with K-C to officially launch the Sweepstakes and share some of my favorite design tips. I hope you found them useful!

By now we've had fifteen lucky, very lucky, entrants win one of the sixteen $25,000 room make-overs. Be sure to return to the Room-A-Day Giveaway web site on or around March 13th, 2009, because the sixteenth and final winner will be revealed.

It could be you, so if you haven't already.enter, enter, enter! You have until March 6th.

And for those of you who didn't make out with the extra cash to revamp your own homes, don't worry. I've armed you with some of my top tips that will instantly update any space in your home. Whether you're on a tight budget or have money to splurge, interior design is personal and unique to everyone. And don't forget you also have my new book, "Thom Filicia Style: Inspired Ideas for Creating Rooms You'll Love" available as a great resource to help you. As I say in the book: "Think of me as your decorating wingman, someone who'll advise, support, inspire (and occasionally browbeat) you, so you don't have to white-knuckle it alone."

Work with what you've got and don't shy away from bold colors or different textures like woven rugs and sleek fabrics.

If you live in a small, one bedroom condo get creative and employ multifunctional furniture such as a coffee table that also has deep drawers for extra storage.

Strapped for cash and want to revive your den so your kids have a fun place to play and you can simultaneously unwind with your friends? Throw a fresh coat of paint on the walls of the room. Shy away from beige. It's blah. Spice it up and infuse your home with color. And as I've mentioned before, consider VOC paint: it's friendly to the environment.

It's sad to leave you all. I've had such a blast and look forward to chatting with you again.

Season Four of my show "Dress My Nest," is premiering in May 2009 on the Style Network so be sure to check it out! If you're looking for more information, head to MyStyle.com for the latest info on the show.

Thank you again for joining me as I recounted the past couple of weeks of the Room-A-Day Program.

Au Revoir.
XOXO,
Thom