Before & After

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Tales From The Set

Letter From Debbie

Hello Everyone;

You all know that I love colour, but when Costa showed me he and his wife Toni's bedroom I was truly shocked. I might have chosen the bright orange walls for a kid's playroom, or even a modern kitchen, but not for a master bedroom. This advancing colour is far too energetic and cheerful. It's a wonder they weren't having nightmares!

Toni wanted a romantic, peaceful space and Costa begged me to intervene before his enthusiastic wife orchestrated another disastrous decorating job. We discovered via our hidden camera that she loved moulding detail, and this was all I needed to spark my imagination.

Costa's only fear was that his mother-in-law would discover the secret and either veto the whole idea or tell Toni, but she was easy to win over. In fact, the entire neighborhood got in on the act, which is always fun even though the constant interruptions take up valuable time on our tight schedule.

The theme is a Tuscan illusion, with subtle plaster walls, mouldings built out around the upper walls and small rosettes on the ceiling. A gorgeous headboard decorated with authentic plaster mouldings, and a large mirror framed with plaster flowers are both exquisite focal pieces that enrich the mood.

The new colours are soothing lilac, mauve and white with a cloudy paint effect on the ceiling. I took a chance on the floor and chose an unconventional vinyl, but the gray stone design complements the room and is warm and soft underfoot.

This bedroom is now the perfect place for Costa and Toni to share pleasant dreams. And judging from Toni's screams of joy, I think she agrees.

Debbie

Letter From Toni

Dear Debbie,

When I left early that Friday morning in July, it was with mixed feelings. You see, every July 4th weekend Costa and I visit our friends in Boston for the festivities. A couple of days before we left, my darling husband informed me that he could not go because his agent had called for an important "shoot". My first reaction was one of complete disbelief (actually I was a little upset too). But in the end, we decided that this was too important for Costa to pass up, and because it was so close to our departure, I would go to Boston with my sister Joanne.

Little did I know that the minute I left that morning, the entire neighbourhood would be welcoming THE Debbie Travis and THE Facelift team!!!

My weekend away was wonderful, but I missed my boys (Costa, Nicholas and Quincy, the dog), so Joanne and I were on the road at 7 a.m. that morning. When I pulled into the driveway that afternoon, I was looking forward to a quiet dinner with the family and maybe doing a couple of loads of laundry. What happened next was the thrill of a lifetime.

As I walked in, I did not suspect a thing because the house was spotless (kudos to your team). As I walked up towards the bedrooms, I noticed lights, but being tired from the drive home, I didn't make anything of it. All of a sudden you peered from around my bedroom door and we know what followed. I apologize for all the screaming, but I could not believe that Debbie Travis was in my house. And to add to that surprise was this incredible new bedroom.

You and the Facelift crew completely transformed our bedroom into a beautiful romantic oasis. I still can't believe the change. Costa and I absolutely LOVE the colours and the Old World, Tuscany feeling of our new room.

My friends, family and neighbours couldn't stop gushing over how great it was to meet you and the friendly, cheerful and hard working group of people on your team.

THANKS A MILLION Debbie, to you and your talented band of carpenters, designers, camera crew, make-up artists, caterers -- everyone who helped with our bedroom. Thank you for picking Costa's letter; he surprised me even more by orchestrating this without my having a clue. Thanks also to my Mom, Dad, my sister and good friends Olga, Robert and Mark who collaborated on making this thrill of a lifetime possible. To my neighbours, "You guys are just great," and to my husband, "You truly are the most thoughtful guy in the world."

Wishing you much success for the coming season and always,

Your No. 1 fan,
Toni