My Name Isn't Martha But I Can Renovate My Home

Sharon Hanby-Robie has been an interior designer and a member of the American Society of Interior Designers for more than thirty years, with her own business, Town House Interiors. She is also a licensed real estate agent and an actress who has appeared in numerous informercials. She has written several books, including Decorating Without Fear and My Name Isn't Martha But I Can Renovate My Home. She and her husband live in Pennsylvania.

CONTENTS
EXPLANATION OF ICONS
INTRODUCTION

PART ONE: EVALUATING AND PLANNING
1. TO MOVE OR IMPROVE -- THAT IS THE QUESTION!So Where Do You Begin?
Whom Should You Consult?
The Contractor
Should I Borrow or Pay Cash?
Words of Wisdom

2. PLANNING FOR AN IMPROVEMENT
Your Lifestyle, Your Home
Inside Out: Style, Structure, and Design
The Addition
Professional Who's Who
Checklist for Budgeting
Words of Wisdom

3. FLOORING AND LIGHTING -- TWO ESSENTIALS
Flooring
Lighting
Words of Wisdom


PART TWO: INTERIOR RENOVATIONS AND PRODUCTS
4. KITCHENS: PRICING, PLANNING, CABINETS, AND COUNTERTOPS
Materials and Budgets
What Am I Looking For? -- Making a Wish List
The Plan
Nitty-gritty -- Cabinets and Countertops
Words of Wisdom

5. EVERYTHING ELSE, INCLUDING THE KITCHEN SINK
Sinks
Faucets
Appliances
Words of Wisdom

6. BATHROOMS
Expectations and Evaluations -- Rework or Start from Scratch?
The Plan
Materials and Budgets
Sizes Shouldn't Matter
The Small Bathroom
Large Bathrooms
The Fixtures -- Tubs, Showers, Sinks, and Toilets
Words of Wisdom

7. LIVING, DINING, AND FAMILY ROOMS
Expectations and Evaluations -- Rearranging and Redesigning
Architectural Elements
The Plan
Budget Balancing
Words of Wisdom

8. MASTER SUITES AND OTHER BEDROOMS
The Master Suite
Closets and Built-ins
Sleepless in Seattle
Your Children's Rooms
New Spaces
Words of Wisdom

9. BASEMENTS AND ATTICS
Basements: Work or Play -- Realistic Expectations
Budgets
The Floor Plan
Home office -- Special Considerations
Home Theater -- Lights, Camera, Action!
Attics -- Upward Possibilities
Words of Wisdom


PART THREE: EXTERIOR RENOVATIONS
10. ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES AND EXTERIOR SURFACE ELEMENTS
The History and Design of Your Home
Windows
Skylights
Shed-Roof Dormer
Exterior Doors -- Don't Slam That Door!
Exterior Finish Materials -- Paint, Stain, Stucco, or What?
Garage Doors
Words of Wisdom

11. OUTDOOR LIVING
Sunrooms and Conservatories
Porches and Decks
Outdoor Lighting
You're Cooking
Pools
Words of Wisdom

HAVE FUN
CREDITS