Local interior decorator Michele Caprio, in conjunction with local multimedia company Blue Muse Media Works have released Interiors by Michele: Volume One on DVD. The DVD is the first part of a multi-volume set of DVDs that offers homeowners and DIY designers an in-depth examination of some of the most important elements in successful budget home design.
Whether your budget befits a royal, or is on the peasant level, the DVD offers a treasure trove of ideas for transforming the blandest, plain vanilla space into a stunning palace through the creative use of color, paint, pattern, and superlative window treatments.

On the DVD, host Michele Caprio guides the viewer through an inspiring tour of eight homes, each with its own distinctive style and the most fabulous window treatments ever devised. There is a myriad of ideas and inspirations to suit every taste. Queen Michele, complete with sparkling crown and scepter, guides the viewer throughout the 37-minute DVD, first showing the drab "before" and then the dramatic "after." The rich color schemes and amazing window treatments are nothing short of dazzling.

But this DVD is far more than just eye candy - it is extremely practical as well. Designer Michele explains exactly how the window treatment was done, and breaks down the expenses clearly and candidly. Close-ups of the elaborate valances, jabots, bishop's sleeves, and swags, along with the imaginative trims that set these window treatments apart from the ordinary, allow the viewer to see exactly he or she might be able to do it him or herself, and save even more money.

The details are fascinating - beaded trims sparkle in the light; tufts and tassels accent the outline; fringes, rosettes, and loosely tied knots punctuate the lavish flow of some drapes. It is impossible to watch this DVD and not feel a rising sense of excitement about the possibilities. Who wouldn't be tempted to reproduce the deftly looped, draped, fringed shower curtain shown in one home, with its elaborate form and trim which turn the modestly-sized room into a fantasy retreat?

Ms. Caprio also clearly demonstrates the enormous impact a daring palette can have on interiors. Most of the "befores" are vanilla white. It is amazing to see how the sustained use of a more assertive palette can tie together the disparate elements of a room - the warm toasts and caramels, rich burgundies, and saturated jewel tones with which several of the homes are decorated playa major role in unifying the rooms' disparate elements, and creating an enticing atmosphere which draws people in.

Interspersed with the thorough coverage of the interiors of eight homes, whose styles run the gamut from traditional, modern country, eclectic, and transitional, are decorating tips to guide both the novice and experienced through the design process. With refreshing common sense, Ms. Caprio counsels re-decorating just one room a year, so that one can truly concentrate both one's creative powers and financial resources on the project. For those who want to be ahead of the curve when choosing the next hot interior paint colors, Michele points out that today's fashion hits are tomorrow's interior design must-haves. In every case, though, the DVD pulls no punches and gives complete pricing details.