By Chris Jones, Staff Writer

Jennifer Hicks, owner of Designing Diva Interiors, used a can of red paint and a client's grandmother's china to transform a boring entryway.

The area went from drab to dramatic on a budget. And she said anyone should be able to get those kinds of results. 

If your home interior is frozen in time, thaw it out with something new for spring. Do it yourself or get help from a designer who will look at your home objectively. 

Hicks said she enjoys the challenge and creativity of helping people discover the potential of items they already have. She said she works on small projects as well redoing every room in a client's house.

"Many people believe it's a luxury to use a decorator," Hicks said. "It doesn't have to be expensive."

Hicks said she can help people transform a room in a few hours. For others, she is a personal shopper. For some clients, the work begins with demolition and is an ongoing project.

"People stick beautiful, sentimental things in their closets and never see them again," Hicks said.

"The white heirloom china was simple and elegant on the repainted wall. Sometimes people don't realize what they already have."

An ornate mirror stored in an attic, leather-bound books from a garage sale, and a refinished buffet table combined to add a sophisticated, uncluttered look in the entryway in the home of one of Hicks' clients.

"An entryway sets the mood when guests walk in," Hicks said.

"The use of art, family photos and bright color on the walls all say who you are as a person. The entryway is often overlooked."