The Artful Home By Daina G Tate

Description of Work: I tried twice to contact Mrs. Tate. I left a voice message both times telling her exactly what type of service I would need. I left my phone number and never heard from her. This is unprofessional to not respond to a phone call for service.

Description of Work: Dana was referred to me by a friend who lives in exclusive neighborhood. I hesitated because my home was NOT in an exclusive area - and if fact needed a lot of updating on a pauper's budget. I needed all new kitchen cabinets - done in '50's - and sprucing up several peices of sentimental value. I hired a decorator but wasn't in agreement with her 'over all' plan( $$$).I decided I had little to lose so I called Daina. WOW! She has worked all over - including Europe - but is so down to earth! She suggested a re=do of cabinets instead of thousands in replacements - for the cost of paint - and told us how we could do this ouselves and instructed us on plieminary steps to prepare so we could save $ - We painted and taped and got everything ready for her - She provided the finishing look that was awesome! And WOW! we had a French kitchen in no time - including murals in some areas. The house was transformed. - She worked on an hourly basis and furnished all her own materials - stuff I didn't know existed - We proceeded to hire her for several other Faux painting and stucco looks on walls - as well as Bathroon cabinet to look old European, & unfinished furniture pieces that she transformed (after we painted and sanded) - She could have charged hugh prices for all her creative ideas alone - so much better than the decorator we hired and all so cost effective! I She has been featured in several publications and has done award winning looks ( my favorite being the mural-painting). For us she did on an awkwardly placed door- she came up with the idea and painted my door- told me to paint my wall black ( yea - I was hesitant) - then put the good artwork I had collected and instructed me how to align on wall - on the wall - the door became a picture- We primed - then later added multiple coasts of product she advised to protect her mural - ( I could sell the door for the price of my whole job!) - She even went in garage and helped me pull out some things she felt could re-finished and used in creative ways. I am amazed by her talent and eye and her prices. She works with the richest of clients - and people like me - and treats us all fairly. She explains in detail. I'm looking now at a sentimental piece that started it's life as a bus-station for waiters (in the family from beginnings - old and bulky - it is now our bar with wheels and molding and a fluer de lis she stenciled on in rich gold and cream colors. Everyone comments on it's beauty and after our prep work - it probably costus $150 + hidden wheels she suggested ...she could have done it all for a little more! - but our pennies count. If you can afford to have a craftsperson like Daina do it all - Go For it! If you can do the prep and finishing - she can work on your budget - The weathiest of people use her and are pleased with her work and prices - Others in the "don't make a million dollar income" appreciate her as well. I know she will please even the pickiest!