Talkin’ with Thom Filicia about the Room-A-Day Giveaway

The other day I was chatting online with my new BFF Thom Filicia, whom you probably know best from Bravo TV’s Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, and most recently from The Style Network’s Dress My Nest.

OK, before I go any further, I should probably clarify something, for credibility’s sake. Everything I said in that previous sentence is true, except for the fact that Thom isn’t actually my new BFF. I just kind of wish he was. Because the video chat I got to have with him and a few other bloggers made me so giddy that I just wanted to reach through my laptop and give him a big ol’ smooch. (Cue Thom’s bodyguards putting me on their radar… now.)

Anyway, the reason Thom was chatting with us is because he has teamed up with Kimberly-Clark and ABC’s The View to launch the Room-A-Day Giveaway Sweepstakes.

Here’s the deal: Now through March 6, you can enter online at www.RoomADayGiveaway.com for the chance to be one of the 16 winners to receive $25,000 for a room makeover.

$25,000? That’s a lot of coin.

Of the 16 winners chosen, 15 will be announced during the course of the The View from Feb. 2 to Feb. 15, and the 16th winner will be revealed on the Room-A-Day Giveaway Web site on or around March 13.

To celebrate the launch of the sweepstakes, Thom transformed the “sad and uninspired” (his words) dressing rooms and rehearsal hall at The View.

Check out how he worked his magic:

The Rehearsal Hall before (photo credit: ABC/Donna Svennevik):

The Rehearsal Hall after (photo credit: ABC/Steve Fenn):

One of the Dressing Rooms before (photo credit: ABC/Donna Svennevik):

That same Dressing Room after (photo credit: ABC/Steve Fenn):

and…

Once you’ve lifted your jaw from the ground, read on for some of Thom’s favorite design tips:

– Make Your Home Inviting: Put comfort first by selecting furnishings for their usability. Choose beautiful, comfortable dining chairs rather than delicate antiques, and opt for a nap-worthy sofa with plenty of pillows.

– Find Inspiration in Your Personal Belongings: When selecting a room’s color scheme, take cues from your own wardrobe and favorite personal objects.

– Design on a Dime: Forget high-end art galleries. A great way to stay on budget is to enlarge your favorite photo on a canvas or frame your children’s artwork to add some playful elements to a room.

– Brighten Up the Atmosphere: Well-placed pools of light create islands of warmth. Place votives in darkened corners or put a reading lamp with a soft light next to a super cushy sofa to help set the mood.

Hmm. Remember when I called on Nate Berkus to help me do some major reorganization in my house for 2009? I think I’m going to have to reconsider and invite Thom on over instead. I’m sure he’ll be more than happy to hear this!

If I can’t make that happen, though, at least I’ll have my copy of his new book, Thom Filicia Style: Inspired Ideas for Creating Rooms You’ll Love to help me out.

And do not think that I’m above placing a big ol’ smooch on that book jacket picture of Thom. Just sayin’.