Sandi Gerrard
Redesigning Your World … One Room at a Time
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After almost 25 years in the corporate world, Sandi Gerrard knew it was time for a change. She had spent most of those years at a major Canadian law firm, first as an Administrative Assistant in the Patent, Trademark and Copyright area and later as a Marketing Coordinator. In 2003, she took a short leave of absence, did a bit of soul-searching and tossed a few ideas around.
In the spring of 2004, Sandi read an article in a Toronto newspaper about Val Sharp, President of the Canadian Redesigners Association (CRDA), who was in town teaching a course.
She immediately called Val to get more information about Interior Redesign – a term she had not yet heard of, but in fact had been practicing the concept for a very long time. As a young girl, Sandi helped her mother re-arrange the furniture quite often – that is until her father began crafting built-in dressers, window seats and bookshelves !
Sandi was so inspired by her conversation with Val Sharp that she signed up for the next course and never looked back. It was an intensive hands-on approach to learning the principals of Redesign as well as business start-up.
As Oprah would say, it was one of those “Ah-Ha” moments and Sandi then decided to turn her passion for home décor into a full-fledged career. Shortly after, Feel at Home Interior Redesign was born. Sandi also became very involved in the CRDA and was elected Vice President of the Association in September 2005.
"I traded 9 - 5 for 24 - 7, but I love every minute of it!" Sandi said. "I'm so passionate about my business and truly enjoy what I do. I wouldn't trade it back for the world."
Interior Redesign is all about creating beautiful and functional rooms that reflect the personality and lifestyle of the people who live in them. A Redesign specialist never judges your belongings - it doesn't matter whether you shop at Goodwill or Thomasville.
Redesigners use the client’s existing furniture, artwork and accessories along with some careful editing to transform rooms into balanced and harmonious spaces.
They “shop the house” with the client to find hidden treasures and forgotten heirlooms, things that the homeowner didn't think would work with their existing décor or room layout. The beauty of it all is that most of the work can be done in just one day!
Redesigners also help homeowners prepare their homes for the real estate market by “staging” them. Staging is the art of packaging a home as a product so that it appeals to the majority of buyers. The most effective way of doing this is by de-cluttering, de-personalizing and updating the overall look of a home.
For Sandi, the biggest reward is the look of amazement on the homeowner’s face when they see their “new” room at the end of the day.
But her love of redesign doesn't just stop here! She has just recently been approved as a Redesign Instructor and is also one of the CRDA's Mentors for the Ontario region – always willing to share her knowledge and passion to help guide and assist some of the newer members.
As a way of giving back to the community, the CRDA has partnered with the National Ovarian Cancer Association (NOCA) by offering women in treatment a complimentary room makeover that will provide them with a restful place in which to focus on wellness and recovery.
Feel at Home Interior Redesign is a proud supporter of this initiative, and Sandi has just created a “haven” for a woman in her own Brampton community with the assistance of one of her fellow CRDA members. The smiles and hugs of gratitude were enough reward for the time and effort.
And in her “spare” time, Sandi enjoys shopping at flea markets and antique shops. She’s always searching for that special piece of junk that can be turned into treasure.
Written by: Irene Darra |
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| ReDesign your Rooms for that Special Occasion |
| ReDesign Saves Time & Money |
| Why Should a Home be Staged? |
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