Customer service and problem resolution can make or break a company. The products or services can be great, but if something goes wrong and it isn't cared for properly, it could mean no more business from you, and possibly lots of negative word of mouth.

I recently had an experience where I was in need of a repair on my garage door that wouldn't open. My car was trapped inside my garage and I needed someone quickly. Without having a contact, I searched online for a local company. With no prior knowledge of the company, I made a phone call and was told that they had a job in the area and could be at my house in less than an hour. Great! I was happy so far.

Two men came to my house within the timeframe I was given and not only repaired the broken door, but also did a few things that needed to/should have been done throughout the years. They even serviced my other door "...since we're already here for a service call." These guys were not only nice, but since they had to charge me for a service call anyway, they checked out the doors from top to bottom for me. They even explained to me the regular maintenance that I should do to ensure proper operation in the future.

I paid the guys and they were on their way within 45 minutes of arriving at my house. My garage door was working like a charm and I was thrilled not to be trapped at home all day.

That night something happened. When I turned on my outside lights (attached to my garage), the circuit breaker tripped. Uh oh! It HAD to have something to do with the garage door work today. And it did. Upon further inspection, we found that they had unknowingly put a nail through the wire for the lights when reinforcing a bracket for the door spring. UGH! I immediately dreaded making the phone call the next day to explain the issue, anticipating either never receiving a call back, some story about how it wasn't their fault, or any myriad scenarios for shoddy work being dismissed by a service giver. Sadly, that must be what I'm used to because that's what I expected.

I made the call and was pleasantly surprised. When I explained the situation, they made plans to come out and remedy the problem. What? No argument? No defensive conversation or accusation that I may have done something wrong or that it wasn't a result of their work? No making me explain over and over what happened? The owner hired an electrician to come to the house that week and repair the damage. Situation resolved.

I tend to believe that it's problem resolution that makes a good company. Good service or products are expected. But when something goes wrong, how a company cares for you in order to make things right will probably determine whether you will call upon them again. I would call these guys back... and refer them to my friends.

We all like to make changes to our homes to keep things looking fresh and updated. Many times our budgets will not allow major changes, so we try and find ways to make smaller updates that make a difference.

Here are 10 things that you can do to give your house some no-cost/low-cost changes that will make a huge impact.

1. Paint. A gallon of paint is probably the least expensive way to make the biggest impact. If your new color works within your existing color scheme, you won't have to buy any new accessories or furnishings (unless you want to!). "Like" FHD's Facebook page (@functionaldesigns) and follow my posts that began earlier this week. I've begun a color series that will include understanding terminology and how to successfully pair colors.
2. Furniture arrangement. This no-cost option is what redesign is all about. I LOVE LOVE LOVE arranging furniture! Coming up with a new seating arrangement or interesting ways to use pieces from different parts of your home makes things more interesting. Call me anytime for help with this! :-)
3. Color scheme. I tend to use only a few colors when decorating my home. Keeping your color scheme primarily the same throughout allows you to move accessories from room to room to switch things up a bit. That doesn't mean that the walls of every room have to be the same color or that the furniture has to be all the same finish or fabric. It just means that the colors you choose for pieces in each room stay within the same palette.
4. Accent pillows and throws. Buying a couple of different sets of accent pillows and throws to change out for seasons (or whenever the mood strikes) is much less expensive than buying all new bed linens or a new couch. My advice when buying the largest or most expensive pieces for a room is to keep it simple. For example, buying a solid brown sofa versus one with a colorful or busy pattern will serve a couple of purposes. You will be less likely to grow tired of it as you might with a pattern, and it will be easy to create different looks and get creative using only pillows, throws or other accent pieces.
5. Slipcovers. In the case that you already have that busy couch, or you just want or need a new one, slipcovers are a great way to fake it. Not exactly cheap, but certainly not as expensive as a new piece of furniture, good quality slipcovers are an easy way to create a new look.
6. Rugs. Unless you spend big bucks on imported rugs, this could be another low-cost option for you to change the look in your room. There are plenty of stores that carry affordable rugs. If you have rugs in several different rooms, try swapping them out. (Another benefit to keeping a similar color scheme throughout your house.)
7. Artwork and accessories. Artwork and accessories don't always have to be paintings and vases. If you have a great collection of costume jewelry, try crafting up a shadow box full of items to display in your bedroom. Do you have small children who love to draw? Get a couple of your favorite works of art and frame them for your family room. Pull out a beautiful bowl or pitcher that you hardly use and display it. Get creative.
8. Flowers. Nothing brightens up a room like fresh flowers. If you're lucky enough to have a green thumb and a floral garden, bring some of that beauty inside. If not, even grocery stores sell inexpensive bouquets that you can treat yourself to each week.
9. Lighting. Lighting is one of the most important elements in design and decorating. There are different types of lighting used for different purposes, but there's nothing like natural light. Open up the blinds or shades and let the light in! During those darker months of the year, you may want to add some extra sources of light to be sure you're not lacking. Check your lightbulbs as well. At all times, be sure you're using the best type of bulb and appropriate wattage for the light source and its purpose.
10. Window treatments. This may not be an option for rooms with installed roman shades, or a very practical option for those windows adorned with mega-expensive custom drapes, but changing out sheers or panels doesn't have to be a break-the-bank activity. If you know your way around a sewing machine, making your own window treatments may be a fun activity. Simple valances may be fine for certain rooms, like bathrooms. Or sheers may work in rooms where privacy is not an issue.

Enter to win the FHD Frosty Facelift Contest. See details on our Contest page.

As my first blog post for the year, it's 10am and I'm sitting in bed in my pajamas with my cat at my feet. It may sound pretty lazy, but I've already been up for 4 hours, made breakfast and lunch, shipped off the kids to school, picked up coffee (yes, I went through the drive-through in my pjs), updated my website, finished up some paperwork and read through a presentation I am about to give today. Ok, I also checked Facebook to see what everyone is up to on this sunny winter day.

I'm very excited about the possibilities for 2012. After about a year or so in business, I feel as though I have begun to make a name for myself in the community and I've made some new friends and connections that I 'm really looking forward to working with this year. I have so many ideas and (I believe because of my marketing background) I'm having as much fun marketing my business as when I actually work on a project.

But it's not always fun. Building a business is a lot of work, and with a full-time job (that I thankfully still have), it's sometimes a challenge. Some days I feel as if all of the balls I have in the air will come crashing down, but I have a husband and family who are a great help with the kids and a wonderful boss (and lots of vacation time) that allow me to take care of business–both personal and professional–when I need it.

As I say all the time, I absolutely LOVE this business. I love helping people with their homes. I love to help to create a space that makes them happy, whether it's to live in or sell. I love to solve a problem and relieve some stress for them. I guess what I offer is decorating therapy. Hmmm... maybe I've just coined a new phrase. Whatever you call it, I love it. And I hope you find time to do what you love to do.

Happy New Year!

Enter to win the FHD Frosty Facelift Contest. See details on our Contest page.

Ribbon candy is one of those things that brings back childhood memories of the holidays for me. My grandmother always had ribbon candy out during this season. Using a glass apothecary jar filled with colorful candy ribbons makes a simple but festive display.

There are so many ways to decorate your entrance for the seasons. Here are some wonderful and creative ideas that scream winter and holidays.

This centerpiece is not only beautiful to look at, but also appeals to your sense of smell. Made with fresh greens, cut citrus and orange pomanders, this arrangement smells amazing.

A simple wooden box would be the perfect vessel for this rustic display. Use some florist's foam and picks to secure the greenery and fruit. Leave some fruit whole, cut some in half, and use cloves to make orange pomanders. Sprigs of spruce or pine add another layer to the sweet seasonal aroma. Keep in a cool place until you are ready to display.

So simple, yet so elegant. Use one large vase or bowl–or a collection of smaller ones–and some inexpensive beads and ornaments, and you can pull together something beautiful for your table.

Depending on whether you like a colorful display or a more understated one, choose your embellishments and throw them in a glass. It doesn't have to be a fancy arrangement, and you don't have to fill the vessel to the top. If using several smaller receptacles, vary the sizes and shapes to create more interest. Fill them all at different levels to allow the eye to move across the display and take it all in. As you entertain this holiday season, stagger some pieces around your holiday buffet table to dress it up a bit.

If you decide to use a large vase or bowl (a trifle bowl would work well), think about adding some LED string lights inside the bowl to give it some extra sparkle. Sprinkle a few extra beads or ornaments, or use some twigs or sprigs of pine around the arrangement to add yet another seasonal touch.

What a beautiful centerpiece, and so simple to do! Wreaths are not just for hanging on walls and doors. A decorated wreath used as a centerpiece adds some simple seasonal elegance. Surround it with candles in different sizes and heights, some extra ornaments or even some berries or other fruit to dress it up a bit more.

To make this sparkly silver wreath, spray paint a twig wreath with white or silver paint and sprinkle silver glitter on it while still wet.

This simple and beautiful centerpiece will last all season. With paper roses and white candles, this all-white table decor can be used at any time of the year. Place all on a tray to contain your arrangement or lay flat on a lovely table runner.

There are different variations of paper flowers you can make, and all different color tissue paper you can use if you prefer a more colorful centerpiece. You can even recruit your children to help make the flowers.

Click on the link to find a simple way to make paper flowers. You can cut off the "stem" so that you will have only the buds for your arrangement.

If you know me, you know that I love pretty things and love to decorate. But I don't have a lot of time, money or patience to do much crafting any more. If I'm going to create something, I want it quick, inexpensive and simple.

Here is one great example of a beautiful centerpiece that meets all of my needs. With a shallow bowl, some greens and pine cones that you can pull from outside (pine, spruce or holly would all work well) and a small vase of flowers, this gorgeous centerpiece can be pulled together in a matter of minutes!