No remodeling needed here!

Three nights ago I had the good fortune to be included in a party at Club Cielo in the new high rise condominium project in Seattle called Escala. I was blown away by the decor, amenities, food, and service at the club. Built by developer Eric Midby, this sophisticated condo complex brings a touch of NY to downtown Seattle.

My experience started in the lobby where the roaring fireplace set against creamy stone creates a luxurious entrance. Then, my party bypassed the gorgeous staircase with custom iron railings and koa wood art installation to take the elevator, which was a delightful art deco inspired ride. Once out of the elevator, I was immediately struck by the backlit marble bar in the club. Staff members told me there are over 1,000 color variations that slowly change throughout the hours.

The food was delectable - an extravagant raw bar was overflowing with braised sable fish, petite oysters, marinated mussels, alaskan king crab, smoked salmon and other seafood delicacies. A carved kobe beef station included crispy onion threads and watercress with each custom made beef panini. And the dessert station sported a "frozen grill" which immediately froze chocolate and other confections into a perfect adult lollipop. Late in the evening, I was offered a tour of the spotless kitchen where the chef topped a spoonful of blueberry mousse with truffle and hazelnut. Delightful!

We took a quick tour through the workout and spa facilities which were very tastefully designed and complete with state of the art facilities. My group ended the party sipping scotch in the private theatre's luxurious and deep leather chairs.

Why am I mentioning it in a blog about home remodeling? While Escala's lifestyle may be a dream for many, some of the best Seattle design talent was involved in this project, and everyone can get inspiration for their homes from elements in this residence.

Budget Decorating Tips - 5 Ways to Bring Flair to Your Rooms

When it comes to home decorating, you can dramatically enhance your home without breaking the bank. Here are five simple ways you can update your home while on a budget.

Paint is always going to give you the biggest bang for your buck. Bright or bold color can add drama. You can do different walls in shades of the same hue or pick up a few colors drawn from the room's fabrics and accessories. If you are up to a challenge, use painting tape or stencils to create shapes and patterns.

Accents and accessories bring out your personality. Spread candles throughout your home to give a cozy feel. Old postcards or photos printed in black and white or sepia make inexpensive artwork when framed. For your living room a collection of fun, colorful, or graphically interesting throw pillows transform any old sofa instantly. New towels with matching shower curtain combined with a jar of soap and a plant makes a bathroom into a relaxing getaway. Collection of different size house plants in matching ceramic pots bring warmth to any room.

Lighting can make or break a room. Consider three key lighting principles to show off your home and its design: ambient lighting infuses a room and gives a glow; task lighting provides light for specific activities and areas; and spotlights show-off artwork or reflect light. You can also have some fun with lighting by using colored light bulbs. Refresh that old lamp by buying a new shade.

Invest in a set of curtains to add lushness bring focal point to windows. Any standard, store-bought curtains can tie a room together effortlessly. Make sure that the color is represented somewhere else in the room. Embellish these window dressings with borders or tassels.

Refresh furniture with stylish slipcovers. A slipcover can hide unattractive upholstery, add a dash of color to a room, introduce a new style, or perform a seasonal makeover by adding a holiday mood to a room.

-Villette Nolon

For the inside scoop on home remodeling events, guides and trends, visit HomeSavvi for all your home remodeling needs. HomeSavvi- Your Home for Home Remodeling.