Featured Designers

DeAnna Radaj, Allied ASID

http://www.bantedesign.com/

01/18/08-Milwaukee, WI: Bante Design is proud to introduce these event dates for WINTER 2008 as well as their new division, 3E Products (ENHANCE the ENERGY of your ENVIRONMENT!) and eco-friendly product line:

1/31 6:30p-8p	Feng Shui & Romance - Your Sacred Journey, Hales Corners www.yoursacredjourney.com
2/05 6:30p-8p	Feng Shui & Romance, Greenfield Park & Rec, Greenfield www.ci.greenfield.wi.us
2/07 6:30p-7:30p	Healthy Home Tips for Everyone, Milwaukee NARI Home Show This presentation will also be the launch for Bante Design LLC's newest division, 3E Products. We will be featuring our eco-friendly line of room/linen sprays, glass cleaner and dish-washing liquid. We will also have both of DeAnna's books for purchase and signing, as well as some of our exclusive Feng Shui Chocolates!! www.milwaukeenari.com
2/16 9a-6p	Healthy Home Tips for Everyone, Women's Day Fair Women of all ages are invited to a full day dedicated to women & their interests. DeAnna will be one of the lunchtime keynote speakers. Breakfast/Lunch available. Cost: FREE Location: Wilson Commons Community Center, 1400 W Sonata Dr, Milwaukee DeAnna will have product and books for sale after her presentation!! Contact: Deb Mikulski at 414-324-1082 to RSVP
2/17 2p-5p	Feng Shui for the Home & Office, HealthyDining Chicago DeAnna Radaj, author of "Designing the Life of Your Dreams from the Outside In" and creator of a new eco-friendly product line, shares her top feng shui tips. Radaj’s clients include the Merchandise Mart, Froedtert Hospital, and Alverno College. Space is limited. RSVP required. Free for HDC subscribers/volunteers; $24 for all others (includes a 2-yr e-subscription to HDC). Seasonal, fair-trade, organic beverages will be served. E-mail Laura@HealthyDining.org by noon on Wednesday, Feb 13 to RSVP. Location: 934 West Fry Street in Chicago. www.healthydining.org/events_upcoming.html for more info.

We look forward to seeing you at a workshop, seminar or answering any questions you have on our new eco-friendly product line of household cleaners and Feng Shui Chocolates!!

DeAnna Radaj, a designer who specializes in Integrative Lifestyle Design (the fusion of Eastern and Western interior design philosophies incorporating Feng Shui and healthy home principles to create a balanced, healthy and supportive space) is the owner of Bante Design LLC and its production division, Eden Place Productions. Ms. Radaj is a national speaker on topics ranging from Healthy Home design for all family members (children, adults and pets), Feng Shui, easy design tips and trends and exploring a problem most of us have...CLUTTER (why we have it and how to "get rid of it"!). Ms. Radaj was the editor of the WI ASID newsletter, which featured her column "The Business of Design", and has been featured in M, Milwaukee Home, and MKE and frequently in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She has also been a featured guest on radio and TV. She has authored, "Designing the Life of Your Dreams from the Outside In" (07/06) and "Feng Shui for Teens" (4/1/07).

For further info, contact us at (414) 403-8174 or at info@bantedesign.com.

7/27/07 Milwaukee, WI: Bante Design is proud to introduce these new workshops for Fall 2007: Chocolate & Feng Shui: In this new workshop, learn the history and basics of the ancient science of Feng Shui (Black Hat Sect) and the 9 Life Areas of the Bagua Board, paired with hand-made, gourmet chocolates that signify each area. Chocolates are matched by ingredient to their corresponding life area.

"DeAnna is an energetic and enthusiastic instructor who inspires her students to 'go forth and be creative.' Her classes are extremely popular, and she consistently gets rave reviews."
- Debra Pass, Director, Telesis Institute, Alverno College

Check out these other new offerings:

Teens -
The Laws of Attraction for Teens: Learn the principles of positive thinking and how to attract the things you want in life into your life. Topics discussed are the powers of positive thought, how what/who you surround yourself with affects you, how to set goals/priorities to achieve success and some confidence building skills that will empower you throughout school, a job and life.

Adults -
Attracting Abundance: In this new workshop we learn the Laws of Attraction and the power of positive thought to help achieve your goals/dreams. Next, we learn some basic Feng Shui (Black Hat Sect school), the bagua board and the Wealth/Abundance area. We spend the rest of our time learning how to activate this all important area through color, the corresponding element/shape and accessories. Integrative Lifestyle Design: Learn about this unique design style, the fusion of Eastern and Western design philosophies and how to integrate these principles into your space! Learn about the ancient art of Feng Shui (Black hat sect school), the Bagua Board and its 9 Life Areas from the Eastern side. From the West, learn about space planning, healthy home principles and de-cluttering. Finally, using color, the 5 senses and elements we create a beautiful space for all occupants.

***Workshops can be booked for groups of 8 people or more.***
***Workshops are 2 hours in length unless otherwise noted. ***

DeAnna Radaj, an interior designer who specializes in Integrative Lifestyle Design (the fusion of Eastern and Western interior design philosophies incorporating Feng Shui and healthy home principles to create a balanced, healthy and supportive space) is the owner of Bante Design LLC and its production division, Eden Place Productions. Ms. Radaj is a national speaker on topics ranging from Healthy Home design for all family members (children, adults and pets), Feng Shui, easy design tips and trends and exploring a problem most of us have...CLUTTER (why we have it and how to "get rid of it"!). Ms. Radaj was the editor of the WI ASID newsletter, which featured her column "The Business of Design", and has been featured in M, Milwaukee Home, and MKE and frequently in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She has also been a featured guest on radio and TV. Her first book, "Designing the Life of Your Dreams from the Outside In" hit #1 on Amazon.com in its category (10/06) and continues to sell well in the US and UK. Her second book, "Feng Shui for Teens" was released 4/1/07.

For further info or to set up a book-signing or workshop, contact us at (414) 403-8174 or at info@bantedesign.com.

3/27/07 - Milwaukee, WI: Bante Design LLC is proud to introduce the release of "Feng Shui for Teens," the follow-up to her first book "Designing the Life of Your Dreams from the Outside In." This well-reviewed book helps teens tap into the ancient Chinese science of Feng Shui and gives them the skills to apply this newfound knowledge to their bedrooms. This easy-to-read guide gives the reader the tools they will need to help determine life areas (ex: family, knowledge, creativity...) and goals they'd like to focus on. Then, they can create an environment that will support them on their journey to creating "the life of their dreams." Color, space planning, accessorizing and even some party ideas are given for the reader to create a space that is uniquely theirs!

"Feng Shui for Teens is the perfect book for tuning up your bedroom, or any other rooms. It's simple, easy, and it works. I would definitely use this to help me design a room" – Kate B, 13, student of Designing the Bedroom of Your Dreams-Teen version class.

DeAnna Radaj, an interior designer who specializes in Integrative Lifestyle Design (the fusion of Eastern and Western interior design philosophies incorporating Feng Shui and healthy home principles to create a balanced, healthy and supportive space) is the owner of Bante Design LLC and its production division, Eden Place Productions. Ms. Radaj is a national speaker on topics ranging from Healthy Home design for all family members (children, adults and pets), Feng Shui, easy design tips and trends and exploring a problem most of us have...CLUTTER (why we have it and how to "get rid of it"!). Ms. Radaj was the editor of the WI ASID newsletter, which featured her column "The Business of Design", and has been featured in M, Milwaukee Home, and MKE and frequently in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She has also been a featured guest on radio and TV. Her first book, "Designing the Life of Your Dreams from the Outside In" hit #1 on Amazon.com in its category (10/06) and continues to sell well in the US and UK.

The Importance of Small Talk
2nd Tuesday Design Inspiration at Chicago Merchandise Mart

Press Release 6/20/06-Milwaukee, WI: "Designing the Life of Your Dreams From the Outside In" a new book by DeAnna Radaj, Allied Member ASID

Have a Happy Feng Shui Holiday!
Some great tips and gift ideas to add an ancient twist to your holiday celebration

By DeAnna Radaj, Allied ASID
Bante Design LLC

Are you getting tired of the same old red-and-green decorations? Would you like to add more meaning to some of your holiday rituals? How about adding some Feng Shui principles to your holiday gift giving and decorations?

Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese science of placement and living in harmony and balance with your environment through the use of color, space-planning and accessorizing. About 5000+ years ago, the Chinese developed these principles and applied them to choosing auspicious gravesites. It was thought that the better your gravesite, the better the fortunes of your descendants would be. There are 3 schools of thought practiced worldwide today: the Form School, the Compass School and the Black Hat Sect School. The latter is the one most practiced here in the US. To learn more about feng shui or any of the above-mentioned schools of thought, check out books by Lillian Too or www.dragons-gate.com for some great information to get you started.

Now, how do you apply Feng Shui to your holidays to usher in positive energy, new opportunities and abundance for you and your family? Let’s start with the focal point of most homes during the holidays…the Christmas tree. Follow these guidelines and enjoy a beautifully transformed home.

Use plenty of green. The holidays can be very stressful, so it goes without saying that using green, the most relaxing color, can have a cooling and calming affect on you and your home. In feng shui terms, green will also help to absorb all of the “fire” (action) energy of the lights, activity and red décor that is abundant in your home.
Angels and cherubs are lucky symbols. These items will help fill the room with good will and peace.
Start a tradition. Ask every family member and guest who enters your home to place something on the tree to put their mark/energy into the gathering and increase the sense of family and community.
Remember the Chinese phrase “five colors blind”-which means too much color, sound, and activity can create a numbing and exhausting affect on you and your family. After awhile, you will tend to look past and not notice things. Don’t put up decorations or play holiday music too early (We’ve all tuned out “Jingle Bells” and its 20+ versions usually by December 5th, right?)

Shake up your holiday color schemes from the traditional red and green, and try to incorporate some of these colors.

Gold & Silver: can strengthen your intuition and represents ostentation, money and fame. Use it if you want more recognition in the community, line of work and/or family.
Red: one of the most auspicious colors as it represents energy, passion and action. Word of warning-too much red can increase tension, anger and anxiety. If the holidays cause you stress and your blood pressure to rise, stay away from a red color scheme!
Blue: represents spiritualism, thoughtfulness, consideration, faith and aids in communication. Use blue to encourage more open conversation with family and friends. Also, it is a very calming and cooling color-great for helping you unwind after a crazy day at the mall.
Purple: considered the most auspicious color, as it is associated with high ideals, loyalty, royalty, truth and love. The color is used by high nobility and indicates power, riches and fortune. It adds a great touch of luxury and abundance to your home.
White: the color of mourning and loss in Chinese culture. Although our society views this color as representing purity, innocence and naivety, according to Feng Shui principles, you should not use this color.
Pink: a healing color also associated with love and romance. A soothing color that represents joy and happiness and lends a warm glow to the room.
Multi-colors: represents a union of all colors. Make sure to use on a green tree to balance and bring about an order and harmony to all of the colors. If you are unsure about what colors to mix, look to Mother Nature where green is a neutral. If you see the color combination outside, it will work on the tree.

Now, let’s examine tips for the rest of the house and tips on gifts to help bring about auspicious reunions, gatherings and events for the season and New Year. If you are hosting an event, make sure your entryway is warm and inviting. Can you enter without tripping over something? Does the door fully open? Remember that less is more here. Stand in the doorway and see what your guests see upon entering…do they see a festive room with lights and Santa or a jumble of wrapping paper and boxes? Keep this area neat, spacious and smelling nice (a natural candle or incense in pine, cinnamon, or vanilla is sure to set the proper mood). Your guests will feel welcome and ready to experience “glad-tidings!”

Adding some crystals, clear quartz or any other light refracting objects to your room will help add “positive energy” and light to the space. Hanging crystals from ceiling fans and lights is a great way to ensure this energy be spread throughout the home and the rainbows and prisms created by the refracted light will always bring a smile to your guests’ face.

Pictures can also help to enhance the holiday atmosphere in your space. Photos of family and friends taken at previous holiday parties will bring back happy memories (if not, don’t display them)! Displaying happy photos is a great Feng Shui practice that can help to nurture harmony and goodwill. Avoid decorating the home/room with artworks and pictures of sad events, overt gore and violence or anything negative, as this will create bad, undesirable energy. It should be noted that this tip goes for all the décor throughout your home/office all year round!

If you are planning on giving gifts this season, here are some items to stay away from:

Sharp Objects- Swords, knives, scissors and letter openers are not Feng Shui-friendly gifts since you can inadvertently send negative intentions, or “cutting” energy, towards the recipient with a sharp-edged gift.
Empty Wallets and Purses- If you wish to gift one of these items to a loved one, you can but remember to slip something inside such as coins, a few dollars and/or a picture. This will help to bestow auspicious “wealth” energy to the recipient.
Roses- These flowers are actually bad Feng Shui as they denote “thorny” love prospects! It’s better to stick to other sweet-smelling or romance related flowers with no thorny stems. Examples are peonies, jasmine, chrysanthemums, narcissus and lilies.
Timepieces- Watches, clocks or other timepieces are never a good idea as they represent a limited life span and always “watching time go by”.

To all of you and your family, have a happy and safe holiday season!

More about Deanna:

What area(s) of design do you specialize in?
I specialize in retail design, although I've worked on numerous residential and office projects recently.

What is your design background/education?
I have a BS in Marketing from Marquette w/a double minor in Political Science and Psychology and an Associate's Degree in Interior Design from MATC.

How did you get started in the design field?
When I was Director of Operations for The Nature of Things Stores-part of my job was working w/the architect doing space planning, while I also did all of the merchandising and plan-o-grams for lay-outs for special events and the holidays. I also worked w/some of the vendors doing custom designed products for special events and fund-raisers. I then opened my own stores where I designed everything from the logo, store lay-out, color scheme…

Describe your design philosophy:
"Designing spaces that are not only beautiful and comfortable, but also bring out the client's personality"

What is your best advice for someone looking for an interior designer?
Have a passion for what you do-this applies to anything you do in life. There are all sorts of opportunities for designers-color consultants, space planners, model home designers, and drafters… Find your niche and go for it!

How have you been involved in the WI Chapter ASID?
I've been the editor of the newsletter for the past year and authored the column "The Business of Design"

What design awards have you received?
We won numerous awards when I was w/The Nature of Things Store for windows that we did for special events and the holidays.

Do you have any interesting hobbies?
I love adventure travel…rafting, rock-climbing, kayaking. Going to new places and meeting people, trying new foods and learning about different cultures. I'm also an exhibited nature photographer.

If you won the lottery, you would...?
Buy an island in the Caribbean w/my own Starbucks open 24/7!

Books, movies or music you would recommend:
Book: Ask and it is Given by Esther Hicks
Music: Enduring Soul by Etta James
Movie: Charlie and The Chocolate Factory (Johnny Depp and Tim Burton…need I say more?)

Describe your personality in one word:
Determined