GAIL WHITE Area women find order in their lives -- and others' homes

What do you call it when someone comes into your home and rearranges your furniture, pictures and decorations, creating a look that is showroom perfect and uniquely you?
Becky Fisher of Canfield and Michelle Barnhart of Columbiana would like to know what it's called because that's exactly what these two talented women do.
"It's like changing toys in a room for a child. They see a toy they haven't played with for awhile and act like it's Christmas," Becky shares. "That's what we do for adults."
"So many people think they need new furniture or drapes," Becky explains. "They don't need new furniture; they just need to use what they have in a different place."
"You have to be careful," Michelle says. "You want to bring things out in a room, but you have to listen."
Individuality
Every client has her own tastes and personality. Becky and Michelle's work must reflect each individual personality.
A few weeks ago, Becky and Michelle rearranged the basement of a local family. They beam when they talk of the experience -- not so much because they know they did a great job but because of the response from the family.
"They loved it," Michelle smiles. "The basement went from very stark to warm and familylike."
A game table invited the children to play, and a comfortable lounging area gave the room a casual appeal.
This day, Becky and Michelle have a very different challenge at hand. Amy Scott of New Waterford is having the women work on the guest bedroom in her home.
"I'm stuck," Amy confesses. "I have a mental block on how to decorate the room."
Judging from the rest of her home, this bedroom is an oddity for Amy. Her decorating taste is impeccable.
"Amy does so well herself," Becky observes, walking through the Scott home. "I love when someone gives me ideas."
Walking into the bedroom, the women look around, thinking. Frankly, the room looked just fine to me. But Becky and Michelle had ideas rolling around in their heads.
Amy left. Becky and Michelle went to work.
Before I knew what was happening, rolling pads were placed under the bed and dressers. Knickknacks and accessories were stripped from side tables and night stands. What looked like chaos to me was two women on a mission.
Finding their way
As they worked, I learned that this whatchamacallit-rearranging concept was, indeed, truly a mission -- part of a long pilgrimage for both Becky and Michelle.
Both women were at a place in life where they felt they had lost their way. Both found their path at The Way Station in Columbiana.
Becky came to The Way Station with the hope of sharing her gifts and talents as a volunteer for the philanthropic organization. A stay-at-home mom for years, she was hoping to use her business degree now that her children are older.
Michelle came to The Way Station with the hope of finding assistance. She worked in the family business most of her adult life, but, recently divorced after 20 years of marriage, she found herself having difficulty paying the bills to support her three children.
Both women spent time working and volunteering in the gift shop at The Way Station, creating window displays and flower arrangements.
Then Becky and Michelle decided to take their decorating talents on the road. The fees they charge go to the nonprofit Way Station.
Good result
The result has been amazing.
Take it from Amy, who arrived home four hours after Becky and Michelle began rearranging.
"I love it! I love it! I love it!" Amy exclaims as she walks into her "new" guest bedroom. "It is so cozy! This is so great!"
I was speechless. The change was so profound.
"You two do a great job at ..." I stop midsentence.
What do you call this?
If you have an idea for a name, call The Way Station. If you win, Becky and Michelle will "do this" for a room in your home for free.
gwhite@vindy.com
XTo submit a name, call (330) 482-5072.