Sun City resident redesigns

Ruthanne Hatfield lives and works in Sun City Anthem. As a professional interior redesigner, she has helped dozens of her neighbors make their homes more inviting and comfortable simply by using many items they already own. Not only do the homes get a new look, she said, but the homeowner saves on redecorating costs.

"It doesn't have to be incredibly costly to redesign a room. Sometimes just infusing different lighting and an artful display in a room can make all the difference," Hatfield said.

"Nearly every homeowner has the same design needs. They buy things, but don't know where to put them. Del Webb's models at Sun City Anthem are very open, which is a wonderful opportunity to display items homeowners collect."

Hatfield started her business in Boston, then moved to the San Francisco area before settling in at Sun City Anthem in Henderson. She and her husband, Charlie, have been residents of the age-qualified community for two years.

Part of her job, Hatfield said, is to encourage people to experiment, and not to be afraid to try something new.

"One of the things I find most often is that people like to line the walls with furniture," she said. "Don't be afraid to create a meandering traffic pattern instead of a wide open space. It looks intimate and becomes more interesting as you discover treasures along the way."

Fellow resident Tom Soong said he benefited from Hatfield's advice.

"Finally, my house is a home," he said. "Rearranging the living room furniture, accessorizing my kitchen pot shelves and artfully displaying my glass collection has made all the difference."

Accessorizing pot shelves is a common challenge for homeowners, according to Hatfield.

"If you aren't sure what to do with your pot shelves, try starting with a theme. Look for similar colors and textures, and place them in clusters on your shelves."

Hatfield also shares tips on how the proper use of plants and lighting can soften "hard edges" in a room, such as wall corners and the edges of entertainment centers.

"Most of my clients are residents of Sun City Anthem, which is the way I like it," she said. "I live and work in the same community and am always available to help friends and neighbors improve the interior placement in their homes.

"What makes me feel really good is that Sun City Anthem residents truly enjoy where they live."

The community in Henderson offers 19 models, measuring from 1,080 to 3,009 square feet and larger through the Gold Key program. Homes are priced from the low $140,000s to more than $500,000.

Anthem Center is the central resident amenity. At more than 77,300 square feet, the center offers myriad fitness, social and recreational opportunities to residents, as well as Trumpets Restaurant and Lounge, which is open to the public.

To tour the community's model village, take Eastern Avenue south, two miles past St. Rose Parkway, and follow the signs. The sales office is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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