Accessories & Artwork

Freshen up your house by rearranging your accessories. An easy way to make a big impact is by collecting items of the same color and grouping them. Look around your house for objects you already own to create a vignette with punch.

Use a few hardcover or coffee table books to elevate accessories and create varying heights. This is particularly handy when you have a lamp that seems to short for the table it's on.

Create festive centerpieces inspired by the season. Fill a clear glass container with candy corn, cranberries, unshelled nuts, coffee beans, candy hearts, rice, sand, or seashells. Add a pillar candle, tapers, faux greenery, branches, or other decoration.

Potted plants are low cost, high impact accessories. Layer faux greenery with real plants for a lush (lower maintenance) look.

Too many fabulous accessories? Pack up what you can't part with, then switch them out seasonally or whenever you need a change.

You can easily and inexpensively make fun and unique art for your walls. Find a wallpaper, craft paper, wrapping paper, or fabric with a fabulous print. Frame one piece or divide it and display it fragmented (as shown here with "frameless" clip frames).

If you're looking up to see your artwork, it's hung too high. Hang artwork at eye level for a more intimate look.

Place a small piece of artwork on a decorative easel to give it presence. As an option, you can group it with other small accessories to complete your tablescape.

Consider the location before hanging a mirror. What will it reflect -- a fabulous piece of artwork or a closet door? Choose a spot that warrants a mirror and reflects something interesting.

Create a consistent look by grouping your frames (on the wall or tabletop) by color.

Flooring

If you are replacing carpeting in a small room, shop the remnants section at the carpet store first. You can find great deals on carpet there.

Avoid loop carpets and area rugs if you have pets. Their nails catch in the looped fibers, pulling them out.

Furnishings

Drape a table runner over a dining chair and tie in place with a wired ribbon. Presto, your chair is dressed for the party! Tip: if you don't want to do all your dining chairs, just dress the end ones.

Resist buying furniture in suites or sets. Mix and match is in.

Choose neutral colors for large pieces of upholstery, and add color with pillows or a throw. Replacing accessories when your tastes change is more economical than replacing a sofa!

Paint

Choose your fabrics and decor before painting your room. It's much easier to match paint to fabric than the other way around. Plus, most paint manufacturers offer custom paint mixing.

• Flat minimizes wall imperfections and is easier to touch up; use in low-traffic areas, adult bedrooms, on ceilings; usually not scrubbable (with the exception of specialty paints)
• Satin & eggshell have a slight luster and can be wiped clean; good for children's bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, high-traffic areas.
• Semi-gloss is lustrous and scrubbable which makes it perfect for doors and trim.
• Gloss has the highest sheen and durability. Use on exterior doors, trim, and furniture.