Home Equity Loan,Energy Efficien Home And Healthy Living

Freshen a Room Without Spending a Fortune

Any room can get stale after a while. So why not treat it to a makeover? It doesn't take much--a new accessory, new lighting or an inexpensive slipcover can freshen your decor without requiring a major investment. The tips that follow can cost less than a hundred bucks, and they'll help you see your home in a whole new light.

Slipcovers The same chairs you see day in and day out will look brand new with the addition of a slipcover. Although sofa slipcovers look great--until someone sits on them--dining chair slipcovers don't get as much use, so they'll stay fresher longer. And they're extremely affordable. Target's Casual Dining Chair Slipcover is just $14.99, and comes in several color choices.

Mirrors
Add a little sparkle to a room; introduce a mirror.It will amplify light, reflect a view, and add a bit of movement to the space. There are a lot of great mirror designs out there at all different price points. Are you a renter, or simply wary about making holes in your walls? Try propping a mirror on a mantel or console table, or setting a tall mirror on the floor.

Carpet Tiles
New carpeting is a major investment. But new carpet TILES are an easy, inexpensive addition that can really transform the look of a room, and can be removed if you change your mind or simply want to refresh the look. InterfaceFLOR carpet tiles are easy to install, and come in a terrific array of patterns and colors. (In fact, they've just introduced a new collection designed in tandem with Martha Stewart; some of the samples I've seen are stellar.) Cover the whole floor, or--even better--design your own area rug. Prices start at less than $10 for a 20-inch square.

Throw Pillows
If you barely even notice your sofa anymore, maybe it's time to trade in your pillows. New throw pillows will transform the whole look of your couch, and cost considerably less than reupholstering or buying new. Pick a fabric that complements the upholstery but contrasts with it--a pattern on a solid sofa, a shiny fabric on a nubby sofa, etc.

Lighting
Lighting can totally transform the look of a room, and needn't be costly. Place an uplight on the floor behind a chair or plant. Install wall-mounted lights beside a bed. Buy a new table lamp. And most impactful of all: Replace a conventional wall switch with a dimmer. If you're at all handy you can do it yourself. Afterward, you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner.

Window Treatments
Window treatments can get pretty costly. But they don't have to be. IKEA is a great source for inexpensive curtains. (I just bought a whole passel of their Bomull curtains for my vacation home--just $14.99 for two panels!) Pier 1 and Target are also great sources for inexpensive roll-up shades in natural-looking finishes like split bamboo or woven fiber. For years I've have some freakishly inexpensive plastic miniblinds on the windows of my guest room, and they really enhance the look of the space. I couldn't have spent more than $12 each for them at one of those big-box hardware stores.