Simple, Easy and Cheap Ways to Give Your Home a Pick Me Up

Is a room in your home starting to give you that bored feeling? How about giving it a quick and easy facelift. Here are a few ideas to perk up rooms in any home.

Simply changing your lamp shades can make a nice difference in any room. In dark rooms using light colored lamp shades, will make the room look brighter. For light colored rooms, try a bold and fun color. For a cheaper method, you can always spray paint your old lamp shades, and add new designs.

For worn chairs and couches, consider a slipcover. They are available for most every couch type and size, are easy to wash and come in many colors as well as patterns. You can add a burst or color to a room, or go mellow and take it down a notch.

Moving furniture around always helps. Not every piece needs to be moved, just enough to make the room feel different, but still relaxing. Take out any furniture that is not being used, put a nice plant in its spot if you want. For a really squared looking room, angle your furniture to give a less boxed appearance.

Curtains can make a world of difference. To bring in more sunshine, use light or sheer curtains. Solid colors are always easy, although stripes are more fun.

Toss in a new throw pillow or two or three. They can be solid, bold, natural, frayed edges, satin or plush, whatever you like. The pillows should bring out colors and pattern of other things in the room, like striped curtains.

A throw rug under a table, bed or near a chair can add warmth to a room. A run will not only add color to a room, but pattern and texture as well.

Organize your shelves. You will be surprised how just simply arranging your books and nick knacks can bring a new feel to the room. Do not over do it on the shelves, too much stuff on them will make a room look cluttered and busy. Also, putting things between groups of books makes a shelf looked cluttered.

Add artwork to your walls. Either used purchased art or those one of a kind pieces created by your children. Take care as to what frame you choose, make sure it is beautiful, but that it also compliments the artwork inside.

Family photos standing on shelves, mantles or tables always make a room more cheery. Use frames of different sizes or use colors to make a room appear brighter.

Changing kitchen and bathroom canisters, soap dishes, towel racks, toothbrush holders, dish towels, toilet seat cover, wall clock and so many other small things can make a room look much different without a lot of work and money spent.

The most important think to remember when changing around your home is not to be afraid of change. Try new things, new color, patterns be bold or daring. Have fun and do not be afraid to experiment.

sources:
Better Homes & Gardens - May 2008