Quick and Easy
Fresh or Paper Flowers
Add fresh flowers to every room if possible. Even a single stem adds ambiance to your abode, says Rekha Krishnamurthi, a New York-based textile and home accessories designer. Alternatively, make your own paper flowers. "Making crepe paper flowers is not only an enjoyable DIY project, but also a great way to have permanent flowers in bloom all year long that never die, wilt or need care," says Krishnamurthi.
RELATED: Decorating With Plants
Replace Handles, Knobs and Pulls
Celebrity interior designer Nicole Sassaman laments with the rest of us when it comes to exorbitant kitchen décor costs. Her advice? Replace all the handles, pulls and knobs on your cabinets and drawers. "It's a quick and easy renovation that instantly updates the space," she says. You can do this for any furniture and in any room for an instant décor face-lift.
Condition Your Furniture
Contrary to popular belief, hair isn't the only thing that needs conditioner. All your wooden furniture and leather items should be conditioned at least once per year with a wood or leather conditioning product. This is particularly beneficial for dry climates or after a dry winter season. Conditioning wood and leather brightens the furniture, nixes scuffs and can make a noticeable difference in your overall décor.
Add or Replace Lighting
Any designer will tell you that lighting is key when creating ambiance and style in your home. "Replace or add a lighting fixture to your room for a new look," suggests Sassaman. "If you can't spare the budget, paint your current fixture and/or add new shades to it. There's no electrician needed for that."
RELATED: Your Guide to Decorating With White
Reduce and Rearrange
While you don't have to dive head first into minimalism territory, reducing clutter drastically improves ambiance. "Clear out that pile of magazines or books in the family room or next to the bed; pare down accessories on end tables and dressers; and stash the inevitable 'stuff' in a pretty basket or bin," advises Deanne Marie, lifestyle and design expert. Once you've de-cluttered, rearrange your room to create a completely new look. "Even something as simple as angling the sofa can make a difference," says Marie.
Use a Little Paint
Repainting an entire room is a lot of work. Instead of going to all that trouble, consider painting only a few "accent" pieces instead. For instance, you can paint a bedroom door, use the ceiling as a fifth wall or paint an old piece of furniture to add a pop of color to the room.
