Greens on the table and a wonderful shade (Benjamin Moore Seedling AF-450) on the walls.

The upside of our ever-evolving economic saga is that we are re-learning the importance of a comfy home.  In a country chock full of things to do and see, I think some of us forgot how nice it is to spend time at home with family and friends or to wile away a pleasant afternoon alone.  You might be noticing some spots in your home that you would like to improve but a costly makeover is not in the cards right now.  So I started thinking of some super easy low-budget/high-impact projects that will give you a sense of pride and contentment and can be completed in just one day!  So check out the suggestions and take a look around.  Does a Mini-Makeover fit into your weekend plans?

There are many Aura colors to choose from plus any other Benjamin Moore paint color can be mixed as a low VOC formula.

First of all, we all know that painting is like waving a magic wand and there are few things that will give you as much bang for your buck.  So if any room in your house is tired looking, scuffed or lacking appeal, consider a painting project this weekend.  It will perk the room and your attitude right up!  I highly recommend Benjamin Moore Aura low-VOC paint.  It’s eco-friendly, does not smell up your house and dries in an hour.  And don’t fret about the higher cost per gallon because most colors only take one coat.

Room By Room Tips

The Prestige Bell Pendent from Bellacor is on clearance for $97 (from $227).

Foyer

• Install a new ceiling fixture, preferably one that hangs down a bit to make the area feel special.
• Choose a new rug that has some personality and fills the space.
• Hang some treasured family photos in matching frames.

Thai Silk Pillows from Target - $24.99-$29.99

Living Room

• Toss some new pillows on the sofa.  It’s a great way to infuse the latest color trends.
• Add a plant or some flowers to the room.  It sounds obvious but living things add life to a room.
• Install some drapery panels at the end of the windows.  Simple, stationery panels frame your windows at a reasonable price.

The produce section holds many treasures:-)

Dining Room

• If your chairs have slip-seats, consider reupholstering.  All you need is a stable gun and your new favorite print.
• Use produce as a centerpiece.  A jar or bowl filled with pomegranates, lemons or baby pumpkins will make you smile.
• If the table is usually bare, then add a table cloth.  If you always have it covered, then sport some snazzy place mats.

Winter Green Beehive Glass Cabinet Knob from Overstock.com $6.25 (down from $12.99).

Kitchen

• Change the knobs and don’t be wimpy.  Choose something fun, colorful or classic.
• Add some spice with a striking accent color in the form of a new rug, towels and oven mitts.
• Add under-counter lighting. It’s useful when you are working and looks lovely in the evening. 

Chrysanthemum 5x7 Limited Edition Art Print from Etsy - $9.

Bedroom

• Rotate artwork from other parts of the house or purchase some beautiful prints from Etsy and use ready-made frames.
• Replace your comforter with a simple white or ivory coverlet and be bold with the shams.
• Buy a colorful blanket and lay it across the foot of your bed.

Please share your own affordable yet highly decorative tips below!

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Tags: decorating tips

This entry was posted on Friday, October 10th, 2008 at 10:13 am and is filed under decorating tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.