| Julie Dana | | | | use several different words to describe the color |
| Do you dream of adding style to your home but | | | | than it is probably complex. For example; if you |
| don't have a lot of money? Don't despair! There | | | | said it was a kinda "gold, straw, beige-y color" |
| are 5 things you can do that will help your house | | | | than it is probably a complex color. If you said |
| look beautiful without spending much money. | | | | "just yellow" - it probably is not a very inspiring |
| | | | look. A beautiful color on the walls can make the |
| Nothing zaps a great look like clutter. Look around | | | | room go from ordinary to extraordinary in less |
| you. Do you have paper plies or mail stacks? Do | | | | than a day and usually for less than $50. |
| you just add to your knickknack collection rather | | | | 4. Make it personal |
| than rotate your select favorites? When was the | | | | Decorating your house is a job but styling your |
| last time you saw the front of your refrigerator? | | | | home is fun. Personalization is putting your |
| Simple solutions that cost very little money are to | | | | interests, hobbies or values into your décor |
| invest in nice office trays, pretty bulletin boards | | | | to really make it your own. Buy simple - read |
| and frames for your child's artwork. Make the | | | | inexpensive - curtains at your local big-box store |
| trash can handy to immediately toss unwanted | | | | and then buy exquisite wide ribbon to hot glue on |
| mail. Taking away the clutter will make your | | | | the edge. Use your grandson's first sneakers to |
| space appear larger and help your treasured | | | | tie back the den curtains. Use some family photos |
| objects be emphasized rather than lost. | | | | but just promise not to use too many. A guest |
| 2. Make display surfaces pretty. | | | | coming for a visit may find all those staring eyes |
| A key element in houses that are decorated by a | | | | unnerving. |
| professional rather than want-to-be is the art of | | | | 5. Change with the seasons. |
| accessorizing. Flat surfaces such as mantels, | | | | You know the drill - lighter brighter for spring |
| bookcases, and coffee tables are the perfect | | | | summer and darker richer for fall/winter. This |
| places to restyle for less. The one important point | | | | easy task of changing the fabric items around the |
| here is to keep it simple. Bookcases should only | | | | home can help you make it seasonal. Change out |
| be 2/3 full. A mantle should not have mirror | | | | placements, bath towels, and accent pillows. The |
| above it (a very dated look) - choose artwork | | | | final touch is to purchase a seasonal bouquet of |
| instead. Place no more than three items on an | | | | flowers: fresh or fake- these centerpieces can |
| end table - cluster these varied but related items | | | | add punch to a room. |
| together for more impact. | | | | Decorate your home by spending time not |
| 3. Paint to Impress. | | | | money in decluttering, painting and accessorizing. |
| Paint, as you know, makes the most dramatic | | | | By following these simple tips, you can make a |
| change for the money. Be bold, be daring and | | | | huge impact by bringing your home from average |
| most importantly -- don't do white! Choose a | | | | to spectacular for very little money. |
| complex color. This simply means if you would | | | | |