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