Home-Made Simple

Decorating your home doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. In fact, you may be surprised at how easy it is to create a new look for just about any room in your house simply by rearranging what you already have, or by purchasing a few inexpensive accessories. The possibilities for changing your décor are limited only by your imagination.

But remember, generally speaking, less is more. Don't cover every surface with pictures and knick-knacks, unless you're going for the Victorian look. (Besides, fewer knick-knacks mean less dusting!)

Jazz Up Your Living Room

Photographs and artwork. Try breaking up the monotony of books on a shelf by tucking photos between stacks of books, or propping photos Photographs and artworkon easels for display. You can also slip pictures under glass tabletops. A picture ledge (a narrow shelf specifically made for pictures) is a great place for displaying all sorts of artwork—and it keeps you from covering your walls with nail holes.

When hanging artwork on walls, be sure to hang it low enough so that your furniture and pictures are viewed as a unit. Consider grouping pieces together for an eye-catching focal point. You may want to simply set a piece of art on top of a table or desk, just leaning it against the wall instead of hanging it. Place a low-sitting bowl or other decorative piece in front of the artwork to create a pleasing arrangement.

To display kids’ artwork and projects in a decorative and personalized way, add simple short curtain rods with clips for hanging to a free wall in your home. This also makes it quick and easy to switch out art as your children make new pieces.

Lamps and lighting. Overall lighting sets the mood for any room. Step back and review the lighting in your living room. Most seating should have light available from a lamp or overhead fixture. While you're looking, check out your lampshades. Do they complement each other? Purchasing a new shade is a quick and inexpensive way to update a lamp.

Window treatmentsIf you have houseplants, consider adding twinkle lights. These lights add warm, subdued lighting when used alone, and great accent light any time.

If you need a new lighting solution, but don’t want to spend a fortune on brand new decorative lamps, consider using a lamp kit, available at home improvement stores and craft stores. Use everyday items you already have around the home as your base, such as candleholders, and add a simple shade to finish.

Window treatments. Are your drapes older than you are? May be time for a change. If you want to make your room less—or more—formal, window treatments can do the trick. Look through catalogs and magazines for window treatments you like, and then figure out how to make them yourself. An inexpensive fabric remnant draped over a new curtain rod may be all you need. And don't forget to consider sheets as window treatments. They're inexpensive, and you can easily find something to complement your décor.

Rugs, pillows, and throws. Even if you have carpet, an area rug can be an easy way to Rugs, pillows, and throwsmark off a conversation area in your living room. You can angle the rug for extra decorating drama. Purchase a few pillows in complementary patterns or colors and place them around the room for added color. Add a comfy chenille throw and make just about any piece of furniture look like a great place to curl up.

Decorate Your Family Room

You can apply the decorating tips for the living room to your family room as well. But since most people congregate in the family room, decorating this space takes some special consideration.

Tabletops. Items such as reading material, discarded shoes, drinking glasses, and toys just seem to materialize in the family room in the form of clutter. Minimize tabletop clutter with a decorative box on a coffee or end table as a catchall for electronics equipment, remote controls, coasters, stray pens, and so on. Set up a place to stash newspapers and magazines conveniently and neatly. This could be a magazine rack, an ottoman with storage, or a big basket.
Lamps and lighting

Lamps and lighting. Choose lamps that provide ample light for reading, and be sure that they are placed at the right height for reading. One placed too high can create an uncomfortable glare, and one too low can cause eyestrain. Lamps equipped with a three-way bulb (50-, 100-, and 150-watt options) are excellent choices. As in the living room, simply changing a lampshade can give you a whole new look.

Throws and pillows. Ensure comfort by tossing a throw onto a chair or sofa for wintertime coziness. Increase year-round lounging comfort—and provide extra seating—with oversized throw pillows. You can make your own from fabric remnants.Fireplaces

Fireplaces. Mantles are great places for displaying artwork, candles, and other decorative pieces. You can also hang artwork under the mantle, alongside the fireplace. Place a few tall candlesticks with pillar candles on the hearth and you've got a new look.