?5 Fast Ideas to Freshen the Look of your Room

"Company's coming and my place doesn't look right?"

You know how it goes, you have visitors coming tonight. You've cleaned every room in the house (well, maybe not the bedroom). You've planned the menu, and?it's just not quite right. Perhaps you've been hankering for a change or maybe it strikes you out of the air, the room needs Something, but what?

Here's five fast tips for when that re-decorating demon strikes and you haven't the budget or time to do much.

You can likely do all of these ideas for significantly less than $50, but because they are simple, I'll explain along the way what makes the difference.

1)Fresh Flowers

You don't need a $50 bouquet to make a room, but a stale look will get an instant boost with a bit of living, breathing, greenery. Consider a $20 tropical, large enough to fill in an empty corner, and spend another $20 on a colorful bunch of fresh cut flowers (if you shop well, you can even get the vase). This will give your room instant punch!

2)Bowl of Fruit & Table Cloth

If you're at the market anyway, don't overlook the zest and color that a large bowl of fresh fruit lends to the kitchen, dining room, or even the coffee table. Great look that works well in all decors; fill a pottery dish with a variety, or a tall glass vase with a single fruit (ie: lemons or limes) or even line up a row of green apples along the coffee or dining table for a contemporary feel. And since fruit is inexpensive, give yourself a shot of change by selecting a new table linen in the trendiest color of the season to give your room a real lift or invest in a crisp white or cream cloth for a classic look.

3)Baskets

You don't have to be a country girl (or guy) to appreciate the cozy look of baskets. Even the most modern room can benefit from a bit of wood or rattan. But the main purpose here is to hide clutter. You'll feel so refreshed if you add a few baskets to fill with magazines, toys or hobby material. It's the easiest way to contain the everyday clutter that you can't stow away. And clearing space is always a good look!

4)Throw Cushions

I'd bet you could find two throw cushions for less than $50, so if you do, add a throw blanket as well. Cheap and shamefully easy, this is the way to go if you're ready to make more of a statement. Great opportunity to bring some contrast into a dull room, consider light pillows for a dark room, dark pillows for a light one, and absolutely try adding a trendy color to a neutral room. And at this price, you can change it next season!

5)Paint

Admittedly for the more ambitious, this is a fantastic way to create a stunning look in little time. However, this is an article on FAST ideas, so let's not tackle the whole room right now. If company's coming this weekend, try a new look by painting a feature wall a stunning but complementary color (ie: the fireplace wall, that blank wall behind the couch?you get the idea.) Or even tape off a smaller section (this is called color blocking) to focus attention on a collection of pictures, or behind a mirror, or around the fireplace.

To all those with the decorating fever, I wish you speedy recovery and an enjoyable project!

Shannon Emmanuel takes her love of interior decorating to the internet with resources and accessories available at her online décor store http://www.SimpleDetailsDecor.com

---

Top Tips When Planning a Conservatory or Sunroom

General advice.Negotiate fairly with suppliers. Don't expect to get all mod cons if you're only prepared to pay for the cheapest design.Try to meet the builders who... Read More

Sofa slipcovers - Give your home an instant makeover!

Sofa slipcovers are designed to be easy to fit over your existing upholstery, to give your furniture a fresh new look and protect the fabric underneath. If... Read More

The Cost of Remodeling a Bathroom

Before beginning any bathroom remodeling, you should create a budget. Pick an amount of money you can reasonably afford, and then check the costs of supplies to... Read More

How To Identify A Quality Interior Shutter

1. Shutters have proper louver tensionThe shutters louvers should be smooth and stay in the desired position throughout the lifetime of the shutter. Some manufacturers feature "tension... Read More

A Few Concrete Suggestions

Up until a few years ago, my professional experience was in industries including retail, energy, health care, and fast food. In 1996 circumstances and opportunity led me... Read More

Three Types of Lighting for Room Remodeling

When remodeling a room, choosing the correct lighting is one of the most important considerations. Proper lighting sets the atmosphere of the room, creates a particular mood,... Read More

Different Materials Used for Roofing and Determining the Cost of Each One

There is never a structure you will find that lacks a roof; it is an essential part of the house or building. It plays a very important... Read More

All You Need To Know About The Feng Shui Bagua Map

The feng shui bagua map is an octagonal shaped map which allows you to evaluate in feng shui terms any living or working space. The feng shui... Read More

Feng Shui Tips For Your Home Office

Did you know that over 50% of women now run their own home business or work from home? Get your compass out and find the following directions... Read More

Feng Shui, Design Psychology and Bed Placement

I love Feng Shui! Whether you believe this ancient Asian design method is based on ancient wisdom or superstition, Feng Shui includes some valuable principles and is... Read More

Hardwood Floor Refinishing - For The Faint of Heart

Are your beautiful hardwood floors not so beautiful anymore? Maybe they just need a refinishing job. It can be a daunting task, but here are some ideas... Read More

5 Steps for Creating a Garage You Can Love ? and Use

A major US corporation recently launched a new line of products it hopes will create a $650 million retail business ? appliances and storage devices designed to... Read More

Planning For a New Deck

Part of the fun of a new deck is the planning! When you plan your deck, you can let your imagination run wild and add all kinds... Read More

Planning Permission Tips UK - What To Show And What Not To Show On Your application Drawings

Many successful business deals are the result of being a bit canny with the information that you already know - keeping a tight lip when needed and... Read More

Power Tools and HAV - Hand Arm Vibration - Prevention is Better Than Cure

Power tools are some of the most useful devices ever invented, but by their nature of concentrating and directing force you need to be prepared for the... Read More

Save Money On Home Improvement Projects

Many of us avoid home improvement projects due to their expense. Granted if you are contemplating a "second-story" addition to your home, or the construction of a... Read More

Buying Replacement Windows

While most buyers of double glazing are looking for replacement windows to help reduce their energy costs, or because their old windows are rattling in their frames,... Read More

Painting and Decorating Tile

Ceramic tile can be beautiful and elegant. But it can also be bland and uninspired. If you want to add a little color or creativity to your... Read More

An Overview of Aluminium, Plastic and Timber Conservatories

Conservatories remain a popular accoutrement and attachment to homes throughout the United Kingdom and the world in the 21st century. Around for over three hundred years, conservatories... Read More

How I Got A Robot To Vacuum The House

Like most people I really hated to vacuum the house. I thought anyone who enjoyed vacuuming was close to insanity. Well, I must be crazy too because... Read More

Heres What a Jacuzzi Will Do For You

Jacuzzi's are a great recreational and health benefit for a home. Having some idea what type and what uses you will have for it, are keys to... Read More

House Plans ? Research Is Key

When you think about building your new home consider your needs and your lifestyle. If you are newlyweds your choices will be different from a couple who... Read More

Seven Essential Color Concepts for Designing Spaces

Understanding a few essential color concepts will help you design your living and work spaces more purposefully. Embrace the colors that work best for your specific activity... Read More

Hammocks Create a Stress Free Zone

Stress is all around us, from the office to the front yard and everywhere in between. Homeowners are buying hammocks and porch swings to create that stress... Read More

Pergo Flooring Is Perfect For The Home or Office

Pergo flooring was invented more than 75 years ago, and has since become the leader in the laminate flooring industry. Pergo has been the leader in both... Read More

Tips and Suggestions To Help You Plan and Build Your Own Log Home

Log Cabin Homes: They have come a long way. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you plan and build your own. Plus be sure to... Read More