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Step 1
Place attractive wicker or rattan baskets beneath glass coffee table for added storage with panache. Fill with magazines or folded blankets.
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Step 2
Place large, dramatic potted plant in bland corner for added warmth.
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Step 3
Rehang prints and paintings in asymmetrical groupings rather than rows for more dramatic effect.
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Step 4
Position furniture at angle or floating away from wall, not flush against it, to create depth and softness.
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Step 5
Add cozy, colorful throw blanket.
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Step 6
Finish with sparkle by placing polished brass or gilded picture frame atop shelf or table.
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Step 1
Dining room. Update dining room chairs with slipcovers in eye-catching colors. Drape table in bright seasonal-colored linens even when you're not entertaining.Place flowers in vase for table centerpiece. Buy fresh if possible, or purchase inexpensive silk red roses for winter, purple lilies for spring, yellow daisies for summer and leaves for fall. Display antique or heritage plates on the wall using plate hangers, available at hardware stores. Install a decorative shelf to display a favorite collection, such as colored glassware or milk-white vases. If unsightly electrical cords from ceiling light fixtures are visible, wrap them in white or off-white silk or satin. Wrap small silk flowers around the fabric, using the wire stems to secure the fabric in place. For safety's sake, make sure none of the fabric comes in direct contact with exposed electrical wires.
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Step 2
Kitchen. Arrange cooking utensils in decorative ceramic vase rather than plastic holder. Stash sponges and scrubbers in small painted pot instead of haphazardly around sink. Hang bright dish towels from refrigerator or oven handle to add splash of color. Fill basket or bowl with seasonal delights: gourds in autumn, chestnuts in winter, lemons in spring, limes in summer. Display atop breakfast table or windowsill. Replace humdrum cabinet and drawer pulls with chrome or brass hardware or colorful plastic fittings. Paint or stain cabinets the color of your favorite vegetable.
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Step 1
Change color of bed linens from dark to light or light to dark.
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Step 2
Add brightly colored pillows to bed or chairs.
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Step 3
Drape richly patterned shawl over single-color bedspread for refreshing, romantic touch.
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Step 4
Replace old bedside lamps with an unusual pair from antique shop or flea market.
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Step 5
Tease your senses by adding scented candles in decorative candle holders. The candles will remove any musty odors and give the room a cozy feel.
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Step 6
Do away with mini-blinds, or at the very least camouflage them with diaphanous curtains or drapes.
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Step 7
Stash the pile of books on your nightstand in a storage bin that slides neatly under the bed. Hide your bedside reading bin with a decorative bed skirt.
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Step 1
Make guests feel welcomed with fresh bouquet of flowers in entranceway.
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Step 2
Cover small bulletin board with fabric and crisscrossed ribbon and frame it. Hang it near the door for reminder notes in the morning.
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Step 3
Hang stylish mirror near the entrance so that it reflects sunlight inside. Plus, you'll be able to check your hair or makeup before you leave the house.
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Step 4
Scour antique shops for sturdy, charming coat rack.
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Step 1
Make a small room look bigger. Paint walls a light color, such as yellow, pink or cream. Banish clutter from every corner; space begets the illusion of space. Place furniture, starting with sofa, on corner diagonal. This unusual placement takes focus off room size and places it on furnishings.
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Step 2
Make a big room look cozier. Paint walls in deep, rich colors like terra-cotta, forest green or blue to add depth and coziness. Set up secondary area to make the room feel cozier and do double duty: Add desk and chair to window corner, or create family game area with small table and a few chairs. Bring down the focus from high ceilings by placing bottom edge of lowest print or painting 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) above top of furniture and work up the wall from there. For balance, hang petite groupings behind dainty table or chair, or large single picture behind your ample sofa.
