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First consider adding color. Paint is actually a very inexpensive way to add bright, bold color to any room, creating a whole new look. Paint only one wall for a burst of color and to quickly change the look of a room. Pick a shade in the same color family as your furniture and carpet or pick a contrasting color. Use stencils or painters tape to create designs if desired. Paint an old table a bright color or even white to freshen it up.
If you don't want to paint or are not able to, you can add splashes of color by putting up curtains, placing colorful throw pillows on your couch and chairs, adding colorful chair pads and table runners. - Next think about the lighting in your home. Instead of buying all new lighting, consider the type of lighting that you will need in each room. For a soft ambiance with low lighting such as in a bedroom or dining room, place lower watt lightbulbs in your table lamps and overhead lighting. Or perhaps use 3-way lightbulbs that can be adjusted for how dim or bright you want it. For task lighting in rooms that are used for reading, hobbies and games be sure to use bright light in hanging lamps and floor lamps or replacing the lightbulbs with higher watt bulbs. For a fun look in a family room or kids bedroom, use colored light bulbs. Add lava lamps and colored overhead lights for a new look.
- When money is tight you might not be able to replace the furniture you have or might have to use secondhand furniture that someone gave you, but freshening up your furniture doesn't have to cost a lot. Use slipcovers and a lap blanket or quilt over a couch or chair. Cover up a well-used coffee table by putting a table runner over it. Use chair pads on worn wood chairs. Sand an old piece of wooden furniture and apply a fresh coat of stain or sponge paint it for a fresh new look.
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Finally, use accents and accessories to decorate your home for very little. Place candles in various sizes and shapes around your home. Group several candles together on a small round mirror or tray and place on a coffee table or dining table for a centerpiece.
Frame postcards or old greeting cards and hang in a group on your wall. Hang your children's artwork in a collage on the wall.
Place accent rugs in a room to add color. Rugs can be placed over carpet, even used to cover worn or stained spots.
Put plants throughout your home for warmth and color. Group several small pots of colorful flowers on tables.
