HINTS FOR HOMEOWNERS

Update Your Space Without Breaking The Bank

(NAPSI)-Whether you've lived in your home for two years or two decades, the look of your living spaces can become tired and drab over time. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to give your home a makeover without purchasing all new furniture, spending a fortune to redecorate or hiring a professional to get the job done. Follow these tips for a fresh look that won't break the bank:

• Move it Around. You don't have to move homes to get the feeling of having a new space. Instead, try rearranging the furniture in your living area so that you have a fresh perspective and updated layout. Identify the focal point that draws your eye into the room and position your furniture around it. Once you're satisfied with the configuration, inexpensive slipcovers can hide any imperfections on worn pieces.

• Redo Your Hue. Give your living space a designer look by adding a bold accent color or creating stripes on a wall. Scotch-Blue painter's tape for delicate surfaces makes it easy for you to achieve professional-looking results--whether creating a decorative, striped pattern or simply touching up trim. Before breaking out the paintbrushes, reach for the tape to mask trim and baseboards so you can have clean, sharp paint lines.

• Don't Skip the Trimmings. Plush pillows, rugs and lamps can really bring life to the living room. Use throw pillows on a sofa to complement paint colors or add an area rug to change the aesthetic of the room. Placing light fixtures behind the couch or next to a plant can create a soft, warm effect. Don't splurge on purchasing new lamps; simply update the lampshade.

• Dress up Windows. Invest in a set of floor-to-ceiling curtains to add dramatic flair to the windows. Use a fabric pattern or color scheme that coordinates with the accents and accessories in the space. Add decorative curtain rods and hardware for a more elegant look.

• Go on a Treasure Hunt. You can find inexpensive accessories and home decor items at flea markets, garage sales and online discount or auction sites. Head to a local craft store to purchase fabric for pillows and lampshades. Antique and vintage stores can also help you find some great treasures for cheap. Remember, one man's trash is another man's treasure.

Painting stripes on a wall can breathe new life into a once-dull room.