(NAPSA)—Every year, homeowners spend an average of nearly $4,000 on new dcor for their homes. From elaborate wholeroom furniture ensembles to simple decorative accents, these important details make a big impact on the overall look and feel of a room. In fact, most American homeowners believe dcor is what makesa house a home. Unfortunately, keeping up with new trends and style directions on a yearly basis can be a costly venture. That’s why, before you throw out things that were trendy yesterday, you should see if they can be quickly updated for tomorrow. Personalization is another reason to revamp existing pieces before buying new. There are many great home products available today in different styles, colors and materials. Updating an item is a good way to makeit more unique; a true personal design statement that sets you and your piece apart from your neighbors’. Here are some quick and easy projects that can be accomplished in a matter of hours and a few coats of paint: * Oversized mirrors that sit on the floor have become staples in modern homes. Reinvent any basic shapeor style, no matter the material, by spray painting the frame with stripes of alternating colors of an attention-grabbing hue. For even more graphic appeal, stencil an interesting geometric pattern, a whimsical say- Stencilled designs are a great wayto update a mirror. ing or an inspirational quote directly onto the mirror surface using a specialty Frosted Glass spray paint. * Floating shelves are all the rage. While these typically come in standard colors, such as white, dark brown and black, the trend in 2006 is expected to be spray painting a pair in an unexpected texture to give weight and substance to these otherwise airy accents. An alternate design idea is to add character to a shelving unit with a weathered, distressed or crackle finish. * Small collections of blackand-white photography grouped together and framed in matching neutral-toned frames, or in all black, are definitely “in.” For 2006, keep the timeless look but update it by simply showcasing the photos in frames all spray painted the same bold color, varying the intensity from light to dark tones. Another idea is to spray paint each frame with an antique finish to add even more warmth to the photography. * Sophisticated backless benches in different sizes, shapes and materials are showing up everywhere in the home—in living roomsas extra seating, as replacements for traditional chairs in dining rooms and as storage at the foot of many beds. Give these chic furnishings a new look for 2006 by spray painting the legs and bases a different color and adding a personal, artistic touch with small, hand-painted details, such as flowers for a bench in the hallway, the name of herbs for a piece in the dining room or kitchen, and a whimsical group of different-sized “Z's” in the bedroom. New American Accents Paint Pens from RustOleum make adding these details fun and easy. * Organizers of all kinds, from bins to boards, are big on the homefront. In 2006, make these utilitarian pieces a lot bigger. Take a cool new approach to organization by transforming an entire wall into a giant message and memory board—innovative paint technologies, such as RustOleum’s exclusive Magnetic Paint, make this possible. For more decorating ideas from designers and savvy do-it-yourselfers across the country, visit www.paintideas.com.
