Budget-Savvy Home: Spruce Up On A Shoe String

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(NAPSA)—Evena bare-bonesdecorating budget doesn’t mean you can’t give your homea fresh look. “One of the easiest and least expensive ways to spruce up your homeis to subtract what’s in it,” says Ginny Bean, publisher and founder of Ginny’s catalog and Ginnys.com. Here are a few of Bean’s lowcost, high-impact tips for giving your homea lift: Clear the clutter. Clear stacks of books and magazines on coffee tables and throws on couches. Put books on shelves and magazines in Se a rack or basket. Tuck the throwsin the linen closet and pack away knickknacksfor a few months. Rearrange the furniture. Try floating furniture in the room rather than hugging the walls. It’s a great trick for making the space feel different and less structured. Swap out an item in yourliving room for one in your bedroom, or slide something from the kitchen into the dining room. Spring for some color. A few touches of bright, saturated color can refresh any room anddistract the eye from items that might be a bit dated. There’s no need to break the bank. Think about pillows and placemats to incorporate the colors you want. Accessorize. You can change your towels, shower curtain and bath accessories for under $100. Candles are another way to create an inviting room environment. Seasonal scents such as lavender and lemon leaf add color, freshness andintoxicating fragrance. Go sheer. Replace heavy draperies with bright, lightweight curtains or sheers. Spruce up your rooms bytaking out unnecessary items. You can incorporate color with pillows and placemats. Remake your bed. Put away that heavy comforter or quilt in favor of a lighter bedspread. Mix and match solid-colored fitted and top sheets with pillowcases in various patterns. Tuck the top sheet tightly all around and fold the edge at the head of the bed over your coverlet or blanket. Fold your bedspread downto rest across the foot of the bed. Add accent pillows to create an inviting, luxuriouslooking bed. Assess your artwork. Is your wall decor light and bright or warm and cozy? Go for light and bright whereverpossible. Plant an idea. Put at least one houseplant in every room. Fill a low planter or kitchen serving dish with potting soil and some grass seed. For more decorating ideas and products, visit Gin nys.com or call (800) 487-9024 to request a catalog.