Sometimes you don't need to spend a fortune to fix a decorating 
mistake or problem.  In fact, easy and inexpensive solutions are 
more common than you may think. Here are six cheap and simple 
decorating fixes. 

1) Paint.  Need to update a room or give it some flair. Paint is 
the easiest and least expensive fix there is.  With a gallon or 
two, about $50, you can give a room a brand new look. 

2) Throws and pillows. Ok, so the sofa is getting worn and dated, 
but the budget won't allow you to replace it yet.  What to do? 
Casually drape some throw blankets across a corner and add some 
coordinating pillows.  Don't just put the throw over the back, 
have go on the corner, draping so it falls across an arm, part of 
the back, and over a cushion.  We were selling our house and had 
redecorated the whole thing, but we couldn't afford new couches 
even though the dog had snagged the fabric with his claws. 
Throws and pillows covered up the problem spots and made the 
boring couches look romantic and inviting. 

3) Area rugs. Have a problem floor or a spot?  Hide it with a 
rug.  We had refinished hardwood floors in our first house, but 
there was a water stain smack dab in the middle of the room that 
no amount of standing could fix. We didn't have the money to 
replace the floor so we bought a small oriental rug instead. 
While the rug seemed expensive at the time, it was cheaper than 
replacing half of the hardwood, added a warm luxurious feel to 
the room, and it has lasted nearly 20 years! 

4) New cabinet hardware. Cabinets make a big statement in a 
kitchen or bath, but replacing them cost thousands of dollars. 
For a simple way to update and dress up cabinets, simply change 
the hardware. Get fancy knobs that make a statement. Spend a 
little extra than you may normally because remember how much 
you’re saving by not replacing your cabinets. 

5) Slipcovers.  Yes, slipcovers. No longer are these the horrid 
things your grandmother used. Now slipcovers come to be easily 
put on, sized to fit well, and designed to be attractive and 
modern.  Do a Google search, and you'll be surprised how many you 
can find. 

6) Sponging or rag painting.  Do you have a wall that's been 
patched or had cracks repaired, but it's just not as smooth as it 
once was?  A great way to camouflage it is to sponge or rag paint 
the wall. The inherent texture of these painting techniques can 
hide a multitude of plaster and dry wall sins. 

See; you don't have to break the bank to easily fix some 
decorating problems.
 

Julie Lohmeier is the veteran of numerous home remodeling and 
building projects.  From working hands on and doing much of 
the work herself to hiring contractors and construction managers, 
she has seen the entire spectrum of home improvement.  She shares 
her remodeling tips, home decorating ideas, and other various 
rants at http://www.myhomeredux.com.  Subscribe to her free 
newsletter at:  
http://myhomeredux.typepad.com/blog/2005/09/get_my_home_red_2.html

@copyright 2006, Julie Lohmeier, www.myhomeredux.com