The New Year for many people means a fresh start, a new page, and a list of resolutions.  I previously wrote about 6 key decorating resolutions.  This information is timeless so check it out if you’re a a list or resolution maker, someone who likes to plot a plan of attack and accomplish deadlines when decorating your home.  If, however, decorating resolutions and deadlines seems overwhelming this year, I’ve got some quick and easy input for you.

Instead of resolutions, I’m offering a list of three actions you can complete quickly, easily and inexpensively to freshen up the look of your home.  So if you’re not a resolution maker or simply don’t want to add more big resolutions to your 2012 list, check out these ideas for updating the look of your home without breaking a sweat or the bank!

Freshen Your Decorating

Small changes can make a big impact!  In fact it can be as easy as 1, 2, 3!  Don’t believe me?  Try one or more of these simple decorating updates and prove it to yourself:

1.  Paint It!

“It” can be a room, an accent wall, a ceiling, an old piece of furniture, a flower pot, even a floor!  It’s amazing how much difference a little paint can make.

Photo bhg.com

A single accent wall adds oomph to a room and directs your eye.

Photo oprah.com.

A painted ceiling can change the mood of the entire room.

Photo hgtv.com

White paint ties an eclectic  mix of chairs together.  If you’re interested in learning how to paint furniture, check out this instructional video.

2.  Mix It Up! Use what you already have in different ways - move furniture and/or accessories to different rooms or use them for different purposes.  Sometimes simply rearranging your furniture will freshen up a space and have it looking like new.  Try creating conversation areas and moving pieces away from the walls.

Photo bhg.com

Photo elledecor.com

Add colorful toss pillows to the room to spark things up.  Imagine how plain the room above would be if the colorful, patterned toss pillows were not used.  If your sofa came with matching toss pillows – cover them and add some pizzazz by breaking up the matchy-matchy look.

Photo bhg.com

Redo your bookcases by removing some of the books and adding accessories.  Then mix up the books – keep some standing and lay others down.  The visual will be much more interesting than just packing in book after book.

And don’t forget to take a good look at any silk plants or dried flower arrangements you own.  Are they dust collectors?  Be honest with yourself – have they seen better days?  If so, get rid of them.  Sometimes taking something out of the space is as important as putting something into it!

3.  Reinvent It or Reuse It! Look for areas in your home that are underused and reinvent them so they’re inviting and appealing.  Look at things you already own and imagine what they might become.

Photo www.southernliving.com

Photo southernliving.com

When you take a look at an old piece of furniture with fresh eyes you might be surprised at how it might serve you in new ways.   Above, an old flip-up sewing machine (top) now serves as a new end table (bottom).  Do you have a trunk that might work as a coffee table, a table that might work as a desk, a bench that might work at the foot of your bed?

Photo instructables.com

What about the old door or window stored in the garage – maybe it’s a coffee table just waiting to be discovered.

Perhaps there’s an empty corner in the living room or bedroom that would be perfect for a small desk or work table?  What about the guest room or formal dining room that is seldom used – how can the space be put to use in between times?  Maybe the wide hallway by your backdoor could become a mudroom if you add some hooks and baskets?

Easy as 1,2,3

Instead of big decorating resolutions for 2012  - freshen up your home as easy as 1, 2, 3:  1. Paint It; 2. Mix It Up; 3. Reinvent or Reuse It.  Small changes can make a big impact and you can do it!

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