eremedies

A Quick Home Makeover

People coming in half an hour for a summer dinner and your place looks like Thanksgiving? Time to redecorate - and fast! You can do it (probably decorate for free!) with a little ingenuity. Don't think you're creative? Try below for some ideas.

* Move things around. A sofa placed on an angle, a chair moved to the other side of the room, pulling the TV to a different corner, can dramatically change the living space. Try experimenting when you have time, but for now, move one piece of furniture for an update.

* Pull things together with color. If you have a Thanksgiving orange-and-gold theme, remove the gold and replace it with yellow or pink for a lighter summery feel. Use throws, pillows (even bed pillows), sheets, to cover furniture and transform it. Use tablecloths, napkins, scarves, pillow covers, even ties and belts, on your furniture.

* Change the lighting. Bring down a lamp from a bedroom if you want more light, or dim the ones you have. You can even turn off your regular lights and replace them with a softer light or even candles. They emit a soft glow that will make anything look festive, summer or winter.

* Don't forget windows. Thick drapes can be pulled apart and tied with scarves, or add a sheer sheet to hang over your blinds. Take a blanket and pin it up over the window for a darker look. Or simply pull your blinds or shades up all the way and show off a great view you have outside.

* Changing the orientation of your rugs can also awaken a room. Like your furniture, you can put it straight (one of two ways) or at an angle (one of two ways). Or switch rugs with a different one you have in another room.

* Plants can make a room! Bring in a potted plant from outside or clip a few flowers for a quick arrangement, mixed with some artificial ones. Stuff some of the silk flowers into a bowl or float them in a glass bowl with water and floating candles.

* Change accessories. Relegate that old gnome collection to the closet and replace it with an elegant piece of pottery. Change around wall hangings, and remove stray papers.

* Use things in new ways. Turn over a box and drape with cloth to make an impromptu coffee table. Use a row of stools as a buffet table. Use a thick blanket as a rug. Hang a pretty scarf as if it were a painting. Try your own ideas for your home - fast, fun, and free!