Looking for some quick-fix, inexpensive ideas to refresh your home’s interiors in 2011?

1) Repaint – you’d be surprised what a fresh coat of paint will do for a room.

2) Rotate your accessories and artwork – don’t be afraid to shake things up and move items around. Moving accessories and artwork from one room to another will give your rooms a whole new look.

3) Purchase new accessories – adding new accessories to the mix can liven up a room and put a whole new spin on things.

4) Add interest to the backs of bookcases or dining room hutches - some quick-fix, non-permanent changes: paint or adhere wallpaper or fabric to luan board and place behind shelves. Mirrors are another option but will require a semi-permanent installation due to their weight. By the way, antiqued mirrors are hot, hot, hot right now!

5) Swap out old pillows for new ones - vary the patterns and textures for added interests and a custom look.

6) Buy new lampshades to bring new life to a tired lamp - pay careful attention to the size and proportion of the lamp. A shade that’s either too big or too small will look out of sorts.

7) Change the photographs and/or picture frames throughout the house -Now this doesn’t mean to replace all photos and frames, just update some. Picture frames are like any other accessory…they have a shelf life and can really age your decor if not replaced every few years.

8) Update the fireplace mantle accessories and artwork

9) Don’t let your windows go naked any longer…dress them by adding draperies! Draperies/window treatments are the icing on the cake for the room, so to speak. They complete the story you’re trying to tell about the space. Tip: Don’t be afraid of custom draperies/window treatments. Custom draperies really don’t costs too much more than ready-made retail treatments, but there is a huge difference when it comes to fitting your windows properly, being in proper scale and proportion with the room, and fitting the design style of the room…not to mention being better quality and having more fabric and styles to select from. FYI: Most custom window treatments we design can typically be made and installed within 2-4 weeks. We can even design long distance and ship!

10) Hire a professional interior designer to help design the home of your dreams! Did you know that hiring an interior designer will actually save you time, money and aggravation? In fact, the costs of an initial consultation alone with an experienced interior designer can literally save you thousands of dollars in the long run. We prevent costly mistakes before they happen! Tips: Before hiring an interior designer, check out their website. Do you like what you see, read and learn about them? When you contact them initially to schedule an appointment, don’t be afraid to ask them how they work, and what you can expect by working with them.