Quick & Cost Effective Updates For Tired Looking Rooms...

Eventually it happens to all homeowners... after a while rooms that once looked fresh and contemporary have aged themselves into drabness.

For some of us it's a welcome excuse to redecorate. For others it's a just a chore. Either way owning and caring for a home is an ever-evolving process. As one project ends, another beckons to be started.

To make your rooms more current, as well as to update worn items, consider these simple room freshening tips:

1. Paint: Paint is relatively inexpensive and can be easily done by yourself. Getting a professional finish is rather simple thanks to the broad range of paint products and tools now on the market for DIY fans. From easy to apply and remove tape to edgers to paint with built in primer, you're almost always sure to obtain a quality finished product. "In" colors change every few years, so be sure to do some homework on what hues are happening today. If unsure, it is always advisable to stay with neutral and earth tones. Paint is a simple way for removing wear and tear. Brighten your home with a fresh coat!

2. Trim: Currently the trend for trim is to be white instead of natural wood or dark colors. White gives a contemporary and clean feel. If your trim work is in good repair painting can update it's look. Dated trim that is too narrow for your large rooms can be built up with add on mouldings or can be replaced with new and wider baseboards. If you already have current looking trim ponder upgrading your rooms with crown molding. They come in a large variety of sizes and shapes and can be real showstoppers!

3. Cabinet Hardware: From oil-rubbed bronze to beautiful antique pieces to vintage looking reproductions, old looking is in. Hardware can easily be exchanged or added to any existing cabinetry to bring a new and more sophisticated feel to your kitchen or bathroom. You'll find many great options in your local home improvement stops as wel as on-line.

4. Decorative Accents: Curtains are the final touch to any well-designed room. Choose colors and patterns that fit the size of your rooms. Curtains made from heavy materials work best in large rooms with tall ceilings and large windows. Lighter weight fabrics are great choices for smaller rooms and windows. Also, don't forget decorative pillows and throws... they are an inexpensive and simple way to change the overall feel of your rooms.

5. Flooring: Flooring is not a simple fix and almost always requires the help of a professional... however, it is well worth the effort since it can make all the difference in giving a face lift to dated rooms. Scratched, painted over and/or worn out wood floors can be sanded clean and refinished to show the natural beauty of the wood. Another option is laminate wood flooring... it is a less expensive and easy to install solution for budget conscious homeowners. And if it is plush that you are looking for you could also consider a new carpet.