Yes, the economy sucks! But even a small decorating budget can yield big results, making your home look brighter, spacious and stylish.

1. Grab Your paint Brush! Use paint to make even empty, unfurnished rooms feel warmer and older room designs seem fresher. Yes, you can! In one week end, paint your ceilings in a pale sky blue, add color around your white fireplace, stripe your crown moulding with color pulled from the furniture and accent one wall in a white room with your favorite color. Freshen up areas showing the signs of wear and tear with a new coat of paint.

A scrubbable finish, like Benjamin Moore’s Aura provides one-coat coverage with very low odor. It’s a perfect choice for winter re-decorating when it’s too cold to open the windows. Need color inspiration? Check out the crown moldings, fireplaces and accent walls featured in my book, “Slob Proof! Real Life Design Solutions” from Penguin.

2. Curtain Calls! Give new life to older curtains that you can't yet replace. Buy colorful tie backs and decorative trim at your local fabric store. You can add