Source: Home Decorating Made Easy

Not all home decorating ideas require a heavy investment of time and money. If you’re looking for a few affordable home interior decorating ideas to freshen up a room over a weekend, try these ten:

1. Rearrange The Furniture – Pull your furniture away from the walls. Try positioning it at intriguing angles. For example, a sofa arranged diagonally across a narrow living room will make the room look wider.

2. Paint A Wall – Paint one wall your favorite color and make it the focal point. Hang interesting art on that wall and move a nice piece of furniture there. (Note: Make sure that the color is one that is shared with several other objects and fabrics in the room.)

3. Bring In Plants – Greenery always adds a breath of fresh air to a room. If you don’t have a green thumb, try silk plants and trees. The quality has gotten so good that its hard to distinguish them from the real thing.

4. Lay An Area Rug – An area rug is a wonderful way of defining a conversation area. Try one that complements the room. Lay it at an angle beneath your coffee table.

5. Hang Pictures or Mirror – Hang pictures that reflect your personality. Try frames that are more ornate. When hanging a mirror, try and position it so that it reflects and nice view or an interesting architectural element.

6. Group Figurines – Pull out your favorite collectibles. Show off your personality. Find a display area and group related objects together, in sets of three or five. Try and vary the shapes.

7. Add Decorative Pillows – The good news about decorative pillows is that they are an easy way to add textures and patterns to a room. Still better, they can be changed to jazz up a sofa or chair before your room is ready for a major makeover.

8.Replace Lamps – Lamps are probably the one thing in your home that will give others a clue that your room is outdated. Seek out new and fresh lamps that make a statement.

9. Add A Throw Or Afghan – Similar to decorative pillows, throws and afghans add texture to your furniture. They come in all kinds of natural and man made fabrics. Find a pattern and style that you like.

10. Eliminate Clutter – Clutter has a way of eliminating the desired mood and effect of any room. Find storage spaces for papers, toys, and other items that take from the personality of a room.

What makes a house a “home?” Color and texture are key elements in making a home warm and inviting, however, it’s also the decorative details that give a home your personal touch.   “Discovering and defining style is easier than many realize,” says Kimberly Kennedy, author of The Art and Craft of Entertaining and lifestyle consultant to the National Candle Association (NCA).

“First you need to ask yourself, ‘What makes you comfortable, happy and contented?’ Then, what types of fabrics, colors or fragrance are you comfortable with? Do you like to accessorize with candles or fresh flowers or both?”  To help make your home comfortable and inviting, Kennedy recommends the following:

– A Splash of Color:  A welcoming home is created when guests recognize a reflection of who you are as soon as they enter your front door. Color is a great way to personalize your home. From colorful accessories, such as throw pillows, artwork, and even candles, a little color can go a long way in making your home unique and welcoming for guests.

– Fabrics Galore:  Fabrics add texture, depth and color to a home. Whether you choose several colors or a monochromatic color scheme, add interest and dimension to your home by mixing textured fabrics, such as velvets, chenilles and silks. Not only are they pleasing to the eye, but they’re comfortable to the touch.

– Decorative Accents:  Artwork, area rugs, window treatments, sconces and candelabras are another way to create an inviting home. Area rugs can anchor a room by visually breaking up areas of wood flooring and reducing sound echoing, while adding design and cushioning the step. Window treatments soften the edges of a room and reflect your personal style. Carefully placed accessories add a finishing touch.

Continue reading: Creating a Welcoming Home