For many people, home design and decoration just doesn't fit into the family budget right now, with other needs taking priority. Projects, plans and expenditures may have to be put on the back burner in place of other, more pressing budget needs. But stepping into your Living Room or Great Room on a daily basis is a constant reminder of some sorely needed freshening up. Don't despair! You can take some simple steps with your room decor to change the overall design and give a fresh perspective to the area, thus bringing a smile to your face. And there isn't a price tag that can be put on that!

We are going to work with the thought that you will use what you have and not purchase anything new. There are literally no expenses other than some thoughtful planning and elbow grease.

Before you take any action, go into the your Living Area and assess the furniture and accessories that currently reside there. Start with the room's largest pieces and make a list of those that are critical to the function of the room, then work your way down to the smallest items. For example, your sofa, if you have one, probably needs to remain in this room, assuming you use this area for seating. Be selective as you make this list and think about the function of each piece before adding it to the list.

As your list is created you are most likely going to have some pieces that are not going to find their way on to your list, and those are the pieces that are expendable to the function of this room. Most people are going to find that they have a chair, end table/coffee table, accent piece, rocker, etc that is not critical to the area and may in fact be taking up good space. You may ultimately keep these items in the room, but for now they are not on your list of 'keepers'.

Now remove everything from the room that is NOT found on your list, including accessories. Physically remove them from the room. You should be left with the pieces that are critical to the function of the room.

Now comes the fun and creative part of this home decor project, and that is to rework your pieces and arrange them in a new and different way to bring that fresh perspective into play. Many times, furniture is placed in a room against the walls and stays in the same place for years (for some, many years!).

Pretend that your room has a hexagon (six sided) shape around the perimeter of the area, so instead of the standard four walls there are six, smaller 'walls' or lines on the floor. Take the windows, door openings and other pieces like TVs into consideration, and place your largest upholstered pieces on the hexagon 'lines'.

What you have just done is placed your furniture at some angles and pulled it away from the straight walls, which can bring a totally different design look to a room, and give a different perspective to those seated in the room. For the vast majority of folks, you have also placed the pieces in a different location than they were - you have found a new and unique furniture arrangement! You have also taken one, two or maybe more, pieces from the area to give it a more open and spacious look.

Once you are satisfied with the arrangement of the larger pieces, start bringing in the smaller pieces and accessories that were on your list, with the goal of putting each piece in a different location than in the past. Sometimes the function and size of the piece make it impossible to move, and that's okay. But your first plan of action is to find a new home for each piece. Do the same with your accessories, and when you are finished, your room will have a new and fresh look! Have you spent any money? Not one penny, and that is the best kind of home decoration.

Your Living Room has been thoughtfully rearranged and your home decor and design project is complete. For the time being, until your budget can accommodate your home decorating goals. Enjoy your new surroundings!