Freshen Up

A new coat of paint will make the family room look spacious, bright and new again. Choose a cool pastel like light blue, green or yellow or go with a neutral shade that will let your furniture and accessories steal the show. If you're not up for repainting the entire room, try painting one wall in a slightly deeper accent color. Or, just try washing the walls to remove grime and fingerprints and make the whole room look brighter. Typically the areas around doorways become soiled. Touch up wood trim for a clean fresh look that you can achieve in record time.

Make furniture and rugs look new again with a thorough vacuuming and steam cleaning. If furniture is looking worn, slip covers are a budget-friendly option, especially when accented with colorful throw pillows.

Budget Friendly Window Treatments

A casual look is right at home in a family room and you can pass on fussy or expensive window treatments without sacrificing style. If you don't need treatments to block sunlight or add privacy, windows can go bare or be minimally dressed. Window valances are inexpensive and can be mounted directly inside the window frame on tension rods that can be picked up at a discount store for a dollar or two apiece. If you need privacy or light control, install roll up shades underneath the valances and draw them down when needed. Discount, closeout stores and home improvement stores have a good selection of blinds, shades, swags, valances and curtain panels at terrific prices.

Accessorize on a Budget

Accessories make the room but you don't have to buy everything at a premium price.

• Don't overlook the power of garage sales, flea markets, antique stores, resale shops and discount stores when shopping for accessories. Old plates that can be hung on a wall, wall and mantle clocks, framed mirrors and art, baskets, wall shelves, collectibles, end tables, bookshelves, lamps and area rugs are just a few things that you can pick up for just a few dollars.

• When shopping retail, wait for sales and specials. Sign up for email alerts that let you know when the sales are coming and print out special coupons.

• Add style in affordable doses: Lamp shades are cheaper than new lamps, and throw cushions and floor cushions inject new style at a fraction of the cost of new furniture. Candles are a very inexpensive accessory and nothing says welcome like a vase of fresh flowers. Cut some for free from your garden or pick up an inexpensive bouquet at a supermarket or farmer's market for an affordable pick-me-up.

• Bring new life to an old ceiling fan. Remove and wash the blades, lightly sand them, and wash and dry them again. Roll on acrylic latex paint in a neutral shade. Let it dry thoroughly then add a slightly deeper or lighter color with a sea sponge. You'll get an upscale stone finish at a fraction of the price.