You do not have to be a world class designer to have a beautiful home. There are some simple rules to follow and you can look like you spent thousands on an interior decorator. If your home is looking a bit dated or you are just ready for a new look, it may be time to break open a can of paint and get your tools ready.

The most important thing to consider is your budget. You should really have your budget ready before you start planning or buying anything. Remember to take your budget and add 20% to make sure that it is realistic. If something can go wrong it will and you need to have this extra money set aside to ensure that your project is not left unfinished. Many people do not account for the extra expenses involved when a repair needs to done. If you tear into a wall and find that the wiring needs to be fixed, or you tear up carpet and you need a new subfloor you are going to have to make these repairs before you finish your cosmetic upgrades.

When your budget includes furniture there are a few things to consider. Furniture is something that you will have to live with for a long time so make sure that you buy the highest quality that you can afford. This does not mean that you have to buy the most expensive furniture by any means, but it should be built solidly and be upholstered in high quality fabric. It is better to buy second hand pieces that may need a little work than to buy cheap new furniture. Sanding and staining take some time, but they are an inexpensive way to breathe new life into an older piece. Resale shops and antique malls are great places to look for bargains. During the spring and summer you can find a treasure trove of pieces at flea markets; at dirt cheap prices too. If you want to go for a high end look avoid chain stores at all costs. You do not need furniture groupings because you can mix and match furniture.

Whenever you are grouping things together to decorate a table or shelf, keep the rule of three in mind. You need three pieces to make the grouping look polished. Anything more looks cluttered and anything less looks sparse or unfinished. When you are hanging a group of pictures use craft paper to make cutouts the size and shape of your pictures and hang these first using painters tape. This way you can measure and make sure everything is straight before you begin putting nails in the wall. Try and avoid displaying collections. Many people treasure collections, but they are not particularly appealing aesthetically. Too much of anything will overwhelm a room. If you must have something from your collection, choose three of your favorite pieces and display them. It is also a good idea to avoid themes when decoration; this is your house not a child's birthday party.

If you are on a tight budget and you cannot replace old flooring or carpet, the right area rug can update a room quickly and at a fraction of the cost of new carpet or wood floors. Choose a rug that either coordinates with your furniture or incorporates the colors in the room with a new color. Remember, it does not have to match it just cannot clash. If you can afford new flooring then wood floors are the way to go. You can choose from traditional woods or go with one of the new eco friendly options. Woods such as bamboo and cork are not only better for the planet; they will add real interest to your room.

Updating a room can also be as simple as adding new accents and accessories. Use deep or bright colors to add depth and excitement to a room. You do not need to paint a wall bright purple, but jewel toned purple throw pillows can liven up a neutral color couch. When you are choosing color and you do not know what goes together keep nature in mind. If you see two colors together in nature, they will look great together in your home.