Add privacy to your rooms without installing curtains or blinds. Add some stained glass window treatments. You can go for the real thing, or for a more affordable solution, get the newest, easiest and least costly solution, stained glass or frosted glass window film. View some great faux stained glass examples here!

Hang your pictures at the right height. That means, not too high. People tend to hang artwork too high. You should be able to see the artwork at eyelevel. Need some artwork?

For a classic, tailored, uncluttered look, choose Roman shades for your window treatments - and nothing else! 

To do a simple update of a kitchen - quickly and easily - purchase a new set of dishes and/or flatware. What a great bang for your buck on this one! Set your table with these new accessories and people will forget how outdated or old the cabinets and furniture are. And even better - if you purchase dishes with a European country theme, your older cabinets and furniture just might fit right in. 

Eliminate clutter. Regardless of your style – from traditional to ultra modern – less clutter ALWAYS looks and feels better.

Install lighting dimmers where possible. Not only can you save energy and therefore money, but you can set a great mood any time you like.

Have fun with an armoire or cabinet. Paint the inside a different colour than the outside so when the doors are open, you get a new and different viewpoint.

Themes are great in kids rooms. Have fun with themes such as a nautical or racecar theme for a boy, or flower power or princess theme for a girl.

Match your walls to your furniture and not the furniture to your walls. This could be a costly mistake. Furniture costs much more than a coat of paint.

Treat your outdoor spaces like another space to live in...so, decorate it! Get some great outdoor furniture and accessories for your backyard, porch, or pool area - Shop for Outdoor Furniture

If you have a lot of artwork to display, keep your walls more neutral. If you are starting out and lacking artwork, you can go bolder and brighter and make your walls your art statement.

 

Need a quick and inexpensive change?  Try a slipcover or new accent pillow. In an hour or two, you can have a whole new look.

For those who like to change things up often (like myself J) keep your furniture and walls neutral. To add that pop of colour, use accessories such as throw pillows, artwork and other decorative accessories.

Redoing your kitchen cabinets? Consider choosing different cabinet or countertop combinations. How about white cabinets with a cherry wood island cabinetry? Or what about your workspace countertop in a different surface than the island – Formica on the workspace and granite on the island – a great way to make things interesting and save money at the same time.

Be sure you have enough lighting! Most people forget about lighting and leave it out of the plan. It is a crucial to have enough lighting. See the light!

Not all pieces of furniture in one room need to be a set. Mix up furniture styles and ensembles. If you are not sure how to mix it up, start by using the same tone or shade of wood together.

Not to plug my own profession but…our services are valuable. Costly mistakes can be made if you are redesigning, remodeling or renovating without the services of an Interior Designer/Decorator. Sometimes, a few hours of consultation could save you thousands in decorating mistakes.

More of Shelly's Tips and Tricks: 

• Tuscan Kitchens - Design Tips and Tricks

• Beach Essence Bathroom - essence de plage Design Tips and Tricks

• How to Make a Small Space Appear Larger

• Buying a Down Comforter / Duvet - What you need to Know