Lighting is another wow-factor that is fairly low in cost. Torchieres offer uplighting and simple ones are very inexpensive. Installed can lights are also very low-cost, and many can be adjusted. Another big impact can be as simple as installing dimmer switches that allow you to instantly change the mood of the room. You might even want to consider colored lighting in your accent lights. It blends with white light in the room for unique effects. To get a very dramatic effect from your lights, consider low or floor uplights paired with some sculptural piece, such as an interesting (and large) potted plant. Most of these effects are especially suited to bedrooms and living rooms, with the exception of the dramatic uplighting which can also be especially at home in the dining room or in the outdoor landscaping.
Remember that lighting can be both beautiful AND functional at the same time. One of the best investments can be strip lighting to go under cabinets, such as in kitchens. This provides task lighting when needed, can add a bit of drama to what can be a rather ho-hum room at night, and has the added advantage of showing off everything you place on the counter tops.
And don't forget lighting that can be used in unexpected ways. Christmas lighting strands, especially in novel styles like tube lighting, chasing lights, icicle lights, and others offer very unique options for home decor. You might nestle a strand of lights unseen on top of a bookcase where they will provide a soft glow to illuminate the sculpture or plants up there. Or run tube lights in a geometric pattern around wall accessories. One of my favorite effects is to use hanging icicle lights around an outdoor seating area and turn them on any evening you use the space year-round.
Accessories can also add a lot of punch for a small cost. Bathrooms are a great example. Choose a new color, purchase a couple of luxury bath towels and some decorative hand towels (outlet malls often offer great deals), add a new shower curtain, and you're halfway there. If you like versatility, consider solid colors (usually it's best to choose one or two, no more than three) for your main purchases, which will allow you to easily change your theme with accessories later. If you want to go full into a theme, go ahead and purchase themed furnishings, if you like. The variety of lovely shower curtains is amazing ... not only the usual tropical, ocean, and garden themes but now animals of every kind, sports, fantasy, fine art, and many many more are available.Depending on your decor, you might add a small garden statue (these can be quite reasonable with craft store 40% off coupons, or purchased at end of season for even deeper discount), or a basket of rolled washcloths for another splash of color, or a dish of decorative seashells or soaps, or a flower arrangement. Don't overlook shower curtain hooks ... these range from very inexpensive to a bit more pricey, and add anywhere from a modest put-together look to a real punch, depending on the style you select.
Speaking of bathrooms, it is usually best to clear off as many surfaces as possible and hide necessary toiletries. (The same rule of de-cluttering applies to kitchens, bedrooms, and all other rooms as well.) If you don't have built-in storage, consider a unit with doors to go over the toilet. If that is too expensive, look into very low-cost shelving, such as laminate or plastic, or perhaps bins, that will fit under the sink (if you have a wall-mount with no cabinetry) and make a simple fabric drape that attaches to the sink with velcro tabs to hide everything. You might also consider baskets or glass containers (flea markets and garage sales are good sources) to contain everything. Making all the containers somewhat alike makes everything appear less cluttered.
We plan to keep revisiting this topic, so more posts will be coming in future.
