Fellow's Fresh-Ups for Your Space

Occasionally I look at my space - be it home, office or other - and I think to myself, "I have GOT to do something to spruce this up." It goes without saying I don't have the time or the budget to be repainting or redecorating my rooms every few months, so to meet the need within my means, I use what I call a "fresh-up."

Check out these trends that are easy on the wallet and even easier to create.

Stick It
Nature-inspired decor can be spotted in many home style shows or magazines. I'm a big fan of this trend to bring the great outdoors in. Along these lines, these twig pencils are just the rustic chic touch you need. Arrange them in a glass jar on your desk or coffee table. Not to mention they're also real pencils and under $6. Winning!
SOURCE: Amazon.com 

Switch It
Most of your light switch plates and outlet covers are probably plastic and boring. Pick a switch that gets lots of flicks - the entry way, guest bathroom or other - and perk it up with a pretty plate. Options abound at big box home improvement stores, but for something unique, try one of these options.

• Visit www.Etsy.com and search "light switch cover." The ones pictured here are from the ShampaneShop on Etsy. 
• Stop by an antique shop or consignment store that offers lighting fixtures and accessories.
• Make one! With the right print paper or fabric and some glue, you can fashion your own. It's so easy I won't bore you with the how-to...you're smart kids.

Frame It
I saw this display in a home decor store in Napa Valley. For an interesting installment, mix styles and shapes of photos frames and fill them with patterned paper. Your local craft or scrap booking store will have lots of paper options. Arrange the frames on a shelf, mantel or side table. 

Spray It
Never underestimate the power of spray paint, people. For a few bucks, you can make anything look different or brand new. My mom was an avid sprayer: tables, chairs, baskets...if it wasn't nailed to the floor, she'd spray paint it, and I used to think she spent half of her time high on the fumes. I didn't understand her motivation back then, but looking back, I can appreciate her thriftiness.

The example photo here, sourced from imgfave on Pinterest, shows bright colors. White also makes a statement and gives a modern touch. Frames, candle holders, figurines, jars...take a look around your home, and I guarantee you can find one thing that would become a bold conversation piece if spray painted. 

No matter the space or the budget, make one (or more!) of these "fresh-ups" your own. I'd love to see what you come up with.