So the economy means you’re spending more time at home. Here are some tips to help you bring new interest and enjoyment to your life – without spending a lot!

• De-clutter. Yes, I know it sounds boring but it’s amazing what removing bunches of small items from view can do for your state-of-mind. This happens even to the best of us: Someone gives us a charming little piece and we put it on display. Then you bring home a treasure and it goes on display. And on and on until you’ve got nowhere for your eye to rest. So take a long look at each item, remember fondly how it arrived at your home, and then store it away.

• Create balance. Take a photo or two of your room then look at them to see what dominates. In this age of the big screen TV, it can easily take over any room. But if this is a conversation room or multi-purpose room, you may want to de-emphasize it. Try moving the TV to a wall where it isn’t so obvious, tucking it inside a TV cabinet, or balancing it with strong colors and shapes.

• Re-arrange. Moving your furniture around will show you the possibilities of your room. Try moving furniture away from the walls, putting it perpendicular to the long wall, or dividing the room into two spaces.

• Paint. Look at magazines or pictures and find colors you’re attracted to. Then go for it! Color can make the difference between a room that’s just a room and one that feels like home. Remember that we live in the Northwest. Many paints are made in states where the daylight is brighter and there’s less greenery than here. You may need to pick a shade that’s slightly grayer or more muted than what you see in your photos for it to look good in our light.

These tips are provided by Diane Thomas of Kirkland-based Designs for Do-It-Yourselfers. If you need help with any of these, or you want to take advantage of this time to do more intensive work on your home, check out Designs for Do-It-Yourselfers at www.designs4diy.com or call Diane at 425-785-4284.