Do-it-Yourself Room Decorating

Choose your color scheme. If it is a small space, keep your colors soft and neutral to make your room seem more spacious. If your room is large, you might consider bolder colors. Visit the paint department at your local retailer and study the paint chips. If you're having trouble making a choice, shop in the fabric department and choose a printed fabric that you like. This can become your color scheme. You can match your paint to these colors.

Paint your walls. This will make the single biggest difference in your room. You can build everything around this color.

Update your window covering. A simple contemporary solution is to hang a bamboo shade near your ceiling to give your window a larger appearance. Lower the shade to cover just the top trim of your window, which will allow the maximum sunlight to stream into the room. Simple drapery panels of cotton or linen hung on either side of the window will give it a finished look.

Slipcover older furniture. There are many choices for ready-made simple slipcovers that will bring your sofa or chairs a new look.

Paint any older wooden furniture using a coordinating color that complements your wall color. A scuffed dark wood buffet can become a contemporary stylish piece with a coat of paint in a soft color.

Accessorize your room with colorful patterned pillows. Hang art on your walls. Add a potted orchid on a table.