left use fresh flowers and toss those faded fabric ones. go with seasonal blooms to keep your room feeling up to date.

FLAUNT YOUR INTERESTS

Maybe you have a collection of Grandpa’s leatherworking tools, or pottery pieces you’ve collected during your travels. showcase them on a shelf or in a glass-topped display-case-style coffee table. they’re great conversation pieces.

or your beloved Disney collection, scattered throughout the house, might just look tacky. Grouped together, they make a statement.

LOOK DOWN

throw or area rugs can change the appearance of a room considerably. it’s the stage on which your furniture is set. An elegant oriental rug says one thing; a bound length of sisal says quite another.

LET THERE BE LIGHTS

Lighting can completely transform a room from cool to warm, depending on the bulbs you use.

Also, outdated track lighting can be updated with new heads on the old track.

or replace lamp shades, schell suggests. “try a black shade for dramatic effect, and get

rid of the old white one,” he says. “you won’t believe how different the room can look.”

GO OUTSIDE

“you can change the entire look of your house with a new front door,” schell says. “or stain your deck a new color – there are dozens of new ones now. And get rid of that artificial wreath or Holly Hobby thing on the front door. Hang a basket of live ivy, or place some topiaries on either side. the exterior of your house should be as welcoming as the interior.”

 

AND, FINALLY

“Don’t fall for everything you see on HGtV,” schell says. “they do some just awful stuff!”

ContACts:

Rich Schell, rich Designs Home, 1731 Mount Washington Ave., 475-1200, or www.richdesigns-gallery.com

Milt Sommers, tweeds, 106 Village terrace, Woodland Park, 687-7373