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Homeowners know that improvement and redecorating projects can be financially draining. However, you can still invest in some simple home decorating projects that provide a big impact, and you won’t have to spend a fortune to complete them.

Here are some quick and easy ways to boost the look of your home while stretching your funds to the maximum.

Try Before You Buy
Adding some color to the walls is a trouble-free and inexpensive way to extend your home improvement dollar. Dutch Boy offers affordable interior paint in a variety of colors with the average price per gallon starting around $16, depending upon the retailer. To help you save even more time and money, rather than buying expensive and messy jars of test paint colors, consider turning to online sources before you launch into a painting project.

An online color visualizer provides that extra boost of confidence when pulling paint colors together by showcasing photographs of how professionals combine colors on walls, trim and accent areas in various rooms. The visualizer allows you to manipulate wall, trim and accent colors in a variety of room settings. A simple click of a mouse lets you see first-hand how any room in your home might look with one or more colors.

Freshen Up Your Décor
If your furniture is tired looking, or you need to match your new wall color with your current décor, you can lighten and brighten chairs, loveseats and couches with the creative use of decorative throw pillows. Rather than spending thousands of dollars on new pieces of furniture, you can purchase a few pillows at your local home outlet store for less than $100 and strategically place them throughout the room. For an even more dramatic look, use a luxurious pashmina shawl, wrap, or scarf as a throw. A fashionable pashmina can be the perfect finishing touch for almost any décor.

To further accent your newly refreshed room, consider adding an area rug. Unlike wall-to-wall carpet, area rugs can bring colorful designs and patterns into your room without overwhelming it. Area rugs can be well used by the frugal decorator, as they’re extremely versatile, and can serve many purposes. For example, they can start off in the living room, move to the family room or bedroom, and eventually end up in an indoor/outdoor room.

Grow a Worry-Free Garden
Fresh flowers are a great way to add life, and color, to any space. To give the interior of your home an even bigger boost, consider bringing in fresh-cut flowers from your yard and placing them in your home.

In order to stretch your home improvement dollars even further, consider planting a vegetable garden. Not only will it add dimension into your yard, but you’ll be able to harvest your own fresh vegetables for summer meals, saving you money at the grocery store. If you have the time and know-how, can your vegetables for use in the winter months. It will help you keep your food costs down throughout the entire year, especially during the holiday season when budgets can be tight.

Be a Savvy Shopper
No matter what home-oriented projects you decide to undertake, be certain to check for specials or incentives. As the economy has slowed, several major retailers are offering special discounts to lure shoppers into spending again. So take a few minutes to search the Web before heading out the door. Remember, by strategically investing money into the look of your home, both inside and out, you can be sure to increase its value and your affection for it. But you don’t need to spend a bundle to do it.

In an effort to jumpstart the struggling economy, the federal government has approved an economic stimulus package that will send rebate checks to qualifying taxpayers, some as early as May. Homeowners can use this refund to invest in home improvements that add value in a difficult housing market.

Qualifying individual taxpayers will get up to $600 in rebates, working couples $1,200 and those with children an additional $300 per child. Add that to the average refund some taxpayers can expect after filing their taxes ($2,548 in 2007, according to CNNMoney.com) and that’s approximately $3,800 in total refunds from the federal government this year.

Investing these dollars in home improvements, such as replacing old leaky windows with newer, energy efficient ones, can offer homeowners a significant return on investment. Some experts believe that replacement windows are one of the best home improvement investments you can make in your home.

“Remodeling Magazine’s” 2007 Cost vs Value Report estimates that a homeowner may recoup 81 percent of the cost of installing low maintenance replacement windows at resale. That means on an $8,000 window replacement project, homeowners may recoup $6,480 at the time of sale.

In addition, new energy efficient windows can lower heating and cooling bills, improve a home’s comfort and aesthetics, and add long-lasting value.

If the cost of new windows is out of reach consider changing or adding an area rug. Area rugs are an inexpensive purchase that can change the style and mood of an entire room. An oriental rug of unique design or striking colors will immediately draw the eye and become the focal point. You can use this feature to highlight a prized piece of furniture. Come Winter you will appreciate the comforting warmness.

With a substantial savings in energy costs along with a solid return on investment from home improvement projects, buying energy efficient windows is a wise use of your rebate dollars. And, if you ever decide to sell your home, energy efficient windows can give you the edge — and often a higher resale value — over other sellers in an increasingly competitive housing market.

Do you ever find yourself wishing you could use your deck or patio more often but find it to be useless because of the weather? Imagine turning your deck or patio into a usable outdoor living space where you can spend more time enjoying life no matter what the weather.

Sunsetter Pro Motorized Awning (10 Ft / Blue Stripe)

Buy New: $1,369.00

The sunsetter pro motorized awning gives you the ultimate in cool shade and weather protection instantly. Dual-cable system needs no vertical supports. Includes reliable somfy motor — the best in the industry — hidden inside the awning roller. Included remote control lets you operate your awning from anywhere. Comes with industry leading 5-year warranty. 7. 5ft minimum vertical clearance for installation. Easily installable in 2-3 hours. Unit can be installed on wood, brick, stucco, aluminum and vinyl siding as well as directly on eaves and overhangs. 12-ft cord plugs into any grounded outlet. Includes weatherbreaker vinyl front screen for blocking sun and breeze, or prevent light rain from blowing under your awning.

With the simple push of a button, automated retractable awnings are the perfect solution to a deck or patio that isn’t used often because of intense sun and other weather factors that would disrupt you from enjoying outdoor living. Great protection from the sun and creating a more comfortable and enjoyable space are just some of the benefits you will get from an automated retractable awning. What makes them an exceptional value are all the additional benefits they provide.

Retractable awnings are a great way of preventing the sun and heat from entering a home. By providing shade to windows and patio doors, interior temperatures can be significantly reduced which will ultimately help to reduce cooling costs. According to an energy study conducted by PAMA (Professional Awning Manufacturers Association), more energy is lost through glass doors and windows than through any other part of the home. On a hot day, more energy comes through one square foot of glass than through an entire insulated wall. Solar radiation through glass is responsible for approximately 20 percent of the load on an air conditioner.

An awning, for example, can help solve this problem by reducing heat gain by 55 to 65 percent. For western exposure, the reduction in heat gain is 72 to 77 percent. And that’s not all you save, because an automated retractable awning reduces the amount of sunlight and glare that enters a home, it protects your interior carpets, window treatments and furnishings from fading as well.

“Automated retractable awnings also enhance the beauty of your home. Retractable awnings come in a wide variety of decorative colors and designs which will give your home added value,”says Mitch Klein, business development manager for Somfy Systems, Inc., a leading manufacturer that specializes in motors and controls for awnings. “Automated retractable awnings are powered with a concealed motor that can simply be plugged into a standard 120V electrical outlet. The awning will effortlessly extend or retract with a hand-held remote or a wireless wall switch.”

For the ultimate in convenience, your retractable awning can be controlled automatically with a wind sensor that will draw in the awning upon detecting a strong gust of wind or with a sun sensor that will extend the awning based on the sun’s intensity. The functional control options are WireFree and operate via either battery or solar power which means no additional wiring or complicated installation.

Don’t let your deck or patio become a lifeless space that you wish you could use. Give it a new life with an automated retractable awning. Creating the perfect backyard is a homeowner’s dream and an automated retractable awning is the perfect complement to outdoor kitchens, spas, entertainment centers and furniture. An automated retractable awning creates an outdoor family room in less then 60 seconds and defines a space on your deck or patio so you can spend more time outdoors.

Sick of those saggy silk drapes? Does the trendy color you painted your walls last year now look so “last year”? Your décor leaves you uninspired, yet the current economy makes you hesitate to spend a bundle on a total redesign. The good news is you don’t need the skill – or budget – of a TV decorating diva to give your home a fresh new look. Small, inexpensive changes can make a dramatic difference.

Here are some ideas to transform your room for less than $100:

Lighten Up

The type and placement of lighting can completely change the look of a room and create different moods. Most of us stick with light fixtures that were in our homes when we bought them. Those aren’t always the most attractive or illuminating options.

Overhead lighting – the kind that comes installed in most new homes – can be great if you’re quilting, but might not set the mood for more relaxing moments. Supplement your overhead lighting with lamps strategically positioned around the room. Light cast from the side, rather than from above, will create a cozy, homey feel. Four $25 lamps purchased at a discount store can make your room feel like a million dollars.

Create with Color

Repainting in this season’s hot colors can give a room a contemporary, trendy look – even if you don’t update any of your furniture. Or, opt for more classic colors that will still be in style for years to come. Whatever color you choose, repainting is a powerful way to make a room feel fresh and new.

You don’t have to stop with simple painting. Many home improvement stores offer free classes on decorative painting techniques and the use of color. Total cost of doing a decorative sponge effect in your powder room? About $26 for a gallon of paint, and another $25 for sponges and paint trays.

Make it Better with Murals

Wallpapering an entire room is a big commitment, but you’re still not content with just repainting a room. You want something that’s going to make the décor pop – without busting your budget. Wallpaper murals are a great compromise. You can find images to match virtually any décor – from an underwater scene for a kid’s room to the view from the verandah of a Tuscan Villa for your kitchen.

Home improvement store Lowe’s carries a variety of these easy-to-install wallpaper murals by Environmental Graphics, for less than $100. You can find a style and size to fit in nearly any room. To find a Lowe’s near you visit www.lowes.com.

Accessorize your Bath

Americans tend to spend their at-home hours in the kitchen. But the next-most-used room is the bath. If walking into your bathroom feels like walking into a bad thrift store – nothing matches and toiletries everywhere – it may be time to spend a few dollars and take control.

It’s easy and not costly to replace mismatched accessories such as toothbrush holders, cups and lotion dispensers with ones in the same design. Major retailers and home specialty stores carry a wide array of patterns to appeal to virtually every taste. A full set can easily be bought for less than $100.

If you’re willing to be a “big spender,” you can also pick up shower curtains and window treatments to compliment your new all-matching accessories.

Go Green and Get Moving

Nothing says “home” like green plants. You don’t need a green thumb to green up your living space. Opt for low-maintenance live varieties like a philodendron or pothos. Or, if you just can’t keep plants alive, consider artificial. Many modern artificial plants duplicate the look of life so well only the aphids who try to eat them can tell the difference.

Forever Silk 17-FL4548 Silk Bamboo Palm Tree

List Price: $59.99
Buy New: $27.99
You Save: $32.00 (53%)

Place tall palms next to chairs and windows to bring the outdoors inside. Smaller plants are marvelous accents for tables, shelves and windowsills. And a hanging basket with cascading leaves will add drama to large entryways.

Finally, don’t think you need to replace your furniture to make it work in your new room décor. Sometimes simply moving it around is enough to create a new effect that will please you and work well in your room.

It’s a sticky subject – not all glues are created equal. There are different types of glues for different surfaces and different applications. Using the wrong one may mean your project won’t hold together or, worse, you ruin what you were trying to repair.

Dremel 1200-02 Glue Gun Kit With Bag

List Price: $29.99
Buy New: $19.95
You Save: $10.04 (33%)

Features:
• Anti-drip tip with silicone protector
• Red & Green LED indicator lights
• Dual Temperature settings with separate On/Off switch
• Soft-grip handle & extended trigger
• Kickstand and wide base

So how do you know what type of glue is right for your project? James and Morris Carey, home improvement gurus and hosts of the nationally syndicated radio program “On the House with the Carey Brothers” offer some advice:

First, answer some basic questions about your project.

1. What type of materials needs to be bonded?

2. Is clamping feasible?

3. Will the project be exposed to moisture?

4. How much stress or weight will the object endure?

With answers in hand you can match the glue to the job, usually by just reading the label on the bottle.

The next equally important step is applying the glue properly, because again, failure to read and follow directions can lead to a sticky situation. This brief overview should help you get the job done right the first time.

Woodworking and Craft Projects

Wood glue is designed for carpentry, craft and hobby projects such as building cabinets and furniture and making wooden toys, cutting boards, dollhouses, birdhouses, etc. It is available for interior use, as well as in moisture-resistant and even waterproof versions for outdoor furniture.

Wood glue won’t adhere to surfaces that are already stained or painted, so only use it on “bare” woods that have been sanded or planed. Work pieces have to be clamped together until dry, which typically takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the temperature and humidity.

Most wood glues are non-toxic and can be cleaned up with water and a damp rag. Dried wood glue can be sanded and scraped just like the actual wood surface, so you can paint over the glue. Clean and sand glued surfaces thoroughly as leftover residue will prevent stains and finishes from penetrating the wood.

Polyurethane for Tough Building Projects and Repairs

Polyurethane glue is an extremely durable adhesive that can be used to bond a variety of surfaces like wood, metal, stone, foam, brick, concrete, ceramic and fiberglass.

It’s 100 percent waterproof, making it an ideal choice for building and repair projects indoors and out. This characteristic makes it a favorite among boaters, hunters and fisherman as well as do-it-yourselfers, builders and remodelers, who use it to attach or mount equipment, repair indoor or outdoor furniture, cement urns, fountains, decks and more.

Polyurethane glue expands as it cures to achieve a better bond, cosmetically filling in small cracks and gaps in the process. Because of this expansion or “foaming,” it’s important to use a clamp when gluing pieces together as well as wipe away any excess glue with a dry cloth in the first 10 to 15 minutes of set-up. Clamp time ranges from 30 minutes to four hours, depending on the brand. The bond is fully cured or set after 24 hours. Once dry, the glue can be sanded, painted or stained.

This type of glue requires moisture to cure, so be sure to dampen one side of the substrates being bonded. Wear gloves to avoid staining your hands. The glue expands as it dries, so a little dab goes a long way. To apply the glue in small, hard to reach places, try one of the new applicators now available like the Gorilla Glue Precision Glue Pen. It provides added control, dries a white color and has a clamp time of just 30 to 60 minutes.

A Quick Fix

“Instant glue” is ideal for small “emergency” repairs, especially when clamping is not an option. Curing in less than a minute, this glue forms a nearly invisible bond on surfaces like rubber, metal, ceramics, porcelain and some plastics. Super glue performs best when the break is clean and tight fitting. Although a great solution for many applications, super glue has its shortcomings, namely, a reputation for being very brittle.

Gorilla Super Glue Impact-Tough Formula addresses the brittle problem with tiny rubber particles that give it impact resistant strength and reduce the chance of the repair breaking when the object is bumped banged or dropped. It works on wood, glass and plastic.