See more of the story

Looking for ways to give your home a new look in the new year? Start with quick, easy refreshing techniques that won't break the bank. Whether you are looking to redo an entire room or elevate certain spaces, here are some great tricks of the trade to help get you started.

1. Paint. Nothing refreshes a space or can give it a new look quicker, more easily and less expensively than paint.

2. Reupholster or slipcover. No need to toss the sofa or chair that has started to look a bit worn around the edges. Instead, have it reupholstered, or add a slipcover.

3. Refinish. Love a great flea market find? Why not take an old piece and repurpose or refinish it?

A new ceiling pendant adds a dramatic focal point to this dining space.
A new ceiling pendant adds a dramatic focal point to this dining space.

Cathy Hobbs/TNS

4. Add a chandelier or ceiling pendant. In rooms that are heavily used or may not get much light, adding a ceiling fixture can help give an instant focal point and lift.

5. Swap out or add a new rug. Not sure what to choose? Consider a nontraditional alternative such as shag or even an indoor/outdoor rug with a bold graphic print.

Accessories can serve as the perfect element of portable design in a space.
Accessories can serve as the perfect element of portable design in a space.

Cathy Hobbs/TNS

6. Consider swapping in portable design options such as accessories, toss pillows and throws. These items can add new color and texture to a space to give a room an affordable face-lift.

Sheepskin, shag and hide rugs can serve as an alternative to traditional area rugs.
Sheepskin, shag and hide rugs can serve as an alternative to traditional area rugs.

Cathy Hobbs/TNS

7. Consider textured material such as faux fur and hides.

Mirrors hung vertically in this dining space help add light and create the illusion of an additional set of windows.
Mirrors hung vertically in this dining space help add light and create the illusion of an additional set of windows.

Cathy Hobbs/TNS

8. Bring in mirrors. Mirrors can help make small rooms larger and reflect light differently in a space.

9. Go homemade. What would be more special than making something yourself?

10. Shop your house. Instead of bringing anything new into your home, consider moving an item to a different room or framing an unused piece of art.