Learn How to Decorate for Less

Aug. xx, 2005 — --

Pillows are the quickest way to update a room.

First thing, toss out those standard matching pillows that came with the couch and make a statement with bright, contrasting colored pillows in silks or cottons. A great way to pull a room together is by using pillows with patterns and colors that tie in all the tones of the room.

To add seasonal touches to a room, try rich chocolate browns or pumpkin for fall and winter, crisp white linen for spring and Mediterranean blue for summer.

You'll need: Round foam insert, ties, tassels or cords, scissors, heavy rubber bands, a measuring tape and a rotary cutter, like a pizza wheel.

With the fabric laid out and folded in half, use the rotary blade to cut it into a perfect circle. Then, turn the fabric upside down and place the foam insert in the center. Gather the fabric up and around the insert until it's surrounded. Next, take a heavy rubber band and band off in the middle as if putting hair in a pony tail. Adjust the pleating around the pillow and use scissors to trim. Finally, wrap decorative cording around the rubber band and tie into a bow.

Rugs can either set the tone of a room or become a focal point, depending on the colors, pattern and shape. Try using area rugs to define smaller areas in a larger room, like separating a conversation area from the rest of the room.

Bath mats can also be used to make an inexpensive area rug.

You'll need: Several 2-by-3-foot bath mats, a measuring tape, sharp scissors, matching upholstery thread, upholstery needles, a thimble and painter's tape.

First, measure the floor space. Next, use painters tape to flatten down the bath mat to make a clear path for sewing. Sew the mats together by hand using the upholstery needles and strong upholstery thread.

While coasters are essential to protect wood pieces, the choices available can leave you feeling like you need to settle for the least of the worst. The solution: design your own.