A bit of salt on a lemon or orange peel will rub off tea or coffee stains from your mugs.
Add cannellini beans, artichoke hearts, olive oil and freshly grated parmesan to your fettuccine noodles.
Drape a colorful blanket of linen fabric over your headboard for a newer look.
Look for interesting wine decanters at your local flea markets. A few different ones grouped on a side table add style even when not in use.
Add cold peas to your salad. Cool, tasty and delicious.
A grouping of colorful framed photos and, or artwork can brighten up a white wall. Perfect for renters who can't paint.
Dark, rich, chocolate brown wall colors can look cool and crisp with white molding and blues added to the mix.
Look for paisleys that have a fresh, new look. A great way to combine classic style with a contemporary vibe.
Do the Polka... dots. In towels, bedding, accessories. Great way to bring some life to a dull room.
Shop locally. From farmer's markets to thrift stores, your town may be the best place to get your swell lifestyle on.
A couple of simple chalk lines can turn an ordinary deck into a game board for oversize chess pieces.
An old wooden ladder, wall mounted, can become an interesting display shelf for art, crafts or small collections.
Old baker's racks can make for great storage that is swell to look at.
A bunch of colorful, inexpensive paper lanterns in a non working fireplace add interest to a room.
Old coffee tins make for great vases. You can even paint and decorate them for a fun family project.
Layer the same color. Even a neutral beige can be interesting if it's used in different hues.
Use a graphic patterned stencil on a plain window shade.
A punch of yellow or orange in an all brown or neutral room can instantly make it more fun.
If you have outdated closet doors, you can soften the look with draperies. Also, think about folding screens.
A bold striped rug can expand and energize a small room.
On your summer travels, bring back at least one great find to add to your home decor.
Use cube ottomans for extra seating, end of bed anchors, end tables. Easy to move and easy to hide-a-way when not in use.
A simple roll of butcher or craft paper can be a great way to add an inexpensive table cloth to a picnic table.
Empty wine bottles with labels removed, grouped together, can make for a great casual centerpiece. Add a few flowers or branches and it makes it even better
Hot coffee over a scoop of ice cream... a must on a warm summer day!
Use old glass pasta sauce and mayo jars for fresh cut flowers, storage, etc...
Look for small chalk boards and use them for announcing a buffet style picnic menu.
A simple plank of wood can act as the perfect guide for edging your lawn.
Everything tastes better with a straw, or at least it is more fun. Stock up for picnics, parties and Bar-b-ques.
Capture Summer moments and save images for gifts. Enlarged. Printed, or Framed.
A few mix n' match paper napkins and a little bit of tape can make a colorful placemat.
Too hot to bake, visit your local bakery and make it an outing.
Look for vintage fans. They look swell and do the cooling down thing in style.
Thrift store soap dishes or small serving bowls make a great place to store keys.
If you have a yard with trees, get a hammock. If not, get one for your friends that have a yard with trees and stop by often.
If you have open shelving in the kitchen, try all white dishes and mugs for a streamlined look.
Go to the Park. I know it's Monday... go on your lunch break!
Plywood is cheap, durable and can be painted, stained and/or sealed to look quite spiffy!
If you're in a small space, invest in a drop leaf table.
Look for vintage hardware at your local flea markets... not only for your doors and drawers, but to use as wall art.
Changing out your lampshades is a simple way to experiment with color, pattern, or texture. Maybe all three!
Forego the standard entertainment unit and place your TV on an old wooden console. The older and more weathered the better.
Vintage barrels can make for great planters.
A $10 hanging lightbulb kit and an upside down basket can be the beginnings of a great inexpensive light fixture.
Chalkboard paint. It's awesome. Use it.
Don't be afraid to use texture in all rooms of your home. It makes everything a bit more homey.
Everything in your kitchen doesn't have to say KITCHEN! Bring in a mirror, photographs or a painting.
Get window flower boxes and get planting.
Painted white wood floors can make any room feel fresh.
When buying a leather chair, think beyond just black and brown.
Hand or display artwork along with books on your bookcases.
Do yourself a favor and check out all the new wallpapers. No, seriously.
Don't neglect the office waste basket... there's room for style there too!
Wall sconces can add a bit of architecture and art to a plain wall.
Simple white washable slipcovers are not only a great way to update your look, but they feel cool and summery.
Use wood mulch to conserve soil moisture.
Burlap is inexpensive and can look elegant as a window treatment.
Have your holiday guests write a card of support for the troops. Bundle them up and send to: http://www.opgratitude.com
Shop your own home. Use things from one room to change up the look in another.
Add a colorful tray to your coffee table to keep remotes, magazines and books in order.
Nature shouldn't stop at your door... bring in natural elements to add interest to your space.
A little salt can do wonders when baking... it enhances the flavor of butter, flour and chocolate.
Invest in great bath towels... start the day with a little bit of luxury.
Can't find the right curtains? Make 'em-even if you can't sew... hemming tape will save the day!
Small space living? Use stackable chairs for dining and extra guests!
In a small bedroom avoid a large footboard - it closes off the space.
Always try to incorporate a natural element or two in your rooms.
Invest in a great outdoor umbrella or two... many colors and shapes to fit every space!
Hang lanterns in your trees for a more intimate backyard.
Use cork inside closet door panels and create a simple message center
Blues, Grays, Lavenders, Whites and Silvers can feel cool and refreshing.
Instead of heavy drapes, hang lighter fabrics for flowing panels in the breeze.
Want to give a plain room instant character and interest? Wallpaper!
Not into recliners? Add an ottoman to your favorite chair.
Create a view in a room that doesn't have one with your photos or artwork.
Cool down a room with crisp whites and shades of blue.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream in a small, clear glass - then dowse it with espresso and add a dollop of whipped cream.
Visit a salvage yard... for great finds... and repurpose them for more interest.
For an empty wall, simple hooks and your collection of hats make for your own personal art installation!
Plant fragrant flowers right outside of windows and doors.
Use glass shelving in small kitchens and baths to create a more open feel.
Tired of an old, dated bookcase? Paint it white. Fresh, new and modern.
Update an old wooden headboard with a simple slip cover.
Inexpensive enamel buckets make great decorative pots for plants.
Buy an ice cream maker -- The best purchase for fun summer treats!
Can't paint your bedroom walls? Add color and pattern with bedding!
A great old wooden ladder propped against a wall becomes an instant and interesting towel rack.
High gloss white paint on a ceiling reflects light.
Vintage, bright, metal tackle boxes are a great way to store desk supplies.
Save space by using wall mounted lighting instead of table lamps.
Choose cool colors for your bedroom to get a more restful, peaceful night's sleep.
A weathered metal bucket filled with flowers or a plant can make for an awesome centerpiece.
Drape a vivid patterned blanket or fabric over the back of a neutral sofa for a punch of color that you can always change out.
Make a Greek Salad (recipe on the angelo:HOME BLOG)... Easy and you'll be a Rock Star!
If you have a large yard or patio, split it into outdoor rooms and double your living space!
Easy dessert... in a tall glass - combine sliced strawberries, whipped cream and pieces of vanilla cake (dipped in coffee of course)...
Flea Markets and Yard Sales are a great place for old magazines... you can find awesome images for framing...
A coat of paint on the legs of an old wooden chair can bring it back to life.
