STENCILED HEADBOARD

 This headboard may look difficult to make, but you only need basic skills to pull it off. Cut a curvy headboard from medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and paint on a base coat. When dry, use a stencil roller to apply a trendy damask stencil in a cool contrasting color. Stencil design on accent pillow fabric, too.

PICTURE HANGING TIPS

Turn a stack of framed works into a striking wall of art. Inexpensive paintings and drawings from thrift stores create a one-of-a-kind gallery in a guest bedroom.

HANG PLATES

Instead of keeping your special-occasion china hidden behind closed cabinet doors, put it to use every day by letting it set the decorating theme in your dining room. These blue-and-white classics pop against the yellow wall.

SAVVY SLIPCOVERS

Spruce up dated furniture with colorful slipcovers. A medium-size floral brings a plain white sofa to life. Bits of bright white in the print inspire the cheery pom-pom hem.

OUTDOOR DECORATING

Use a light palette and muted fabrics outdoors to create a look that's as light and airy as a salt-kissed breeze. The landscape provides the real color.