Quick, easy changes freshen home for spring

DEAR GAIL: I just moved from North Dakota and I'm already enjoying this great weather. I'd like to do a couple of simple and inexpensive things that will freshen up the things I brought as well as add a few new things for the summer. Any ideas? -- Roxanne

DEAR ROXANNE: It's nice to be able to change out and add a few things each season. They say that after 27 days we really no longer see the things around us. It's amazing what just a few simple changes can make in giving your home a new fresh look.

So, here are a few quick, easy and inexpensive things you can do.

1. Make pillow covers from a few yards of fabric. By using a pillow cover, you don't have extra pillows to store when the seasons change.

2. Quick and easy floral arrangements. Start with a clear vase. We all have at least one around the house; if not, you can find them at any thrift store for less than $1. Fill it with silica sand (the sand used to make concrete), which is only $ 5 a bag. I like using silica sand because it is much easier to use than floral foam. Then finish your arrangement with my personal favorite, sunflowers. I haven't found a person yet who doesn't like sunflowers and they bring sunshine and happy thoughts to any room.

Or you can just fill the vase with inexpensive faux lemons and limes.

3. Rearrange your furniture in a fresh new way. If you have a beautiful yard, place your seating so that you can see outside.

4. Remove heavy drapery panels and bring the sunshine in. This also gives you the chance to have them cleaned and ready to put back up in the fall. You can also switch them out with simple sheers.

5. Change out your bedding with a crisp and colorful bed-in-a-bag set. You can find them as inexpensive as $40.

6. Paint one wall in a fun and fresh color. This can be done for as little as $15 a gallon for a good paint and in just a few hours time.

7. Change the shower treatment in your hall bath. It's easy to do and easy to store. Watch for sales and look for coupons.

8. Add removable wall decals around your artwork and/or bathroom mirrors. Or you can dress up any plain pieces of furniture. This is fun and very inexpensive.

9. Change out the images in your artwork with floral or landscape posters. Use removable tape and adhere it to the back of the image you already have. There's no reframing or mounting.

10. Create a new wall gallery with simple frames from a dollar store and use pictures from a calendar or book. If you don't have any available wall space for it, switch it out with a piece already hanging on the wall.

11. Create a seasonal vignette in your entry or on your fireplace mantel. This is one of my favorite things to do for those who like to change décor for the season or holidays. It's quick and easy because you're only decorating one small area. If you don't already have a piece of furniture in your entry, use a small round table with a fun table cloth. Add a bowl with potpourri with a springtime floral or fruit scent. Soften the grouping with greenery, tulips, daisies or daffodils. Then add one more accessory to complete the look, such as a bird, birdcage, picnic basket or candles.

12. Bring the casual feel of the outdoors into a room with a white wicker chair, stool or side table. Yard sales are a great place to pick up these pieces this time of year because people are buying new for their patios.

13. Pull up those area rugs and let your tile and wood floors shine through. It gives your room a whole new look, plus it's cooler on your feet when it's 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

Gail Mayhugh, owner of GMJ Interiors, is a professional interior designer and author of a book on the subject. Questions may be sent by e-mail to: gail@gmjinteriors.com. Or, mail to: 7380 S. Eastern Ave., No. 124-272, Las Vegas, NV 89123. Her Web address is: www.GMJinteriors.com.