New Year's Resolution: Brighten Up On a Budget

By Marni Elyse Katz
January 8, 2010

Rather than go with my usual New Year’s resolutions (count calories, get weekly manicures, accessorize my outfits with flair), I've decided that this year, I will concentrate on sprucing up my apartment rather than my person. Mired in the winter blahs, my goal is not to loose ten pounds, but rather to add ten quick, budget-conscious fixes to brighten up my living space.

Here are ten ideas (all under $100) for adding spirit to your home:

1. Retro Beswick Zebra Striped Vase (latest bid, approximately $38) A zebra print rug is "too too," but this quirky shaped vase is a great statement piece, with or without fresh blooms. 2. 24" Contemporary Modern Round Metal Wall Mirror (buy it now price, $74.95) Mirrors won’t just reflect your gorgeous visage; they'll also bounce whatever natural light you have around the room, and even make the space seem bigger. 3. Yellow Funnel Contemporary Modern Glass Light Pendant (buy it now price, $67) Recessed lighting is so uninspired. With the inexpensive purchase of a can converter, hang a colorful pendant over your dining table. 4. 100% Wool Handtufted SwarlMod Rug (buy it now price, $75) This little nugget satisfies our life long lust for The Rug Company’s “Swirl” rug designed by Paul Smith.

5. Oriental Chinoiserie Historic Reproduction Wallpaper (buy it now price, $47.50) While wallpapering, even an accent wall, is out (way too much work and money), find a distinctive pattern, perhaps vintage, and frame it as instant artwork. 6. KithenAid Soft Grip Porcelain Tea Kettle (buy it now price, $34.99) You’ll be amazed what a spot of color on the stove will do for the overall appearance of your kitchen. You’ll look so domestic too! 7. Moroccan Footstool Leather Pouf (buy it now price, $52.99) You’ve been drooling over poufs in the mags, but before now, they were simply out of reach. This one comes unstuffed, which keeps the cost down. Now you have somewhere to stick your ex-boyfriends old clothes! 8. Pottery Barn Chainlink Shower Curtain (buy it now price, $11.99) A plastic liner does not a shower curtain make. Add a splash of color in a geometric pattern.

9. Green and Blue Zigzag Switch Plate Cover (buy it now price, $5.95) Dress up a plain white hallway with a cute switch plate. You do own a screwdriver, don’t you? 10. Two Uzbeck Silk Ikat Pillow Cases (buy it now price, $21.00) Add ethnic flair and pops of gorgeous color with these ikat pillow covers from Uzbekistan.

Marni Elyse Katz is a Boston-based writer and editor who covers style, art and design for a variety of publications, including the Boston Globe Magazine, Boston Home and her own blog, Style Carrot.

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