5 Common Decor Problems—Solved!

Mix & Match

Browns and beiges give you the flexibility to introduce pops of colors with pillows, throws and accessories that you may ordinarily shy away from in a larger piece. The key here is to layer, vary the patterns and bring in textural relief like the cream knitted throw and the unexpected pop of silver from a Moroccan pouf and tray.

SHOP NOW: Zinc Door Echo pillow, $138 (set of 2); Overstock leather pouf, $149; Thomas Paul leopard alcazar pillow, $104; Crate & Barrel Monroe pillow, $40; Target flameless candles, $80 (set of 4); West Elm silver tray, $24; West Elm cable throw, $99

How to update old cabinets...

Cabinet Cover-up

Painting kitchen cabinets isn't easy but it beats the cost of a full kitchen makeover. First, the doors and cabinets need to be removed and thoroughly cleaned. Grease and grime, especially prevalent in kitchens, will prevent any new paint from adhering properly. Afterward, lightly sand the cabinets to prep them for paint. You'll need at least two coats of paint, with the first coat acting as a primer. Use a kitchen-and-bath paint, which are more durable and mildew resistant.

Shop Now: Benjamin Moore kitchen-and-bath paint, $39 per gallon

How to score an affordable lamp...

Brighten Up

While high-end designer lamps can cost up to a $1,000, you can find stylish versions for around a $100 or less. Here are three great options that will add plenty of color and light to your space.

SHOP NOW: Land of Nod gold lamp, $69; West Elm Mia table lamp, $103; Oriental Furniture turquoise lamp, $119

Made in the Shade

Looking for a specific color? At Lamps Plus you can choose from over 60 lamp base colors, based off popular paint chips. Choose either a white or coordinating shade, starting at $100.

How to reduce renovation costs...

Saving Graces

The biggest money saver in bathroom renovations is to keep the existing layout—moving drains, pipes and walls immediately raises the cost. For bigger projects involving plumbing and electricity, you might want a pro. But for projects like tiling and painting, check out Home Depot for free DIY workshops. Last, shop for bargains on vanities and toilets, which can often be found at discount retailers like faucet.com, or go to your local store and ask about overstock items. (Don't be shy.)

What to do with an empty wall...

On a Ledge

Wallpaper, a tone-on-tone paint treatment or even a bold color will add a layer to the wall and immediately make it pop. As for what to hang, an art ledge may be the flexible answer you are looking for. You can display artwork, mix in large and small framed photographs and add small collectibles over time. Since you don't have to worry about holes, you can add and subtract at will—keeping the display fresh and ever evolving.