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Rearranging a room can be an instant pick-me-up. Not only will you feel refreshed about your home, you will gain a new perspective on life. “It’s just a much more subtle way to change your feelings about yourself than, say, a new car or clothes,” says Barbara Drosman, owner of Cedros Design in Solana Beach, California. “If you really want to feel better about yourself [redecorating a room] is just a fabulous thing to do.”

A recent Realty Times article discusses several ideas to perk up your décor and your mood. First, keep in mind that the end result of redecorating will be a direct reflection on how you experience every day. Give it your all and you won’t be disappointed.

• Color My World. Don’t be afraid of color. It can instantly transform a room and can brighten your mood. Start small, and use your favorite color to accent a room. Good places to start include pillows, pictures or even an entire wall.
• Rearrange Your Arrangement. In small rooms, use less bulky furniture. Wrought-iron tables and light-colored, curvy furniture will make a small room feel less tight. Also, place furniture at angles to break up the boxy feel of a room.
• Slip It On. A slipcover can create a new look for outdated or worn furniture. It’s also easy to wash if you have pets or kids!
• Cozy Up. Create a cozy feel by throwing a homemade (or homemade-looking) quilt over the sofa. You’ll also have a handy blanket for movie nights or afternoon naps!
• Fun with Flowers. Flowers always add cheer to a room. Try adding colorful flowers to a see-through vase on a table or nightstand.
• Picture It. Place pictures on tables or mantels instead of hanging them. Also consider framing your child’s artwork for a unique feel that makes your child feel like a true artist.
• Making Shadows. Shadow boxes containing collectibles or memorabilia are unique and interesting. Just make sure you don’t use too many in a room.
• Clean Up the Kitchen. Stainless steel in the kitchen can create a clean, contemporary feel.
• Be Comforting. Even though that antique or designer furniture is beautiful, it may not make your guests want to linger. Instead, consider buying furniture that is attractive and functional to make your home more inviting.
• Think Storage. Do you have problems finding a place for everything? Think about clever ways to gain more storage. For example, using a trunk as a coffee table gives you a place to put extra pillows, blankets or books.
• Light Up Your Life. Rooms with poor lighting will often be little used. Add lamps or additional ceiling lighting to create a place in which guests and family members will want to read, visit or entertain.
• Staining the Windows. Stained glass panels on select windows or on a portion of a window add style and creativity to your home.

You can pick and choose from these decorating suggestions to give your home a unique style. Most importantly, remember that it’s okay to experiment! Half the fun of redecorating is the journey!