The good news about the wild and worrisome economy is that it compels us to hunker down at home and spend more time with family. The downside is that the more time we spend at home, the more we begin to notice the rooms that lack a certain luster.

We contacted more than a dozen designers and asked them to share some inside information that would help us freshen up our homes easily. We wanted the best ideas in their personal design arsenal: what techniques they use, what colors they like, what products they turn to, what problem-solvers they rely on again and again because they always work.

One favorite came from Washington designer Matthew Swingley, who likes two-sided pillows. "I like to do custom pillows with different fabrics on the front and back," he said. "This gives clients the ability to flip the pillows whenever they want a new look."

Another Washington designer, David Mitchell, shared his approach. "Neutral colors are very popular in Washington," he said, "but a neutral room can be achieved by using colors other than beige." He suggests mixing natural colors such as khaki, brown, green and gray with ivory, beige and palomino. Bring in contrast with fabrics.

"With this combination of color, pattern and texture, you'll still have a neutral palette, but it will be much more graphic and interesting," Mitchell said.


Turn a special piece into a focal point: Accent a favorite furnishing or antique by placing it in front of a wall color that will make it stand out. For example, a dark mahogany piece would stand out in front of a rich, green-based beige, such as Benjamin Moore's Sag Harbor Gray. A light Swedish piece can become a striking focal point placed in front of a color such as Benjamin Moore's Swiss Blue.

Consider the waterfall table: One of the hallmarks of this table is its versatility. It's sleek, modern and sculptural, so it works in a contemporary space, but it's simple and unassuming, so it also works in a traditional setting. The table's see-through quality means it doesn't take up any visual space, making it a good choice for both large and small spaces. It's practical, too: easy to clean, sturdy enough to withstand lots of beautiful books piled on top and no sharp edges where children might hurt themselves. This particular table is sold only to the design trade, but CB2 (www.cb2.com) has a similar version that is smaller and lower, but still a good designer impostor.


Use big patterns in small spaces: It makes the space feel bigger. It's counterintuitive, but it works.

Rethink the light fixture: A new light fixture can alter the atmosphere in a room almost instantly, especially in a small space. Even a simple lampshade change can have huge impact. Keep an eye out at garage sales, thrift stores or salvage lots for fixtures with personality. Don't forget to add dimmer switches.

Keep collections together: Group a collection of art or objects in one area, rather than spreading the items throughout a home. Displaying a collection of things you love together, such as white pottery, antique boxes, candlesticks, art or books, creates more drama and adds a personal touch to your environment. The objects themselves become more than just "things."

Frame artwork larger to better fit the scale of a large wall: Increasing the mat on one side of a framed piece of artwork will make the art appear larger and will take up more wall space. In addition, the extra white space of the matting will bring more focus and importance to whatever is framed. This costs much less than purchasing a larger piece of art and can give old art and photos a new lease on life.


Hang 'em high: A good starting point in any home or with any style (traditional or modern) is to hang drapery panels right underneath the crown molding. In the absence of molding, hang the drapery rod as close to the ceiling as possible. Doing so will accentuate the height of the room (whatever that may be) and make windows appear larger than they are. This technique becomes more imperative the shorter the ceilings are.

Ring-top curtains without pleats: This is a modern, unfussy look for draperies. The bonus: Curtains without pleats require less fabric and labor, which means less cost.

A custom look for less: Buy solid-color, ready-made drapery panels from retail chains, and add your own trim to the edge. If you don't sew, a dry cleaners should be able to do this for you.


Update an old sofa: An old upholstered sofa can be updated using four basic elements:

* Replace existing back cushions with cushions that don't go over the sofa arm. This creates a more modern and simple look and helps the cushions keep their shape.

* Don't use piping or self-welting on the edges of cushions or arms.

* Add a "waterfall" skirt to create a more tailored look. (A waterfall skirt falls from directly below the cushion line to the floor without interruption.)

* Replace a set of three narrow seat cushions with two wider ones. Do the same for back cushions. In some cases, one long cushion on the back and one for the seat can make the look even more modern.

Use fabric on the reverse: When patterned textiles are used on the reverse side, the pattern becomes more hushed. This is often a nice compromise when partners may have disparate tastes or tolerance for pattern. This also prevents the pattern from becoming too dominant in a neutral setting.


St. Thomas Creations's Richmond pedestal lavatory (from $440): This sink is clean-lined and elegant and looks great with a variety of eight-inch widespread faucets. (One favorite is Grohe's Seabury faucet, which is available in polished chrome with cross handles).

Large narrow neck vase form from Circa Lighting ($420): This lamp works well in bedrooms, living rooms and even laundry rooms. It comes in many colors and the shape goes with everything.

Tufted storage ottoman from Ballard Designs (starts at $399): Upholstered ottomans are a great alternative to coffee tables. This storage ottoman is a nice price and perfect for families with small children. It can be upholstered in a customer's own fabric, too.