Start With Paint
Paint is probably the easiest-and most affordable-way to add a personal touch to your new home. And you don't necessarily have to paint an entire room to create a fresh look. One of my favorite ways to add interest to a room is to create an accent wall. This simple decorating trick involves painting one of the main walls in a room-typically the wall behind furniture pieces-a different color. Accent walls can be bold and bright or soft and subdued. Draw colors from your furnishings, your window coverings, materials in your home such as tile or granite, or simply choose a color you like. The nice thing about paint is if you're unhappy with the results, you can always try again with a new color.

Another popular way to add a unique touch to rooms is to paint moldings or trim in a different color. If your room has bookcases, think about painting just the areas behind the shelves. You can also combine paint with a wallpaper border for a striking effect. Try dropping your border down 18-inches from the ceiling and using a coordinating paint color above the border, next to the ceiling.

If you like the look of a border, but wallpaper is not in your budget, try stenciling. You can use this easy technique to create a border around a ceiling, a window or doorway. Best of all, when you get tired of your design you can paint right over it and start fresh.

Faux finishes, which I'm sure you've seen in model homes, are extremely popular right now. You can create a variety of special effects with paints like the Ralph Lauren line, available at Home Depot. With finishes like denim, leather, suede, and historic crackle, the Ralph Lauren paints offer a myriad of possibilities limited only by your own creativity.

If you like a textured finish you may also want to experiment with one of my favorite products-The Woolie. The Woolie allows you to create fun textures with paint quickly and easily, using a process similar to sponge painting. Practice your technique on cardboard or a paper bag to get the desired effect on walls.

Think Different
To borrow a phrase from Apple Computer, when it comes to today's interior design it's all about thinking different. Don't worry about breaking the rules. There aren't any. Today's living environments lend themselves to function and creativity. If a new coffee table is not in your budget, see if you can create your own with a unique base and a piece of glass. Urns, old suitcases, and trunks can all make stunning coffee tables when topped with glass.

Looking for a creative window treatment? Try substituting bamboo stakes for drapery rods. Hang tab top panels on the bamboo and you have a look that's functional and stylish.

If your old couch has seen better days, you can spice it up with inexpensive slip covers-the old-fashioned, loose-fitting variety that you tuck in with a spatula. Throw on several pillows in your favorite shapes and colors and suddenly, your old sofa looks city chic.

Need more ideas? Just turn on the TV! Believe it or not, sources like HGTV (the home and garden cable channel) can be a great way to get ideas. Tune in and learn tricks of the trade from design professionals from all over the world.

It's All About Accessories
One of the things I like best about decorating model homes is accessorizing. A few great strategically placed pieces-items like vases, framed photos, or decorative boxes-really complete a room.

There are plenty of ways to enhance your decor with accessories without breaking your budget. First, decide on the look you want to achieve. One of today's popular themes is the ethnic look, a style which incorporates baskets and rough woods. I like this look because it's fun, functional, and the scale is good. It's also a great style for those on a tight budget because many inexpensive pieces are available at stores like Pier One Imports and Cost Plus.

If you prefer a more classic style, visit stores like Marshall's, Ross, and T.J. Maxx. These stores carry a wide selection of accessories including crystal, brass, pewter, metal vases, urns, platters, and more. Don't forget that you can easily alter many of the items to match your own color scheme. For example, a simple metal urn can be transformed with a can of spray paint. Try rubbing some metallic gold paint around the rim or on raised surfaces to bring out the detail. Simple projects like this don't require a lot of artistic ability, yet the results can be amazing.

Home improvement stores are another great place to accessory hunt. You can create a spectacular mirror for your entry-or for over the fireplace-using a standard vanity mirror from Home Depot or Orchard Supply, a can of paint, and either a ready-made picture frame or pieces of crown molding, if you're ambitious enough to tackle making the frame yourself.

Don't forget about stores like Target and K-Mart, which also have some interesting items. In fact, Target's exclusive Michael Graves collection has some fabulous accessories including clocks, picture frames, kitchen appliances, and serveware, not to mention a brand new line of electronics.

Don't Feel Rushed
Unlike builders who must complete their model homes on a tight schedule, you have the flexibility to enjoy the decorating process and take it step by step. Making your new house look and feel like "home" won't happen overnight. In fact, you just might find that you regret the purchases you rush into. You're much better off living in your new space for a while. Study each room carefully before making any major furniture purchases. Think about all the options and all the possibilities. Start by "window shopping" to learn what's available and what your dream furnishings will cost. This will help you develop a budget. Remember, even builders have budgets for their model homes.

Don't forget to prioritize your wish list. I recommend starting with the areas you spend the most time in. If you took advantage of upgrades to add beautiful elements like wood, stone and tile to your home, you have probably discovered how a few well chosen items can really enhance the enjoyment of your living environment. The same line of thinking applies to selecting furnishings. This is why it's so important to take your time and choose carefully.

While it's natural to want your new home to be as beautiful and comfortable as a model home right away, if you take your time, you will ultimately achieve your goal-even if you are on a tight budget.

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