Redo a Room (on No Budget!)

Expert tips for dramatic transformations.

Fixes for common decorating problems that can really transform your family room, from HGTV's FreeStyle host Aaron Foster:

Photographs everywhere. Mat them and use similar frames. Consolidate in one or two spots, say, atop the TV cabinet and a table, or on a wall.

Furniture pushed against walls. This gives you less space, not more, says Foster. Floating the couch and chairs and facing them together makes a room more inviting. Many people have one or two more pieces of furniture than they need. Remove a few to see if they're missed.

Cluttered mantels. This space should showcase what's important to you -- but not everything at once. Hang art or a painting over the fireplace, and place just three or four pieces on the mantel that highlight it.