If our dreams could come true and our budgets limitless, there is no doubt that we would all have a gorgeous family room that would be the envy of family, friends, and guests alike. Sadly, we do have to live in the real world, which is why we need to stick to interior design schemes that are as close to our dreams-and budgets-as possible. But how do you get the most stylistic bang for your decorating dollar?

Painting-An Oldie But a Goodie

Perhaps it is obvious but it is nonetheless true-nothing can breathe new life and energy into a room like a fresh coat of paint. With the right color scheme, you can literally lift years off of your living room and almost make it look like an entirely different space. However, don't be afraid to venture beyond the confines of "safe" colors like eggshell or sandpaper!

When choosing colors, dare to be bold! You may even try alternating colors on walls-like using a beige and dark maroon-using the maroon as the surface paint on one wall with the beige as the accent or trim color-and then alternate with each wall. It may sound a little wacky-but the right colors can really make this strategy a real show-stopper and make you look like some sort of decorating genius-no kidding!

Just be sure to patch up any cracks and holes in the walls. If spackling or drywall is necessary, be sure to sand the area afterwards with a mild sand paper and then allow to dry for at least 48 hours-no matter what the directions tell you on the product! Far too many good paint jobs are ruined by impatience and not waiting long enough for the spackling to dry!

Finally-masking off the area is vital! How many times have you seen the surface paint on the trim and vice versa! Nothing ruins a great paint job like a rushed masking job! Be sure to wipe the area first with a tack cloth to remove dust and make it easier for the tape to stick.

Light Fixtures to the Rescue

Life really does boil down to the details, which is why you really need to pay attention to the light fixtures in your home. The right fixtures just seem to bring out the natural character of the home and make all experiences more enjoyable. You need to make sure that you include all three of the different types of lighting in your living room: ambient (general illumination usually provided by ceiling fixture like a chandelier, pendant, or flush mount fixture), task lighting (more concentrated illumination that helps brighten one specific area for the completion of a task, such as the light provided by a desk lamp, table lamp, or perhaps a floor lamp), and accent lighting (like track lighting, wall sconces, or those cute accent lamps some people use to illuminate their collectables).

Begin with the ambient lighting first and remember-if you buy a traditional hanging pendant-then you will want to then buy traditional desk lamps and other fixtures in the space. By remaining consistent in design, material, and accent materials and finish-you will make the space more unified and add a subtle sense of sophistication. Be sure to incorporate complementary fixtures to provide track and accent lighting as well-you don't want any bright or dark spots in the space. The illumination should appear uniform and natural and you will know its right when you see it.

Other than light fixtures and fresh paint, simply decorating the space with some fresh flowers once in awhile is another simple and inexpensive way to liven up the area and continually reinventing the space. Remember, it doesn't necessarily have to be expensive-just keeping things simple, clean, and unified can have a more dramatic look upon a room than you might think!