(ARA) - When summer's over it means back to spending more time indoors. But don't let the dropping temperatures take you down with them. Instead, spruce up your space with easy projects. With a little time - and even less money - you can transform your home with simple and luxurious looks ... for less.

Gorgeous great rooms
You don't need to buy new furniture to give your living or great room an expensive-looking update. The secret to scoring an entirely new look is refreshing the small details. Make your couch seem new with accent pillows in lavish fabrics like silk or velvet. By adding different textures and colors, you'll create depth and the focus will be on the new accessories, not the old sofa. Take a cue from today's leading interior designers and add candles in varying shapes, sizes and heights; it's another easy (and inexpensive) way to make an impact. Arrange them on the mantel or coffee table to add a lush and romantic feel to your room.

(ARA) - As the cold weather approaches, kids spend less time outdoors burning off all that wonderful energy. The change in weather also means that everyone - including you - spends more time indoors. Don't worry. There's an easy and inexpensive way to turn any room into an environment that fosters your child's learning and creativity. What's even better: You are very likely to think, "it's too quiet in there," while the kids play intently in their new space.

"Teachers know what the research confirms: Color, space and clutter can have a dramatic effect on a child's attitudes and behaviors. It can also affect their imagination, creativity and ability to learn," says PaintIdeas.com blogger Angie Stinner. "Fortunately, creating a soothing environment that helps kids learn and grow is easy. It's also the perfect project to bring parents and children together for a weekend of fun. All you need is a little paint and some inspiration."

Tired of your living space? You don't have to spend a ton of money to liven things up. In fact, it is not really necessary to spend any money at all. Just take a look at what you already have.

An interior design secret for a great way to refresh your home is to rearrange your existing furniture, rugs and other room decor. Try moving furniture away from the walls and at interesting angles. Keep in mind how you use the space and arrange items according to function, and avoid blocking pathways or doorways.

(ARA) - Big box store or specialty showroom, the hardware store down the street or the home improvement center four towns over - just where do you go when it's time to shop for your bathroom renovation? If you're looking for the widest range of options in colors, sizes, shapes and brands in hard-to-shop-for items, the answer just might be - "online."

Some bathroom items can be easy to shop for; most home improvement stores carry a respectable selection of flooring or tile, and what you can't find there will likely be available in an easy-to-find specialized store. But some items can be difficult to find if you're looking for something outside of the ordinary.