A stylish, well-maintained home is within everyone's reach with Martha's simple DIY decorating solutions.

Most wallpapers last at least 10 years, but a host of factors may cause the edges to curl sooner. First, read the instructions that came with the wallpaper to determine which adhesive to buy. (Most modern papers readhere with a lightweight vinyl paste.) To prepare the wallpaper, moisten the underside of loose edges with a warm, damp cloth. Then, brush a thin layer of adhesive onto paper and wall. Leave the paper to stretch for 15 to 20 minutes before brushing on another thin layer of adhesive. When it becomes sticky, press the paper with a seam roller, working toward the seam. Before adhesive dries, remove excess with a damp cloth.

Of course. It's a smart move if your aim is to brighten a dark room. Prepare the space by moving furniture to the center of the room and covering it with a plastic drop cloth; protect the floor with rosin paper. Wash paneling with TSP-PF, a phosphate-free heavy-duty cleaner that will help the paint adhere. Spackle holes and scratches. Once the surface is smooth, use a shop vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust. Right before painting, wipe the area with a tack cloth. Then, apply one coat of 100 percent acrylic primer: With a two-inch angled nylon brush, outline the paneling, and paint recesses. Use a nine-inch-wide roller with a quarter-inch nap to prime the remainder of the paneling. Once dry, top with two coats of latex interior paint, following the same method used to apply primer. Let surface dry between applications.

Solar string lights are a perfect option, because they require no electricity or outlets and can be strung anywhere you like. The solar collector can be anchored to the ground with clamps or stakes. Before the lights will shine, the panel needs some time in the sunlight, which it will convert to electricity. Once charged, the lights will go on automatically when darkness sets in. Battery-powered LED lights are another option: They will glow for about eight hours, and require an outlet to be recharged.

Woven with leaves from Hawaii's hala tree, lauhala mats were used as floor covers and bedding in the islands' traditional homes. For your wall, you'll need a roll of matting, lattice strips (enough to span the width of the wall twice), a staple gun, masonry anchors, screws, and finish washers. Cut the mat into pieces equal to the wall's height; cut enough pieces to span the width with some overlap. Mark the lattice about every foot for drilling, and then drill holes. Cut the strips into pieces just shy of the mat's width. With drilled strips, mark the wall for drilling -- one row just below the ceiling and one just above the floor. Drill, and then tap in anchors. Staple mat ends to strips. Collar screws with washers, and hang mats on the wall.

One way to accomplish this is to warm the entire decal with a hair dryer for a few minutes. The heat will loosen the adhesive, and you should be able to lift it. Use a plastic spackling knife to gently scrape off the applique, starting at the corners. (This tool is appropriate for porcelain fixtures as well as fiberglass ones, which tend to be more susceptible to scratches.) If some portions of the decal prove troublesome, try saturating the area with hot vinegar or Goo Gone, a product made from a citrus-based oil that's good for unsticking all manner of things. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then use the spackling knife once again. After removing the applique, rinse the tub floor with clean water, and dry with a cloth.