Here are some simple decorating tips that will give any room a brand-new look.

Painting
-Paint any room a dark color to add richness.
-Paint a piece of furniture the same color as the walls and stand it against one of the walls to emphasize the effect.
-Paint the shade valance the same color as the trim, so it disappears into the wall and doesn't call attention to itself.

Light Fixtures
-Make sure all the lampshades in the room are a complementary color. Replace the ones that don't match with new, updated, and colorful ones.

Mantle
-Decorate the mantle with flowers or objects -- something with vibrant color -- so it stands out and adds life to the space.
-Add accessories to complement the dark color of the room, like pictures with black frames and lots of white matting.

Color Impact
-To add a bit of punch to the room, add a few colorful objects and place them on flat surfaces like on a dresser, bureau, or table.

Special Thanks
Stephen Earle