10 Mini Makeovers That Cost Zero Pesos

You don't have to win a Real Makeover to bring some change to your home. Here are little things you can do without the help of a professional (and at zero cost!) that will make a big difference in your space. 

1. Rearrange your furniture

IMAGE Michael Angelo Chua

The change can make you feel like you've updated your room. But if you're lacking in floor area, simply pull your furniture away from the wallsto give the illusion of more space. 

2. Replace your knick-knacks with live plants

IMAGE Michael Angelo Chua

Instead of buying more decorative tabletop accessories that will add clutter, use fresh potted plants to decorate your home, instead. 

3. Nix a wooden coffee table for your ottoman

IMAGE Dairy Darilag

If you want a more design-savvy living room, remove your bulky wooden coffee table and replace it with your existing upholstered ottomans. It will give your living room a softer look, and provide extra seating, as well. 

4. Or use multiple side tables instead of one coffee table

Here's a chic alternative to a single coffee table: use three different small side tables in a cluster, instead. They don't have to match, and it's okay if it's of different heights. 

5.  Switch cool white lightbulbs to warm white

The warm light makes all the difference; it sets the mood, plus, it's more flattering on the skin. 

6. Make a "book table"

Instead of letting all your books lie around and clutter up your room, strategically organize them in a pile. With sturdy hardbounds on the bottom, build up a stack of books at approximately the height of a side table. Top it off with a quirky table lamp.

7. Rotate your displays

Don't showcase your travel finds and mementos all at once. Keep some in storage and periodically rotate your displays. It'll keep your place looking fresh, and it'll give guests something to talk about. 

8. Make a "casual" gallery

IMAGE Michael Angelo Chua

If you're tired of seeing your paintings just hanging on the walls, bring them down and prop the paintings on top of shelves. Or casually set them on the floor and prop them against the walls. 

9. Ditch the heavy side drapes

IMAGE Dairy Darilag

If you're not too concerned about privacy, remove your heavy side drapes and just leave on your sheer curtains for a sleeker, sunnier, and airier-looking room.

10. Remove everything for that minimalist look

IMAGE Paolo Feliciano

Are you brave enough to take the plunge? Remove almost all of your decor: paintings, curtains, extra pillows, tabletop decor, and leave only the most essential pieces for that clean, minimalist look.  

This article originally appeared in the September 2008 issue of Real Living magazine.