Lemondrop

If a warm, exotic getaway isn't in the cards for 2010, then consider sprucing up your home so you'll feel more, well, at home. Virginia-based interior decorator Joyce Noble shows you how to make a big impact on a small budget.

1. Shop clearance. "Always, always, always check the clearance racks first," Noble stresses. "Go online to print out store coupons before you shop. Kirkland's has a great mailing list. Also, AJ Wright is a great place for finding the same items you'd find in department stores, just marked down. You can also find great deals at Marshall's."

2. Use mirrors. Mirrors make a room look larger and better lit, because "they reflect light and multiply it throughout the room," Noble points out. "A lot of times you can find really great mirrors on the cheap at Kirkland's or IKEA," she adds.

3. Paint your pad. Obviously you'll want to check with your landlord if you're renting, but Noble says this is one of the best things you can do to change the look. "Paint makes the largest impact on a living room," she says. "Painting an accent wall in a warm or cool color can totally change the tone of the room."

4. Find cool fabrics. When it comes to the bedroom, Noble suggests using inexpensive fabric to add texture and create a warm, inviting vibe. "You can use varying fabrics to create texture in the room with bedspreads, create a fabric wall behind the bed, or a canopy," she explains.

5. Switch up the lighting. According to Noble, "lighting is the best way to add ambiance [especially] to the bedroom. Use lights with a dimmer switch to set the mood. Stock up on colorful candles and, of course, mirrors!"

If you have a question or home decorating dilemma, Noble invites you to contact her at jnoble4033 AT comcast DOT net or (804) 937-0917.