"Design Happens"

Does the languishing economy have you vacationing at home this year? No worries — a lazy week spent around the house is the perfect time to make a few small but key updates for a home that is a stylish haven year round. Get started with these 14 inexpenive ideas by one of our favorite designers, Erinn Valencich of Omniarte Design. Erinn has teamed with TiVo for the Staycation Sweepstakes; register now for the chance to win an assortment of prizes sure to make your living room into your favorite entertainment destination.

Get started on boosting your home’s appeal with these tips from Erinn:

Easy Update 1: Trade traditonal bell-shaped shades for a more current drum or box shade. The modern shades give even dated lamps a fresh, new look.

Easy Update 2: Give artwork a casual, gallery-style vibe by taking it off the wall and displaying it as part of a collection on a high shelf or mantel.

Easy Update 3: Add a bold-patterned wallpaper to just one wall in a room for a dramatic pop. If you’re handy with a paint brush, oversized stencils or broad, painted stripes are an even less expensive option.

For more design inspiration from Erinn, check out Designers’ Portfolio.

H. Camille Smith is a contributor to Design Happens.