Luxe looks for less

(ARA) - When summer's over it means back to spending more time indoors. But don't let the dropping temperatures take you down with them. Instead, spruce up your space with easy projects. With a little time - and even less money - you can transform your home with simple and luxurious looks ... for less.

Gorgeous great rooms

You don't need to buy new furniture to give your living or great room an expensive-looking update. The secret to scoring an entirely new look is refreshing the small details. Make your couch seem new with accent pillows in lavish fabrics like silk or velvet. By adding different textures and colors, you'll create depth and the focus will be on the new accessories, not the old sofa. Take a cue from today's leading interior designers and add candles in varying shapes, sizes and heights; it's another easy (and inexpensive) way to make an impact. Arrange them on the mantel or coffee table to add a lush and romantic feel to your room.

Another easy way to make over the entire room is with a fresh coat of paint. Look for a shade that enhances the items already in the space, like the wood tones in the coffee table or the pattern of the window treatments. A great neutral color to try is Durham Beige from Dutch Boy. It's more visually interesting than the standard shades of white or cream, while still providing a serene backdrop for the rest of the room. Highlight your new coat of paint by drawing the eye up with a new piece of wall art or a mirror. With a few updates, your living area will look like a million bucks, when you really spent much less.

Chic kitchens

Would you love to incorporate the stainless steel appliances found in luxury kitchens into your own home, but aren't in love with the price tag? Get the same look by spending a few dollars - instead of thousands - with a can of spray paint. Krylon's new Stainless Steel Finish can be applied to your existing refrigerator or dishwasher, allowing you to achieve the luxe look of stainless steel without the cost. The new stainless steel finish is a great way to update accent pieces with a cool and contemporary look since it can be used on a number of substrates, from metal and wood, to glass and ceramics. Refresh an old light fixture, transform register covers or switch plates or make over picture frames.

Instead of installing a brand new floor, liven up the room with a new area rug. Discount stores are amazing places to find the same products that are in department stores, at a fraction of the cost. And the best part is, no one will have to know what a steal it was (unless you want them to).

If your dining set looks a little worse for wear, spray painting is a really easy way to make it look brand new. Building on your new contemporary look, embrace a black-and-white palette that complements your stainless accents. By using Krylon's Indoor/Outdoor Paint in flat black, you'll hide any nicks or imperfections in the wood while protecting your table and chairs from future damage. Add a new table runner and placemats, and you'll have a swanky and stylish dining area.

With a few inexpensive updates to your home, you'll have your home looking like it's full of expensive pieces in no time at all. Spending time indoors has never felt so luxurious. For more information about any Krylon products, visit www.krylon.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent