Outdoor patios tend to be neglected during the winter - after all, who would want to spend any time there in the cold and snow? Once spring arrives, however, you may find yourself having to do some work on your outdoor living space, and bringing the patio back to life is a great chance to make improvements.

Clean house
The first thing you'll likely have to do is clean up any branches, leaves and other items that may have accumulated on your porch or patio during the winter. Don't neglect the house itself, as winter tends to be harsh on siding and trim. If you have vinyl siding, lucky you - a light scrub with a soft sponge, warm water and a little mild detergent will remove any dirt. Be careful with wood siding, however, as some cleaning agents can hurt the finish or the wood itself. Consider renting a power washer or hiring a professional if your clapboard or shingles could use some sprucing up.

In with the new
If not properly stored, your patio furniture may have taken a beating. Luckily, there's always room to improve. Getting some new chairs, tables and outdoor blinds and shades can do wonders to revitalize your patio. There are many options to consider with patio furniture, but a good one might be some rustic wood furniture, notes HGTV. This furniture will blend wonderfully with the outdoor foliage and will provide a bridge between the manmade and natural items found in your backyard. Pair this new furniture with some wood blinds or bamboo blinds as well as a few select plants to get an entirely new feel for your outdoor space.

Your patio is meant to bridge the gap between the interior and exterior of your home, so consider tapering off your interior-inspired decor as you get further from the house to transition into a truly nature-inspired outdoor space.

You love your pets and your home, but sometimes the two don't mix. Home decor is often based on a delicate balance of colors and placements and pets, who are often colorblind, generally won't appreciate this but here are a few good tips to  keep both in good shape.

Pet den
Oftentimes the best solution when a pet is damaging your home goods is to keep the two separated. This can be achieved by getting your pet to spend its time somewhere else, and one way to do that is to fill that designated area with things your pet loves. While cats may be a little harder to coerce, dogs generally like smaller, enclosed spaces where they can nap in peace, according to Better Homes and Gardens. To make a good space for your dog, try finding a large, empty cupboard or closet space you don't need and put a dog-sized floor pillow inside. You can even convince your dog to get inside with treats and its favorite toys.

Eye-catching items
Dogs and cats often seem to have a knack for destroying small and movable objects, so it may be best to keep your decorations grounded to the wall or the floor. For loose objects like vases or displayed artworks, try to put them against the wall or in places where your pet can't reach - this can be tricky if you have a cat. Another good tactic is to remove items that cats and dogs might think are toys. The drawstrings on your blinds and shades might get the wrong kind of attention from your pet, so consider using cordless cellular shades or any type of cordless window treatment instead. They are mch safer for your pet. Keep any sensitive electronic items like TV remotes, DVDs and MP3 players out of the way.

New toys
Sometimes the best way to keep your pet from damaging your decor is to give them something better to play with. While there are many good dog toys and treats out there - the classic bone for example - these can get very unappealing very quickly. HGTV suggests giving your dog or cat toys that better match your already-existing decorations. This way, your pets are happy enough with appropriate items to chew on and claw at while your home decor looks better.  

Your kitchen might be a constant flurry of activity, but that doesn't mean it can't be stylish in addition to being functional. With some patience and creativity, you can give the food hub of your house a makeover using these simple tricks. 

Cabinets
In the kitchen, cabinets often cover most of the walls, so updating your kitchen storage will do a lot in terms of transforming the room. One way of modernizing your kitchen is to remove the cabinet doors. Open shelving is a popular trend in kitchen decor, and it's an easy look to achieve. Decor blog The Inspired Room suggests grouping similar items together - for instance, bowls with bowls or plates with plates - to keep things organized. This style is especially good for those who have china they'd like to display. Dishes on open shelves can also serve as a jumping off point for redecorating the rest of the kitchen if you're fond of their pattern or color. 

Light
The kitchen is subject to many different kinds of activities, from entertaining to crafting to eating to cooking. With this range, you need an easy way to change the atmosphere. Your kitchen should have as much natural lighting as possible, but you don't want it to blind you while you're chopping carrots, either. To achieve this, use a cellular shade on every window in the room and adjust them throughout the day. Install dimmer switches to find the right lighting when the sun goes down, and keep candles in safe places around the kitchen to light for entertaining and special occasions. 

Surfaces
Another simple way of transforming your kitchen is by re-painting or re-staining a surface. Wooden islands, tables or chairs are easily scratched and damaged. Sometimes this creates a lived-in feel and other times it makes decor look messy. To clean it up, stain the surface a shade or two darker. You can also paint wooden furniture either with spray or acrylic paint to cover up stains. 

Functional decorations
As one of the more functioning rooms in the house, the kitchen is home to a lot of tools, and those tools can double as decoration. Brightly colored blenders and toasters might act as accents in a neutral kitchen, while a framed chalkboard works as wall art you can write your grocery list on. The things you need in your kitchen can also be things you want if you seek out attractive whisks, timers, pots and pans. 

It probably seems like only yesterday that you agonized over choosing the perfect color for your walls. Now that you've taken the time to paint, you can relax and put the rollers and tarp out of mind. But in just a short time, your walls may begin to loose their luster. Here's why.

Sunlight
If the space on the wall behind a wall fixture is darker than the rest of the room, then chances are your paint has fallen victim to UV rays. Just as sunlight can damage your skin, it can also fade the pigment in a room that gets a lot of sun. Because areas of the wall that aren't exposed to sunlight will remain the original color, this can create noticeable differences in the shade of your paint. There's no way to remedy it, aside from repainting, so save time by getting proper window treatments. For rooms with a lot of saturated color to lose, get roller shades in a dark color and keep them down whenever the room is not in use. 

Moisture 
Humidity and other forms of moisture can erode the paint itself, so take note of the climate you live in. It might be wise to invest in a dehumidifier if you notice your room gets damp easily. If you manage to spill water on your walls (or are cleaning up something else that got onto the wall) dry it up as soon as you're able.

Temperature
Some paints aren't made to withstand extreme temperatures, like those under 50 degrees or over 80. Hopefully your house isn't subject to such conditions, but if you're looking for a home improvement project, consider insulating. Not only will it keep your rooms at a moderate temperature, it will also help keep your paint saturated. 

You're striking out on your own, away from your parents and out of the dorms! It's likely that you're on a budget when choosing your first apartment (no penthouse for you - yet) but that doesn't mean you can't have a sweet pad. Here are some tips for dressing up your new place without breaking the bank. 

Choose your theme before buying decor
The most common way for an apartment to look like ... well, a first apartment is by having furniture, wall decorations, window treatments and other furnishings that clash. You don't have to buy an expensive furniture set, but keep a color scheme or basic theme in mind when looking for decor. Not all rooms have to have the same look, a little consistency can go a long way. If you pick a timeless theme, then you can carry most of your home decor into future abodes. Check out some home improvement blogs for inspiration. 

Pick out quality shades
ApartmentTherapy.com stresses that natural light is more effective in positively altering your mood than lamps. It may be easy to snag cheap curtains that look like they belong in a dorm room, but it's just as simple to pick up discount window treatments that can dress up any apartment. Pick out shades in muted colors to let in some light, or bamboo shades for a rustic look. Opt for heavier curtains and blinds of a higher quality to ensure that they'll last. 

Find unique pieces
You've chosen your theme - now it's time to bring it to life. Rather than buying a flimsy set of furniture, take the time to look for furnishings you love that are available at a lower price. Ask your parents and friends if they have any furniture that they're looking to get rid of. Oftentimes the house you grew up in contains pieces that have been in the family for decades and hold a lot of personal meaning. Garage sales are a goldmine of antique furniture, and the owners are often eager to get it off their hands and are willing to bargain. If you still have a few spots in your apartment that need to be filled, thrift stores are a good alternative to furniture chains. 

Don't be afraid to buy furnishings that have some surface damage! A slip for a couch or chair will make it as good as new, and you can paint wooden pieces to make them better suit your theme. 

Frame your wall decor
You don't have to get rid of the posters from your teen years (although some of the more questionable ones should probably go). Posters and other wall art can be made into grown-up decorations simply by framing them. While you're scavenging for furniture at thrift shops and garage sales, keep an eye out for simple frames. Measure your posters to ensure that they will be the right size.  

Lacking wall decor? A great way to adorn your walls inexpensively is to buy wall calendars that feature art or photographs. You can cut out and frame the pictures, imitating a professional print. On a super strict budget? Go to your local book store and ask if they have any out of date calendars that they're looking to get rid of. If they don't give them to you for free then they'll only be a few dollars. 

Take your time
The combination of excitement and stress that comes with your first apartment will make you want to rush to furnish it. This common mistake can lead you to fill your apartment with pieces that you don't love in a few weeks. Take some time off if possible, or at least make the effort to consider the furnishings before you buy them. 

Having a room bathed in natural lighting is one of the most pleasant things a homeowner can enjoy. Natural light helps make your home feel more comfortable and can energize your decor. However, it can be hard to take advantage of the changes in sunlight throughout the day and the year, especially because you only get so much. Here are a few tips for establishing a good light balance in your home.

1. Enhance the light
Using brighter shades for fabrics and paints will help to amplify the natural light in your home. Try removing any overly dark items from rooms where you're trying to embrace the sun's natural glow. Dark-colored paintings and other wall hangings, while beautiful, may rob your home of some of its brightness, so try moving these to another room - too much sunlight may damage these anyway! Mirrors can also help to boost the light level, sending the sun's rays deeper into your house than would otherwise be possible. 

2. Clear the way
We all know that light can't penetrate solid objects, so try to open the space in front of the window as much as possible. The New York Times recommends moving any large pieces of furniture against the wall or aligning them perpendicularly from the window. Couches, chairs and other furniture items close to the floor are less of an issue, as the light coming from the top of the window will make it deeper into the apartment. 

3. Windows
Using bamboo blinds or wood blinds will bring in the most light and keep it out when you want to as well. As important as it is to enjoy natural lighting, there are times when you want to shut it out entirely, so using quality blinds and shades can help. For specialty windows, consider using custom window shades or blinds to get the exact look and feel that you want for your space. 

4. New windows
One reason your home might not be getting enough sunlight is simply because there aren't enough windows. Try replacing an older, heavier door with one featuring a built-in glass window. If you have any unused wall space, you should consider adding a window. This can be done by a professional or you can do it yourself, as this guide from HGTV details. Some wall spaces already have windows, but you may want to install a sliding door to maximize floor-to-ceiling lighting. 

If you aren't already thinking about dusting your wood blinds, mirrors and wall art, you may want to begin coming up with a cleaning plan prior to spring. Once winter fades away, your house will likely benefit from a good top-to-bottom cleaning session that restores all of your furnishings to a like-new state. Even if you aren't fond of getting out your broom and vacuum, there are a few ways you can make the spring overhaul easier. Here are some tips on how to take care of everything from your custom window shades to your carpeting before flowers start to bloom.

Don't underestimate rubber squeegees
Martha Stewart claims that when it comes to your windows, rubber squeegees can be your best friends. In contrast to newspaper or towels, these products can be efficient at eliminating streaks and grime that may have piled up on your window panes over the winter. Using a mild soap and water solution, you can gently rub away debris with squeegees to yield beautiful results. In the process, dry clean or machine wash your discount window treatments to eliminate dust that might have caked on during winter.

Bring in the professionals
Whether it's an area rug that's showing signs of wear and tear or a portion of your carpeting, House Beautiful magazine claims that spring is the perfect time to bring in professional cleaners. Ideally, you should vacuum daily to keep dirt and dust from collecting within the fibers of the flooring or rug. However, a professional cleaning is also necessary every 18 months or so to keep your carpeting looking flawless for longer periods of time.

Get behind nooks and crannies
Spring is the time to hunker down and dedicate yourself to getting rid of the dust bunnies that have been lingering under your couches for six months. Good Housekeeping magazine recommends being diligent about sweeping and vacuuming everywhere you can - no matter how tough it is - to give your home the thorough cleaning it deserves. If you're having trouble moving furniture out of the way to do so, ask a household member for help. It may take some time and energy to get everything spotless, but you'll be satisfied with the end results.

If you're having trouble motivating yourself to start spring cleaning, just think of how beautiful your humble abode will be once you're finished! This may be enough to get you off the couch and start sweeping sooner rather than later.

There's nothing quite like relaxing and unwinding in a hot bath at the end of a long day. However, it can be challenging to enjoy yourself if you're in a space without beautiful discount window treatments and fixtures. That being said, you don't have to live with a mediocre bathroom.

There are a few tactics you can use to spruce up your most-used bathroom and turn it into an area that you look forward to utilizing regularly. Furthermore, you don't need to completely gut the space to achieve your design goals. With the right cellular shades, fixtures and linens, you can revamp any bathroom in a short amount of time.

Making your bathroom functional
Part of enjoying your bathroom is making sure it's functional as well as visually pleasing. One you can do this is by bringing in a double sink, according to SheKnows. In this day and age, a double sink is necessary to ensure both you and your partner have an adequate amount of personal space to groom yourselves.

Another way you can make your bathroom more functional is by adding conveniences such as automatic faucets and adjustable shower heads. Although these may be a bit costly, they can be worthwhile upgrades to your bathroom as you look to give it a luxe feeling.

Highlighting your decor
If your bathroom is dark and dingy, you might not be giving it the opportunity to shine. Think about bringing in more natural light by installing sheer custom window shades or blinds. If you have some money to splurge during the remodeling process, consider having a skylight installed. This can give you the sunshine you want without sacrificing privacy. When it comes to artificial lighting, don't skimp - install everything from overhead to recessed light fixtures to provide illumination. The bathroom is one area where you're likely going to be putting on your makeup, fixing your hair and ironing out any flaws in your appearance. You'll need all the lighting you can get!

Adding comfort to your bathroom
If you want to completely revamp the look and feel of your bathroom, you'll want to install items of comfort to boost the luxuriousness of the space. For example, MSN recommends installing towel warmers to make your linens cozy as soon as you get out of the shower. Think about buying softer towels and bath mats to revitalize the environment. A new shower head with different pulsating features or a tub with various jets can take your bathing experience to the next level. See what's in your budget before you make renovations.

Decorating your bathroom
Who says you can't bring decor into your bathroom? There are many items you can introduce into this space to create a more elegant feeling. Apartment Therapy recommends candles and flowers for your bathroom. Don't underestimate the power of wall art in the space as well. Just try to complement the colors in your tiling and walls to create a cohesive appearance.

Stocking up on goodies
If you're tired of your baths and showers being ho-hum, upgrade them with the right supplies. Pamper yourself with luxurious bath salts, shower gels and shampoos. All Women's Talk recommends keeping them on hand for whenever you want to have a soak. Taking these measures into account can ensure you always have a positive experience in your bathroom.

Even if you're on a budget, taking the time to bring in beautiful discount window treatments, accent decor and fixtures can enhance your bathroom in a short amount of time.

When you move into an older house, it can be challenging to exercise eco-friendly principles, especially if the structure was built at a time when individuals weren't concerned about preservation. However, this doesn't mean that you don't have an opportunity to create a green home that helps you reduce your carbon footprint. With the right discount window treatments, wall paint and furnishings, you can rest assured you're doing your part to help the planet, regardless of where you live. Here are some key tips on how to revamp certain areas of your old home and make them as environmentally-friendly as possible.

Choose green window treatments
These days, it's easy to find items composed of recycled materials to use around the house. When it comes to your windows, consider investing in bamboo window blinds to gain peace of mind, knowing you're using items that didn't damage to the environment. Furthermore, bamboo can provide just as much control over natural light and satisfaction on your windows as other varieties.

Paint your walls with low-VOC paint
Better Homes and Gardens magazine states that one way to make sure you're remodeling your old home in an eco-friendly manner is to utilize low volatile organic compound (VOC) paint. This option creates less emissions that can do harm to the environment. There are also low-odor types you can use to reduce the chances of inhaling toxic fumes during the painting process. These days, low-VOC paint comes in a wide variety of colors as well, meaning you won't be hindered by this option.

Select environmentally friendly flooring
Similar to low-VOC paint, there are low-VOC flooring options available to you as well. If you're going to be changing your floors, National Geographic recommends considering carpeting, which can be extremely eco-friendly. Many manufacturers now offer varieties composed of recyclable materials, which can help you reduce your carbon footprint as you remodel your old home.

Not into the idea of having carpeting under your feet? Wood flooring can be just as green as long as you choose the right materials. For instance, there are bamboo options available to you if you want to use this wood in other ways throughout your home. Some companies also have flooring made of recycled materials that can serve the same purpose. In the end, you won't have any trouble honing in on a beautiful option for your home.

Reuse furniture
When it comes to bringing in new furniture, you don't have to go to a high-end shop to find pieces that you'll love. Sometimes, the best items are at thrift shops and secondhand stores, according to the Christian Broadcasting Network. Everything from bed frames to lamp shades can be found at these locations at a fraction of the price. In addition, beautiful furniture can also be found from friends and family who no longer need it. When you feel that these items are beginning to wear out their welcome, give them a fresh coat of paint. New colors can do wonders for old furniture.

Invest in long-lasting furnishings
Another way to ensure you're not using more than necessary and living green is to invest in furniture that will last you for years to come. This will limit the need to purchase more items in the future, reducing your waste and helping you be more eco-friendly.

Whether you want to completely remodel your old home or you're looking to revamp just a few rooms, these tips can help you do so. In the end, you'll be happier that you looked at your options and made the extra effort to live a greener lifestyle.

When was the last time you spruced up the discount window treatments, wall decor and furnishings throughout your home? If the interior designs of your most used spaces are falling flat, it may be because they've become outdated. This means that there's no better time to bring in cellular shades, decorative pieces and new furniture to showcase your most recent tastes.

Furthermore, redesigning some of the frequented rooms in your home will give you a reason to entertain. You'll feel more comfortable in a space that you decorated yourself and reflects your personal style.

That being said, it's no easy task to tackle a room that badly needs a new interior. Before you begin, it's important to strategize and come up with a plan for each living space. Do you know which pieces of furniture need to be replaced, or which windows could use new wood blinds? Have you thought about which colors you want to incorporate into the spaces?

Color can play a large role in the overall feeling in a room, which means it's important to take your time when selecting everything from wall paint to new furniture. Here are some of the many hues that are expected to make a splash in the upcoming year.

1. Purple.
It seems like the Pantone color institute can't get enough of this, which is slated to be one of the most popular in 2013. Don't limit yourself to violet when you're hunting for new furnishings - various shades of plum and lavender are expected to be hotter than ever in the months ahead. Many of the most recent Pantone color palettes exhibit different tints of purple, some of which may be perfect around your house.

2. Lemon Sorbet.
If it sounds fruity, you can thank the Benjamin Moore paint company for its fun name! Lemon Sorbet has been deemed the official color of 2013 by Benjamin Moore, which is looked to by amateur and professional designers alike for color inspiration.

"It's the perfect partner for the emerging palette of freshened, polished pastels that promise to be favorites in the coming year," Sonu Mathew, Benjamin Moore's senior interior designer, told EDC Magazine. "Additionally, it's the ideal transition color as we move from the more vibrant spectrum and mid-to-deep tone hues that we’ve been experiencing in home furnishings and fashions."

This color can be best described as a light yellow hue with a subtleness to it - you won't have to worry about it hurting your eyes! It's calming nature makes it great for bedrooms and living rooms alike. You might even want to apply it to your curtains and drapes to complement the sunlight flowing through your windows.

3. Gray.
If you're into the idea of using neutrals throughout your home, you might want to opt for a muted gray - another hue expected to be popular in the coming year. Even if you're not a fan of dark colors, you may learn to love gray, which is a happy medium between black and white. This color creates a calming environment and can help you relax at the end of a long day. Think about using it in your bathroom or guest room.

It can be difficult to redesign several rooms in a home, but knowing which colors you want to use can make the process dramatically easier. Choosing hues can help you narrow down everything from your furniture choices to your wall paint. Take a few of these color options into account if you want to ensure your rooms become as perfect as you dreamed they'd be.