“On the next rainy day, I’ll ...”

We all say it. But when those showers actually arrive, we often forget our promises. If Mother Nature leaves you trapped indoors, use the time to do some redecorating. During good weather, purchase needed supplies so you’ll be ready to beautify your home when the rain begins.

A fixture fix

One of the fastest ways to perk up your decorating is by changing fixtures, including everything from chandeliers to plumbing fixtures. If you’re handy, you can easily switch out dated lighting fixtures. Changing plumbing fixtures goes fast, too, if you have the tools.

Replacing old fixtures can really freshen up a bathroom, and possibly even save you money on water. Switch out your shower head for a low-flow option. If this is too complicated, other decorating changes that don’t require as much DIY experience include replacing cabinet pulls and door knobs. Door knobs are a fast update and can be replaced quickly with a simple electric screwdriver. Try replacing old-fashioned round knobs with contemporary lever-style models that are easier to open.

Pick a wall, any wall

Too often, we push furniture against them but don’t use walls for the great backdrops that they are. Select a wall to make a statement on with paint, wallpaper, artwork or photos. Try wallpapering or painting the wall behind a sofa, a bed, the wall of the powder room that you first see when you enter the room, or the key wall in your dining room. Or add a wall of maps or prints that are similar. The unity will create drama and create an instant focal point.

Make it a mosaic

Tiling is one of the easiest DIY jobs around the house, and mosaic tile is easy to work with. Because the tiles are often as small as a half-inch square, it’s easy to make them fit into a given spot. Typically attached to a webbed backing, they’re a cinch to put up and trim. Try tiling the backsplash in the kitchen, a wall in the bathroom, behind the sink in a powder room, or cover the top of a small side table. Use premixed adhesive and grout and you’ll be amazed at how much punch you can get in a small amount of time.

No-cost decorating

For only the cost of elbow grease, try moving a bed on an angle, rearranging your living or family room furniture by swapping chairs and sofas to the opposite spots. Remove the art from all your rooms and replace with new pieces. Go through the house and pull furniture out from the wall.

And don’t forget your home office. If the desk faces a wall, turn it around executive style. Color-coordinate your rooms by finding items with a similar color scheme and create a red-themed or yellow-themed room. The change will give your home a bright, beautiful new face when the weather is ugly outdoors.

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