Don’t Renovate- Refresh

With Cost Effective Furniture & Tips

(ARA) – Today’s on-the-go homeowner demands furniture that performs double duty to provide high function without sacrificing style. Amid today’s challenging economic climate, families are calling for quality and casual trends that can resonate for years to come, all at smart prices.

Thoughtful splashes needn’t cost thousands: Consider accessorizing rather than renovating. Low-cost, easy changes can enhance a home’s value and the pleasure in reveling in a unique and personal living space.

Many people often forget that new window treatments are the quickest fix for a room. They provide texture and an instant face lift. Layering throws and pillows adds depth and comfort, and brightening a dining room with crisp table linens and stately candle accessories adds a touch of refined class. Of course, a simple fresh coat of paint can both cleanse and color any room.

 

 

When transitioning to furniture, pieces need to have hidden features that enhance value. Think lamps with adjustable height capabilities, nightstands and mirrors with built-in power strips for recharging those handheld devices that get us through the day, and dining-room tables with drawers to cleverly and neatly house placemats, napkins and other accessories.

“Homeowners don’t need to spend a fortune to enliven their living space,” says Jeff Allison, executive vice president of home at JCPenney. “Adding or switching out accessories and other small touches can certainly make a refreshing difference.”

JCPenney is listening to today’s time-crunched, style-conscious consumer looking for casual yet high-functioning home furnishings and, in response, is launching Linden Street, a new private brand of functional, attractive home furnishings and accessories now available at JCPenney stores nationwide, JCPenney Catalog and on www.jcp.com.

To celebrate the new line, family and the community at large, JCPenney is hosting a nationwide contest, “Is Your Street a Linden Street?” in which consumers are invited to demonstrate their neighborly goodwill via a written essay. Three lucky winners will win a living room makeover and $5,000 towards throwing a neighborhood block party.

To register for the contest, visit http://isyourstreetlindenstreet.com. Contest entries are accepted until 11:59:59 pm ET on Sept. 1, 2008.

Here are some additional easy ways to refresh a room:
* Reframe photos: Attractive, well-made frames not only add class to a space but place special attention on precious memories.
* Consider an area rug: Small punches of color via an area rug — whether on a hardwood floor or low-pile carpet — add interest to any space.
* Re-arrange furniture: Simply moving the couch, armoire and coffee table makes for a whole new room.
* Eliminate clutter: A room can appear much larger — and more sophisticated — utilizing smart solutions like a storage ottoman.
* Bring the outdoors in: Plants and other greenery infuse instant life.