10 Ways to Spruce up Your Home Without Spending a Lot of Time or Money

Slide 1 of 10

Style the coffee table: The coffee table tends to be the focal point of the living room, so give it the attention it deserves. We love the way Sebastopol-based designer Tama Bell has styled this table. Bell suggests using trays, coffee table- or art books, and "a bit of green." Tama Bell Design is a full service design firm but also offers The Collection to people who just want a designer's touch in their home. (Brian McCloud Photography)

Slide 2 of 10

Add a decorative mirror: "A decorative mirror never goes out of style and adds a beautiful layer, whether it’s in an entry space, bathroom or above side tables in your master bedroom," says designer Tama Bell. We agree. (Tama Bell Design)

Slide 3 of 10

Change pillows and throws with the season: Seashells in winter feel wrong. Heavy fabrics in summer feel...heavy. Stephanie Meyer of Santa Rosa-based AVCO Design changes the look of her living and bedrooms by "changing out the cozy pillow covers and throws for summer weights that feel cool and casual.” Here’s her inspired mix of summer fabrics. AVCO Design firm also offers curated accessories for the home in their online shop. (AVCO Design)

Slide 4 of 10

Change window treatments: Window treatments can set the tone of a space — from casual to formal. We love these shades, a collaboration between Stephanie Meyer of AVCO Design and Sonoma County Shade Company. Meyer will often repeat designs and materials throughout a home but will add layers for functionality. In southern or western facing rooms, she might add a blackout layer. And insulating window covers can help keep spaces cooler in high temperatures. (AVCO Design)

Slide 5 of 10

Change out your lamps: This room, styled by the Cokas Diko design team, has a wonderfully edited look with a quiet palette of mostly blue and beige. The look is energized by a pair of fantastic orange lamps. In addition to design services, Cokas Diko has a Santa Rosa retail showroom with many great finds for your home. (Cokas Diko)

Slide 6 of 10

Change out a fixture: “Dated fixtures tend to draw the eye and date a space,” says Tama Bell of Tama Bell Design. A few tools and just a little bit of time is all you need to make this small but mighty change. (Brian McCloud Photography)

Slide 7 of 10

Style a tabletop: No matter our efforts, tabletops tend to be magnets for random things. Once you’ve decluttered that spot, you can turn it into an oh-wow focal point. We love what designer Faith Paker of Boho Bungalow has done with this mid-century credenza in her home. She even found a way to use several art pieces while keeping the walls empty and uncluttered. Her retail shops in Sebastopol, Petaluma and Occidental are great sources for whimsical home decor and gifts. (Faith Parker)

Slide 8 of 10

Decorate with plates: An artful placement of plates in this Bodega Bay interior by Tama Bell Design makes a big impact on this large wall. Tama Bell offers a small collection of home decor items in her online shop. (Brian McCloud Photography)

Slide 9 of 10

Be a crazy plant person: Lean into the plant craze, which is here to stay. You can add one or two pretty green things, but consider taking style inspiration from Lindsey Wallstrum of Leaf and Lolo plant design firm. A row of plants behind the sofa add both framing and color to the space. (Rebecca Gosselin)

Slide 10 of 10

Invest in art: We love gallery walls with several pictures, but investing in a single show-stopping piece can liven up an entire room. This abstract painting by Petaluma artist Orin Carpenter adds conversation-worthy beauty to the space. Visit the galleries of local artists to find a wealth of great work. (Orin Carpenter)