Light up your life. This year, change all your lighting to CFLs (compact fluorescent lighting). They are more efficient than standard incandescent. They use less energy, are more durable and emit less heat. CFLs are more expensive but keep in mind they last 8 times longer. Give a second chance Instead of buying new items every season to freshen up the look of your home, try working with what you already have. Modifying home accessories can be easy. Cover old lamp …

Put your creative skills to work with sponge painting techniques and add a refreshing dash of texture and depth to a tired-looking wall or a boring concrete floor. Sponge painting is a technique in which natural sea sponges are used to apply a second color or a “glaze coat” of paint. Never mind if your name isn’t Michaelangelo, you can make a room a gallery by sponge painting one or more walls or even the basement floor, and hide a multitude of irregularities and flaws …