Sometimes it's the small changes that give our homes a new feel. There are changes that can break a bank and changes that, while budget conscious and simple, make your home more comfortable and provide equitable value. Some are light renovations; others, decorative fixes that have impact.

Painting your walls and trim is the No. 1 fix for any home. It is generally inexpensive and changes the whole look of a room. This is a great way to freshen up your space and personalize it, as well. Select colors that make sense for you, but that you know you'll love a year from now, too.

Flooring is one of the factors that can have major impact. Renewing with a more up-to-date floor can make your place look nicer and larger, depending on your choice of flooring material. Wood floors are a sure bet. They are a classic and natural selection that give warmth and blend with most styles of decor from traditional to contemporary. If you are dreading the thought of removing your existing floor, consider using pre-engineered wood strips that can easily be floated atop existing flooring. For a seamless and bright look, install the floor in the same direction as your main source of light from windows. Of course, there are other flooring materials that work well for a quick renovation, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are not extremely expensive, yet they impart value that buyers love, and so will you.

Doors take quite a beating, and a little attention spent on doors can make a dramatic change. If your doors have architectural embellishments, it might pay off to keep them and professionally paint them. I usually recommend painting them with semi-gloss or gloss paint. If your doors are plain hollow-core doors, changing them to solid wood will be a visual change — and also a change that is felt every time you open and close the door. Yes, architecture can sometimes be appreciated with all of your senses, and the weight of a solid-core door feels like it is of a better quality. The hardware on doors — knobs and hinges — is easy to change and immediately improves the appearance of your doors.

Depending on the number and size of your windows, changing your window treatments can either be inexpensive or cost prohibitive. In smaller homes or apartments, the changes can be as simple as purchasing some ready-made drapery panels or shades from your local home decorating store. Larger homes with oversized windows may require the help of a drapery workroom for custom-made window treatments.

We may all get comfortable and complacent with the way our home looks and feels, but change is good and important. At times, making small changes helps you see new opportunities that add value to your home. In addition, changes to your home can affect your outlook on life and the future. Make sure they are worthwhile.

Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Florida. To find out more about Joseph Pubillones, or to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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