Whether you're preparing your home for sale or you just want to update its appearance, a few key changes in your decor can make a dramatic difference.

Brighten rooms: Shades of white account for 50 percent of paint sales, and for good reason: It's refreshing, restful and all furnishings look good with that color.

Rearrange living room furniture: Begin by pulling the sofa into the center of the room, facing a fireplace or picture window.

Reevaluate uses of rooms: A rarely used guest bedroom or dining room can be converted into a home office.

Use standing screens to mask problem areas: Tri-fold screens are one way to hide eyesores.

Fill an empty corner: Place a large potted tree in the corner with a canister light that sits on the floor.

Create intriguing centerpieces: If collectibles or framed family photos are spread throughout a room, group them together.

Refurbish cabinets: Strip and refinish old, dark wood. Add new handles or knobs. Replace doors with glass fronts or consider removing them.

Get rid of heavy drapes: Replace with fabrics that blend with surrounding walls. Add tiebacks on each side.

Apply self-adhesive wallpaper borders: Use them to brighten up a child's room or a bathroom.

Cover a wall with mirror tiles: This is ideal for bathrooms, entries, and other small, dark rooms that lack impact.